Elk Hunt Ammuniution Help

TDMVA · Feb 9, 2018

I have two Nolser M48 Liberty's to select from.

1) 300 win mag with 180gr. partitions (it likes the federal offering)
2) 280AI 150 gr. LR Accubonds.
*is the 150gr. enough on for elk? I know placement is everything

I shoot both pretty well. Will be practicing more at longer ranges with both before October.

Both set up identical on top (20moa Larue Rail / Larue 30mm rings / Leica ER5 2-10x50's with mag ballistic reticles).
The 300 win mag has a break (for adding a suppressor) and a spacer in the butt to add length of pull (which I regret doing as I don't think it was that beneficial for hunting applications due to different shooting positions).

I tend to lean to the 280AI because it's lighter.

Which would you take?

Thanks.

DrMike · Feb 9, 2018

Either cartridge will work. If you're happy with the 280AI, the 150 ABs will deliver the goods for you. Here is an elk I took with my .280 Rem loaded with 150 grain ABLR:

Here is a picture of a mule deer I took later in the season with the same rifle and load:

Both were one-shot kills.

Dr. Vette · Feb 9, 2018

TDMVA":43yjraut said:
Which would you take?

Thanks.

Both. More than once we've been happy to have a spare rifle along on a hunt.

Either one will work fine. Dad shot his elk this October at 320 yards, 25mph wind, with 7mm Wby Magnum at 3100fps with a Barnes 150 TTSX. Drilled it through the heart. So, 150 will work just fine.

Use the one you like best/shoot best as primary, which might be the 280AI. Have the other along "just in case."