Berger 30cal 215 and 230 results on elk size game??

[CUTTER1]

I've been using 210 VLDs on 3 elk in custom 300 RUM. Worked ok but thinking of moving up to 215 or 230s.
Looking for infield results! Also loads. So far H1000 in ladder tests with 215 & 230 have produced very good accuracy and stellar velocity compared to even the 210.
I appreciate any input you have.

 

[Buxndiverdux]

I have no personal experience on elk, but the general wisdom here is the 215's are excellent on elk, but in the 300 Rum, go with the 230's.

 

[CUTTER1]

Have had 3 sources tell me the 230s don't expand well and the 215 at close range (<300yds) open up too soon which has been my experience with 210
A call to Berger was no help as the person I spoke to this week had no idea other than "target bullets aren't recommended for hunting". Prior to the AZ move they have been amazingly helpful!

 

[slv hunter]

I use 84.6g retumbo with 230''s mv 2810. Nothing I have harvested has taken a step. My chamber is saami spec so with a longer throat more velocity would be attainable. Retumbo is very good for not being temp sensitive.
Good luck

 

[Elkeater]

Check out the 210vs 215 broz thread.

https://www.longrangehunting.com/threads/comparing-the-berger-210-vld-to-the-215-hybrid.88657/

 

[Canhunter35]

A buddy used the 230s and they've worked well for him.

 

[NEMTHunter]

You will no regret the 215 Berger for sure. Its a great bullet and one of the best cup-and core .30 cal bullets for big game. Short or long range they will do the job. But then I also do not shoulder shoot game.

I can not say about the 230 but IMHO the 215 is a better choice. The BC is not much different but with eh 215 you will get more velocity an din most cases that more then makes up for the slightly less BC.

I to have heard the 230 do not expand as good as the 215 on Game.

 

[lancetkenyon]

We have used them both on elk out of my .300RUM.
215 over H1000 @ 3101. Taken numerous elk from 40 to 882 with it. Nothing went more than 10 yards, and most have dropped at the shot.

230 over Retumbo @ 3113. Only taken 2 elk with them so far, but both dropped at the shot. 160ish and 607. Also taken a few coyotes from 160 to 1365 with them....dang.

 

[Rhovee]

I shot a deer last year with a 215 going 3100 from 30 yards away. Golf ball sized hole through and through.

 

[Doublezranch]

I shoot the 230 Berger out of my 300 RUM. The combo of a 28" barrel and RL33 brings my velocity with the 230 to 3127. I have shot 2 elk that were dead as soon as the bullet hit them. The 230 is a hard hitting and accurate bullet. Rest assured if you can get it to shoot, it will do the job.

 

[bigngreen]

In my experience and from the feed back I've gotten from guys the 215 is as good as it gets to about 3000 fps, edging to 3100 they start opening a little more aggressive up close but you put it through the lungs and it crushes them. The 230 has proven at long range in RUMs very well, up close you have a little more mass to drive it. I've seen them open on very light game just fine, the 215 and 230 are my favorite two bullets for elk bar none!!

 

[Ron Milby]

I have take an elk, moose, pronghorn, and a buffalo with the 215s. Worked great.

 

[Jeffrey Van Zandt]

215 and H-100 are a win win on any large game. I have used them from the time they came out and have never had to take 2 shots.! and down have taken brown, and black bear moose, boos, deer,sheep and goats never had any thing go mor the 14 foot from first round hit

 

[Deleted member 107796]

All of the feedback sounds spot on, but I was wondering if you've considered going to a lower weight. I used a 175gn Berger VLD on last year's elk and it was an elk grenade out of my 300WSM and the load was very easy to dial in for excellent accuracy.