The Basics of Elk Hunting Ammo

We have already spoken about the gear and the basics you need to learn when becoming an elk hunter of the finest caliber, but there is also another area that you need to pay close attention to and that is the ammo that you use to bring down your kill.

Ammo is an important part of the hunting process and if you don’t have the right ammo on you then you are going to spend long hours of finding that prize winning elk, only to waste them in those final few minutes. Whether it’s how you use the ammo, or what kind of ammo you have we will now guide you through what you need to look for when you are at the gun shop in town.

We are now going to look at bullet designs, the actions of each bullet upon hitting an elk, and some of the bullet types that are most effective for this style and type of hunting.

So put your gun down, take a seat and read on fellow hunter…

Each Bullet Design is Different and Here’s Why

Spitzer bullets are generally perceived as the more popular and widely used bullet designs, and the one reason they have become the forefront of bullet design is because they offer the best aerodynamics and hold energy and velocity much better than any other bullet design on the market.

Not only that but you will also find that they are actually capable of up to 200 yards which is rarely needed, but this shows that long or short distances are a key part to the makeup of a spitzer bullet.

Sharper bullets may look the part but in actual fact the rounded or flatter nosed bullets will actually give you much more energy, and also help transfer energy far more quickly into the elk.

Ammo That Expands and Penetrates: Which Should I Use?

Both have their own pros and both have their own cons when it comes to killing an Elk. There have been many an argument about this topic of conversation and the truth is that it comes down to personal preference but there are some tips you can take away with you right now.

Penetration Bullets: What They Do

These will enter the Elk and then exit the elk when you make a shot, this will leave a blood trail that will make it easy for you to follow if the elk makes a run.

Expansion Bullets: What They Do

Expansion bullets enter the elk but they don’t exit, instead this type of bullet will expand inside the elk doing damage to its internal organs.

Most elk hunters actually go for the expansion styled bullets because of that reason that we mentioned above, they are simply more effective in taking down the elk as all the energy erupts inside the body which will not only provide a larger wound but it will have more impact and damage inside the elk’s body.

Elk Bullets on the Market At The Moment

If you venture to a gun shop or ammo shop you will notice that there are many types of ammo and bullets available to buy. Yes, we know, it can get seriously confusing especially when you are a beginner and you don’t know what bullets are going to be most effective.

What you can do at this point is ask over the counter and see if the store owner can provide you with some advice, but we will also show you some of the best ammo types around at the moment below.

You can’t go wrong with the ultra-bonded Remington Premiere Core-Lokt. The copper outer case is locked tightly to the lead core and has been classed as one of the best bullets in the world by hunters. With a full hit of penetration and transfer of energy to the elk you can’t go wrong with a case of these cartridges, and they currently top the charts for the bullet that has killed the most elk in the world.

If this doesn’t cut the mustard for you then the Trophy Bonded Bear Claw, which boasts a lead core with a copper outer casing, and these are perfect for slow and controlled expansion in the elk’s body. It isn’t uncommon that these kind of bullets can destroy the elk’s lungs.

Elk Bullets on the Market At The Moment

Finally a lot of hunters tend to use the Nosler Ballistic Tip bullets which use a polycarbonate substance on the tip which allows the bullet to initiate the expansion process inside the elk. Again, this bullet has a lead core to it and you will find that these hit elk hard and fast, meaning you are going to get an instant kill if you hit them in the right place.

Overall, choosing the right ammo is a fundamental part to your hunting methods, so choose wisely and see the difference it could make.