Elk Gun

[uster19]

This has probably been discussed many many times but I couldn't come up with a comfortable conclusion from everything I found. I am going to Wyoming on an elk hunt this fall. I just bought a Browning x-bolt in 7prc. Now due to ammo selection I am second guessing taking it. The main ammo options available are Hornady Eld-x, Eld-m, and Cx. I have heard good and bad for all. The Eld-x was my initial thought, but I have read some stuff that it expands too quickly, and you don't get penetration. FYI my barrel is 20" and I hope to keep the shots within 200yds or so but will go to 400 but no further.

I have found some loads available from Choice, Copper Creek, and others but I would rather not spend $100 a box and now I'm starting to get paralysis by analysis on what to do. I was really hoping to be able to find the Federal Terminal Ascent but no luck. My other option is to take my 6.5CM. I realize everyone has an opinion on what works and what doesn't. Is my concern with the Eld-x valid given this info? Any thoughts?

 

[HandgunHTR]

Shoot what you have available and then hunt with whatever shoots best in your gun.

You will be fine.

 

[Deadspace]

7PRC is $100 a box!? That’s ridiculous. I’d use your creed but look at the 6.5, 6, and 223 threads. Lots of animals killed with the eldm and eldx so I wouldn’t stress about it

 

[Chuckybmd]

Eldx works fine. I have a hard time getting worried about a 7 PRC under penetrating because a bullet expands too much.

 

[HingleMcCringleberry]

Eldm and go kill stuff.

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

Use the ELDs with confidence. They’ve been proven ad naseum by veteran Western hunters on this site. Read the 223, 243/6mm, and 6.5 threads if you have any doubts.

If it were me personally, I would take the 6.5. Factory ammo is excellent, reasonably priced, and available everywhere. At the distances you’re planning to shoot, it is more than capable of killing the biggest bull. It will also recoil more than 50% less than the 7PRC and you will practice more often and shoot it better.

 

[huntnful]

Shoot that ELDX or ELDM behind the shoulder about 3" and that bull is dying. Don't over think it. They are only hard to kill if you make a shit shot. A good shot kills them easily.

 

[N2TRKYS]

140 grain Accubond

 

[MTHunter1321]

A few years ago I had to shoot a bull at 250 yards 5 times right behind the shoulder with 200gr ELDx out of my 300wsm to keep him down. Then had to finish him off when I got to him. Only the one lung had damage. Haven’t shot them since. Have killed multiple elk since then with one shot using copper bullets.

 

[180ls1]

Anything you load in that 7 will work well on elk.

 

[huntnful]

A few years ago I had to shoot a bull at 250 yards 5 times right behind the shoulder with 200gr ELDx out of my 300wsm to keep him down. Then had to finish him off when I got to him. Only the one lung had damage. Haven’t shot them since. Have killed multiple elk since then with one shot using copper bullets.

That’s pretty terrible for sure! Definitely surprising hear! But good to have a perspective on performance!

 

[MJB]

I use 30-06 180gr SST loaded hot.
Elk stager and fall dead.....

 

[rkcdvm]

I shot one with a 28 nos a couple of years ago . The ELD-X left the most devastating wound I’ve ever seen. I could fit both of my fists in the exit hole. Penetration is fine with that bullet.

 

[Scottf270]

7prc in Terminal Ascent is available on GunBroker. Lots of it.

 

[uster19]

Thanks everyone. Sounds like the consensus is anything in the 7 will work and the 6.5 will work too so I will go with whatever I shoot best and take the other as a backup. I appreciate the input. Being an engineer gets me evaluating way too much.

 

[jo3hunter]

i shoot the 160 cx out of my rifle same one as yours used it on mule deer last year worked great at 300yds and that's what I'm using on my Wyoming elk hunt this year

 

[Dennis]

Shoot the 7 PRC with CX bullet and aim for the "Vital V".

 

[ResearchinStuff]

6.5 Creedmoor/260 for Deer, Elk, and whatever else.....

Seeing that the 223 thread is such a success, I thought maybe I would start one for the Creedmoor/260. Seems like people are asking a lot about using them and various bullets, especially for elk. I've used mine for the last few years almost exclusively. I have some pics of bullet damage, albeit...

rokslide.com

Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed, 7 PRC Field Evaluation

This is Field Evaluation of the Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed in 7 PRC. This rifle was sent to RS to be evaluated. Browning is aware of the other Field Evaluations and that is what they wanted. This will be a long term/high use annd round count evaluation. Browning wanted this rifle to be evaled...

rokslide.com

 

[MT_Wyatt]

Heard a lot of bad about Cx accuracy out of 7 PRC, in fact not sure I’ve seen any positive feedback. I’d be partial to one of the ELDs, especially with the yardages you list. Would not be concerned at all with performance.

 

[LFC911]

Eldm and go kill stuff.

x infinity