300 WSM 180 Accubond for Elk

[tjyoungblood]

I’m planning a horseback elk hunt in the Bridger Teton area in the fall of 2025 and taking my .300 WSM. I’m shooting factory Nosler Custom 180 Accubonds out of a Win. Model 70 23.5” barrel, topped with a Zeiss Diavari. 2.5 - 10 x 50 #8 Ret. I don’t have a ballistic turret and understand that shots could be anywhere from 50 yards to 600 yards. I’m sighted in 2” high at 100 yards and feel confident out to 400 yards. Any advice on using my current set-up to its full potential would be appreciated.

 

[Dr. Vette]

Sounds like a great hunt!

Have you shot beyond 100 yards to verify where your bullet is hitting? 2” high at 100 doesn’t mean much if you don’t know where 200/300 and 400 are. You imply you have done this, so what’s the data?

Zeiss used to offer a turret retrofit service if you’re interested, and so did Kenton Industries. I might recommend contacting them to see if it’s still possible, and if you are interested it’s a reasonable way to go without having to purchase a new scope.

Having taken several elk, only 1 has been over 400 yards; most are 300 are less. Outfitters love to tell you that shots “might be” to some long distance, but they infrequently are. In the last 3 years they have been 200/195/80/285/235/300/40/180/225 for myself, Dad and son.
I might suggest zeroing at 250 or 300, and knowing your drops beyond that. Look into the “maximum point blank range” theory.

Keep us updated as well!

 

[JD338]

Sounds like a great hunt!

Have you shot beyond 100 yards to verify where your bullet is hitting? 2” high at 100 doesn’t mean much if you don’t know where 200/300 and 400 are. You imply you have done this, so what’s the data?

Zeiss used to offer a turret retrofit service if you’re interested, and so did Kenton Industries. I might recommend contacting them to see if it’s still possible, and if you are interested it’s a reasonable way to go without having to purchase a new scope.

Having taken several elk, only 1 has been over 400 yards; most are 300 are less. Outfitters love to tell you that shots “might be” to some long distance, but they infrequently are. In the last 3 years they have been 200/195/80/285/235/300/40/180/225 for myself, Dad and son.
I might suggest zeroing at 250 or 300, and knowing your drops beyond that. Look into the “maximum point blank range” theory.

Keep us updated as well!

Welcome to the forum! Sounds like an awesome hunt. You definitely have the right rifle and load.
Excellent advice right there!
I would add that you practice shooting out to 600 yards from field shooting positions.

JD338

 

[DrMike]

Sounds like a great hunt!

Have you shot beyond 100 yards to verify where your bullet is hitting? 2” high at 100 doesn’t mean much if you don’t know where 200/300 and 400 are. You imply you have done this, so what’s the data?

Zeiss used to offer a turret retrofit service if you’re interested, and so did Kenton Industries. I might recommend contacting them to see if it’s still possible, and if you are interested it’s a reasonable way to go without having to purchase a new scope.

Having taken several elk, only 1 has been over 400 yards; most are 300 are less. Outfitters love to tell you that shots “might be” to some long distance, but they infrequently are. In the last 3 years they have been 200/195/80/285/235/300/40/180/225 for myself, Dad and son.
I might suggest zeroing at 250 or 300, and knowing your drops beyond that. Look into the “maximum point blank range” theory.

Keep us updated as well!

Excellent advice. Welcome aboard. Keep us posted as you prepare yourself for the hunt.

 

[tjyoungblood]

Sounds like a great hunt!

Have you shot beyond 100 yards to verify where your bullet is hitting? 2” high at 100 doesn’t mean much if you don’t know where 200/300 and 400 are. You imply you have done this, so what’s the data?

Zeiss used to offer a turret retrofit service if you’re interested, and so did Kenton Industries. I might recommend contacting them to see if it’s still possible, and if you are interested it’s a reasonable way to go without having to purchase a new scope.

Having taken several elk, only 1 has been over 400 yards; most are 300 are less. Outfitters love to tell you that shots “might be” to some long distance, but they infrequently are. In the last 3 years they have been 200/195/80/285/235/300/40/180/225 for myself, Dad and son.
I might suggest zeroing at 250 or 300, and knowing your drops beyond that. Look into the “maximum point blank range” theory.

Keep us updated as well!

