280ai which load for elk?

[Palix-Dog]

Kimber Hunter 24 inch barrel.

 

[dogz]

congrats, did you ever shoot both to 600 to see how they did at that range?

 

[Big Turnips]

You get a little more energy at the muzzle with the partition, marginally less at 600 yards.
Mid range, it's a toss, both bullets are close.
if you were to have a shot beyond 600 yards, the 160 grains Accubond would be better. To 500-600 yards, I'd pick the one that shoots best but I'm more inclined to go with the heavier bullet for elk. Both are great bullets. I just checked the ballistics before replying.

 

[Chris J Spierings]

Had a one shot kill at 300 yards on a 5 point with a 162 ELDX with a muzzle velocity of 3026.

 

[Mc Fraser]

Had a one shot kill at 300 yards on a 5 point with a 162 ELDX with a muzzle velocity of 3026.

Congrats!
Can you share some of your rifle specs, like barrel length, twist rate and perhaps your load data? 3000 fps is impressive

 

[GSP814]

My LAW shot the 140 Accubond and the Hornady ELD-X real good!

 

[Chris J Spierings]

Congrats!
Can you share some of your rifle specs, like barrel length, twist rate and perhaps your load data? 3000 fps is impressive

Rock Creek 25" 8.5 twist on a Ruger M77 action using Imr 7828ssc CCI primer 162 ELDX Nosler brass little bit north of 61 grains of powder

 

[dogz]

From my exprience you'd have to be a pretty darn far way north of 61 to get 3026 with a 162 and 7828

 

[Ingwe]

I have a 280 ai with 2 loads worked up. 150 gn Partition loaded at 3100 fps and 160 gn Accubond loaded to 2930 fps?
Which do I use for elk out to 600 yds.

Accubond

 

[theddguide]

I would lean towards the 160 simply because it outta cut the wind better.

 

[Old Rooster]

Back in the late 70's I shot a 6x5 bull with a 308 and 150 gr Partitions a bit over 300 yards in timber and the Partition performed flawlessly!
That being said I also use Accubonds more now as my favorite 300 win mag shoots them so well.
Both kill well but as several said choose the one that shoots better in your rifle.
Old Rooster

 

[Bullmark]

My .280ai drives tacks with Berger VLD 168s. Bartlein 1/8.7, 24" w/ area 419 brake. Getting just shy of 3000fps w/ 57gr of 4350.
I don't know how they would perform on a big bull elk but I did make the mistake of shooting a small whitetail doe @295yds. She was quartering away just a smidge and I thought she was more broadside. So my builder room shot exited through the off side shoulder and the damage was massive. Basically a softball size exit.
Ive never hunted elk....can't get off the big whitetail obsession long enough. I always envisioned the need to shoot a heavier bullet for elk, but after joining this group I see many guys, a lot smarter than me, who are killing them stone dead with 140-150 gr.
So I agree with the comment to shoot what your rifle shoots best. Good luck and happy hunting.

 

[slas]

My .280ai drives tacks with Berger VLD 168s. Bartlein 1/8.7, 24" w/ area 419 brake. Getting just shy of 3000fps w/ 57gr of 4350.
I don't know how they would perform on a big bull elk but I did make the mistake of shooting a small whitetail doe @295yds. She was quartering away just a smidge and I thought she was more broadside. So my builder room shot exited through the off side shoulder and the damage was massive. Basically a softball size exit.
Ive never hunted elk....can't get off the big whitetail obsession long enough. I always envisioned the need to shoot a heavier bullet for elk, but after joining this group I see many guys, a lot smarter than me, who are killing them stone dead with 140-150 gr.
So I agree with the comment to shoot what your rifle shoots best. Good luck and happy hunting.

I laughed at this because I did the same thing (168 VDL) on an Oklahoma white tail and felt like I had lost half my deer.........Huge exit hole and damage galore!

 

[andres3]

I agree with which ever shoots best in your rifle.