.30-06 150 grain Accubond on Elk

[filmjunkie4ever]

Have been curious to try this bullet on elk for sometime. Opinions (Constructive only please)?

It shoots way accurate in my Model 70 (a little over 2900 fps cloverleafs) and the recoil is considerably less than the 165 and 180 grain loads I have heretofore used. Don't see any reason why this wouldn't work as well if not better than a 130 grain .270 WCF at similar velocity.

And while some use a magnum rifle (or a heavier bullet) as a license to take shots on animals that they wouldn't otherwise, I DO NOT. I wont take a shot with a .338 that I wouldn't with a .270 so to speak.

 

[SJB358]

Sure it'll work FJ but if you have the ability to run a 165-180 class bullet I think you'd be a little happier. I just ere on the side of caution as your first shot might be the perfect shot but if it's botched and you need something to end it the extra bullet weight wouldn't hurt.

 

[OU812]

I agree with Scotty that yes a 150 AccuBond will work. What kind of range are you thinking you will most likely encounter for the shot?

I personally like a little heavier bullet when it comes to elk no matter the caliber. That being said I would opt for a little heavier bullet since there are heavier choices to be had. Just my .02

 

[DrMike]

Scotty is absolutely correct; the 150s will work and bring down an elk quickly. Should the only shot presented require deeper penetration, you'll be glad for extra mass, however. Would I hunt with 150 ABs in my 30-06? Probably. It's a bit like hunting with 140 ABs in my 280. I know they'll work; but I'm more comfortable with a bit more penetration and mass.

 

[filmjunkie4ever]

Call me a wimp but I appreciate the lesser recoil of the 150 grain loads although it seems a 165 at 2750 or a 180 at 2700 seem to not kick too much either.

Maybe I am just looking to try something I have never done before.

But a lower recoiling load that still penetrates deep will only result in a better marksman.

I dont really consider my shooting capabilities with a rifle to allow me to take a shot past 400 yds on deer with a .30-06 and not past 300 yards on elk. Especially here in windy Idaho.

You know looking back most of the game I have shot has been within 200 yards with a handful of variations. I should just leave well enough alone and keep to my tried and true loads but was just anxious to try something new I guess.

The 280-140 (or 270-130) comparison was what I was thinking too Doc. Thanks.

 

[filmjunkie4ever]

Just get tired of feeling like you gotta have a 200 grain TSX going 3500 fps or you "don't have enough gun."

I chose a .30-06 when I was 18 because I believed it was good enough. I still do.

 

[DrMike]

Man, don't you know that 30 calibre bullets bounce off of elk? You have to have BIG bullets at HIGH velocity to stop those critters. They are worse than ground squirrels to stop. I've been shooting for a few years, so I was trained in the concept that you had to have mass to ensure penetration. The new categories of bullets (mono-metal, bonded, etc.) have been game changers. My default position is still bigger is better (frontal area is important and mass is essential). However, if I allow myself to think rationally, I am compelled to admit that placement is the key. Undoubtedly, the smaller bullet will work. The increased sectional density of the 165 and 180 grain bullets give a significant margin of confidence for penetration on less than ideal shots, which influences my view. Still, as stated earlier, I wouldn't hesitate to hunt with 150s; I would just be a bit more cautious in choosing my shots.

 

[wildgene]

...going by the Nosler #7, I'd have to go w/ the 165 AB w/ the better BC, high SD, more retained energy, I just don't think dropping to a 150gr. is going to reduce the "felt recoil" enough to justify the lower energy delivered, but then again, I like to shoot elk w/ heavy for caliber bullets. Bottom line, shoot 'em w/ the heaviest round you can shoot well. If that happens to be a 150gr. AB, have @ it...

 

[SJB358]

Mike brings up a great point, frontal area sure seems to help kill much better, hence the reason folks notice the 8mms, 338's and especially 375's whop targets harder. Adding bullet weight to 30 calibers allows for more sustained frontal area and penetration.

Again, I'm saying go for it. A 150AB is just as good as any of the older 165 or 180 cup and cores. But it seems like you get a little more of everything with the 165. Either way, your shooting a solid combo, if your more comfortable and accurate with it that's probably what'll matter the most.

 

[Guy Miner]

Hunters happily use 130 gr .270's and 115 gr .25-06's to drop elk.

Why not a 150?

I tend to like heavier bullets, but if it works... Why not? Put that 150 AccuBond through the ribs into the heart/lung area, and you should be good to go. I'm running 165's mostly through my .30-06 rifles and think the world of that combination.

Guy

 

[hubcap]

Small clover leaf groups. Lighter recoil. A 150 AB going 2950 at the muzzle and placed in the vitals equals elk steaks. I would do it in a heart beat. Maybe that's why I love my .270 with the lighter recoil. I shoot it well. That is important to me.

