Quick Answer
No, you should not rely on full metal jacket 30 Nosler bullets for elk hunting due to their lack of expansion and potential to over-penetrate.
Ballistic Characteristics
The 30 Nosler cartridge was designed to deliver high velocity and flat trajectory at long ranges. However, it fires full metal jacket bullets, which are not ideal for hunting large game like elk. These bullets are designed for target shooting and can fail to expand, leading to over-penetration and reduced stopping power.
Hunting Considerations
Elk hunting requires a cartridge with a bullet that can expand and transfer energy upon impact. Full metal jacket bullets are not suitable for this purpose. If you’re planning to hunt elk with a 30 Nosler, consider using a bullet with a controlled expansion design, such as the AccuBond or the Partition. These bullets will provide the necessary expansion and weight retention to effectively harvest elk.
Real-World Experience
In reality, most successful elk hunters use cartridges with expanding bullets, such as the 7mm Remington Magnum or the .300 Winchester Magnum. These cartridges have been proven time and time again to deliver reliable and humane kills on elk. While it’s not impossible to hunt elk with a 30 Nosler, it’s not the most recommended choice. If you’re set on using a 30 Nosler, make sure to use the right ammunition and follow best practices for elk hunting.
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