ELK WEEK - It's the Bullet, Stupid!

[@ronlowney4700]

🤠 YES, THE BULLET IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE CARTRIDGE!

[@jfox71]

I have been seriously impressed by the performance of the federal terminal ascent bullets.

[@craigparker4108]

For large game at ethical distances i don't think you could go wrong from all the tests i have seen. The Fusion also out test most others for expansion & weight retention.

[@CanukWbyFan]

I would try them if they weren't so wickedly expensive

[@jfox71]

@CarlKlippenstein-h2e you're correct. They are not cheap. I have had a couple issues with cup and core bullets at close range making the price worth it to me.

[@operationNOBO]

​@@craigparker4108Fusion for elk??

[@TheGrimFoot]

75 dollars a box for my .270 I just can't do it when I can get noslers for half. They do look really cool though.

[@erikwallen4483]

Love this! People like arguing about the differences between cartridges, when in reality it's the bullet they should be worried about. The cartridge is just the delivery mechanism - while the bullet is doing the actual work!

[@MarvinTurner-oc4ml]

I don't hunt but I really enjoy this type of content. You can never learn too much about how your ammunition works.

[@careyhammett9253]

If you ever want to try hunting give me a holler bro!

[@lycheeznuts]

these are not the guys to listen to

[@hunt4life56]

Every Elk i have gotten was with the 180gr Barnes triple shock in my trusty 30-06 i have seen no need to change. Although all were taken at 300 yards or less.

[@zachtheblake]

I've been getting back into shooting for the first time in over a decade, and y'all's videos are so informative, thanks for making such solid content

[@aaronwilcox6417]

Good point about the distance of impact (range) having a measurable effect on cup/core performance. I have a lot of Winchester Power point and Speer Hot Core bullets and they work really well across canyons because the velocity has moderated enough to match bullet integrity. Theyre not optimum bullets but they still work and i purchased them for very reasonable prices.

[@rogertorgersen9995]

For hunting, I'm a huge fan of Nosler Partitions.

[@tsechejak7598]

Love them they still hold high prices but work as well or better then newer higher priced supposedly advanced designs but Im also tempted by the newer versions of the all copper coming out. That said I’ll never turn away a partition or Aframe load for elk!

[@jwdundon]

It's not too hard to get 2 moa out of the partition .... GOOD ENOUGH!

[@justadbeer]

I was a Nosler Partition guy for many years, until the copper solids came into play. I've been using Barnes TTSX and TSX bullets nowadays for all my hunting needs with great success. Dropping down in weight a bit gives higher velocities and flatter shooting. My two main calibers are 264 win mag and 300 win mag with the 264 as my go to baby. Switching from 140gr lead to 120 copper hasn't disappointed and has downed everything from zebra, kudu, eland, and most recently two Iberian red stags. The mushroomed bullet dropped out when we skinned the stag and I just weighed it at 120gr.

[@jakesmith2693]

If you love Barnes bullets. Check out the LRX bullets! Higher BC with same performance as the TTSX or TSX! You can kill game just a little further if you need it.

[@justadbeer]

@@jakesmith2693 - Thanks, I'll check it out!

[@oncall21]

Great video guys. I use Barnes TTSX in my .270 and 300 Magnums. I drop down in weight though so instead of a 180gr cup and core I'll use a 165gr, etc. Also I still have Woodleigh Weldcore projectiles that have never failed. The factory is up and running after the fire a couple of years ago and some calibers are back being produced. Thanks for sharing!

[@45-70Guy]

Good to hear they are back producing

[@tsechejak7598]

Tate and Ron are good together and Tate thanks for being a part and Id hope to get into the elk camp at some point!

[@careyhammett9253]

I’m a big fan Ron! Thanks for this excellent video!

[@lcee6592]

As always, distance and velocity can help or hurt any bullet. Very interesting discussion guys!

[@thomasnewman9443]

Tate was with me when I took an elk down using a 7mm rem mag 168gr Berger Federal at 467 yards two shoots bullets landed 1/8” apart and I have the pelt and pictures to show. Plus Tate had the video :) the animal was quartered to us shot through the front quarter bullets ended up in the rear quarter. The bullets were mangled, torn apart only thing that was partly intact was the tip which was odd.

[@tomhysell596]

The copper bullets do not expand well at long range. I have this happen with Barnes copper bullets . At 500 yards on a bull Elk one shot the bullet expanded about half way and the second bullet expanded only about 1/8 inch and stopped . I now use Speer Grand slam bullets and have not had the bullet not give me complete pass thru.

[@lmbear]

No mention of using "heavy for caliber" or heavy for cartridge bullets, when running cup and cores? That has always been the consensus. With elk, that is a must. So many different bullets work well, but you have to be mindful. Good video, guys..

[@donaldanderson3249]

My favorite for elk hunting has been the nosler partitions

[@edwardabrams4972]

They have been the standard since they came out back in 1948 when John and Bob started making them! My father started using them in the early 50’s and they made such a big difference on elk when in 1952 if I remember right my father started using them in 308 pre64. Today they make so many great bullets it’s almost to many but it sure makes it a lot easier to find and get a premium bullet to fit your hunting needs! Having been reloading hunting and collecting rifles over 60+ years I have tried most of the bullets out there and so happy we have so many choices today!

[@TODinWY]

@@edwardabrams4972 RIP John and Bob Nosler!

[@williamfeldner9356]

Nosler Partitions have never failed me……. 3 big Elk Bulls and many Whitetail and Mule deer……

[@rogerramjet7567]

Barnes is it. PERIOD. PERFORMANCE PLUS ACCURACY. !!👍👍

[@lycheeznuts]

narrow wound channels, poor BCs, no thank you

[@rslsmithing]

100 percent, 30 years of hunting, countless moose, elk, and deer here in BC between me and my partners sold it for me.

[@goodcitizen64]

As a medically retired 100% disabled veteran since 2001, I simply don't shot as well as I used to! Therefore, most of my shots on any game I take here in Texas is s less than 200 yards! My firearms can certainly shot better and further as I used to be able to do! With that stated, I'm still very picky about the hunting ammo I use, and I always practice with the ammo I'm going to hunt with! I'm still a firm believer in shot placement as well! Thanks gentlemen for another great video!!!!!

[@2009pa]

Hey Ron, 1st, you’ve found a real personality in Tate. He’s excellent and quite a natural in front of a camera. Regarding bullets, My son and I went on a safari adventure a year ago for his high graduation trip, a present he got for doing so well and earning a scholarship to pay for his own college education. I loaded my supergrade model 70 in .270 win with Barnes LRX in 129gr. and they performed extremely well at every distance from 40 yards on a trophy impala out to 360 yards on a white tailed gnu (black wildebeest)! We used them on everything from a steenbok to blue wildebeest with the same results; a clean pass-through with a large exit wound. I was really pleased with their terminal performance and recommended them for every situation. The only game I didn’t use them on was Eland and my trophy (46”) Cape buffalo. There, I opted for a.375 H&H, in a pre-64 Supergrade model 70 throwing 300gr. Swift A-Frames. With the exception of the Cape Buffalo, 1 heart/lung shot quickly terminated our quarry. The Cape buffalo was an exciting hunt and all I can say is my first shot was in one side and out the other through the both lungs at 40yards. The second shot was a straight on chest shot in the boiler room. The one that sealed the deal was a shoulder/neck shot. Yes, he was coming for me. I had one last A-Frame in the magazine if I needed a 10 yard Hail Mary! Anyway I’m sold on the LRX as an excellent option for all distance hunting. And the A-Frame? I believe it saved me from and good stomping l!!🤓

[@MinimumSpeedOperator]

Ron… “straighten up!” 😂 loved it

[@stephencarmichael5156]

I've used interlock 150g round nose in a 30-30 for years and they work very well up close. I also ran a Siera Gameking out of a 7-08 that fragmented on impact of a bone and made the inner thorax of the deer into a blood holding tank with very little blood loss. The 30-30 will open up nice leaking holes for a blood trail. With more though for this season I switched over to Hornady CX mono bullets in the 7-08 to get better hold on the high velocity closer range shots and allow for long range capability.

[@kerryfalls3292]

Thanks for bringing a quality guide on the show! Good to see you on the channel, Tate!!! Watching from Arkansas, I learn more from watching y’all than anyone else!!

[@glockparaastra]

Most important component for sure! Just put it in the right place.

[@JonPyzer]

Amen.

[@RobJamesUSMCScoutSniper]

I for one prefer the 150-175 grain federal terminal ascent, Nosler E-Tip, & Hornady CX in 7mm rem mag

[@AmericanViking1021]

Great video. Partition sure turns into a nasty little slug. I like it!

[@sappysiggy2351]

I blew up many a Whitetail shoulders with core lokt's out of 7RM, with lots of tracking. Switched to Fed-Fusion ( & 7-08) with good results. Seems like the higher Velocities demand a better bullet? BTY some writer in the late 90's was boasting about the Model 7 in 7-08 as the best workhorse for Whitetails, well all the shop had was a LW mountain 700. Glad I listened

[@tsechejak7598]

While I prefer thr model 70 to the model 700, one of my all time favorite riflrs is the original walnut and blue Remington 700 mountain rifle! I still don’t like how narrow the grips are on factory Remington stocks, one of many reasons I prefer the Winchester, but I love the 700 mountain rifle!

