What 308 bullet works for both deer and elk?

[Hitzy]

No, not really.

TTSX bullets- pick a lighter bullet and push it fast. Monometal bullets like to go fast. SD doesn't matter once it hits an animal, the TTSx will expand and penetrate. BC is reduced due to the grooves but under normal hunting situations (0-400 meters) BC is not an issue.

You brought up the poor BC of partitions, but now it doesn't matter?

The Nosler Partition is the bullet all others USED to be measured against, it still works great, and it used to be my go-to bullet, but there is too much shrapnel in the meat, core separation and poor BC for me to use them anymore.In 2015, I'd rather have a TTSX or an Accubond.

If you bothered to look them up, the partition has higher BC then the equivalent TTSX given the same weight and profile. The gap gets bigger when you drop to the lighter bullets.
I have used them, I would only use them where I could push them fast...like magnums, to guarantee expansion. I think that is there place. Other then that I don't even consider them a premium bullet and not worth the price they cost. Better options out there for less money.

 

[Bigfoot 870]

You brought up the poor BC of partitions, but now it doesn't matter?

If you bothered to look them up, the partition has higher BC then the equivalent TTSX given the same weight and profile. The gap gets bigger when you drop to the lighter bullets.
I have used them, I would only use them where I could push them fast...like magnums, to guarantee expansion. I think that is there place. Other then that I don't even consider them a premium bullet and not worth the price they cost. Better options out there for less money.

Hitzy, You are bang on!!!!! Pun intended

 

[Gatehouse]

You brought up the poor BC of partitions, but now it doesn't matter?

If you bothered to look them up, the partition has higher BC then the equivalent TTSX given the same weight and profile. The gap gets bigger when you drop to the lighter bullets.
I have used them, I would only use them where I could push them fast...like magnums, to guarantee expansion. I think that is there place. Other then that I don't even consider them a premium bullet and not worth the price they cost. Better options out there for less money.

When I was talking about the poor BC of the NP, I was thinking compared to the Accubonds or other sleek bullets, although I didn't convey that well. As in there are better bullets if you want to shoot long range, and if you don't- I prefer the TRSX. But I really don't think BC is that important in "regular" distance hunting.

The monometal bullets shine in a few applications-Fast speeds and impact velocities, when you want to make a smaller cartridge "bigger" and when you want one load for an all around any species hunt and when you want any shot placement angle capability.

The difference in cost of premium bullets compared to non premium really isn't that huge over a season of hunting.

 

[Candocad]

Partition might be the best hunting bullet ever made....

X2.

180 grain would be a safe bet I think.

Candocad.

 

[woodlotowner]

I guess because I am pushing the 130 grain TSX at over 3,000 fps in the 270 WSM that expansion is textbook and the stopping power is remarkable. When I want to stop a game animal with a 'slow' round, I use a big bore like the 444 or 45-70 with a 400 grain jacketed or cast bullet with a muzzle velocity of well under 2k fps. Every bullet's ballistic characteristics are based on manufacturer's design velocity for optimum performance. I have had similar success with Remington's CoreLokt in the 270, but a TSX is solid copper (and therefore lead-free) and this appeals to me.

 

[Ar180shooter]

anyone ever try sierra 2140 165 gr hpbt Gameking supposed to be a good bullet

Shot a deer with a 165gr Gameking yesterday, went through leaving about a 2" exit hole. Wasn't a long shot, maybe 40 yards, only traveled about 20 yards after being hit. Took out the top of the heart and lungs, and the hydrostatic shock split the liver, it was dead within minutes. Based on the impressive penetration and internal damage, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this bullet for Bear and Moose.

 

[Longwalker]

Im creeping around with a semi auto this season, mainly for white tail. But I do have a tag for an elk and just in case one appears id like to be prepared to take it.

Is there a bullet I could load my mag with that would be able to take an elk without vaporizing a deer? Sucks not having a bolt gun, I doubt I would get the chance yo change mags if I see an elk.

Your question leaves me wondering if you understand that deer and elk bullets are more similar than different, and a bullet that works especially well for elk ( or moose) will have the opposite effect on deer - It will Not "vaporize" a deer, it may be a bit too hard and not expand enough for a quick kill on deer. I have standardized on 165 grain bullets in my .308's for a while now, for the same "mixed bag" situation that you mention. I have had the most experience with the Nosler partition, with zero complaints on deer or elk or moose. i also have experience and confidence in Speer Grand slams, Remington core lockts, and Nosler Accubonds. In my opinion ( limited experience) the Barnes TSX may be better for deer in 150 grain and driven faster than the 165's. I would be a bit leery of the quick kill potential of a 165 TSX in the .308 for smallish game like deer. Good for elk though. I was on a hunt in Africa where we took 16 head of game with the 165gr. TSX bullet, and it worked well for everything but was being driven at 2800 fps from a 30-06

 

[dave524]

Your question leaves me wondering if you understand that deer and elk bullets are more similar than different, and a bullet that works especially well for elk ( or moose) will have the opposite effect on deer - It will Not "vaporize" a deer, it may be a bit too hard and not expand enough for a quick kill on deer.

yes, the original poster has it backwards

 

[Northman999]

Everybody has their favorites, but the .308 Win with any decent 150 - 180 grain big game bullet is going to perform just fine on deer and elk.

That's one of the nice things about a .308 Win, moderate velocity. Fast enough to open up tougher bullets reliably, slow enough to no blow apart cheaper bulk bullets.

If a guy wants to spend $125 per 100 on a premium bullet for whatever reason, that's fine; AND the guy who settled for $40 per 100 C&C bullets can rest assured that he's going to fill his freezer too, as long as he makes his shot properly.

We're not talking about a 7mm RUM here...