Federal Fusion 30-06 for Elk

[Spiral Horn]

My 30-06 shows a strong preference for 165gr bullets and I’m getting consistently fantastic groups with Federal Fusion. Was considering using it for elk - does anyone have actual experience using Federal Fusion on bull elk?

 

[BFR]

Haven’t used the Fusions in my 06 but do use the 165 gr Sierra Gamegetters and it’s plenty effective. My grandkids used Fusions in their 7mm08 on deer and they worked fine.

 

[Wapiti1]

I would not use that bullet. They are soft. Fusions are not bonded cup and core, they are electroplated copper onto lead. This makes the copper really soft due to no work hardening from the drawing process.

A normal cup and core like a SGK or Core Lokt would be a better choice. I've seen a lot of elk killed with those two out of .30-06 and .300 Win Mag.

Jeremy

 

[Newtosavage]

Accuracy trumps all IMO. If that's the bullet you have the most confidence in putting in the boiler room, then shoot it.

 

[hodgeman]

I've taken several caribou with Fusions. No problems and all of them exited. A friend of mine killed a brown bear with one from a .308.

If they shoot straight, I'd use it.

 

[WCB]

I would not use that bullet. They are soft. Fusions are not bonded cup and core, they are electroplated copper onto lead. This makes the copper really soft due to no work hardening from the drawing process.

A normal cup and core like a SGK or Core Lokt would be a better choice. I've seen a lot of elk killed with those two out of .30-06 and .300 Win Mag.

Jeremy

Really a Core un-Lokt? lucky if the jacket stays with the core. The Fusion is fine bullet for elk.

 

[Wapiti1]

Really a Core un-Lokt? lucky if the jacket stays with the core. The Fusion is fine bullet for elk.

Just my experience. I think the Fusions are too soft. If you want bonded go Nosler AB, or Swift. Much better bullets.

Jeremy

 

[TxxAgg]

A 165 gr Fusion ought to work just fine

 

[DropTyne]

Both the 150 and 165 Fusions have shot really well out of four 30-06s I have tried them in. I have never shot anything with them other than paper.

However, I have read a lot of reviews that mirror the comments of Watipi1, that they are really soft which causes wide expansion and poor penetration. I too would be a little hesitant to try them on elk. Sure they may work, but with the scores of options with proven elk bullets currently available, I wouldn't risk it.

FYI, I have really good luck with Hornady Interlocks (not SST or Interbonds), Barnes Vortx TTSX, and Nosler Trophy Grade Accubond consistently shooting well in my rifles. Any of these would surely serve you well.

Good luck!

 

[Runningwater]

I used to use fusions quite a bit and always had good luck. They are softer compared to some premium stuff but should be fine at 3006 velocities. At higher velocities I'd start looking at bonded, monos, or partitions.

Good luck!

 

[ARK_Ginger]

I'm of the opinion that the softness of the fusions is an advantage for wide and early wound channels, because I don't value penetration as much as expansion (that's why I would be trying an ELDM/X or TMK in your shoes if I thought the shots could be extended). I could be wrong, but I doubt a 165gr 30 cal bullet will have a problem reaching the vitals even through some bone at reasonable distances.

Ultimately confidence that your shot will go exactly where you want it to is more important.

 

[HighUintas]

Take this with a grain of salt, because I've not shot an elk with anything other than an arrow.

I had done quite a bit of searching for peoples' experience using Speer hot cors on elk for my .30-06, because it's a cheap bullet and I want to do plenty of practicing with what I'll use hunting. From what I gather, the hot cor is pretty similar to the fusion. And all accounts I'd seen were that as long as you keep the impact speed below 2800fps (at least for a 180gr 30cal hot cor) that the bullet mushrooms beautifully and penetrates well. There were plenty of accounts of people using the 165gr option too.

I would do it, and just make sure the shot is somewhere between 10 and 400 yards. That's my plan for the hot cors when I finally get to use them.

 

[Wrench]

My pard used that same bullet combo on a bull at 300ish yards and performance was as good as it gets.

No help on the sub 100 shots, but I'd have zero issues to well over 500 as long as the shot is well placed.

 

[Spiral Horn]

Thanks for the input guys. Since this is the load the rifle truly likes - shoots 165gr Fusion & Sierra Gamechangers, and 168 Berger Hunting VLDs to .5-.75 MOA, I’ll keep it 200 yard zero’d for the Fusions and use it for deer-sized critters. The groups quickly open up with TBTs, Barnes and NPs in that rifle so I’m not willing to trade accuracy for a heavy-bonded bullet. But it’s really a trade off — unless hitting bone the Fusion with its rapid but uniform expansion could be a “bang-flop,” but on the other hand I don’t want doubt about penetration if I’m only offered a front quartering shot.

So guess I’ll stick with my .300 Win for Elk as it likes 180gr TBTs. Pity, as my 30-06 is just a handier rifle and a classic cartridge.

Thanks again for the feedback.

 

[DropTyne]

How large are the groups? Remember, you are shooting elk, not field rats. I know this is taboo to say, but the reality is minute of elk, 1-1/2" or so at 100 yards is plenty for all sane-ethical hunting shots. 1/2"-3/4" MOA is nice, but certainly not required. I would much rather have a great rifle platform to carry that shot 1-1/2" as compared to a heavy clunker that shot 1/2".

If you wanted to try a few more in the 06 before giving up, the 165/180 Nosler Trophy Grade or the Hornady Whitetail 180 Interlocks sure would be good contenders to try, and are typically liked by most rifles I have shot them through.

In the end this is your hunt. Take what you have confidence in. Good luck this season!

 

[Runningwater]

Its certainly your call, but I would have no doubts on elk with your 3006 with fusions. I've only shot 3 elk, but all were taken with an old 6.5x55 with an 18.5 inch barrel. Your 3006 with fusions are plenty of medicine IMO.

Have a great hunt!

 

[AgentVenom]

Just be aware as others have stated Fusions are not true bonded bullets when it comes to performance. IN Most cases perform like cup and core (If not worse) if they encounter obstructions like bone or tough tissue like hogs have. Accuracy trumps performance but I always go up caliber with the toughest bullet I can get.
Fusions are my least favorite hunting bullet (and I’m usually a Federal Fan Boy love Trophy bonded and Edge). I have actually seen
Hornady AMax and Sierra Matchkings outperform Fusion through the same test media.

 

[Jpterry]

165 Fusion will kill any elk out there going above 2000fps in your 30/06. All about shot placement, put it thru both lungs and it's a dead elk.

 

[FLS]

I don’t know how we killed anything before boutique bullets and 1/2 MOA rifles were the norm.
That fusion will kill the hell out of an elk if you do your part.

 

[6mm Remington]

Thanks for the input guys. Pity, as my 30-06 is just a handier rifle and a classic cartridge.

Thanks again for the feedback.

Use your 30-06 and it will just work fine. You answered your own question right here. I have not used the Federal Fusion bullets on anything but I've read that they have worked well for folks. Have you tried any 165 gr. Accubonds in factory or your own hand-loads? They seem to be accurate in most anything they are shot in and they really perform nicely.