Are there drawbacks to using bonded bullets on elk?

Over-Penetration and Unnecessary Expense

When it comes to hunting elk, most hunters are looking for a quick and humane kill. Bonded bullets are designed to expand and penetrate deeply, which can result in over-penetration and a higher likelihood of hitting vital organs at longer ranges. However, this increased penetration comes at a cost, and bonded bullets are often significantly more expensive than other types of ammunition. For example, a box of 20 .30-06 bonded bullets can cost upwards of $40, whereas a similar box of non-bonded bullets can cost around $20.

Weight and Recoil Considerations

Bonded bullets are often heavier than non-bonded bullets, which can increase recoil and make it more difficult to shoot accurately, especially for smaller or less experienced hunters. For elk hunting, a rifle with a minimum of 6.5 pounds of recoil is recommended, and bonded bullets may push this number higher. For example, a 150-grain bonded bullet fired from a .30-06 rifle can produce a recoil of around 12-14 pounds, whereas a similar non-bonded bullet may produce a recoil of around 10-12 pounds.

Bullet Expansion and Wound Channel

One of the primary benefits of bonded bullets is their ability to expand and create a larger wound channel, which can increase the chances of a quick kill. However, this expansion can be unpredictable and may not always occur as expected. For elk hunting, a bullet that expands to at least 1.5 times its original diameter is recommended, and bonded bullets often meet this requirement. However, the exact amount of expansion can vary depending on the specific bullet and hunting conditions.