[@jasonrottlaender1721]

You guys completely jumped over the core lock style of bullets like the Hornady interlock and Remington core lock. Anyway I always wanted to try the mono bullets but the velocity thing just has me nervous. The same thing with Berger bullets. I feel much better using a bullet that will expand close or far within reasonable distance . I like the Hornady Interlock cheap to practice with but also like federal fusion and accubonds.

[@hawknives]

Try Hammer Bullets. Got 1/2 MOA with 117 grain Stone Hammers, with 270 Wetherby Mag. Testing the heavier bullets also.

[@TODinWY]

Those bullets are "Cup and Core". The locking ring really means nothing. They'll never keep the core from slipping in a tough situation.

[@usafret4709]

A wealth of information. Thank you.

[@sagar42095]

Ron for President

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thank you for the support but pass on President!!

[@joelpeterson8424]

Great to see the bullet cross sections. I learned a lot.

[@reptilesgamers00]

lol the mythical. Like long house and goatsee

[@RMM--uv7uk]

With the new technology.. Copper bullets are the way to go. You can shoot lighter for caliper and get the job done! Had an ELD-X and a Berger completely fail at close range a few years ago. So I switched to Copper.

[@ryanstuckey8677]

better be careful doing that. never seen a barnes bullet work if driven as fast as a larger magnum will drive a (light for caliber bullet) the petals just break off and they poke a caliber size hole in the target

[@edwardabrams4972]

@@ryanstuckey8677I have seen that happen a few times too but I have also seen the ELDX and the Berger do that too but even coming completely apart. I have found the bonded bullets in a heavier bullet will do a better job up close in magnums, my 30-378 provided this to be the case.

[@alexandergabrielse1651]

Great video. Well said and great points made. I always come down to velocity and bullet style are the key to their performance and that’s equal to the range for what you’ll shoot.

[@DCG550]

Good discussion. Bullet selection and bullet placement are what really matter. If you are not sure what to use, a Nosler partition is never a bad choice.

[@GaveMeGrace1]

Thank you both.

[@SamB-v8y]

Great video guys! Really appreciate the insight into the different bullet types. I've been hunting both deer and elk for several years now with 165 grain Hornady SSTs in 30-06 and experienced wildy different results from complete pass through to almost complete disintegration. Fortunately, all with excellent end results. Keep up the good work!

[@EricMayberry-t8s]

Federal trophy bonded tip out of a 7mm REM mag has done the job on my last 5 elk. I’ve recovered 2 bullets. The first inside 100 yards with excellent expansion. The second at 435 yards, still very good expansion. We use them for elk in several calibers.

[@nicholasmoe3656]

Ron i love your videos! Thanks for haven such great guests! Love listening to your knowledge and options.

[@davidscroggins5853]

Another great informative show about bullets I do appreciate it

[@TODinWY]

Ron, I think this will turn out to be one of your most watched vids.

[@KenB187]

Not a fan of all copper bullets. So many good bullets out there and the bonded bullets are outstanding, no matter which one you choose, can’t go wrong.

[@lanceroberthough1275]

Depends on what you're shooting at what range and how much energy you're putting on target. All due respect maybe watch the video again?

[@tsechejak7598]

I’m willing to try them but still really like Nosler partition, even if its not as sleek in the air as a tipped round like most are especially monometal ones.

[@kennybates399]

I’m a big fan of bonded bullets as well but there are some that just really aren’t that great. Norma bondstrike has a thin jacket all the way down which causes it to almost flatten out instead of using the shank to penetrate. As far as copper bullets go they are not all the same. Yes, while most need more velocity than a bonded to open up there are copper bullets that open up great down to 1800 fps, probably even lower, hammer bullets do great in that aspect and usually have higher bc than most copper bullets. Hammers will actually pedal back and then shed the pedals causing additional wound Channels while the shank continues to penetrate forward.

[@ericmillier6652]

Very true words! Thanks for the conversation and making me think.

[@texashunter664]

For Elk and most deer Partitions, Accubonds, and the Terminal Assent bullets are all I use. ELDX I will never use and is not allowed for use on our ranch.

[@SammyMoore-tg5gs]

Is that because you don’t understand physics or because you’re worried it will damage your high fence?

[@matthewwilson8315]

I use the A frames in 8mm or the partitions. Going to be trying the Brenneke TIG bullets next time out. The front half fragments! But the back harder core punches through.

[@peterconnan5631]

Excellent stuff gentlemen, but you missed my favorite type of bullet: the bonded solid shanks!

[@allanburton9385]

I've shot a lot of deer, WT and MD, with Winchester Ballistic Tip. None have run further than 30 yards, and most just drop. It's a cup and core bullet. Typical ranges are 150 to 450 yards. But, I'm now using Terminal Ascent. Muley flopped. Moose flopped. WT flopped.

