Personally, I have taken 20 elk including 4 bulls. Considering other campmates I have witnessed or heard details of over 50 additional elk. To the OP's question, in a word, no. Placement is more important than a premium bullet. But a premium is never a liability. But I have seen too many elk hung in the meat shed via a cup and core bullet too. Shoot the bullet that is accurate, don't shoot beyond your confidence distance, and place the reticle in the right spot.


My home is the "sanctuary residence" for my firearms.