Elk Hunting Bullet Selection with Randy Newberg 

Thanks Randy for your priceless videos from a fellow displaced Montanan due to military. I retired in AZ 😁 !! I enjoy watching all your videos and the equipment videos are top notch! We are gearing up for an elk hunt next week Unit 10 AZ my two youngest boys 16 and 17 got drawn for Bull Elk !! Keep up the amazing work!

Thank you Randy! Very clear and informative, especially for the beginner looking for accurate information !

I really like the accubonds. Grew up shooting partitions, couldn't find them a couple of years ago so tried the accubonds and they worked awesome! Better accuracy in auto loaders too I think because of the plastic tip, where lead tip gets dented or deformed from the ramps sometimes. I have seen that even in bolt guns.

I've been using Partitions since the mid 80's. Great retention and expansion. Never had an issue with separation....unlike some of the older Hornady's. Love Hornady for match but Nosler by far for hunting.

Thank you Randy for the great Videos .

Great, informative, straight to the point video! Thanks...

Years ago I started using Nosler Partition bullets, 180 Gr in a 30-06 and later 200 Gr 300 Win Mag for elk. I was very happy with the result. Several elk were killed with one shot in both the 30-06 and 300 Win Mag in both rifles. The 30-06 is good to about 300 yards and with the 300 Win Mag I had sucess to 500 yards. I am now 70 years old and sold the 300 Win Mag, I may get another chance again and I still have the 30-06. Good luck guys.

Randy, I've always liked the NOSLER Partition bullet, and have had great success with it over the years in the deer woods. Only had one instance where the retention was small because I took a front chest shot at 40 Yards with my 30 "06 and it was simply too fast at that distance. I'm still shooting the 300 Weatherby when I go out west, and I use plinker loads to practice on at 100 yards, and then the full boar loads for hunting. Thanks again as always for the great advice!

Could you use those same measurements for elk your fps and energy I mean

Hi Randy, I enjoy your hunting videos, and even more, your equipment videos. Thanks to you, I used the 140 grain Nosler E-tip factory ammo in my 7mm08 this year and got a mule deer buck and then on the last day, my first elk (a cow) with a nice double lung shot at 370 yards. While wearing my new Kenetrek gaiters! The E-tip passed through so I wasn’t able to recover it, though. If I did not watch your show, I wouldn’t have had as much confidence in the E-tip. Thanks again!

Partition is fantastic, although I lost the front core when shooting a moose one time. But Love the accubonds...

I absolutely love the Nosler Partitions in both 270 and 308. I also use them in a 338 Win. Mag. for hunting Nilgai Antelope. They bring the pain. Thanks what you do Randy.

Great video randy. Does nosler make 30.30 bullets also?

I've shot elk with Core-lokts, Nosler Partitions, and Sierra Game Kings. If I do my part, the animal will die. If I don't hit vitals, I'm in for a long day.

The title of this video should be "Nosler Elk Hunting Bullet Selection With Randy Newberg". Randy puts out a lot of great elk hunting info, but to imply that the Nosler bullets are the beat all, end all, is because he gets paid by Nosler. I've been hunting elk for 50 years and taken my fair share. To be fair and honest, I used to be a huge fan of the Nosler partition, and back in the '70's and '80's, it was the gold standard. In 1992 I did a lot of ballistic testing and found what became the new gold standard in hunting bullets, the Barnes X bullet. Although I will test and try out new bullets when they come out and claim they are as good or better than the Barnes bullets. Alas, the Barnes X bullets, which include the TSX, TTSX, and LRX, are still the gold standard in hunting bullets. They tend to be more accurate and they definitely retain their weight better than any other bullet out there. Barnes bullets always make it to the vitals no matter the angle, or how much bone and heavy muscle they have to go through, and they do it without losing more than 5% of their weight. And they do it every single time, without fail. I've used Barnes bullets in everything from the 6mm Remington to the 375 H&H Magnum. Just another view point. Randy, I think your videos are great. Keep up the great work. For the most part, I agree with you fully!!

