Bullet recommendations for 30-06 Elk

[3325]

…….recovering Partition guys…….

I am no longer in recovery. I have fallen off the wagon and relapsed.

 

[Okie_Poke]

I’m researching bullets (I can hand load or shoot factory). The few I am intrigued about are-
Remington pointed core lokt in 180 grain.
Barnes Ttsx (not sure which grain) 165 or 168
Federal Trophy Bonded Tipped 180 grain.

If you do go with the Barnes, the 168 was designed for the 308 and 30-06. It has a lower expansion velocity (closer to the LRX, I think) than the 165, which was designed for the 300 magnums.

But I'm another vote for the 180 Accubond. In my view, it's the do-all easy button for the '06. Nothing wrong with many other bullets mentioned. Of those you put in your first list, I've seen that 180 trophy bonded tipped work well. As someone else mentioned, federals' new(ish) terminal ascent is a sleeker version of that bullet. And partitions are boringly reliable.

 

[LightFoot]

180 Partition is never the wrong answer inside 400 yards.


>>>——JAKE——>

 

[Mr6.5]

Federal Terminal Ascent 175 grain. In my not so humble opinion there is no better bullet for the hunt you are asking about. It is accurate, has good expansion and tons of penetration. The front half of the bullet is bonded lead core and the back half is solid copper that drives the mushroom deep.

 

[NX8B8]

If you want to shoot the Barnes, you'll need to stay inside 250-300yds. I used them with success for a few years but stopped after I shot an elk past 400yds and saw poor but fatal damage.

I wouldn’t use one experience as a black and white rule. It’s not evidence, science, or consistent with peers. Respectfully

 

[Laelkhunter]

I use the Barnes 168 TTSX in my 30/06. 55.0 grains of IMR-4350 was my most accurate load. Not max, but less than MOA in my rifle.

 

[kbincolo]

I don’t know anything about Terminal Ascent. I’ll check it out. Thanks.

I second the Terminal Ascent. My T3x absolutely loves them. ELD-X also a great option.

 

[Will 736]

All- yes first time poster long time lurker. I looked through the search function and found bits and pieces but wanted to consolidate my question.

I’m going on my first Elk hunt next fall any will be using a suppressed 30-06 Tikka T3x.

I’m researching bullets (I can hand load or shoot factory). The few I am intrigued about are-
Remington pointed core lokt in 180 grain.
Barnes Ttsx (not sure which grain) 165 or 168
Federal Trophy Bonded Tipped 180 grain.

These are based on reviews and availability. I believe all of them will do the job if I do. I have not shot any of them yet. Gun is brand new. I’m curious which one you would start with? First MOA bullet will be the one I stick with most likely.

Note, 400 yard range max.

I have had good success on elk with bonded bullets over the last 30 years in Idaho. I have found that .30 cal bonded bullets penetrate deeply, get into the vitals, and almost always exit leaving a good blood trail, which is what I want. I have primarily used handloaded 180 gn Nosler Partitions and Accubonds in a .300 Wby. A couple of years ago I killed a nice bull with a Federal Trophy Bonded in a .308. Again, good penetration and performance. I know many people who have used the Barnes bullets with similar results. I don't think you could go wrong any of the high quality bonded bullets or the Barnes. I would avoid the core lokt as I don't think you get the terminal performance you a looking for with that bullet, as it is not bonded as far as I know. That's my 2 cents worth. Best of luck.

 

[6mm Remington]

Totally agree with Hiker270 165 Gr Accubond for the 30-06. IMR 4350 or H4350 whatever fly's best out of your rifle.

165 gr. Nosler Accubond or 165 gr. Partition either one would work great. I shoot the 165 gr. Accubond now, same exact load I used for the Partition. It shoots great and performs extremely well.

57.4 grs of IMR4350 - Federal 210 primer - 165 gr. Accubond

Chronographs at 2940 fps in my Ruger 1B with it's 26" barrel.

How could you not like this combination?

 

[Waterfowler75]

Well thanks for all the info. I went to the LGS and all they had that was in the lists above were soft tipped Corelokts and the 175 Terminal Ascent. Based on comments I picked up a box of terminal Ascent.

Accubonfs are intriguing and if the Ascents don’t work I’ll order some of those.

 

[Short Track]

I used that TTSX copper stuff. Bull took 4 loads to the lungs before dropping. Never seen any animal stay standing with 8 holes. Still trying to find a lead load that is as accurate as TTSX.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

165 SST's wreak havoc on elk.

 

[Bcon]

I did not read all of the posts, but to me, much will come down to picking out 2 or 3 that you think will do the job and see what works best in your rifle. I have two loads from two different companies that shoot almost identical to one another, so I have just used those. I had a couple that shot poorly / inconsistent out of my gun, but were no doubt great bullets for elk.
Federal premium Edge TLR in 175 (now use the Federal Premium Terminal Ascent because the TLR are not in production.
Hornady Precision Hunter

 

[rentalrunner22]

I have Berger 168s and Sierra Tipped Match Kings. Both I would use on Elk. Core lokt are meh, I'd stay away.

 

[Waterfowler75]

Well unless there is a reason NOT to use the terminal ascent, I think I found my load.

 

[LightFoot]

Well unless there is a reason NOT to use the terminal ascent, I think I found my load.

Nope. Go for it! Good choice.


>>>——JAKE——>

 

[Mr6.5]

One of my favorite bullets.

 

[Jack321]

Well unless there is a reason NOT to use the terminal ascent, I think I found my load.

Fantastic bullet, the Bear Claw/TBT/TLR/Terminal Ascent bullet design is by far the best design for a bullet for N. American game. All are similar designs. And excellent groups.

 

[6mm Remington]

That should work and work very well at that! What velocity are you getting? Powder and load?

 

[Waterfowler75]

That’s the factory load from Federal.