 

[6mm Remington]

I shoot the 165 gr. AccuBond in my 30-06 and prior to that, the same weight in the Partition. Both are great bullets and if your 150 gr. shoots so well and you are confident in it, then go out and kill some elk! :grin: It will work just fine.

David

 

[Alderman]

I don't know why it wouldn't work. Having said that, I plunked an elk through the lungs acouple years ago with a 180 Partition out of my 06. The elk only went 50 yards but by the time I got to it somebody else had a tag on it. I kick myself for 1. Not putting a second shot into it. 2. Not trying to anchor it with a shoulder shot. 3.Not using one of my 30 Magnums or a larger caliber Magnum.
My point being use the best you've got on elk, it sucks when one gets away.

 

[DrMike]

That someone else had to have known that he/she didn't shoot it. Pity that there are slob hunters everywhere.

 

[Oldtrader3]

I don't know why it wouldn't work. Having said that, I plunked an elk through the lungs acouple years ago with a 180 Partition out of my 06. The elk only went 50 yards but by the time I got to it somebody else had a tag on it. I kick myself for 1. Not putting a second shot into it. 2. Not trying to anchor it with a shoulder shot. 3.Not using one of my 30 Magnums or a larger caliber Magnum.
My point being use the best you've got on elk, it sucks when one gets away.

I had a 4-point mule deer taken from me in Utah that way. They were on horseback, three of them and claim that I missed and they had to shoot it! Funny, since my shot rolled the deer? Since then, I carry a cross-draw .45 Colt Peacemaker on my belt while hunting far from the road!

As far as using 150 AB's on elk, suit yourself but be aware that if the elk walks away from you, you may lose it to two legged predators!

 

[.300winmag]

Sure it'll work FJ but if you have the ability to run a 165-180 class bullet I think you'd be a little happier. I just ere on the side of caution as your first shot might be the perfect shot but if it's botched and you need something to end it the extra bullet weight wouldn't hurt.

I tend to agree, I would run at least a 165. i run 180's with IMR4350 out of mine and have not had an elk get away after being hit with one of those bad boys.

I've shot two elk with 165gr BT's and had excellent performance as well. But, a 150 will certainly work if it's put in the right spot!

 

[Ridgerunner665]

I've never fired a shot at an elk...yet!

I have seen many of them though, and understand that they are quite tough....while I'm sure 150 or 165 grain bullets would work on them...I also understand that I may only get one shot, and I want it to count...even from a "not so good" angle...that said, I myself wouldn't dare take off after elk using a bullet of less than .270 sectional density.

In 30 caliber...that means 180 grain bullets...7mm/160 grains (150 is probably close enough at .266)

If using a 338 mag or 35 Whelen....less SD is probably OK, they make up for penetration with frontal area...and momentum.

 

[big rifle man]

Dr. Mike is on the money with shot placement. I can count on the fingers of a half of a hand how many times an Elk stood perfectly at 90 degrees to me. I would opt for the largest caliber that I feel comfortable shooting. I'd rather have it in my freezer than watch someone else take a shot at my Elk as it runs over the hill and out of my sight.

 

[PJGunner]

I've only shot four elk in my life. First one was at 530 yards laser measured with a .300 Win. Mag. and dropped it with the first shot. Never felt the kick. The next three elk were taken with a .35 Whelen, one at 150 yards, one at 180 yards and one at 350 yards. Again, at the shot I never felt the kick not did I even hear the report of the rifle which in all four cases sounded more like a muffled poof. I believe that if you're concentrating on the shot rather than thinking. "This sucker is gonna belt the hell out of me." you won't feel the kick or at least not hardly notice it. I even practice that off the bench and while not as effective as on a hunt it does help.
Personally, if you're gonna use a 150 gr. bullet in your 30-06 I would be more inclined to go with the Partition. I have a custom 30-06 that has a 1 in 12" twist barrel rather than the normal 1 in 10" twist and it gives great groups with 150 and 165 gr. bullets but falls apart with 180 gr. bullets.
If I planned on using my 30-06 for an elk hunt, with the custom it would be the 165 gr. Partition. It shoots slightly better than the AccuBond 165 gr. If one of my other 30-06 rifles it's be the 180 gr. AccuBond or Partition, whichever shot the best. Like some of the others here, I prefer the heavier weight bullets. However, go with whatever your most comfortable with. There's an old saying from the mountain man times. "You have to have a gun that will touch the life." I take that to mean penetration.
Paul B.

 

[tim629]

what is the difference of point of impact between your 165/180 grain loads vs your 150 load?

is it worth while to practice using the lighter loads then carry the heavier bullets when heading into the field for elk?