I am just wanting some opinions on weather or not using a 150 grn bullet out of a 300 WSM in either the E-tip, TTSX, or GMX would be enough to take down a spike elk, my friend just got one and wants me to load some of those rounds up for him, i am thinking that since he has chosen 3 all copper bullets that he might be ok, but i am not sure so that is where you experts come into play. One more thing, is ther any certain powders that i should try with those 3 bullets that would maybe give the best accuracy as well as speed. Thanks
300 WSM & 150 grn For Elk?
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DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
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Any of the 150 grain monolithic bullets you name will take down an elk if they are placed correctly. However, because of the possibility of poor shot angle, etc. as discussed in any of a number of threads, you probably would be well advised to consider more mass.
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yeah i told him that even 165 grn bullets would be a lot better, and that the kick between them would not be that noticeable if he put a limb-saver butt bad on his Tikka T3, would any of those bullets in 165 grn be a better choice or does he need to go with 180 grn?
longrangehunter
Handloader
- Jun 19, 2011
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I've shot more then a few game with .30 cal. guns in my life using a lot of different bullets (30-06, 300 Win Mag, 300 Wby, 300 WSM, and a 300 Jarrett) using std. bullets, Bonded bullets and the X bullets. Any of the standard type bullets need to be long for caliber (High SD), a little less for the Bonded Bullets depending on the velocity of impact, but the X's, TSX, MRX, or the TTSX have been devastating on game animals. I've only had one issue w/a solid copper bullet, a Winchester Fail Safe didn't expand in a animal, although it was well over 400 yards away if I remember correctly? But I still have that bullet, and never went back to using them again, plus I don't like shooting Moly coated bullets, just another thing to try and clean out of my barrel!
When it does come to shooting game at LR, believe it or not the Partition bullet works very well, and up close the back half will still drive through. I've also had great luck w/ the Nosler AB on big game too, I use the 160 gr. in my 7mm-08 with great success, and high accurate!
I have seen a lot of core separation using Speer's Hot Cor line, but I do love their African Grand Slams in my 458 Lott!
Find what shoots the most accurate and hope it's one of the better built bullets out their.
When it does come to shooting game at LR, believe it or not the Partition bullet works very well, and up close the back half will still drive through. I've also had great luck w/ the Nosler AB on big game too, I use the 160 gr. in my 7mm-08 with great success, and high accurate!
I have seen a lot of core separation using Speer's Hot Cor line, but I do love their African Grand Slams in my 458 Lott!
Find what shoots the most accurate and hope it's one of the better built bullets out their.
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
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The differential in felt recoil with a 150 grain bullet versus a 165 will be negligible. Candidly, if recoil from a 300 WSM is problematic, he should perhaps consider carrying a 308 or a 30-06. He would shoot it better and not have as much issue with recoil. For a spike elk, I iterate, a 150 grain monolithic at reasonable velocity will kill cleanly. However, in the event the shot is less than perfect, I would encourage him to use 165 grain bullets. Though monolithic bullets retain their mass and penetrate deeply, I'm old school and still prefer heavy for calibre. I carry either 180s or even 200s in my own 300 WSM, in part because I will be using it on moose and elk and possibly grizzly when I'm hunting. Having said that, I'd encourage your friend to load at least 165s for elk when using his 300 WSM.
filmjunkie4ever
Handloader
- May 4, 2011
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I agree with everything that has been said here and cannot stress enough the importance of shot placement. You will wound just as many with big bullets put in poor places as small ones though your margin for error is slightly increased with deep divers and hard hitters.
Having said that I am still old school and believe you shouldn't use anything less than a 165 grain bullet in any 300 Magnum. A 180 or 200 is best but at least a 165. And the recoil will still be appreciably less than the 180-200 grain loads.
My sister killed a 300 class 6x6 bull about 5 years ago with a 300 RUM handloaded with 165 grain Nosler Partitions at around 3200 fps. The bull was about 50 yards away and she dropped him with one shot through the lungs. While I think she has more gun than she can often handle, I made her these because of she wasn't too fond of the recoil and yet still needed a heavier bullet.
The RUM shot these well and right off on the bench I noticed that they kicked way less than other loads I had previously designed.
Your friend will be fine with a 150 GMX or TSX or E-Tip but s 165 grain bullet just gives the elk that much more reason to Drop Right There. I would definately split the difference and go with a 165 grain Premium bullet. Should he drop down to a non premium bullet, 180 should then be considered the minimum weight.
Having said that I am still old school and believe you shouldn't use anything less than a 165 grain bullet in any 300 Magnum. A 180 or 200 is best but at least a 165. And the recoil will still be appreciably less than the 180-200 grain loads.
My sister killed a 300 class 6x6 bull about 5 years ago with a 300 RUM handloaded with 165 grain Nosler Partitions at around 3200 fps. The bull was about 50 yards away and she dropped him with one shot through the lungs. While I think she has more gun than she can often handle, I made her these because of she wasn't too fond of the recoil and yet still needed a heavier bullet.
The RUM shot these well and right off on the bench I noticed that they kicked way less than other loads I had previously designed.
Your friend will be fine with a 150 GMX or TSX or E-Tip but s 165 grain bullet just gives the elk that much more reason to Drop Right There. I would definately split the difference and go with a 165 grain Premium bullet. Should he drop down to a non premium bullet, 180 should then be considered the minimum weight.
- Oct 30, 2004
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DrMike":28cxmfgd said:
OK....
Think of it this way, Would you be asking the same question if you were shooting a 270 win stuffed with Barnes TTSX in 150 grain flavor? Not me! and the 300 WSM is of bigger diameter! :wink:
- Nov 4, 2004
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Plan for the worst and hope for the best.
Use a heavier bullet. The 168 gr E-Tip is a proven performer on elk.
JD338
Use a heavier bullet. The 168 gr E-Tip is a proven performer on elk.
JD338
If I were to hunt elk with my 300 WSM I would do it with the load I currently use due to the "no lead" restrictions here in CA.
I use Winchester brass, Fed 215M primers, a max load of H 4350 and the Barnes 168 grain TSX bullet. This load gives me about 3150 fps and 3/4 inch groups.
I have not shot much with it, just a few hogs and coyotes, but it works!
I would much prefer that for elk than a 150 grain bullet of any sort.
I use Winchester brass, Fed 215M primers, a max load of H 4350 and the Barnes 168 grain TSX bullet. This load gives me about 3150 fps and 3/4 inch groups.
I have not shot much with it, just a few hogs and coyotes, but it works!
I would much prefer that for elk than a 150 grain bullet of any sort.
I have been spending the last month working up a 165gr load for my 300wsm. I have my eye on any animal in Wyoming. Elk is my favorite. Tried the E-tip, ttsx and gmx bullets. For powder I tried
Superformance, RL-17, IMR4831 and IMR-4350. If I had more time I would have worked up a range report. The best load I came up with is 215 primer, 168 TTSX and a max load of IMR4831 was the most accurate. 3130 FPS, Groups just under an inch. RL-17 worked real well too. I might try it in my 7wsm when i get some time. I dont think Elk are bulletproof like some people. Poke a hole through their ribs and you will need a sharp knife real soon. Brian
Superformance, RL-17, IMR4831 and IMR-4350. If I had more time I would have worked up a range report. The best load I came up with is 215 primer, 168 TTSX and a max load of IMR4831 was the most accurate. 3130 FPS, Groups just under an inch. RL-17 worked real well too. I might try it in my 7wsm when i get some time. I dont think Elk are bulletproof like some people. Poke a hole through their ribs and you will need a sharp knife real soon. Brian
