300 WSM

[jrnorton4]

Hi all, just been lurking a while, never been elk hunting, planning to go this fall.
If we draw the tag we put in for, I will be rifle hunting Wyoming in the Bighorn Mountains. 
My question is this:  I have a 300 WSM that loves the factory load Federal Fusion 165 gr. bullets.  Are these going to be adequate for elk, or do I need to try out some Nosler Partitions or what?  I will pay extra for good bullets, but those Fusions are spot on out of that gun and I am fully confident they will hit where I am holding if I do my part.  Know the shot placement is major issue. Also know that there are tons of opinions on bullets, just wanting to know if these will do the job or if anyone else has experience with them on elk.  Thanks.

 

[hank4elk]

Most folks go with a heavier bullet for elk. But I have always used  165's in my '06 for elk and deer for same reasons that you stated,they shoot great in my rifle. I could gain a little distance punch with 180's,but they don't shoot as good as the 165's.
Shot placement is everything IMHO. 
I've filled many tags with 165's Fed. Vital-shock and Fusion.Elk and deer.
I like the copper bullets and am now trying Nosler and Hornady versions. But will use up what works great first.

 

[cowboystl1]

im a big fan of 185s they have a lot more punch the fusions were made for deer with a softer hide not that it wont do the job on an elk i wood just feel better behind the 185s if you stay with the 165s i would def maybe look into a stronger round the fusions are pretty soft 

 

[wapiti_will]

My 300 WSM loves the Fusion 165's and I use them for everything smaller than elk.  Heard to many stories of the fusions breaking up too much during a less than ideal shots on elk (most of my shots on elk were taken when they were on the move), so I elected to go with 180 grain partitions.  I feel your pain though...went through the same tough decision.  Might just have to try a few 180's and see what your 300 likes.

 

[Garrett Weaver]

+1 ON THE 185'S. I will add the nosler accubonds are a bit cheaper and out of my guns I have been getting tighter groups. Even more so than partitions out of my 300 weatherby they did a great job putting a smaller bull down at 465 yards this year. I would take how long you shot could be in consideration when choosing your bullet as well. You want something that will expand but also penetrate deep ( high coefficient)