What a great video for elk pills. Thanks for making this video. I wish more youtube hunters would share this information on their hunts. I also wish they would share their rifle calibers.

Really enjoyed this video Randy! Thank you for producing quality content for us hunters to enjoy

I've learned alot from you. If you travel to the Colorado sportsman expo I'd love to shake your hand.

Randy love your U tubes and show Cabela's has this huge sale on Nosler Bullets now for 30 06, 270, and 7mm is their a big difference in the Accubond and the Long Range accubond for Black bear and what weights would you say are best for each in your opinion.

Great deal. Just right size for us. Wish we had bought one sooner.

I like the Hornady GMX Superformance in my .308 for whitetail. Years ago I had ordinary soft points literally explode on bone. GMX bullets shread vitals. They shoot great from my rifle and no lead. I really like them.Just me.

Good stuff

Hey Randy I love your videos and podcasts!Do you think there is any reason to be concerned about the possibility of lead fragments ending up in our meat? I am considering switching to the e-tip.

Heading to Newfoundland during the first week of October to hunt moose... Bringing 7mm, which I developed a handload with 175 gr partition. If I'm fortunate enough, can't wait to see what the performance of what the bullet will do .... I also have a handload for 140gr accubonds for the same rifle that are deadly accurate. Plan on using those for whitetail in southern ontario.

Randy I admire the great job you do an all your hunt videos. I used to agree that weight retention was very important in an elk hunting bullet and used Barnes triple shock bullets and Hornady interlocks in my hand loads for many years ( I've had 2 very bad experiences with nosler partition bullets that didnt expand at all so don't use them).. The last 2 dozen elk I have taken with Berger VLD's in my 6.5 CM, 6.5-284 and 7 mm mag ranging from less than 100 yards out to 800. With a broadside lung shot none of these elk have traveled more than ten yards-most drop as if brain shot. I realize Nosler is your sponsor but don't sell the Berger VLD's or Hornady ELD-X bullets short-as far as accuracy and killing power they are among the best. Keep up the good work!!

hi Andy, so not short of hitting game for the dinner table, is there another way of testing a new cartridge i.e is there a simple and relevant test you ever do an bullets like wet newspaper etc? thank you

Quick question , does accubond and partition also comes in led free too Like E-Tip?

This is a really good video it helped me deside what to load my 300 sav with

Good video randy! I remmber before all this talk of magnum rounds ' back in the day all you really heard of was 30-06s 270win 30-30 and 243 of course maybe a few others but those mentioned was the bread and butter calibers 'all before these bonded bullets ever came about guys was knocking Elk down with just a box of Remington cor lokt and all other big game ' did the Elk and deer get tougher in the last 65 70 years lol

I load for my 6.5 Creedmoor with the 129 gr accubond lr, but they are limited production. I sure wish Nosler would start making them quicker for me. Why the hold up!?!?

Have you tried the new 168 Accubond LR?.

a nosler ad, i shoot hornady interlock. 6mm thru .338 win mag. never have lost an animal!

I have heard for years that 308 is too light for elk. With the right Ammo, like these Noslers, it seems to do the job. Great video.

If it is accuracy, penetration & weight retention that you want, require & demand then just shoot the Barnes line of bullets TTSX, TSX, or LRX 100% weight retention, reliable expansion down to 1100fps & 3 shot one hole accuracy out of my .308 winchester @ 200 yds. No core seperation issues with these bullets.

That's some amazing looking territory! What state do you live in?

Thanks i use a savage 300 wsm just was wondering

Sst in my 25-06 and eldx in my 7mm rm

What would you suggest for Nosler E Tip in a 300 Winchester for elk? 168 or 180 grain?

Randy, what’s your opinion on the 26 Nosler? Would you consider it a good round to take a elk? Thanks for your time!

Hi I am going elk hunting for the first time in December I am using a 30-06 just had a new barrel put on my Winchester 70 was going to use Nosler 30 Caliber 168 Grain AccuBond Long Range Bullets will that be adequate for elk

Hi randy, I'm new to hunting and was wondering what is the best grain to shoot out of a 300 win mag that will cause the least amount of damage to the meat? I'm going to be hunting deer and pig in California. Thanks!