[@dougkahler7152]

Best Elk bullet is the Barnes TTSX. Then your good bonded bullets. I used 165 grain X bullets in my 300 Rum at close to 3400 fps it just works from 50 to 600 yards so the guys telling you to drop down in weight are correct. In fact Randy Barnes said that decades ago. I’ve used the Nosler Partition and Accubonds and they are wonderful bullets also.

[@chrisgunsandguitars1403]

All the bullets work. Some just better than others. It’s why, and this video covers that pretty well. However, most manufacturers have the listed velocity AT THE TARGET that their bullet is designed to perform at expansion wise. Most bullets need 1700fps at the target to perform as intended. So whatever distance your bullet will drop below say 1700fps…..that’s your maximum distance. This will usually be farther than anyone wants to shoot so then you also determine at what distance you drop below say 1500ft-lbs at the target. Now most common calibers are above 1700fps and 1500ft-lbs inside 300yds, but it’s good information to know. I know Nosler has the minimum velocity on their website next to all the bullets they make as an example. The best bullet in the world will fail if you use it at a distance it wasn’t designed for. Good luck hunting!

[@johnnash5118]

Bullet RPM is an important ballistics aspect not commonly talked about, for those who don't care about how and why, just skip to the last paragraph. Knowing the true spin rate or RPM of your bullets upon leaving the muzzle is very important. First, spin rate, or RPM, will dramatically affect the performance of a bullet on a game animal. Ask any varminter and he’ll tell you that ultra-high RPM produces more dramatic hits with more “varmint hang time”. Second, RPM is important for bullet integrity. If you spin your bullets too fast, this heats up the jackets and also increases the centrifugal force acting on the jacket, pulling it outward. The combination of heat, friction, and centrifugal force can cause jacket failure and bullet “blow-ups” if you spin your bullets too fast. It is generally believed that, for match bullets, best accuracy is achieved at the minimal spin rates that will fully stabilize the particular bullet at the distances where the bullet must perform. That’s why short-range 6PPC benchrest shooters use relatively slow twist rates, such as 1:14″, to stabilize their short, flatbase bullets. They could use “fast” twist rates such as 1:8″, but this delivers more bullet RPM than necessary. Match results have demonstrated conclusively that the slower twist rates produce better accuracy with these bullets. The lesson here is that you want to use the optimal RPM for each bullet type. So how do you calculate that? Bullet RPM is a function of two factors, barrel twist rate and velocity through the bore. With a given rifling twist rate, the quicker the bullet passes through the rifling, the faster it will be spinning when it leaves the muzzle. To a certain extent, then, if you speed up the bullet, you can use a slower twist rate, and still end up with enough RPM to stabilize the bullet. But you have to know how to calculate RPM so you can maintain sufficient revs. Here is a simple formula for calculating bullet RPM: Muzzle Velocity x 720 ÷ Twist Rate For example, my 9-1/2 Twist, 7mm SAUM with a 175 gn. Nosler Partition has a muzzle velocity of @2902 fps. So 2902 X 720 ÷9.5 = @220,000 RPM, which is where hydrostatic shock comes from; even at 3/4 muzzle velocity @165,000 RPM, it still literally becomes an explosion inside the animal.

[@claw1952]

I was a Nosler Partition fan for years. Still use them in some calibers, but I reload more Barnes LRX bullets now than anything else. Great all around bullets and they don't destroy both shoulders when they hit. Clean pass through and minimal wasted meat. Have not lost anything yet since using them. Great bullets....

[@Eye_Guard]

This is a great video fellas. Great content, thank you Ron.

[@Rod1Malkin]

Hey Ron! Great as always and Tate is great in that he is so excited and enthusiastic... too often many of the pros or experts get a sort of subtle military-esque jaded aspect. This sport is fun recreation!!! All good!

[@nameshavebeenchangedtoprot2127]

Almost sounds like you should have a few rounds of both long range and short range ammunition with you in your rifle. Load up for short range, if a long opportunity presents itself, swap out the round since the noise won’t carry the distance.

[@SammyMoore-tg5gs]

This is what I do when I carry a rifle with a detachable magazine. The mag in the rifle is close range stuff. The mag in my right pocket is long range stuff. Sight the rifle in for long range stuff and use a comparable bullet weight for short range stuff. The difference at 200 yds and under is negligible.

[@daveenriquez7790]

Great Idea! of course, the 7mm PRC I just bought has the hinged floor plate, I guess I should have purchased the model with the DBM. I wish there was the perfect bullet performance for both close and far range. This is like broadhead selection/discussion. I carry both a strong mechanical broadhead for most stuff, but also carry a few fixed broadheads in my quiver depending on the situation, if I need to shoot through brush.

[@jeffglasman19]

I have always had good luck with the Sierra Game King bullets.

[@oakleygraham9529]

Nice, easy to digest content, as always, Ron. I'm not an elk hunter, but given the chance I would probably go with one of the solid copper options. If I had the opportunity to take an elk I'd really like all the penetration I could get and I don't expect I'd take a shot past 300 yards. I'm a Midwest woods hunter so all my whitetails have been taken around the 100-yard or less mark, maybe 150. I grew up using the power point and corlokt bullets in a 30-30 and they always got the job done at those ranges. I've since started reloading for a .308 and a .270 and have taken deer with the Hornady interlocks, 150 and 130 grain respectively. Always solid penetration and expansion. For deer I don't feel the need for a bonded bullet, but elk are an entirely different critter. Maybe someday I can hunt elk again here in my native Missouri.

[@makwaclaw6124]

Thank you for the explanation on the different bullets. I know of the bonded but breaking it down really helps.

[@Bill-4570]

Great info thanks , and not once did Ron bash the 308 winchester😂 ( i know your right about the 308 lol i just been using it for 45 years and keep it within its capabilities ).....i have a good selection of the bullets you fellows talked about but appreciate the info and your time👍

[@rustypipes12]

I've gone to copper bullets in everything I shoot.lncluding muzzleloader I think you're going to see regulations require it eventually pretty much everywhere. I hunt in the northeast and most shots are under 200 yd.s.

[@BornAgain2019]

The bullet matched to your quarry is paramount no doubt. Within 300 yards the cartridge and caliber isnt as critical. Standard cartridges 6.5 diameter and above will suffice for large game but when you start pushing the distance to 500 yds and beyond extra launch velocity makes a difference. Thats when a magnum of 7mm and up reigns supreme.

[@panthermartin7784]

Speer GrandSlam, the best there is, period. 100% reliability every time. Hoping for my 20th elk this November.

[@johnnydawson7675]

Speer Hot Cor is the best!

[@ronlowney4700]

☹️ In Several Online Surveys Done By Bigger U-Tube Channels, Roughly 40% of Hunters Surveyed Thought That The Bullet Choice Didn't Matter AT ALL For Hunting! 🤯 This Spawned Follow-up Videos By Vortex, Horneday, Backfire TV, etc... Addressing Some of These Differences! 🕵‍♂️ When It Comes To Bigger Animals, Like Elk, It Surely Does Matter! 🧐 So, It is Good To See You Addressing This Subject To Your "Listening Audience"! 👍😁

[@garrettschienschang7898]

When I tell people I use a 175 grain sierra match king otm at 3115 from my model 70 in 300wmg most tell me no that’s an elk round with too much ass for whitetail. I have to explain that while it’s very accurate and great at dropping deer the thin jacket, soft lead, and propensity to fragmenting makes it a poor choice on elk sized game.

[@garageliving3658]

Its not the range, its the velocity. They all have different specs on preferred speed. Short barrels are getting poplular which comes with lower velocity so using a cup and core will do just fine. Im building 6.8 western 20" barrel. Planning on using nosler 165 ablr, with hopefull speed around 2800. Good round out to my max criteria at 500yds

[@bryannabb0]

Got Hammers on the table. Throw em a shout out

[@George-tz1cv]

Use a partition. Been working since 1949! Nothing better.

[@tlloyd9325]

BARNES

[@generalpatten5043]

Problem with the copper monolith is they usually have a much poorer bc. Another issue is the length. If reloading a cartridge with limited case capacity, the long all copper bullets sometimes simply take up too much space in the case.

[@jaydunbar7538]

They don’t take up any more space then any other bullet, if you don’t want to loose the capacity then drop a size same as you would have to for any other projectile. If your trying to use the same weight copper as you would lead core then that’s your bad, they perform well above their weight so drop a weight class and send it. They do have a lower BC do to the lower weight vs length but that doesn’t seem to be bothering those in the king of 2 mile who are sending solids down range, if they can shoot plates at 2 miles I’m sure the deer won’t notice at 200 yards that the B.C. was lacking.

[@tsechejak7598]

I believe they on average per design have better BC but because they’re not as dense as lead they have less SD. They use velocity and weight retention to penetrate as deep or deeper then lead core, though a bonded bullet that is dual core or only a forward core, I would say in most cases would penetrate just as deep as a monometal bullet and mushroom at lower velocities

[@generalpatten5043]

@jaydunbar7538 Obviously they do take up more space in the case because they are longer. If you're not a reloader, then it wouldn't matter to you. As for dropping bullet weight, some of us hunt large creatures in areas where the "landlords" have teeth and claws. You go ahead and drop down in bullet weight, I'll stick with lead. Higher weight, more ft/lbs of energy and higher bc. As for shooting at two miles, any of those guys been attacked by a target yet?

