150 gr ballistic tip for elk

[muzz]

ok here goes. Im thinkin of trying the 150 grain ballistic tip hunting bullet for elk. I don't see why it wouldn't work. I know guys thqt kill elk every year with the Remington soft points and there basically the same thing other then the tip aren't they? I think my 280AI would push them fast and do a good job. Whats your thoughts?

 

[6mm Remington]

I think they would work out just fine. Now that being said for me personally I like the Partition or the AccuBond better. I feel they are a bit better bullet and hold together better. I'll be finding out soon myself as my .280AI is almost completed!!

 

[muzz]

I have used the 140 AccuBond out of my 280 before I made it the Ackley, They killed two bulls just fine.

 

[JD338]

It would work but may lack the robustness for smashing an off shoulder or strong quartering shot.
I would take a hard look at the 7mm 150 gr PT

or the 150 gr ABLR

JD338

 

[muzz]

I migh just stay with the 140 AB. Just wanted something alittle heavier for long range mulies.

 

[FOTIS]

Go premium JD is correct

 

[SJB358]

I'm with the others, I'd likely pick a PT or AB, BUT if my rifle shot the 150 BT real well and I had the confidence in it, I'd run it. My sons practice and deer load is the 150 BT in his 7x57 and the PT for elk. Both shoot to the same point of aim out to 490 yards (farthest I've shot them). I wouldn't bet against a 280 Improved and 150 BT on elk, that's for sure.

 

[Silentstalker]

All advice given is sound. In my .270 Win I happen to shoot the 150 BT for everything up to elk. When I am hunting mature bull elk I switch to the 150 PT which only shoots 1/2" different. If Im on a combo hunt I carry the BT for longer shots on mule deer and keep shots on elk away from the large bones. I am 100% confident the BT will handle an elk at reasonable distance and through the lungs/heart.

My friend killed a nice Shiras bull moose a few years ago with a 168 gr. BST in 30-06. Nice broadside 100 yard shot. Bull never knew what hit him.

 

[mrandrew]

I shoot deer with a 7mm mag and that bullet loaded to 3200. I think that this bullet is tougher than most people would give it credit. At 280 speeds I wouldn't hesitate to punch a hole in the side of an elks ribs with it. That being said I have never shot an elk only watched them mill around eating grass and the like.

 

[DrMike]

I prefer premium bullets on elk. The bones are quite dense, and I like the idea of maintaining integrity when I smash through bone. The BT will work, and the AB and the PT simply give more smash.

 

[lefty315]

Just for kicks try playing around with the 160 AccuBond. It has a high BC and I think you'd find it'll shoot flat enough. I really like this bullet out of my 7x57 and 280. I think it would be perfect in a 7 Mag or AI.

 

[muzz]

I have put thought to the 160AB, I think it would pack a better punch for long distance and the drop really wouldn't be much different then the 140's, Speed is all I would be lacking in my opinion.

 

[jimbires]

I like heavy for caliber bullets , as long as it produces decent velocity . I think your 280 IMP will handle a 160 gr bullet just fine . the bull elk I got a few years back I used a 7mm rem mag , 160 AccuBond , RL22 powder , 3000 FPS , I shot him running almost straight to me . I placed the bullet between the front shoulder and his brisket . I didn't find the bullet . it didn't have an exit hole . it bruised ,and bloodshot, the other side rear leg . I shot him at a distance of between 15 and 20 yards . that was the only shot angle offered . I think the results would have been different if I were using a regular cup and core bullet .

 

[JD338]

I get 3000 fps with the 160 gr AB from my 280 AI and a 24" barrel.

JD338

 

[muzz]

if you don't mind what is your recipe and accuracy with that?

 

[big rifle man]

Having used the ballistic tip for a lot of years and observing performance on game I would use the AccuBond and Partition for animals larger than deer sized game. Actually the Partition works on anything and everything.

 

[30-338]

I've been using 160gr AB in my 280AI for bull elk tag and it stay around 3050fps using R-17 and IMR-7828ssc. Other 280AI and 284 if weather clears more than couple days be trying the 150gr ABLD and use those rifles on deer tag.

I like 160gr AB for elk been good bullet for that rifle.

 

[str8meat]

my son killed a cow with a 280 rem and 140gr. ab. shot was out there 605 yds. bullet performance was great as it took off the top of her heart. we didnt find that bullet though which was disheartening. but with the freezer full we quickly forgot about the bullet.

 

[super-7]

I migh just stay with the 140 AB. Just wanted something alittle heavier for long range mulies.

While I am no elk expert , I can now see why guys were kinda Leary of Dad using his 6 mm rem for his cow hunt. As luck would have it the Christmas hunt fell thru, and he was able to come back with his ol faithful 7 mm mag. An elk can soak up the lead and are quite different from hunting Muleys.
While the 150 gr BT would be a great choice for longer pokes at those Muleys , I'd be hesitant for all but the perfect broadside shots on elk . The Ab or Partition give you that margin for error while knowing the bullet is stout enough to get to vitals.
Other options if you like the 150 gr weight ( which seems ideal in a 280) are the swift sirocco, barnes ttsx, or Hornady 154 inter bond.