Top 2 bullets out there are the AGELESS NOSLER PARTITION AND THE TROPHY BONDED BEAR CLAW. FLAWLESS PERFORMANCE EVERY TIME.

Have you ever used etip or Barnes ttsx ? I do like ablr 140gr and 150gr 7mm rem mag but just thought I would ask what you thought.

The last two deer that we killed we used nosler partitions. Very accurate bullet. Killed both deer with first round hits. The only problem the bullets fragmented in the chest cavity and did not hold together.

It's the same philosophy if you are hunting any big game. Especially wild boar. A 175gr nosler partition from a 7mm Rem mag traveling 2900 fps. Drops hogs dead in their tracks. On wild pigs you don't aim behind the shoulder like you would a deer or elk. You aim at the shoulder that's his boiler room. You have to break that shoulder bone known as a shield in order to do that you need a shout heavy bullet. Partitions or swift A frames and Barnes TSX bullets are the best!

I only use 308 loaded with Factory NOSLER 165G PARTITION. All the hunters I trust with information all use this or highly recommend.

Great video Randy . Hate to say it but you tried to pull a fast one on the viewers . The recovered bullets you show as E-Tips are actually Barnes TSX's . E-Tips have a single shank groove not multiple like the TSX. All in all still a great video. Keep them coming

Would these tips go the same for Moose? Thanks Randy.

My mentality is that of a bow hunter. Accuracy and one shot kills. I would like to take my Carl Gustavf 6.5x55 Elk hunting and heard Norma was the ammo choice. Highest grain is 140, factory. Would not attempt over 250 yards? I have checked the charts and with proper placement this should work. Norma said any older military rifle should be checked. I have used factory Remington, Winchester and Federal. Hornady did not shoot that well? Have tried Berger Bullet Gold Trophy but do not like the blow up concept. My question is if I shot these bullets and I understand Norma may load a little hotter. Would this be an ok choice. I have only shot whitetail but here in Northern Wisconsin 200lbs dressed out is not uncommon. Would this work for elk?

Have you tried the Eliminator 3?What's your opinion

Is the 26 Nosler a legitimate rifle for elk? I hunt white tails and elk. Can't decide between the 26 and the 28 Nosler. Thanks for any advice.

Randy - What determines your choice between Partition, Accubond, or E-Tip?

Hi Randy, great video thats very informative. This may cause a storm but with everything, trends come and go but the performers just stay consistent. Thats why I think the partition is the gold standard and the barnes bullets will slowly fade away.

is .308 your favourite calibre?

Randy, I shoot medium game (Hog or WhiteTail) with .308 168gr AMAX and I have never lost an animal with this round. 90% of time they DRT. ALOT of hunters in forums speaks negative of this bullet. What is your expert opinion of the round for medium Game? Thank you!

What about Barnes Bullets . What is your opinion on them ?

Hornady Outfitter is the very best; GMX 180 gr with nickel plating works best!

Randy, what do you think about 6.5 creedmoor on an Elk? Shooting a 143 ELDx bullet According to my chart at 500yards it is still going about 2,174 fps and has 1,500ft lbs on energy

Mr. Rodgers of hunting.

Thanks Randy - what bullet weights do you shoot in 308, 7mm-08, and 300wm for elk sized game? Do you have a preference for mule deer?

What barrel length do you use for that .308W when shooting Elk? I'm considering a 20" barrel and what to have adequate energy at 150-200 yards to safely take down Elk. Have you experienced a shorter barrel like 20" having a loss of velocity and energy that it might be a bit too small? Personally I was considering a 30.06 in that 20" barrel... but fear that it might be to short that caliber... Thoughts? Cheers!

