So Ernie, Big Question: NBT's or Not for elk??

And if u say "yes..." but "...""but...this,,,blah blah

Then why not go clean and suggest Partitions or Accubonds??

Plez make up ur mind lol

 Originally Posted By: runngun

So Ernie, Big Question: NBT's or Not for elk??
And if u say "yes..." but "...""but...this,,,blah blah
Then why not go clean and suggest Partitions or Accubonds??
Plez make up ur mind lol

I guess I did not make myself clear-Sorry about that.
It is not a matter of making up my mind here, as I do not use Nosler at all for elk anymore, since I have LR goals and have better choices for my type of hunting.

Today I will use Berger, or JLK's, and SMK's.
Also, the HAT's definitely in the running too.
Wildcats work great too, but many here may not be familiar with them.
Of these five, it comes down to which one is most accurate in my barrel(s).
If, I was using Nosler today, and I guess there is a chance to do so in the future, I would use the Accubonds as my top choice, since I would add the high shoulder shot as part of the kill zone.
Realize I am making my choice because of accuracy potential and high BC for LR shooting.
If, I was shooting short to medium range, I wouldn't hesitate to use the Partitions-They have never failed me.

For some of the less powerful cartridges the NBT is an option, if you are confident you can place the bullet in the lungs.
They are more fragile than the AB, but they have always destroyed the vital area when I have used them-I have had no failures with the NBT's on antelope through elk.
Four different elk with three different calibers using the NBT's.
Sometimes they will exit, and other times they won't.
Not exiting is an issue/problem for some, but, not for me.
They also have a lower impact velocity working level-1600 fps compared to the AB's 1800 fps.

I have also used the 150 NBT in my Patriot XP with a MV of 3001 fps and took a huge cow just at 300 yards.
Had exit great wound, while wrecking the vitals.
I was prone and it was a lung shot, but it did wipe out a rib bone on the offside.

Used the 284 Win XP @ 1/4 mile with 140 NBT's-sent two into the bull-no exits and he went down quick, being unable to move. Entrance wounds were about 1-2 inches apart.
I have already mentioned the 260 rem elk.

Using 140 grain partitions in my 284 Win XP on elk, I noticed that many times I would find the bullets just under the hide.
From about 250 yards to 540 yards are the distances where I typically find the partitions under the hide.

My purpose was to explain the performance I have had with said bullets, and let the reader decide what is best for them given their cartridges, style of hunting, etc.

The cartridges I use now, tend to lean to the horsey side compared to a lot of cartridges that are used in SP's here.
7mm SAUM, 7mm Rem Mag Improved, 7mm Dakota, 7.82 Patriot, and 338 Lapua Improved.
I would use SMK's in 7mm (175 grain) and 338 (300 grain), without hesitation in my two big seven's and the 338.
My ideal bullet penetrates enough to get to the vitals (even through a shoulder), then, shreds the heart/lung area.
I don't need a exit wound, but if I get one, that is fine with me too.
With LR hunting and making the high shoulder a part of the kill zone I will not use the NBT's because of their design or the Partitions, because their BC is lacking.
Of the three Nosler bullets the AB's is the best LR bullet for my style of hunting and cartridges I use today.
Another bullet that has worked good on elk for me in my 7.82 Patriot XP is the 180 grain Sierra Game King. It gave consistent expansion and great accuracy. It has decent BC to boot.

Are there other bullets that do a good job of killing elk? Yes!
The bullets I have mentioned are bullets I have used or are willing to use. Your choices may be different, but regardless, make sure you enjoy some good elk steaks:)

I have killed more elk with the bigger bores ie. .375, .454, and .50, with handguns, than with my "small bore" elk pistol, my 30-06 JDJ. But when it is time to put a meat elk in the freezer, my go to handgun is my 30-06 JDJ loaded with 165 grain Nosler Partitions. This combination has accounted for 5 or 6 cow elk (I am sorry, I really don't remember, must be gettin' old or sumpin'...)

All have been complete pass throughs (never had a Partition stay inside an elk so far) and luckily all were one shot kills. Some dropped in their tracks, others went 10 or 20 yards; one I recall went about 130 yards.







Yes these last two are different elk!

I'll limit mine to deer. I'm a big fan of shoulder hits. Never differentiated between high low etc. Though it seems I've been using the "high" shoulder shot. I grew up using a Marlin 336 in 35 Rem & 200 gr Win Silver tips. All of them to date were under 150 yards. Yep short stuff. All of the ones over 100 yards were w/a handgun. All of my heart/lung shots (except under 50 yards w/rifle, those were DRT) ran like hell. When I "graduated" (no offense to rifles & I bow hunt too) to handguns I found the shoulder shots to be more important. If they run its short. I've always felt it was because the straight wall cartridges I use lack the "shock" of rifle rounds. 1 exception was Nosler PGHs in 454, & spine shots are self explanitory. 2 small samples. I've shot 2 average does almost head on in the chest w/44 300gr CPBCs under 80 yards. Full penetration bow to stern & ran 80 & 300+ yards respectively. I like broken shoulders.

 Originally Posted By: Gregg Richter

But when it is time to put a meat elk in the freezer, my go to handgun is my 30-06 JDJ loaded with 165 grain Nosler Partitions. This combination has accounted for 5 or 6 cow elk (I am sorry, I really don't remember, must be gettin' old or sumpin'...)

All have been complete pass throughs (never had a Partition stay inside an elk so far) and luckily all were one shot kills. Some dropped in their tracks, others went 10 or 20 yards; one I recall went about 130 yards.

Waht were the distances w/your 06JDJ?

150 yards or less.

 Originally Posted By: Gregg Richter

150 yards or less.

Makes sense

ya think...?

Thank you Ernie.

You are welcome my friend.

Some of you boys really should collaberate & write a book. I'd read it. I'm sure Gary knows where to get something published.