Repost - 150gr or 180gr for Muley/Elk in 300 Win Mag

I figured I'd post this in the Elk thread to get your opinion as well...

As most know by now I'm relatively new. I've been shooting 150 gr in my 300 WM for my first 3 years of Mule Deer. I'd like to start hunting elk at some point but was concerned that the lighter/faster bullet might not have enough penetration for elk. Ideally, with my 300 Win Mag I'd like to use one bullet for both my Deer/Elk so I don't have to zero between seasons.

My initial motivation behind the 150gr when I started was I assumed it would be a lighter recoil. I figured why not go with the lightest round that will still be effective.

Now, the more I read I hear things like "180 gr in a 300 WM is better for both muley/elk because the velocity's are a bit slower and you'll get better expansion/penetration and short ranges of 300yds or less whereas a 150gr might shoot flatter but at potentially short distances you'll ruin lots of meat since the velocity is so high".

I got my first (and only) muley in 2009 at about 30 yards when he burst over a small hill behind me trotting behind a doe. I did notice while butchering him that the bullet exploded into a million pieces. I've heard that's because the the velocity was still super high at 30yds?

I'm just not starting to learn about ballistics so theres a lot I'm either missing or simply understand incorrectly.

Just to preface. At this point I don't feel comfortable going beyond about 250-300 accurately.

Can I stick with the 150gr for both or should I switch to a 180?

Thanks
13,519
ABert
Replied in your other thread. Really no need to post the same thread in two different topics.
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I use a 300 Win Mag too, For Elk i would go with a 180 grain bonded bullet, i use the Hornady 180 gr SST, they do a good job. but there are several others that are good too. jmo

Kevin
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I also shoot a 300 win mag and I shoot a 180 gr for Elk and Deer. There's nothing wrong with using the 150 gr for both. The 150 gr can kill an elk/deer just the same as the 180 gr so it's more of a personal preference but most important thing is shot placement. If I were you I'd get a box of 150 gr and 180 gr and go target shooting and see what you like more. I really don't think you'll notice a difference in recoil between the two, I know I couldn't. You might even want to try out a 165gr and see how you like it.
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shmobag
I shoot a 300 WM as well. I use 180gr Nosler Accubonds and ive never had any problems with them. but thats just what shoot best out of my weapon. i tried many other bullets as well before i settled on the accubonds and some were 150gr. just see what shoot best out of your weapon is my advice.
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Tonoonyi
Though almost imperceptible, believe it or not the 180 Gr. bullet will actually carry flatter than the 150 Gr. bullet will. It will hit harder the entire distance and will as you stated not ruin as much meat as the 150 Gr.

But you still have to love the initial 3200 FPS chrony reading on the 150s
lol
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I've never shot the 150s, shot 180s.. but i guess i prefer the 165s. Good half way point. Recoil is ok, but had more weight for better flight and distance/penetration on the deer and elk. I guess if i had to choose id go with the 180s.
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What type(nosler accubond, barnes tsx etc.) of bullet are you thinking of using? That can be more of a determining factor. My 25-06 shoots 120 grainers very accurately and consistently and they hover around 2800 fps. I'm thinking of trying the barnes tsx in 100 grain for deer this fall. They have a great reputation for penetration and for staying intact ( I know there may be a few exceptions). I'll be able to get a little more oomph behind the bullet and not have to worry about meat damage.
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Loafer
I have shot quite a few different bullets through my .300 and have decided that 180gr are the most consistent bullet regardless of manufacturer. I like using one cartridge so I don't have to re-sight in the gun, especially during the hunting season. Heres a run down of the ones I like best:

Barnes TSX or TTSX - both are accurate and devastating.

Nosler Partition - fantastic bullet not quite as consistent as the Barnes but still a winner

Hornady SST - Accurate and majorly devastating. I stopped using these due to the damage to the animal. If you read customer comments on the Cabela's website people mark down the SST down because the SST causes alot of damage to the animal, however they are very accurate.
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TheGreatwhitehunter
180 gr is a good choice in the 300 win mag
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