06 factory ammo

[Russ P]

What is the best factory load for the 30/06 for long range Elk hunting
sighting in with Rem core lokt,not all that impressed 180 gr.
can hand load if it would help.
Thanks.
Russ P

[M.T. Pockets]

I would look long and hard at the Federal Premium "High Energy" loads. I think they load a 180 Nosler Partition - ballistically it is neck & neck with a .300 Win. Mag. I think this would be very hard to beat for a long range elk load in a .30-06.

Not many factory loads heavier than 180 in .30-06. Personally, I'd like a 180 grain bullet or heavier in any .30 cal. rifle.

Hornady loads a magnum load too that would be worth a try.

[Russ P]

Thanks for your input,I will give the Federal loads a try .

[rem 700]

What do you consider long range? Something like 700 yards needs a bullet that will expand with less force than a shot under 400.

[PJgunner]

I think the Federal High Energy loads have been discontinued. I still have a patrial box with the 180 gr. TTBC, and frankly, I was not impressed. I wasn't too impressed with the Hornady Light Magnums either. Both loads just barely came up to factory .300 H&H Magnums which is about 200 FPS slower than my M70 shoots the same weight bullet from normal factory ammo. Recoil is fairly stout and accuracy, at least in two of my 30-06 rifles just plain sucked. I didn't bother trying a third rifle. At least, in my rifles that I tried them in, they were a great high priced disappointment.
Paul B.

[Russ P]

Thanks for the input from yoiu guys, I think 300 to 400 is max for me,not fair to game to push it too much,I will shoot 200/300yd for practice I am using a Savage now with Rem core lokt and so far at 100 yr the groups are great,180gr looked into Fed loads and got confused on which to try,may just stick with Rem,they have worked ok on Moose and Cariibou
,Maybe if It ain't broke don't fix
Russ

[M.T. Pockets]

Russ, I picked up a box of Core Lokt Ultra's and plan on trying them at my range this afternoon. The rifle is a Rem. 700 in .300 Win Mag. It shoots the regular Core Lokt's as good as it shoots any factory ammo. If the Ultra's shoot well in my rifle, I may take it elk hunting this fall. It's either this or Remington's 200 grain Swift A-Frame.

The Ultra is an upgraded Core Lokt where the lead is bonded to the jacket to prevent separation, I think the mid section of the jacket is heavier too. I avoid bullets that separate lead from the jacket like I avoid the IRS. From all I've heard & read, the Core Lokt Ultra is a good performer on large game.

The last elk I shot was with .30 cal. 180 grain Fail Safes. They killed him dead, and did what they said - comlete penetration from a tough angle, but they didn't seem to cause as much damage inside as other controlled expansion bullets. At the locker when we hung the quarters I found the entrance & exit holes (3 shots in the chest) and all were neat .30 cal holes on the way in and out. Kind of like a solid. I like an exit hole, but I also like some damage while it's in there (do I ask too much or what ???) Also, I mentioned 3 shots. The first shot killed him on his feet, but a dead elk can travel a long ways into some nasty stuff, or towards another hunter a half mile away with a tag in his pocket too, it's best to keep shooting til the animal is completely down.

You have many good choices, just try to eliminate bullets designed for deer & lighter game from the start and you'll be fine. I'd also stick with 180 grainers.

Out to 400 yards is as far as I'd be comfortable at shooting any unwounded animal, with ANY rifle, even the likes of an Ultra Mag. or one of the Weatherby's. And even then, only with a steady rest and a confirmed range from a rangefinder. Oh I know it can be done and is every year, but it's beyond my comfort range.



I talk too much, hope you find a load you and your rifle likes and you have an opportunity to try it on wapati this fall. Let us know.

[Russ P]

Thanks M T for your imput,I have lots of time to have fun working on this before OCT.
May get back to you if I find a load to report,so far so good.
Russ P