180 vs 200G knock-down

[Deadeye]

My gun shoots 180G PT&AB beautifully. I use my 300WSM predominently for Elk. I enjoy reloading and experimenting with different loads. That being said, how much difference have you all experienced using 200G+ bullets from a knock down standpoint.

I don't know if it is an eastern thing, but so many of the western residents seem to shoot light loads for elk effectively (130G,140, 150G)?

Please don't point out the obvious shot placement statement, which I wholeheartedly agree with. What is the value? (from experience). Thanks, and still learning.
Deadeye

 

[7mmfan]

If your 180 Accubonds and Partitions shoot good then use them and never look back. I've found the 180s work great on anchoring elk, especially at 300 WM velocities. The largest elk I've taken was a beautiful, big bodied 7X7 in Wyoming. I used a 308 Norma magnum with 180 grain bullets at 3050fps. The shot was laser ranged at 409 yards and I took him through both lungs (complete penetration). He went 10 yards and collasped. The next year I used the same combinatin to take a spike elk at 350 yards. He collasped at the shot. The 180's can be driven to a higher velocity, thereby shooting flatter than the 200's at hunting ranges. If the largest animal you'll be hunting is elk, then stay with the 180's. I'd only recommend moving up to the 200 Partitions/Accubonds if grizzly/brown bear are on the menu or if your pushing them at 300 Ultra or 30-378 velocities.

Brad

 

[FOTIS]

If your 180 Accubonds and Partitions shoot good then use them and never look back. I've found the 180s work great on anchoring elk, especially at 300 WM velocities. The largest elk I've taken was a beautiful, big bodied 7X7 in Wyoming. I used a 308 Norma magnum with 180 grain bullets at 3050fps. The shot was laser ranged at 409 yards and I took him through both lungs (complete penetration). He went 10 yards and collasped. The next year I used the same combinatin to take a spike elk at 350 yards. He collasped at the shot. The 180's can be driven to a higher velocity, thereby shooting flatter than the 200's at hunting ranges. If the largest animal you'll be hunting is elk, then stay with the 180's. I'd only recommend moving up to the 200 Partitions/Accubonds if grizzly/brown bear are on the menu or if your pushing them at 300 Ultra or 30-378 velocities.

Brad

Yup! I was there and helped pack out that 7x7. Elk-awesome Packing-sucked. Anyway what he said! :wink: