.30-06 165 gr. vs. 180 gr. for Elk.

I was wondering what the group consensus on this one might be.

I have two different loads worked up, one for the Hornady 165 grain and one for the Hornady 180 grain bullet. The 165 grain load will provide a higher velocity with comparable terminal energy as the 180 grain, which will travel slightly slower.

The 'plus' for the 180 is the extra 15 grains of weight that provide a higher sectional density and will hopefully stay together better once the bullet strikes the animal.

The 'plus' for the 165 is the incredible accuracy and tightness of grouping that I am getting for the round, which the 180 doesn't seem to be capable of.

Granted, I could chase this in the 180, experimenting with loads and COL's, primers, etc. until I hit upon the right combination. But I got lucky from the start on the 165's and hit that all from the first test.

So, is switching from a 165 to a 180 grain bullet really worth it for a higher sectional density? The round will be used on Arizona Elk and (maybe) Black Bear.

BTW- I like to use the Hornady because one load will apply to the next, for each bullet type in a given weight. Meaning I can change from a Interbond to an SST to an Interlock without having to re-test/reset my load data for powder weight or type, COL, or primer.

What do y'all think?

You aren't the first person to discover that his .30-06 just loves a 165 grain bullet. A lot of hunters never shoot anything else for just that reason.

You may never find a suitable 180 grain load that will shoot as well as the 165. You might end up having to modify your rifle to change barrel resonance. The question is, is it worth it?

The three most critical factors in elk hunting are shot placement, shot placement and shot placement. 165 grains will bring down an elk if you hit it right. If you don't hit it right, the extra 15 grains aren't going to do squat. If you are the type of hunter who takes long quartering shots, you are going to wound a lot of animals no matter what you are shooting. If you are the type who waits for a good heart/lung shot, 165 grains will be plenty.

I suspect you knew that already.

Bunk... Putting an inferior bullet into the ribcage of an elk might produce satisfactory results, then again it might not. Bullet construction is a very important factor. If a shooter/hunter doesn't believe that's an important consideration, then they shouldn't be wasting their time working up handloads.

By the way...I've seen Hornady Interloc's fail on moose.

If you don't hit anything vital with that premium bullet, it will be worthless. It's not hard to poke holes in an elk, but it is tough to bring one down. The big disasters I have seen have all been some yahoo with a hot magnum and premium bullets who thought that gave him a license to take a bad shot.

Bullet type is a separate consideration from bullet weight. I have never used a Hornady bullet for hunting, so can't talk about them. I use Nosler bullets because they are a local company and I buy local where possible. I'm fortunate, because Nosler, Leupold and Hevishot are all Oregon products. It really simplifies the comparison shopping.

My friends and I have had so-so luck with Hornady bullets on big game. They have a tendency to shatter and not penetrate enough to bring the game down quickly. Same with Speer Grand Slams. I have an AZ mule deer hide on the wall with a 3' entrance hole where a Grand Slam blew up going in.

I'd go with a Nosler Partition in 180gr. or a non-moly 150gr. Nosler Partition Gold. Next choice would be one of the Winchester Fail Safes or Barnes X (but not the XLC). The Partition expands and penetrates clear through and will break heavy bone on the way.

I hunted AZ for quite a few years and saw some really nice elk. The risk of loosing one to a Hornady bullet that failed is not one I'd take, especially if I had to track a wounded one down one of those deep high altitude canyons west of Beaverhead. Use a bullet that will hold together and penetrate clear through both lungs to collapse them. That will bring your game down quickly and limit your trailing.

Good hunting.

I think I would pick a different bullet for elk. I would suggest you look into the Nosler Partion bullet or the Speer Trophy Bonded Bear Claw bullet. I don't think I would concern myself over the 165 v 180 grain bullet.

You've never hunted with BP, have you?

Sam A. Kersh NRA Patron TSRA Life Member LEAA Life Member Gun Owners of America

Placement, Placement,Placement!!!!!

You could drop an elk with a 223 if you hit it just right, not that I would endorse that in anyway. Most people will go with conventional wisdom a tell you that a 30-06 is under powered and you should trade up to a belted magnum. They might be right depending on their ability to place a good shot on a reliable basis. One fact that can't be arged is, it won't matter how much power a miss was. I know. I shot the side of a mountain with a 300 win mag. It was high in mineral content but otherwise not good table fair. Go with what you trust to hit what you think you have to hit.

Good luck,

James E. Thayer

<snip of 165 gr. vs. 180 gr. debate>

Here in CO, we can get an 'additional' cow elk tag & I can hunt elk in 2 seasons. I use the Hornady 165 gr. light magnum. Last year I got one shot kills in both seasons. One shot was under 50 yards, one shot was about 200 yards, which is the longest shot I've taken at an elk in a long time. I've killed several elk with 165 gr bullets, & many we're one shot kills. Take the bullets that hits where you're aiming, & 'hunt' your way close to your target.

Keep the SPECIFIC question that is being discussed here in mind

That would be like saying when shopping for a major league baseball team, you like to shop locally - when Bonds, Sosa, Pedro, Pulous, & ARod are in your home town.