Choosing The Right Bullet For Elk

Choosing the correct bullet type for elk is crucial for a successful harvest and humane kill. A common mistake is to choose a bullet type designed for thin skinned animals such as deer (CXP2 class). These bullet types are designed for rapid, controlled expansion. Rapid expanding bullets are not suitable for elk.

Elk are large frame, heavy animals with tough skin, heavy muscle tissue and large bones (CXP3 class). Bullets designed for elk have the characteristics of delayed control expansion and deep penetration. Deep penetration is the key for elk type animals.

The following bullet types/loaded ammo are designed for elk type animals and are listed in no particular order:

• Nosler Partition
• Winchester Accubond CT
• Barnes TSX & tipped version 
• Winchester XP3 & E tip
• Trophy Bonded Bear Claw
• Trophy Bonded Tip
• Swift A-frame
• Hornady GMX (this bullet does not work good at velocities less than 2,000 fps)
• Woodleigh Weldcore

There are a few others out there too. I prefer a polymer tipped bullet to non-tipped due to tipped bullets having a higher ballistic coefficient. Not all of these bullets are available to hand loaders. Certain rifle ammo is still in limited supply so if you have a elk rifle hunt booked you need to start locating and acquiring your ammo now. I suggest buying 3 or 4 of these types and testing them in your rifle and then buying enough of the winning round to meet your practice and trip needs. 

I have not tried all these bullet types. I have found the Barnes TSX and Trophy Bonded Tip to be accurate in my rifle. I suggest you try these two and two others. Find one that your rifle shoots
well. 

Always read the label on the box of ammo to ensure that its designed for deep penetration. Most ammo manufacturers will state in writing, picture form, or both, what the ammo is designed for. If you're ordering on line, check the manufacturer's website prior to ordering.

I have included pictures of ammo boxes to illustrate the point. Only one box pictured is designed for elk (Federal-it has a picture of an elk in the upper left hand corner of the box). The Hornady box pictured is the SST and is not suitable for elk.

In closing, make sure you use bullet types designed for elk. You have a lot of money invested in your hunt and you owe it to yourself to use the bullet type that will increase your chances for a successful harvest.

Agnew Smith Jr.- Client, Hunting With Montana Whitetails