Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting Hornady Interlock or Sierra Game King?

What's a better Elk bullet and why? Considering I've had great success with Accubonds, but want to change to a more cost effective bullet so I can practice and hunt with the same load.

30-06. 180gr. Assume 2700 fps give or take. All shots within 250 yards.

Thanks!

Also, quarry is Sambar deer in Australia. Closest in size to elk, hence me posting here.

I wouldn't change. Not for an elk sized animal.

Accuracy and placement are the more important variables. At 06 velocities, either will be reliable.
Seems many internet hunters believe that you won't be able to give an elk a bloody nose unless you use "premium" bullets.
But.... an 06, with a 180 gr GK or Interlock, is a deadly combination.

If you want a less expensive bullet for practice and you currently use the Accubond why on Earth are you not using a Ballistic Tip of the same weight?

I understand U.S. made bullets are quite expensive in Australia. Makes sense you'd like to use a less expensive bullet.

Of the two you mention, I'd use the 180 Hdy. I've used, and seen used, various 30 cal Interloks on deer, elk and bear, and they work just fine. A 180 Hdy at 2,700 will do whatever needs doing to an elk, and by extension, Sambar. I'm sure the same could be said of the Sierra, but I have no experience with that bullet on elk.

Hornady makes fine bullets. I would use the the 180 Nosler BT if it is available to you.

I've killed a bunch of elk with the 180 grain "spire point" interlock out of my 30/06. Horandy #3070

The 180gr IL in the old '06 is the STANDARD by which all others are judged in our elk camp. The guys get new guns but the caliber and the bullet remains the same.

I thought about that, but for the price of 50 BTs i can buy 100 Interlocks or SGK's, so its still not that cheap.

Thanks for all the input everyone. I might try these and see which shoot better out of my rifle which has always been reliable and accurate so no issue there. Encouraging to hear the good reports/opinions about what are the more affordable projectiles.

I wouldn't loose sleep over either bullet. I know for a fact many times, that the 180gr SBT will kill elk fine. If my gun shot the Hornady 180gr bullets well, then I would use them too. Like already mentioned, Ballistic tips or Speers would be other options. I have killed way more elk with cup and core bullets than so called premiums, especally in the 30-06.

I played around with both bullets in a number of rifles.
I could always get tighter groups with the gamekings. YMMV

Hornady... if those are your only options! memtb

Hornady's 180gr bullet at 30.06 velocities is a fine elk bullet. It's one of the best, just as is the 154gr 7mm bullet. If you can't get it done with a Hornady, you've got problems unrelated to your bullet choice.

Hornady Interlock...without question.

That's the logical answer if you really like the Accubond.

Use the NBT for practice, the NAB for hunting.

I do that with my .300 WM, 180 NBT and 180 NAB have the same POI, same B.C.

DF

I don't disagree with that, but like the man said, in Australia he can buy 100 qty Hdy or Sierra's for the same price as 50 qty Ballistic Tips.

Sounds like he's got some solid thinking going the Hdy or Sierra route IMO... especially since 2,700 fps isn't especially tough on bullets.

OK

Wasn't thinking OZ

DF

And he is probably getting alot more on game trigger time than those of us in North America. Given those cost is an issue.

Why change when you can buy accubonds cheaper than either at SPS????? Hint... However, if you can't buy from SPS where you are located, I'd give the Hornady interlock a try. They are a damn fine bullet and will serve you well.

Definitely more on game trigger time. It's always open season. 365 days a year. I couldn't imagine having short seasons like you guys.

Got some 180gr Interlocks given to me by a friend who had some at home to try. I've got a dozen to play with so ill see how they shoot. If accuracy is promising i'll buy a bow or two and call it done.

They are the flat base variety. I'm not too picky as long as the POI is at least close to my Accubond load.