Thank you. I’m a little high at 200 but pretty much zero. I’m 8”+ low at 300. I don’t have access to a 400 yard bench range but figure I’m about 20”-24” low. I do have access to a 600 yard range and consistently hit the center of the target from the bench. We also have an unknown distance range with iron silhouettes out to 600. I have shot it consistently from hunting/shooting positions with a range finder and my .308 but it’s not as much fun getting pounded by the .300 WSM.

I will check in to the retro-fit turret again. The last time I checked they wanted me to take the scope off and send it. They said it would be 6 months or so and I leave for Pinedale, WY on Sept. 15. I am not comfortable taking the scope off at this point.

 

[jimbires]

I can't add anything to what the other guys have told you about your scope . I will say to practice as much as you can at these longer distances , from hunting positions . going prone over a backpack is a pretty stable shooting position , that can be fairly quick to get into .

I'm assuming this is a horseback hunt . if you ride , you're all set . if not try to get with someone that has horses and can show you some tips on this .try to get some saddle time before your hunt . if it is a horse back hunt , your rifle will be in a scabbard . a low profile scope and turret knobs will be a lot easier to use . tall turrets that are not covered , or lock, can get twisted using a scabbard .

I hunted the Thorofare , I'm guessing about 8 or 10 years ago . I loved it . it's a wild place . the outfitter I used had each of us bring a can of bear spray . if you need to buy bear spray get a can that includes a holster for the can . I carried mine inside my backpack . it would have been way to slow to put it to use . congrats on an awesome hunt . I hope you keep us up to date on your prep and how the hunt goes . I'd love to go back .

 

[tjyoungblood]

I can't add anything to what the other guys have told you about your scope . I will say to practice as much as you can at these longer distances , from hunting positions . going prone over a backpack is a pretty stable shooting position , that can be fairly quick to get into .

I'm assuming this is a horseback hunt . if you ride , you're all set . if not try to get with someone that has horses and can show you some tips on this .try to get some saddle time before your hunt . if it is a horse back hunt , your rifle will be in a scabbard . a low profile scope and turret knobs will be a lot easier to use . tall turrets that are not covered , or lock, can get twisted using a scabbard .

I hunted the Thorofare , I'm guessing about 8 or 10 years ago . I loved it . it's a wild place . the outfitter I used had each of us bring a can of bear spray . if you need to buy bear spray get a can that includes a holster for the can . I carried mine inside my backpack . it would have been way to slow to put it to use . congrats on an awesome hunt . I hope you keep us up to date on your prep and how the hunt goes . I'd love to go back .

Thanks, I am going with an outfitter who has the horses and gear for a spike camp hunt. This is only my second elk hunt and I have never taken an elk. I have been collecting pref points in Wyoming, for 10 years to get this tag. I think it is unit 97 southeast of Jackson/north of Pinedale. Fingers crossed… So, I’m pretty excited coming from Alabama where we rarely have an opportunity to shoot over 200 yards in the field.
I’ve hunted out west a few times successfully for mule deer and antelope and bear. I have friends with horses around here and plan to get a little saddle time in later in the spring/summer. Again, appreciate the feedback and confirmation on cartridge selection. My rifle likes the 180 Accubonds and the 190 long range Accubonds. It does not shoot the 180 partitions quite as accurately. So, I am opting for the 180 Accubonds given the opportunity for a close encounter on opening week starting September 20. I’ll keep you posted as I get to the range this spring and hopefully have a Wyoming elk story to share in late September.

 

[Blkram]

Hello.

Nosler lists the velocity for their 180 gr AccuBond ammunition as 2960 fps.
The 300 WSM and 180 gr AccuBond is great elk medicine! I have used it myself on 3 bull elk over the years.

Have you chronographed your rifle with this load to verify the actual velocity you are getting out of your rifle?

This can vary from very little to considerably, based on your rifle (chamber, barrel length and bore condition). (My rifle also has a 23 1/2" barrel and shoots this ammo into 0.63" groups @ 100 yards, but unfortunately I did not chronograph this ammo, My handload for the 180 gr AB shoots @ 2978 fps and produces 0.442" groups @ 100 yards.)
The big difference here is going to be in the ballistics and drop at the various distances, based on factory ballistics and the actual from your rifle.
Another factor will be the environmental variable between where you live, shoot and hunt, as compared to where you'll be hunting in Wyoming.

