Deer/elk combo... bullet size question.

[PointsHunter]

I typically shoot 150/165 gr bullets for deer and 180 gr for elk. Everyone has their own bullet preference but that's mine pretty much regardless what rifle I'm using. This fall I'm doing a back country Deer/Elk combo hunt - 7 days with deer only for first 3 days then both in season for the final 4. I've already locked in on taking a 300 Dakota and there isn't significant difference in zero/drop out to about 300 yards.

I've pretty much made up my mind to only go with 180 gr for the entire hunt... But this is the first time I've chased both during the same season and thought this forum might be good place to get some other opinions. Would anyone even consider taking two different bullet sizes?

 

[Ikeepitcold]

I would only take the one. 180 is just fine for both.

 

[Musket Man]

I would only take 1 bullet. If it will kill an elk it will kill a deer and I doubt either will know if you shot them with a 150, 165, or 180. Good luck on your hunt!

 

[sjsmallfield]

I would only take the one. 180 is just fine for both.

I would have to agree. Take the 180 for both.

 

[Topgun 30-06]

Yep!!! I'm with the others on this one!

 

[2rocky]

Piling on. Sight in the 180 and Go hunting!

 

[Retterath]

Any of those are going to kill an elk and deer. Shot placement

 

[mattdeere]

+1 on all the above.

 

[woodtick]

What ever one shoots the best

 

[Sawfish]

I would only take 1 bullet. If it will kill an elk it will kill a deer and I doubt either will know if you shot them with a 150, 165, or 180. Good luck on your hunt!

Very true. More important is where you hit them.

 

[vince]

I'm a one rifle one load kind of guy. The 180's ate perfect for both. I run the 180gr TTSX in my 30-06. From coyotes to elk it's the bomb.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

 

[droptine]

I'm going on a similar hunt this fall. Shooting a 300 wsm haven't even thought of using nothing less than 180 gr. bullet

 

[squirrelduster]

180's usually shoot good in the big 30 caliber mags without the serious recoil of the 210 gr. Ballistics are better on them than the smaller weight bullets. Performance on both deer and elk is excellent with a good bullet like an accubond or the Berger 185. Doesn't destroy too much meat unless you hit a big bone.
Have a great trip.

 

[ALDERBUSTED]

I've killed 2 bull elk with a .270 140gr nosler, my wife anchored a nice bull caribou with the same rifle/bullet combo. I can think of only a few situations where a 30cal 180gr bullet wouldn't be enough for North America and that would be if you were after Brownies/Grizz, Moose, Buffalo or.... you're a lousy shot. Here in AK some guys will put a 220gr in the top of the mag if they're sheep hunting just in case they bump a Brownie. If you do need to draw on a bruin the range will be so short you won't be worrying about bullet drop.