I don’t go by energy, I usually use velocity (1,800 fps is a common velocity prescription to deform most soft nose hunting bullets) to determine if the bullet is going to have sufficient speed to deform the bullet into a mushroom on impact. I just ran a number through my little ballistics calculator and it returned that at an elevation of 5,500 ft above sea level and 40deg F, a 178gr Hornady ELDx launched at 2,780 fps should be above 1,800 fps out past 700 yards. So I would say, yes, a 30-06 is adequate for killing an elk at 600 yards providing that you’re using a similar BC bullet and getting a similar muzzle velocity.
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I don’t go by energy, I usually use velocity (1,800 fps is a common velocity prescription to deform most soft nose hunting bullets) to determine if the bullet is going to have sufficient speed to deform the bullet into a mushroom on impact. I just ran a number through my little ballistics calculator and it returned that at an elevation of 5,500 ft above sea level and 40deg F, a 178gr Hornady ELDx launched at 2,780 fps should be above 1,800 fps out past 700 yards. So I would say, yes, a 30-06 is adequate for killing an elk at 600 yards providing that you’re using a similar BC bullet and getting a similar muzzle velocity.
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This^
Yup, it is important to try to stay in the performance envelope the manufacturer recommends for proper expansion....
Thanks, I've been reloading for almost 20 years. And started the topic more for conversation. Wondering how many dedicated guys continue to use the ole work horse. Being so many get wound up in the latest greatest.
Take care, Willie