[@tsechejak7598]

@@generalpatten5043 Higher sectional density is what makes it any bullet good for game dangerous or otherwise not BC. BC is just about very sleek and long shape for reaching out further and more accurately compared to other bullets with lower BC, though for long range its both high BC combined with high SD because a heavy for caliber round also gets through wind friction and maintains momentum and velocity while a lower SD bullet will loose velocity and not reach out as far. Just nitpicking on SD vs BC. SD doesn’t care what the shape of the bullet is just heavy for caliber and dense material choice(lead more dense then copper). BC incorporates SD because high bc bullet is usually long and heavy for caliber but BC is more about the shape being sleek both being long for caliber but also modern very pointy design and a good boattail taper at rear. What makes a bullet high SD is just being heavy while being small diameter. High BC is a long skinny shape but also a very sleek pointy ends shape, and because high BC includes long for caliber shape this usually equals high SD because long and skinny bullets also have high sectional density. The difference is a lead core with have a higher sd then a solid copper bullet of same caliber, length and shape since lead is more dense, and conversely a sleek pointy bullet will have higher BC then a straight cylindrical flat-end bullet of equal length, caliber and construction as its just too damn blunt to have the same BC. Everyone here knows this just think it’s important to call out the differences

[@greasydot]

The old Speer Grand Slam and the Nosler Partition used to be the go too for Elk and Moose back in the 70s and 80s. Now there are plenty of choices but the key is practice and know your rifle and its capabilities. Find a range you are confident at and do not eceed that range.

[@tsechejak7598]

Forgot about the grand slam but Ive also never used them, I believe they’re no longer available unless i’m confusing them with another type. I’m more familiar with partition and Aframe, and don’t use Aframe really either because of price u less i find a deal.

[@greasydot]

@@tsechejak7598 you can still get them but I read where they were changed up a bit.

[@nospam3409]

Unfortunately, I don't have the opportunity to hunt elk. For whitetail, and even personal defense, I've been really impressed with the softer monolithic bullets that are designed to expand (vs fragment). Even with a 6.5 Grendel, I've yet to not have a pass through. I hit a mature buck at 300 yds a few gears ago. He was quartering away and a little 105gr MKZ still penetrated WAY over 30" before exiting in front of the far shoulder.

[@jeremystyron9721]

Great idea RON you're right the bullets are the most important part. My opinion swift-A frame partition and monolithic bullets are really good for good penetration . Some new bullets iam trying are the new solid brass hollow points that fragment. I haven't taken an animal yet been in the testing stage and in ballistics gell they are very impressive. Keep up the awesome content. God bless you and your family God-bless America 🇺🇸

[@sgtrhyno]

I really like this week, all good info

[@johnking4221]

Since each of these performs best at different velocities, ot would be nice if they would list optimal ranges on the box. Maybe a solid copper performs best till 400 years for that particular load, whereas althea cup and corea is a 200-600 yard bullet.

[@Sapper-zq2sr]

Have a bull hunt in 9 days I'm taking my 338 Lapua with 250 fed trophy copper. And will have a 300wby with 200 eldx in camp just in case. I like to have a backup rifle cause you never know what could happen to a scope. Mid hunt is not the time to be heading back to town for another rifle

[@mwp597]

I'm curious why you skipped over some of the Speer bullets. Like the 160 Grand Slams or the Boat tail SP. It's all good info for good Elk bullets.

[@SammyMoore-tg5gs]

Bthp falls under cup and core

[@josephphelps5696]

Yes them Speer Grand Slam , one shot & one kill!!! Used em for years! Never failed me . & that’s with that little O .308 I grew up using them ol Win. Silver tips also. Large aluminum tipped? Only lost one front shoulder on a white tailed deer. ( & that’s like shooting 100’s of them ). Joe Bush Out! Hiding in Northern Saskatchewan Canada! ( you know the place boys, we’re the worlds largest white tail deer live! ) Ha. Ha. Happy Hunting!

[@davidlantz4560]

Federal fusion 150gr 30-06 works very good on elk an moose an black bear as long as you stay under 300 yards....I used it for years....

[@flyfisher56ify]

This is all great, but still comes down to shot placement, and knowing your equipment to make that shot…..which takes lots of practice…..IMO

[@danorcutt-oc6ns]

I’d junk those scopes too, had the same kind of results out of a new savage package took the rail off, blue loctite on the screws and torqued everything still the same results. Almost threw the gun away after 8-10 different bullets on different loads. Put a leupold on it and the first load I tried after that went well sub moa and just stuck with that cx load I tried first so I didn’t have to clean the barrel again before the youth season

[@randysmith8604]

That was a great presentation thanks.

