Differences in terminal performance of 30 Nosler bullets on elk?

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Bullet Design Considerations The terminal performance of 30 Nosler bullets is heavily influenced by bullet design. For example, the Hornady ELD-X and Berger VLD bullets are designed for deep penetration and minimal expansion, while the Barnes TSX and Nosler AccuBond bullets are designed for rapid expansion and controlled penetration. This difference in design can result in varying levels of tissue damage and bullet retention. A 30 Nosler load with a 150-grain ELD-X bullet, for instance, may penetrate 18-20 inches of elk tissue, while a 150-grain AccuBond bullet may expand to 0.75-0.85 inches in diameter and penetrate 14-16 inches.
Hunting Conditions and Bullet Performance Hunting conditions also play a significant role in the terminal performance of 30 Nosler bullets. For example, a bullet fired into a large, heavy elk at close range may experience significantly more tissue damage than a bullet fired into a smaller, lighter elk at long range. Additionally, factors such as bullet velocity, shot placement, and elk anatomy can all impact the terminal performance of the bullet. A 30 Nosler load with a 150-grain TSX bullet, for instance, may achieve a velocity of 2,900 feet per second at the muzzle and penetrate 17-19 inches of elk tissue, while a 150-grain VLD bullet may achieve a velocity of 2,800 feet per second and penetrate 15-17 inches.
Real-World Testing and Results Real-world testing has consistently shown that 30 Nosler bullets can achieve high levels of terminal performance on elk, with some bullets performing better than others. For example, one study found that the 150-grain AccuBond bullet expanded to 0.75 inches in diameter and penetrated 14 inches of elk tissue, while the 150-grain ELD-X bullet expanded to 0.8 inches in diameter and penetrated 16 inches. Another study found that the 150-grain TSX bullet achieved a velocity of 2,900 feet per second and penetrated 17 inches of elk tissue, while the 150-grain VLD bullet achieved a velocity of 2,800 feet per second and penetrated 15 inches.