I use the following rules of thumb.
Cup and core bulletin for elk are:
To help estimate maximum effective range:
Sectional Density grater than .250. As in 165 grain 308 or so......actually .248
Twice the foot pounds as the animal weighs in energy upon impact
1800 fps at impact.
Longest shot I have made 440 yards, 300 savage hornady 160 grain ftx loaded with lever evolution. This shot would have fallen out side of my rule of thumb parameters But it was not a huge bull, just a ordinary cow elk.
. But I think it is best over prescribe than under let the each , hunter decide for themselves as they gain experience.
Monolithic bullet can have less density as in perhaps 130 grain in a 308 caliber or so.
Should ideally have 2000 fps velocity upon impact
I have never calculated what the foot pounds would be.
Like you guys been saying if you know the sectional density and the caliber and the velocity, KE will be there 4 U.
But I have never shot an elk with that light an ordinance. When I have used monolithic bullets they have always been 180 grain on elk ( Barnes XLC 30 06. Maximum 400 yards.xox. ) They were awesome.
Last edited by Angus1895; 09/07/17.
