Topgun 30-06
Well-Known Member
You betcha it was!!!
Fartherst Elk Shot 30-06
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Dano1
Well-Known Member
I took a Cow Elk this last fall at 525yds with a .30-06AI using a 168g Berger VLD. (Loaded to 3100 FPS.) She didn't know what hit her. That being said, I know it was a Ackley Improved version and it does have a 26" tube, but I think that a .30-06 Springfield could absolutely do the same thing properly loaded and bullet placed in the vitals.
I'm actually switching to a 190g VLD this fall, The drops are more, but every bit as consistant as the 168g VLDs and the velocity is at 2900fps. It hits with more authority and with actually extends the effective killing range of the cartridge by about 200yds.
I'd not hesitate to shoot a Muley at 1000yds with this rifle, however a Elk... I'd have to think about that.
Dan
I'm actually switching to a 190g VLD this fall, The drops are more, but every bit as consistant as the 168g VLDs and the velocity is at 2900fps. It hits with more authority and with actually extends the effective killing range of the cartridge by about 200yds.
I'd not hesitate to shoot a Muley at 1000yds with this rifle, however a Elk... I'd have to think about that.
Dan
Certainly 800-900 yards is plausible with the right load. One must take into consideration the TOF though as these are live animals and definitely can/will move at any time, making shots that take ~1 second to arrive a bit risky. The velocity and energy are all there though.
The following chart is for 190 gr. Berger @ 2700 fps @ 5000 ft Alt. Zero at 100 yds.
Cow Elk, large mule deer, antelope... 1000 yards... should be alright.
Big bull elk, I like what I see for energy at 700 yards...
Good old 30-06 is an old champion!
Cow Elk, large mule deer, antelope... 1000 yards... should be alright.
Big bull elk, I like what I see for energy at 700 yards...
Good old 30-06 is an old champion!
I don't disagree with your data but for some of the newbies that may be reading this I think it is important to point out that one needs to be sure to be using the correct bullet if shots like the one listed at 1000 yards is going to be made successfully.
Many of the premium bullets, ie Berger, Nosler, some of the Hornady, and Swift, require 1700 -1900 fps to expand properly and at 1000 yards there won't be enough velocity to get this done. So you need to be sure you are using a more frangible bullet that is capable of expanding at the distance you are going to be shooting. Of course using a more frangible bullet at close range could cause over expansion so I guess my point is to be sure and look at all of these variables and do a lot of practice and research on what works for the specific shot you will be taking.
But I am in full agreement that the ol 30'06 is more capable than most think and makes an ideal carry weight gun. I think a lot more guys would be involved in this sport if they realized they could tailor their 30'06 loads to have a very fine 6-800 yards shooter!
Scot E.
meanmrmustard
Active Member
Re: Fartherst Ethical Elk Shot 30-06
With all due respect, it's not really a question of ethics. It's more an inquiry of the effective range of the 30-06 in question on a heavy game animal. Ethics is in the eye of the one questioning said ethics, not those not in directive. What is and is not ethical is puely subjective to one, and law to another. Topics, I agree, should be titled correctly. But, nitpicking is goofy.
With all due respect, it's not really a question of ethics. It's more an inquiry of the effective range of the 30-06 in question on a heavy game animal. Ethics is in the eye of the one questioning said ethics, not those not in directive. What is and is not ethical is puely subjective to one, and law to another. Topics, I agree, should be titled correctly. But, nitpicking is goofy.
Topgun 30-06
Well-Known Member
Exactly!!!
Malach
Member
With over the counter 180 grain ammo, 400 yards works for me.
Malach
Member
All the technical advice aside, with over the counter 180 grain ammo, I stick to 400 yards maximum range on elk. Beyond that, you've got wind drift to deal with and bullet drop like a falling rock losing their penetration ability resulting in a wounded animal to deal with. Keep in mind that these are tough animals your after. You need enough PSI penetration to reach the vitals through tough hide, bone, and muscle, so, there's a point between distance drop and PSI fall off that the bullet loses its ability to fully get the job done. You may be able to "ding" a target at 1000 yards, but the bullet at that distance wouldn't penetrate hide, muscle and bone of an elk to get the job done.
I took one with a 30.06 at a ranged 542 yds. It worked well but I wouldnt do it again simply because there are better cartridges out there that will work better. After I took that bull, I bought a 340wby. If I were to use it for elk again I'd step down to a 165 gr Barnes TTSX and probably limit my range to 400ish. I shoot elk on public land and I cant afford to trail an elk for long distances. It would most likely be claimed by another hunter. I prefer to drop them in their tracks when things go right. But we all know they dont always go right.
Hopefully, after 8 years, the OP has a lot of learning, shooting, and hunting under his belt and enjoying all the benefits of moving forward.
You went way back for this thread.
My 30-06 would send a 210 Berger out the muzzle right at 2700 fps. At the altitude I have hunted elk, that would put me at a self imposed limit of 800. There are a couple factory loadings that I might push out that far as well, depending how they shot in my rifle.
My 30-06 would send a 210 Berger out the muzzle right at 2700 fps. At the altitude I have hunted elk, that would put me at a self imposed limit of 800. There are a couple factory loadings that I might push out that far as well, depending how they shot in my rifle.
Bob Wright
Well-Known Member
Thanks for pointing out the OP date submitted, lol! I was just ambling along reading, ready to join you with some popcorn....
