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Best practice for bullet selection based on distance to elk?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

For hunting elk at 2-300 yards, choose a bullet with a high ballistic coefficient (BC) like the 150-170 grain Nosler AccuBond or Berger VLD. At 300-400 yards, use a heavier, more stable bullet like the 180-200 grain Nosler AccuBond or Federal Premium. Beyond 400 yards, consider a high-BC bullet with a longer ogive like the 200-220 grain Berger VLD or Hornady ELD-X.

Bullet Selection for Close-Range Elk Hunting

When hunting elk at close range (2-300 yards), a high ballistic coefficient (BC) bullet is ideal. This allows the bullet to retain its energy and maintain a flat trajectory, increasing the chances of a clean kill. Choose a bullet with a BC of 0.7 or higher, such as the 150-170 grain Nosler AccuBond or Berger VLD. These bullets will penetrate deep into the elk, ensuring a quick and humane kill.

Bullet Selection for Medium-Range Elk Hunting

At medium range (300-400 yards), a heavier, more stable bullet is preferred. This type of bullet will maintain its velocity and trajectory, even in windy conditions. Choose a bullet with a weight of 180-200 grains, such as the Nosler AccuBond or Federal Premium. These bullets will also penetrate deeply into the elk, ensuring a clean kill.

Bullet Selection for Long-Range Elk Hunting

When hunting elk at long range (beyond 400 yards), a high-BC bullet with a longer ogive is necessary. This type of bullet will maintain its trajectory and penetrate deeply into the elk, even at extreme ranges. Consider bullets like the 200-220 grain Berger VLD or Hornady ELD-X, which have a BC of 0.8 or higher. These bullets will also minimize lead time and increase the chances of a clean kill.

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