Bullet for bison

[FishfinderAK]

My Tikka 300 WM shoots my 200gr ELD-X and 180gr GMX handloads equally well.

I’m going in a bison hunt and expect shots less than 200 yrds.

Which bullet would be your choice for bison? The heavier ELD-X or the deep penetrating GMX?

 

[CApighunter]

GMX. I had that exact same ELDX explode at close range twice. Wasn’t impressed on a 150 pound hog, no way I’d shoot a bison with one.

 

[lilharcher]

Shot my bison last season in the neck with a 156 EOL out of a 26 Nosler.....no problems!

 

[VernAK]

GMX for sure!

 

[wildwilderness]

Where are you hunting bison? Some areas have minimum requirements like a 200gr bullet...

 

[Michael17]

I have had bad luck using the ELD-X on elk at close range. I think it just doesn’t have the weight retention needed for killing tough game. I think it’s more of a medium to long range deer bullet.

 

[wyo2track]

GMX is the better option. Keep either bullet in the ribs, lower 1/3 of the body. When you put the crosshairs on the center of the chest, go lower. The spine is 16-18" below the top of the hump. Don't hit the arm or shoulder bone or that ELD X will turn to dust. There'll be about 2" to penetrate the rib area. Don't hit the shoulder. There's literally 10" of meat and bone to penetrate if you hit the shoulder above the middle line. Bison are thick in that area. I've killed a deer and an elk with the 200 ELD X under 100 yards and hit heavy bone and the bullet turned to dust fragments both times. Killed the animals, but penetration on the far side of the chest cavity was non existent.



Hump Section....

 

[FishfinderAK]

When you put the crosshairs on the center of the chest, go lower. The spine is 16-18" below the top of the hump. Don't hit the arm or shoulder bone or that ELD X will turn to dust. There'll be about 2" to penetrate the rib area. Don't hit the shoulder. There's literally 10" of meat and bone to penetrate if you hit the shoulder above the middle line. Bison are thick in that area. I've killed a deer and an elk with the 200 ELD X under 100 yards and hit heavy bone and the bullet turned to dust fragments both times. Killed the animals, but penetration on the far side of the chest cavity was non existent.
View attachment 201721
View attachment 201722

Hump Section....

View attachment 201724

Awesome info and very helpful pics. Thank you for the advice on shot placement!!

 

[slvrslngr]

GMX, without question

 

[Jim1187]

Bison are definitely one of the game animals in North America that benefit from a tough controlled expansion bullet or Monometal. I'd stick with the GMX. If you wanted change for change's sake the 200 grain aframe or partition would get a close look from me.

 

[PA Hunter]

I use Accubonds on my moose and they hold together always.

 

[TauPhi111]

GMX for sure if you only have those 2, but if you have the option to, I'd go with an even heavier Barnes (200 grain)

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I’d go with the GMX, I’m not impressed with those eldx bullets.

 

[ttmannan]

I know I am very late to this conversation but I used 180gr Accubond on my bison at 180-200 yards this week. Bullet held together well and was recovered against opposite hide. Pics show entrance on outside of ribs, inside of that rib entrance and the inside of opposite ribcage. Pic of entrance spot on animal and pics of bullet for good measure. I was using 77gr of H1000.