30-06 load for elk
- Thread starter hogman306
- Start date
The most potent load actually cant be handload, the Superformance 165 gr SST at 3000 fps and 3200 pounds of energy is the king of 30-06 and the accuracy is asthonishing and it is a devastating knockdown tool , at 20 for 38.00 it is a steal... JP.
Do you eat glue?
It's quite easy to match that energy figure with a good 180 handload, and since the SST is not a really great "ELK" bullet, may I suggest that 'Boo is on the right track.
I have reached 2850 fps with the 180 Partition quite easily, using RL 19, RL 22,Norma MRP, IMR 4831 or H4831.
That will deliver very close to 3250 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, and a much more reliable bullet. [obviously the Barnes TSX/TTSX would also be great]
Oh, yes, My Remington SSDM 30-06 shoots that MRP load into ½moa, so no accuracy lacking, either
Regards, Eagleye.
I realize this is the reloading section, but just for information, Hornady Superperformance in 30-06 also is topped with a 165gn GMX bullet. I think they quote 2910fps. I called and the tech said they use a 24" test barrel for the 30-06. This is what I had chambered today when I found an elk with too few points to shoot.
better yet, buy a 30-378 Wby and really kill an elk dead!
I pounded a big bodied 6x5 bull a few years back with a 165gr Accubond. Worked excellent. Today, knowing most elk are shot at fairly moderate ranges, would probably load a 180gr Swift A-Frame in the 30-06
C'ant be a handload?????
What if I told you I shoot 180gn, Tungsten coated Trophy Tipped under 60gn Varget at 2950fps for muzzle energy of 3478lbs? Is yours the "king" by virtue of branding? Once you're able to dump over 2000lbs of energy into your target, that large(ish), flashy number is just that: a number. Also, it's moot. Any controlled expansion bullet above say 150gn will reliably harvest elk after elk if placed properly and, long before the premiums were prevalent, people were doing it with with standard soft-points. If you're into handloading, buy the best bullet you can afford a large quantity of, and a large keg of powder (so that it's from the same lot), and play with the loading until several bullets reliably go where you aim at close, medium and long ranges, and then stick with it. Any Elk you hit in the vitals will likely lay right down. If your preference is pre-rolled, any CXP3 loading should do the trick. Same caveat about becoming consistent with what you're using applies. Good Hunting.
IR
