Leaving tomorrow for Bull Elk Hunt in Colorado. Had a problem with the last batch of 8x57 175 grain ProHunter (2650 fps) handloads. 9 of 75 I shot were duds. No duds in previous batches of the handloads but all are gone. So there is a 12% chance if I pull the trigger, the ammo will be a dud. Handloader has apologized and will give me a generous refund. However there is not enough time to fix this.
Thinking of using the S&B 196 grain SPCE ammo instead. In fact, I set up my gun yesterday zeroed on this ammo at 200 yard. The unbonded bullet jacket forms a cutting edge flower petal as it expands. Basically it is a jacketed soft point. Devestating on deer, big wound, holds together and exits but slight possiblity it may not penetrate thru an elk, a and definitely not recommended for a shoulder or quartering shot. I attached the factory description and ballistics below. It shoots 1 MOA from my gun and nearly as good as my handloads. Velocity is 2600 fps so energy is on par or slightly better than a 308. The factory said it is a good bullet but not as tough something like a Nosler Partition. The rep said I will be Ok if I only shoot broadside into the lungs but not the shoulder at close range. However, I am thinking that in Europe, this ammo is taking a lot of elk and moose. However can not find any reference to that thought.
I would hold shots to just broadside into the lungs at 250 yards and avoid shoulder or quartering shots. Anyway, the drop gets insane after 250 yards so another reason to keep it close. Thinking if a lead roundball can kill an elk, why not the SPCE. It is a big chunk of lead with a lot of energy. At 250 yards, the bullet would hit at nearly 1700 ft-lbs. Day before the hunt, we will be able to sight our rifles so I will discuss this issue with guide. Just wondering what some of you experienced elk hunters or those that know ones would do in this situation. I plan to ask my guide to put me in a location with short shooting distances and good rests even if poorer than normal place to hunt. Just do not want to wound an animal. Thanks in advance for any replies.
www.sellierbellot.us
Thinking of using the S&B 196 grain SPCE ammo instead. In fact, I set up my gun yesterday zeroed on this ammo at 200 yard. The unbonded bullet jacket forms a cutting edge flower petal as it expands. Basically it is a jacketed soft point. Devestating on deer, big wound, holds together and exits but slight possiblity it may not penetrate thru an elk, a and definitely not recommended for a shoulder or quartering shot. I attached the factory description and ballistics below. It shoots 1 MOA from my gun and nearly as good as my handloads. Velocity is 2600 fps so energy is on par or slightly better than a 308. The factory said it is a good bullet but not as tough something like a Nosler Partition. The rep said I will be Ok if I only shoot broadside into the lungs but not the shoulder at close range. However, I am thinking that in Europe, this ammo is taking a lot of elk and moose. However can not find any reference to that thought.
I would hold shots to just broadside into the lungs at 250 yards and avoid shoulder or quartering shots. Anyway, the drop gets insane after 250 yards so another reason to keep it close. Thinking if a lead roundball can kill an elk, why not the SPCE. It is a big chunk of lead with a lot of energy. At 250 yards, the bullet would hit at nearly 1700 ft-lbs. Day before the hunt, we will be able to sight our rifles so I will discuss this issue with guide. Just wondering what some of you experienced elk hunters or those that know ones would do in this situation. I plan to ask my guide to put me in a location with short shooting distances and good rests even if poorer than normal place to hunt. Just do not want to wound an animal. Thanks in advance for any replies.
8 × 57 JS – SPCE 196 GRS SB857JSB – Sellier & Bellot
www.sellierbellot.us
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