Help setting up first elk hunt

[MontanaRifleman]

You'll get a lot of different opinions, but yes a 30-06 will do just fine to well past 500 yds with the right load. My first choice of bullet would be a 215 Berger Hybrid and powder would be RL17. Perfect combo in the .06 IMO. 17 can be a little sensitive to temp but it will mean nothing inside of 600 yds. Of course, "your" rifle may or may not like that combo.

Broz has had a lot of success with the 215 hybrid

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f19/comparing-berger-210-vld-215-hybrid-88657/

If you use the 215, you will want a minimum of 1800 fps impact velocity and maybe a little more for insurance. That would be your max range other than accuracy restrictions. They work best in the boiler room but will do OK with a shoulder shot.

 

[maddog70]

gun)Thanks again MtnaRflmn,
I'll give that recipe a try in my pre'64 model 70 Win. and see how she prints out. I have a selection of Berger bullets but they are more for target than hunting. Just another good reason to go to the gun store! )

 

[MontanaRifleman]

The 215 Hybrid is technically a target bullet but has performed very well on game. Another bullet to consider is the Nosler 210 AB Long Range. It doesn't have as good a BC as the 215 but would be a good performer in the .06

 

[wyomingblizzard]

P.M.Sent

 

[kcebcj]

gun)Thanks again MtnaRflmn,
I'll give that recipe a try in my pre'64 model 70 Win. and see how she prints out. I have a selection of Berger bullets but they are more for target than hunting. Just another good reason to go to the gun store! )

Depending on availability you might want to try what I use in my Pre 64 06. 190gr Berger Hunting VLD 53gr RL17 @ 2707fps. Pretty good load and performs with enough velocity and energy to take elk out to 650 yards. The 215's will get you out to 720+ - or so.

 

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

Depending on availability you might want to try what I use in my Pre 64 06. 190gr Berger Hunting VLD 53gr RL17 @ 2707fps. Pretty good load and performs with enough velocity and energy to take elk out to 650 yards. The 215's will get you out to 720+ - or so.

I like this over the 215 for the 30-06 but the 215 may do just fine, other options could be accubond or ttsx in 180 or 200g

 

[MontanaRifleman]

I like this over the 215 for the 30-06 but the 215 may do just fine, other options could be accubond or ttsx in 180 or 200g

My reasoning for the 215 is,

When it comes to hunting and penetration, heavier foe cal bullets almost always perform best and this is especially true for frangible VLD's. If you check out Broz's thread you'll see the best performance for penetration was beyond 500 yds. Inside 500 he was not getting exits. They worked fine for lung shots but the lower velocity impacts were best for penetration like for a quartering or shoulder shot. Berger advertises 13"-15" penetration which is consistent with Broz's closer high velocity impacts. A 30-06 is essentially a 300 WM 200-300 yds farther down range.

I have not loaded for a 30-06 and haven't seen any data on 215's in an .06 but I know of at least 2 members getting over 2700 fps in 308's using RL17 and 208 Amax's. I have pushed 210 VLD's to 2930 in a 24" 300 WSM with RL17. The .06 falls right between so I would guess 2700 fps is very doable with the 215's. Bros was getting over 3000 in his 28" WM and H1000.

The 208 Amax's are probably as good a choice as the 210 ABLR's. And most any 180 gr bullet or heavier will probably do well inside 500-600 yds depending on load and BC. I think the edge goes to the 215.

 

[maddog70]

Thanks again Mark, It's great having access to those with experience. It saves a lot of time and money making up loads that might be marginal at best. The heaviest Berger I have on hand is the 185 VDL Hunting and Match. I was playing with rounds for the 1000yd matches at Perry. Never made it. Had to have eye surgery that yr but they're both good now. )