Is 141 grain big enough for large bull elk?

[jddubord]

I believe there is a perfect bullet and grain weight for every gun out there. I've spent a small fortune finding the right round for my Sako 7mm, but it just so happens that its a 141 grain Hornady. The bullet has been a killer for both antelope and deer. This season I have the opportunity to hunt a unit that is producing large bulls. I'd like to use my most accurate rifle/round I own b/c shots distances can range out to 400 yards. Does anyone out there have experience using smaller grains for elk at both close and long range? Thanks for the feedback.

 

[WyoElk]

What kind of Hornady bullet is it? The weight retention on an all copper bullet should be ~ %95 while a jacketed bullet is ~ %50. What velocity are you flinging them at? With good shot placement you should be fine either way but I haven't had very good luck with sst's for elk. For lighter game they seem to work good.

 

[MesaHorseCo.]

Yes.

 

[Beastmode]

Shot my bull last year @ 315 with a 130 grain ttsx. Not a problem at all.

 

[robby denning]

as long as it's a well constructed bullet and you hit him right, should be plenty. I've killed them with 150 grain in 7mag

 

[jddubord]

The round is a Hornady SST. Not sure of the velocity. Unfortunate that you've not had much luck with an SST for elk. Do you think that's b/c its simply a much bigger animal or hide type or some other reason?

 

[5MilesBack]

I wouldn't hesitate using any of the lighter Barnes TSX type bullets, but would go heavier with most everything else. I shoot 160 and 175gr out of my Browning 7mag, but also trying the 168gr Berger VLD soon.

Several years ago I shot a big bull in the heavy timber with my 175gr Partitions. First shot was at 25 yards through his left shoulder. Two more kill shots later and he was still going. Tried to track him but no snow on the ground, and couldn't find any blood. Had to follow the sound and eventually put one more through him before he dropped. Sometimes these bulls just refuse to go down. So I always err on the side of heavier if possible.

 

[Justin Crossley]

My Colorado bull dropped dead within two steps last year with 140 grain Berger. Doesn't really answer your question about the Hornady bullets.

FWIW, mine is a 6.5-06 and the muzzle velocity is about 3175fps.
The elk was broadside at exactly 200yds.

 

[Ross]

I've been shooting the Hornady 154 grain sst the last 8 yrs I believe out of my tikka 7 mm after talking to mr Millard. They have treated me exceptionally well on elk from as close as 8yds out to 512 yds with very good bullet retention. Hit them where they breath and you will be fine. With a marginal shot is where you may have an issue IMO.

 

[WyoElk]

The round is a Hornady SST. Not sure of the velocity. Unfortunate that you've not had much luck with an SST for elk. Do you think that's b/c its simply a much bigger animal or hide type or some other reason?

I think with a good shot you will be fine. I really like the Barnes TTSX. I use a 130 grain TTSX out of a .257 Weatherby Magnum for elk so the lighter bullet shouldn't be an issue. I keep my shots reasonable and understand that there are some limitations. Almost any premium bullet these days should be fine.

 

[JG358]

Yes.

X2, put it where its supposed to go and you'll be fine.

 

[StrutNut]

Not that I disagree with what is being said but it is really down to you. Are you prepared to NOT take a marginal shot on a trophy bull? In my years of hunting game the "perfect" shot can happen on any given trip or not. Are you proficient in the field at always hitting your mark? Really for me, if I was lucky enough to get a tag in a trophy bull area, well, I would opt for something that can get the job done on a marginal hit if need be. I am not perfect. My shots aren't always perfect so I would opt for a larger round. With rifles like the T/C with less than 1 inch groups at 100 yards for around $500.00. Hard to not consider that. Other used firearms are out there that you can pick up and than sell after the hunt for little loss of cash if any. Your call as there is also a VERY good argument for going with the rifle your most comfortable with. I just always dislike the "if you put it where you are supposed to it will be just fine" as a .22 can also be lethal with perfect shot placement. I just know that I am not that great of a "sniper" and I need a little extra "just in case" punch to my round. Either way, enjoy your hunt!

 

[Ross]

bullet retention after 512 yd shot on 154 gr sst through both ribs, forearm arm meat and on opposing shoulder...nice mushroom and looks to be about 80% retention.

 

[Bar]

More gun doesn't make up for bad shooting. If you don't have the ability to make the shot you're trying to make. You shouldn't take it.

Get closer until you can make the shot 100% of the time. Elk don't deserve any less.

 

[Topgun 30-06]

IMHO the SST is not the best bullet Hornady makes for elk. I use their Interbond in my 30-06s for elk and think they are a much better bullet than the SST that is known to blow up a lot of times on the bigger animals unless you wait for the perfect behind the shoulder shot, whereas with the Interbond a shoulder shot is not out of the question if its's the only shot you get at one.