[@blaserlongrange7616]

Bullet placement is the number one, then the bullet construction

[@larrypjonesjr2224]

Great information. Thank you. What would you choose: caliber & bullet?… what would you go hunting with… & where are you hunting?

[@20cameron1]

Barnes TTSX and Hornady CX are what my Tikka prefer.

[@FT270Win]

300 Weatherby Magnum handloaded with Barnes 180g TSX. What more is required? Recoil isnt an issue.

[@jefferywilliams7687]

I would add the Federal Terminal Ascent. It is the best of both worlds. Tough and high BC like a Barnes and expands like a Partition. Usually see 85% retention or better. Killed 3 bulls and all have had exceptional performance.

[@HM1-d4d]

Berger and Hornady makes nice paper target bullets. The Real Gunsmith on KZbin knows

[@lancekrystoff9619]

Randy Selby is a brilliant man and I would certainly say that he knows his stuff on the matter…HOWEVER, he also occasionally gets some preconceived notions. He’s an old timer. Typically he talks down on the Hornady ELD-X which I am skeptical of. Hornady makes some other great bullets that perform well on game. I have little experience with Speer.

[@TODinWY]

The old Nosler/Winchester Combined Technology Partitions were made like the A-Frames but had a little better BC.

[@elkhuntr2816]

I think not everyone realizes that you will not drop an elk in his tracks if you hit him where you should (double lung). It doesn't matter much how much energy your cartridge has, they usually won't drop. You should expect them to run away for about 30 seconds and then die. If you do drop them in their tracks, you probably got lucky (bad shot placement) and hit the elk somewhere in the central nervous system. The exception might be a high shoulder shot. Just because an elk didn't drop in his tracks doesn't mean you need more "knock down power".

[@VinnyVince762]

Well said,,I hav once seen a clip whr Elk/Eland sized animal got hit by a 50BMG it walked it off n kissed the mellow in a few ...so yeah bullet+placement

[@jrwstl02]

Never shoot an elk “high shoulder”.

[@elkhuntr2816]

@@jrwstl02 "Never shoot an elk “high shoulder”." I agree. Thats' why I said if an elk drops in his tracks, you most likely mads a bad shot and got lucky with a central nervous system hit. Double lung gives the most margin for error.

[@jrwstl02]

@@elkhuntr2816 Agree. Location of elk vitals so different than deer. For new elk hunters, we draw a horizontal line across the center (half way between bottom and top) of an elks chest and instruct to never shoot above that line. Further instructing that 1/3 of the way up from the bottom is ideal. Still hear hunters talking about how to “drop an elk in its tracks”, which can result in wounded unrecovered elk. I would emphasize what you said: hit him where you should (double lung).

[@kennybates399]

Obviously there are a lot of choices out there but my top picks for elk in every category would be as follows: copper bullet- hammer hunter Bonded- nosler accubond or federal terminal ascent Partition- nosler partition, opens easier than the swift a-frame but still penetrates deep. Cup and core- something with a good core lock in it like Remington corelokt or hornady interlock

[@buckdown1658]

Federal Trophy Bonded Tip and Terminal Accents are a good in the middle bullet, imo. However, for reloaders, they are almost impossible to find them in stock

[@donspears6557]

I've had 150 grain SST come apart on a small buck. However, I use 123 SST out of my 6.5 CM out of my 14" CVA pistol on White Tails and they have worked great.

[@SammyMoore-tg5gs]

I’m guessing that 150 gr sst was out of a .30 cal? The sectional density will be significantly lower on the heavier but larger diameter .30 cal bullet, which means it won’t carry its weight as well on impact. Sectional density is an under appreciated characteristic of bullets, especially when it comes to hunting. Match bullets that are heavy for caliber actually stand up quite well to other hunting bullets because they tend to have very high sectional densities. Take the 180 gr Berger VLD Hunter in .284 cal. While it has a thinner jacket than most hunting bullets, it has the SD advantage at .319. That, and the design of the nose of the bullet, will give it great initial penetration, even through bone, and still allow it to massively upset and create large permanent and temporary wound cavities.

[@donspears6557]

That's correct. 300 WM at 3000 fps. Quartering at 200 yds. Hit the ribs first and it ended up in leg joint. All my 123 SST out 6.5 CM 14" scout pistol leave the barrel at 2350 ish. Deer go maybe 20 yds.

[@benjaminconsler5699]

I have become a huge fan of copper bullets for anything out to about 500yds. I don't shoot at game farther than that but if I did I would go bonded

[@mr.mr.3301]

Tipped cup and core are more frangible. The tipped core lockt don’t hold together as well as the standard. The same with the interlock vs sst.