I have a 7mm Mauser (7x57) and wanted you opinion on the Nosler Accubond 140 grain vs. the Hornady SST 140 grain. thank you

any thoughts on federal power shok? 7mm rem mag 175 w/the elk logo

Every hunter who is worth a damn knows bullet placement is the main key factor but if the bullet has lead in a bonded bullet quit using it go to pure copper, the partition has a very bad BC and flight it will be much slower for the same powder charge,the accubond looses the lead and that fragments into the meat upon contact with bone,,,,, shoot barnes or some form of pure copper I started using them over 30 years ago and never looked back and I am over 30 elk with them .....

In my experience, bullet selection should rely heavily on cartridge selection and expected range. Traditional cartridges like the .30-06 don't achieve the velocity to require premium bullets. I never ate beef as a child. I grew up on elk and deer venison, and my family filled the freezer with standard cup and core JSP from Sierra and Hornady, and the .30-06. As my brother and I entered our teens and early 20s, we wanted something more. We started hunting with belted mags that were capable of sending those same weight cup and core bullets significantly faster, and we ran into problems with them. Once I started hunting with my 7mm Rem Mag, I gravitated to the Nosler Accubond and my brother went with the Swift Scirroco in his .300 Win. A bonded bullet or a monolithic copper like the Barnes makes sense with magnum calibers and impact velocities over 3000 fps. I have also become a fan of the high shoulder shot because I don't like tracking, so elk cartridges and bullets are more than just poking a hole through the lungs, I want something with enough momentum and ass to break both shoulders.

How do you feel about accubonds? I'm talking regular accubond not the new long range version. I'm considering ordering some from underwood. For 30-06 they have 150,165,and 180gr. Velocities are claimed as 3150,2960,and 2800 respectively.

The good old partition bullets ain't boat tailed. Boat tailed bullets have a horrible tendency to tumble upon impact. This reason alone makes the partition the best pick of the litter for hunting.

Barnes ttsx

You can use ur 308 for elk or moose I will stick with my 300 win mag and 180 or 200 grain swift a frame or barnes tsx bullets

I really like the swift scirocco 150 grain. every elk ive shot with it has dropped...knock on wood.....shooting it in 7mm mag. I will be loading it in my 7mm08....cant wait to see how it does

Great video! Only forgot one thing! Should have said, " People, don't use a .270 Winchester on ELK! No matter what bullet. Your setting yourself up for disappointment.

For me there is no game shot beyond 200 metres. Try 9.3x62 and lapua naturalis bullet. You won't believe your eyes. The meat damage is minimal as never before too

Bullet PLACEMENT is more important than bullet type.A 150 grain Sierra Game King in the correct spot is better than a 180 Gr Partition bullet poorly placed. Find out whatYOUR rifle likes and practice,practice,practice

Thoughts on the .270win caliber?

the most durable bullet isnt always the best to use. try to pick a bullet that doesnt pencil thru your animal or doesnt blow up on impact. a swift a frame isnt a good choice for a white tail and a frangible bullet wont work on an elk. know the distances youre going to be shooting, the bullet velocities at those distances and choose a bullet that has good expansion and weight retention at both extremes of your range of shooting distance.

I used a .270 handload with 150 Nosler Partition and 58 gr of H4831sc. this past fall and killed an elk cleanly with one shot at 159 yds. The bullet went through the front shoulder and exited the far side. It hit the shoulder blade on the near side. That's plenty of penetration for me!

I've lost only a few big deer in my life an my ammo has always been on a budget an it wasn't the bullets fault you don't need to spend 50 or 70 bucks on ammo an I've been hunting for 30 years

I just bought a.308 and I know nothing about cartridges what would the best load for distance and knock down power

One of my bucket list goal is to hunt with YOU, if time and opportunity permits. I hope you and I will be healthy and alive and if you are willing to extend the courtesy to fulfill one of my bucket list wishes I will be extremely grateful and obliged to your hospitality.

Barnes TSX 168gr .308 dia in my .300wsm. sub moa and super fast....