For example, when comparing the ballistics of these two loads, I have the following data for out to 500 yards (distance for my local shooting range):
180 gr AB @ 2960 fps: 100 yards +1.5", 200 yards @ 0", 300 yards @ -6.6", 400 yards @ -19.2", and 500 yards @ -38.7"
180 gr AB @ 2978 fps: 100 yards +1.5", 200 yards @ 0", 300 yards @ -6.6", 400 yards @ -19.0", and 500 yards @ -38.2"

The retained velocities and energy of these two loads is at or slightly over 2100 fps at 500 yards, with 1700+ ft lbs of energy. With the AB, you will be fine out to here.
At 600 yards you'll be closer to 2000 fps and 1600 ft. lbs of energy. Should be OK still, but getting closer to the level where performance is going to be questionable (using today's standard of a minimum of 1500 ft. lbs of retained energy for elk). I wouldn't push it past here for this cartridge/bullet combination. (But this is just my opinion, as I prefer the old standard of 2000 ft. lbs of energy for elk - especially for a rut crazed or wary bull.)

NOTE: I use Hornady's online ballistic calculator to provide this data, which will also allow you to input environmental variables into the calculation as well - elevation, temperature, etc.)

For a velocity difference of 18 fps, not a big difference out to 500 yards...but if your rifle is producing a larger variance (50-200 fps), you will see a larger variation in drops at distance...which you will not know until you verify the velocity of this ammo in your rifle.

Now to look at elevation, temperature and humidity...

My local range is at an elevation of 2200' asl, and I typically hunt elk in the fall at temperatures averaging 50 F humidity of 70%:
180 gr AB @ 2978: 100 yards +1.5", 200 yards @ 0", 300 yards @ -6.5", 400 yards @ -18.6", and 500 yards @ -37.1"
For a mountain hunt close to where I live, at an elevation of 6000' asl, temp of 41 F and humidity of 70%:
180 gr AB @ 2978: 100 yards +1.4", 200 yards @ 0", 300 yards @ -6.3", 400 yards @ -18.1", and 500 yards @ -35.9"

For an elevation change of 3800', at a slightly cooler temp, again not a big difference out to 500 yards...but what will it be for you at 600 yards when comparing between your sighting in and practice at your home range, and where you'll be hunting and taking the shot in Wyoming?
It may not be too much, but then again, it can be enough to make the difference between a good hit (quick kill), a marginal hit (wound), or a miss. You won't know until you verify.

And then add in that you'll be not as relaxed as you are on the bench at your home range, nor as steady, when the thrill of the hunt, the exertion of the stalk, and the steadiness of your improvised field shooting position comes into play.
What will the impact be on your ability to accurately place that shot on game at long distance?

Even if you do not get a turret cut for your scope, determine the velocity of your ammo in your rifle, and get the ballistics for it, so that the turret can be cut as close as possible to the conditions for your upcoming hunt...and then go verify it on the range.
Glad to hear that you have been practicing with your rifle set up at 400 and 600 yards at home...it will help considerably! But, as stated above, make sure you are doing it from field positions too, and not just off the bench! (Then try doing some running, jumping jacks, push ups and then repeat the shot to see how you do from that field position, at those distances to simulate your breathing, heartrate, steadiness for a hunting scenario) Quality of practice is more important than quantity of practice! (archery coach speak here!)
And if you are a flatlander from a low elevation...the air will be thinner in the high mountains, and may have an impact on your ability to catch your breath to steady for a shot after a tough stalk. If you're from a higher elevation locale, it may not effect you as much.

And then get the relevant info from your outfitter as to the typical elevation, temperature, humidity, etc. for where you'll be hunting and run the ballistics on it, so that you'll know what to expect on the hunt. It may be minimal as illustrated above and therefore not be much to worry about...but it could be significant enough that it will make the difference between a quick, clean kill, and a wounded elk (which is no fun at all!) The average bull elk has a 10" vital zone, the densest bone of any animal in north america and a tenacity for life second to none in north america. Stay clear of the onside shoulder bone where it is the heaviest, at the elbow joint.