[@jamesyarbrough4777]

id second that. ive had interlock exit where sst did not. same grain, same rifle, same distance. sst are frangible.

[@mr.mr.3301]

@@jamesyarbrough4777 even the federal fusion tipped does not retain as much weight per Mason Leathers test.

[@jamesyarbrough4777]

@@mr.mr.3301 i believe it. ya know ive had really good luck with hot-cor. they shoot well, seem to hold up on medium game and dont break the bank. they might do ok on larger stuff too, idk.

[@mr.mr.3301]

@@jamesyarbrough4777 my go to a federal fusion

[@brycepoetker7080]

I would suggest you go check out the hornady podcast because I know in one of there episodes were they are talking about projectile design and how they got dependable consistent accuracy AND terminal performance the polymer tips actually have a big part to play in both. I'll go listen through them and post up the episode number here unless someone else who knows beets me to it.

[@demetriuscooksey7147]

Cartridge comes into the equation way after the jerk behind the trigger and the bullet.

[@ronaldjohnson1474]

Finally, I've seen a valid reason for monolithic bullets. They're about the closest thing to a broadhead on an arrow. But now that's an argument for mass vs velocity.

[@tsechejak7598]

A good broadhead combines cutting with good velocity compared to throwing a spear or shoving a spear by hand at an elk that will likely kill the hunter getting that close. I say that because as powerful as a high velocity high penetration projectile is, its just impact and blunt force penetration while a good sharp clean broadhead, I SPECULATE cuts many more organ tissues and vessels then a bullet which creates hydrostatic shock, or at distances just bluntly punches holes in lungs and if you’re accurate enough the heart as well. There’s probably too many factors for either bullet or arrow that the average its a wash between the two, both equally successful. I however again speculate only that the large relatively slow broadhead has a slight tissue damage and bleeding advantage over a high velocity bullet due to broadhead better cutting design, even though both penetrating equal,(broadheads tend to shimmy right on out the other side as some bullets can unless really mushroomed out). So I see the main advantage for a good CF rifle and cartridge/bullet combo is a good kill at a much greater distance which means less need to close with a nervous Elk, and less likely to get trampled and stabbed by the elk, but I think a good arrow shot possibly having a slightly better killing ability on an elk then a bullet.

[@andyeighttre]

Be great to see a sub set of copper bullets new gen. DRT, Hammer, Lehigh, and Cutting Edge etc

[@jasonkilgore1977]

I only hunt Whitetail with the legendary 308!. lol so I only use cup and bullets. They have worked wonderful for me on Whitetail. However, I always wondered you let bullets have a better retained energy down range less wind drift than the new monolithic bullets. I feel that they should, but I don’t know that that’s true. I feel that because it is a heavier bowl in a smaller package.?

[@natebaker1000]

Hi Mr Ron and Mr Tate, Nate here in MO. I haven't hunted elk yet but plan to, I have however shot a few white tail deer and I have switched to the barnes TTSX 168 gr out of my 30-06 a couple years back and it's killed 3 out of 3 I shot that said one dropped and was instantly dead the other 2 ran about 25 yards then dropped. Varying distances but solid copper seems to be effective, that's my observation anyway, thank you for all the awesome content

[@stephenballard3759]

The bullet is absolutely more important than the name of the round. This is absolutely true of arrows, as well. Lethality is down to the projectile.

[@stephenballard3759]

That said I really do quite well with Federal Silver Tips and Remington Core-Lokt.

[@danorcutt-oc6ns]

Too bad about the 700, I got a new adl last year in .270 and it’s been one of the best shooting rifles I’ve had I also got a box of terminal ascent 175 grain bullets to load in .300 wm and with ramshot grand and a 26” barrel I’m getting 3160 fps with ramshot grand under max load and no pressure, can’t wait to put a hurt on something big really soon

[@geraldb4201]

for moose ive had great luck with my 7mm rem mag shooting hornady 175 gr interlockand for deer sized game in my 308 winchester its interlock 150gr bullets my 30-06 i like the speer 165 gr or the 180gr hot cores but then again the longest shot ive ever taken a deer at was 425 yards the 2nd longest shot was 225 yards most shots have been under 150 yards or less on the moose the longer shot was 150 yards and the other moose was at 45 yards so no really long shots up here in the north east on game animals

[@ExpeditionaryRanger]

Switched to non-lead simply to avoid feeding my wife and daughters moose with lead residue and fragments. Determined that .308 with ttsx needs to be limited to 250 yards on moose double lung shots after examining recovered bullets. .30-06 this year, math says should be same performance out to 340!yards. Using LRX but not grouping well.