Nosler 150gr for Elk?

[Seth00]

Anyone have experience using Nosler 150gr E-tip chambered in 308 for elk? I want to use lead free rounds on my 308 (I have young kids and don’t want lead fragments) and the only E-tip I could find in stock was 159gr. Wanted a heavier load, but oh well.

Anyone have experience with this or other recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[Huckleberry Hound]

Hornady makes 165gr gmx. Havent used them on anything but paper yet, but they shoot really well out of my savage 11 lwh .308. This is my first 4 shots at 200 yards with the factory superformance loads.

 

[Mark86]

I’ve used the 140 grain E-tip once out of a 7wsm it worked just fine for me. I typically shoot Barnes Tipped TSX, TSX or LRX (whichever shoots best) and really like them. The solids like Nosler E-tip, Barnes, Hornady GMX, etc. are all going to work just fine. My go-to is the 129 gr barnes in a 270 win. Lead free aside....I just like the solid bullets because they will go through both shoulders easily. They don’t have the super high sexy BC numbers like a traditional bullet but 0-500 yards or so it’s pretty much irrelevant. Anyway...use them confidently you won’t be disappointed

 

[Brandon_SPC]

All copper or gilding metal bullets you don't have to shoot a heavier weight bullet, like you would with copper and lead, for high weight retention. The only down fall I see with all copper or gilding metal bullets is the expansion velocity for reliable expansion (besides maker, cavity back, and the barnes TacTX for 300 blackout). Nosler advertises down to 1800 fps (minimal expansion) but keep in mind this is perfect world ballistic gelatin. I personally would not shoot farther than the range to where the bullet hits 2,200 fps for reliable expansion. Keep in mind the bullets are generally longer than the same weight lead/copper. This will generally limit the muzzle velocity also and in a .308. will limit you to about 250-300 yards depending on the factory load or load you are using.

Personally me, for a .308, a 165 grain Accubond or Nosler Partition would be great elk medicine. You would have great reliable expansion down to about 1900 fps but both bullet hold their integrity very well for close shots and deep penetration. With a 165 grain Accubond you will be limiting yourself to about 450-500 yards for reliable expansion with a .308.

 

[RCB]

I asked a similar question about performance of copper bullets in 308 last year: https://www.rokslide.com/forums/thr...ce-or-other-moderate-speed-cartridges.102457/

I ended up going with a 150 g copper from federal. Shot cow elk at about 50 yards. She died fast. Will use copper again this year.

 

[Seth00]

Thanks everyone for the feedback!

 

[brsnow]

I have used 150 GMX when they made them successful on elk and mule deer with .308.

 

[Shoeghazer]

Hornady makes 165gr gmx. Havent used them on anything but paper yet, but they shoot really well out of my savage 11 lwh .308. This is my first 4 shots at 200 yards with the factory superformance loads.

The Hornady Outfitter 165gr. GMX is a great bullet. I have no problems reaching out to 350 with my .308. It shoots solid groups at 100, 200, 300 and 350 for me. Personally I don't feel comfortable going past that distance. Definitely give 'em a try.

 

[300-win-mag]

The 150gr E-tip will work just fine. Putting the bullet where it needs to go is the most important part. A 16Xgr Accubond or Partition would be good as well.

I typically run a 180gr in an 06 or 300 WM.

 

[jog]

Not a bullit expert by any means but I shot nosler partitions and on animals they performed great. In my 308 I now shoot 165grn Federal coppers and been very pleased. I got away from lead once copper proved itself. I see no downside. My Mom was a nurse and we x-rayed a deer heart I shot in back in high school. The amount of lead diffused around the wound channel was shocking. And each fragment had its own vapor trail going off who knows where since you could not see them easily with the naked eye.

 

[SniperHunter]

I too am a magnum guy but the fastest I've ever seen an animal drop is a 850# domestic cow (one of mine) I shot with a 308 with a single 150 gr. game king. I wouldn' try any shots over about 300 yards personally but it will "Get er done".
Good Hunting

 

[theleo91386]

You don't want to go heavier. You want the velocity you'll get from the on 150gr for reliable expansion and mono bullets usually retain %80-%90 of their weight. A 150gr mono bullet from a 308 will weigh more than a 200gr Burger out of any magnum after going through an animal at least %80 of the time.

 

[Catahoula]

The 150 E-tip will work. Never sent those bullets down the barrel. I stick with 140g Accubonds.

 

[Seth00]

Thank you all! I shot a 5x5 bull elk yesterday (opening day) from 180 yards with the 150 grain Nossler, and the elk dropped immediately. It’s a great bullet - will definitely use again!

 

[brsnow]

Thank you all! I shot a 5x5 bull elk yesterday (opening day) from 180 yards with the 150 grain Nossler, and the elk dropped immediately. It’s a great bullet - will definitely use again!

Which nosler bullet? Congrats!

 

[Seth00]

Which nosler bullet? Congrats!

150 gr. Nossler E-tips in .308

 

[Rich M]

I'd use a 150 partition in a heartbeat. Etip must be as good.

 

[EmperorMA]

You don't want to go heavier. You want the velocity you'll get from the on 150gr for reliable expansion and mono bullets usually retain %80-%90 of their weight. A 150gr mono bullet from a 308 will weigh more than a 200gr Burger out of any magnum after going through an animal at least %80 of the time.

I’d say a 150 monometal bullet would retain more weight than a 300gr Berger, if there were such a thing.

 

[452b264]

I use a 150 gr. TTSX in my 3006 and it drops elk with no problem.

 

[Indian Summer]

I’ve used the 140 grain E-tip once out of a 7wsm it worked just fine for me. I typically shoot Barnes Tipped TSX, TSX or LRX (whichever shoots best) and really like them. The solids like Nosler E-tip, Barnes, Hornady GMX, etc. are all going to work just fine. My go-to is the 129 gr barnes in a 270 win. Lead free aside....I just like the solid bullets because they will go through both shoulders easily. They don’t have the super high sexy BC numbers like a traditional bullet but 0-500 yards or so it’s pretty much irrelevant. Anyway...use them confidently you won’t be disappointed

129 grains for elk to 500 yards? How much energy does that bullet retain at that distance?