Great on whitetail too❤❤

I use a 6mm

Barnes TSX, are the best bullets I have ever used. They have great BC, and are very accurate. I get sub MOA out of them in my M~70 .300wsm. I have killed mule deer @ 600 yards and elk @ 500 yards, and all the animals died with in 50 yards. I wouldn't even consider another bullet for hunting. I call my rifle '"lightening" because that how animal act after being struck by Barnes TSX bullets.

I wish Nosler would put a small/slight plastic tip on, and improve the over all BC of the (great) Partion! (Making it greater) And, build heavy for caliber versions as well -The Partion II. Having a disclaimer for non-ultra mag speeds. HAWK bullets produces some great product and works with customers. Nosler can keep the Accubond. Its the ultra mag's that make and keep the need for the bonded bullets. Or maybe they could build the "not-so-bonded accubonded bullet" for those who know they don't need an ultra magnum. I believe a properly designed Partion II would be very popular. Glad your cut off is 1800fps!!! And your distance fits right in that fps! Your practical! Love your cartridge sections!!! 7mm-08, 308 Win & 300 Win Mag The 140 AB in the 7mm-08 -I believe, I would only want to go to about 200 yards on that one for elk and no further! But, I wouldn't use that set up. I would put a 160 or 175 gr Partion in there and call it much better then the140gr AB. I love the 308! 24" light varmint barrel, slow powders and heavy (180-208) bullet's. Thanks Randy. I like your channel. May the Lord bless you.

One word: Partition

I’ve been contemplating using my .357 Magnum Henry for elk this season. With the combination of the 20” barrel and high velocity 140 grain lever-evolution rounds, it should have more than enough power within 100 yards. Ballistics tests show 1900+ FPS with 20+” penetration. Ethically, I wouldn’t try to push it beyond that. However, everyone immediately writes it off since it isn’t a rifle round.

Barnes TTSX

... more open-ended ifs than answers ...

Randy used to have a good channel before it became a mouthpiece for Nosler. I still like the Partition and other Nosler bullets but they are over priced and hard to find. There are other quality bullets that will do just as good of a job.

I know nosler is a fine round but are that sponsoring u

Thought this was an impartial review. My bad. Clearly a Nosler commercial.

I have Nosler Accubond and Barnes TTSX . The Barnes shoots the MOST Accurate with my Rifle .

Huuiuuiii

Randy I love your videos and your public relations with hunter and beginner hunters. But, I must disagree with you on bullet weight. In my Sako .308 and Sako .270 I always opt for the lighter and faster Nosler Partition bullet. In my .270 the 130 gr Partition causes a huge hydraulic shock and the deer never run. But, then again, I don't shoot over 150 yards. I stalk all game. Many years ago Nosler had a 55 gr partition which i used on all game in my .222, neck shots on deer, engine room shots on pigs and feral goats, just behind the front leg when the leg moves forward and exposes the soft entry point. The only bullet I hunt with is the one Nosler produces! When you're on a good thing, stick with it!

Have you (randy) killed and elk with an e-tip?

I use 338 200gr

Grandpa used an M70 .30-06 for deer, elk, and moose. Had a 3-9x Leupold, and used 165gr Sierra Game Kings for deer, and 200 gr Nosler Partitions at 2600 for elk, and moose. The range was always 50-300 yards, and he never had an issue putting game down with one well-placed shot. I know that the new kids on the block are what sells but they really never offer anything that the "old timers" haven't been doing for decades. The 6.5 CM is nothing but a 6.5mm-08 loaded to higher pressure while just equaling it in power. The 6.8 Westerner is just a 270 Win Mag with a slower twist to use longer heavier 165grers., and the 7mm mags are actually better. Hunters need to stop worrying about a few extra fps or what have you and spend the time practicing and fine-tuning their loads.

Shooting within ethical ranges there’s nothing that beats Nosler partition’s And has been that way for the last 75 years

Not really lol I shoot elk all the time with my 30-30 save ur money guys the only time u need bullets like this if ur shooting 1000yards or more that's if u even have scope with good power I just buy hordany 160 gr shoot them elk 250 yards they are down all the time

hornady ELDX best the shit out of the noslers they are cheaper and have higher bc and just perform better