There are multiple reports on Marlinowners.com ref the FTX not penetrating as well as it might. These observations were submitted to Hornady. Hornady is now bringing out the Monoflex bullets, which should provide better penetration. Yes, the pointy tip provides better ballistics and stretches the useful range, but I, personally, would not be inclined to use the FTX for elk. The Monoflex, probably, depending on how field reports come back.
I would be more inclined to use the 265 Hornady flat point or a 300 Speer. A gas-checked hardcast would also be applicable.
And yes, I live in Florida, and yes, I have seen elk, including one herd of probably 80-100 animals, including several fine herd bulls. That was in 1990 in Colorado. Unfortunately, I was deer hunting, not elk hunting. This was not on private land, not on a ranch.