Remember, if you are not comfortable, do not take the shot. And get closer.
On a couple dozen elk to date, only one was at 475 yards in a friend's hayfield...and I severely underestimated the distance on that shot on that 5th bull. And I once shot a cow (my 2nd elk) at 370 yards in a large pasture. Otherwise, the rest of my elk have been taken at less than 258 yards. I have even taken a bull at 5 yards!
Closer shots on elk are more typical than long shots. I will say that there are guides who will push clients to take iffy shots, as they are under a lot of pressure to get their hunter an elk. Don't let them push you, if you are uncomfortable.
And there are a lot of great guides that make sure you're comfortable first, and will work harder to get you into a better shooting position for a better shot opportunity, that will increase your chance for success. Hopefully your guide will be the latter!

Not trying to cause you additional worry...just things to consider about your upcoming hunt, so you can be well prepared.
Many people spend more time on their equipment, than their physical conditioning and preparedness.
But many do not think about the mental preparedness for these hunts...and it must be included.
It will greatly increase your overall experience!

A mountain hunt for elk is an exciting adventure and I hope that you have a great hunt!
(My daughter and I went on an archery antelope and elk hunt in Colorado last year and had a great trip!)

The mountains of Colorado and Wyoming are stunningly beautiful!
And hearing the elk bugle amongst the quakies in an unforgettable experience!

 

[tjyoungblood]

Well, I have not used a chronograph before and will check into that… I am between 500 and 1,000 feet elevation and anticipate a mountain hunt in the 8,000 ft range. I agree with good conditioning and plan to get out there 3 or 4 days early to acclimate as much as possible prior to the hunt. Thanks again for the information!

 

[PJGunner]

Most of my elk hunts have been in Arizona or New Mexico I've used thr .300 Win. Mag. with the 200 gr. Speer Hot Core, a 30-06 with 165 gr. AccuBond but most of my successful hunts have been with the .35 Whelen and 225 gr. TSX bullet. I've had successful shots from 75 yards to 530 yards. I think the average would be around 250 yards or less just off the top of my head.
Your .300 WSM should be just fine with the AB bullet.
Paul B.

 

[JD338]

It's good that you have access to horses and will put in some saddle time. My girls have/had horses so I've done some riding. It certainly helps but I still wasn't ready for riding up to 9800'. It's all part of the adventure.
FWIW, my only elk hunt was in CO and I shot a 5 pt at 350 yards with my 338 RUM.
I hope to get another elk hunt in someday.

JD338

 

[jimbires]

I live in central Pennsylvania , about 1500 - 1800 elevation . I'm not sure how to get ready for high elevation hunting , never figured it out . I never had a problem with elevation sickness , but the high elevation sure made me huff and puff . I've always walked a few days a week , but when I had a hunt booked I walked a couple miles daily . I carried my frame pack and kept adding weight . I wore heavy boots , and also wore ankle weights . I walked through the woods , dirt roads , deer trails , ATV trails ,every here and there I'd just go off trail and worked my way through , from one trail onto another . these walks were up hill , down hill , side hill , you name it , I walked it . I tried to keep mixing it up , so I didn't get bored . when I got in high country , I panted like a dog . I could hunt hard , I just couldn't close my mouth . I've never smoked .

your 300WSM and 180 AccuBond is a great combination , you have this covered .

my advice is , get your scope taken care of . it's great you have access to horses , ride them . get your conditioning started ASAP . make sure your boots are broken in .

enjoy yourself , you're going to see some beautiful country .

 

[Slimfinn]

Sounds like you have a good plan. Best of luck and welcome to the forum.

 

[Darkhorse]

My experience is good conditioning will not totally prepare you for high altitude. But it will allow you to adapt sooner and to be more comfortable and capable once the hunt starts. Believe me, good conditioning is a must.
The problem is the air is thinner, less oxygen up there and us flatlanders have smaller lungs so we must work harder to get what we need. When I was teaching Tae Kwon Do I taught my school 3 nights a week and trained out of town 2 nights a week. I regularly ran up to 10 miles a day year round and I lifted weights. Simply put I was in shape. I was able to impress some of the guides but I never kept up with them.
It would take me 3 days before I began to feel good at altitude and could start enjoying the pursuit.
Besides my regular training my prep for the hunt was a lot of hiking any hills I could find and wearing a back pack with sandbags. I only had time twice a week but I'd spend 2 or 3 hours at it.
I would try and get somewhere at high altitude at least 3 days before the hunt and hike. My last hunt I got a room at Grand Lake Colorado and spent 3 days hiking Rocky Mountain National park. Adding this to my conditioning program allowed me to get into mental and physical readiness almost from the start.