Would this bullet, driven to 2000-2100 fps be adequate for a Bull Elk, or should I go with something like the 220 gr. Speer? I have a box of factory 250's that print fairly well and I may just use these, but once they're shot up then I will have to look for a new load. I would be taking shots at 100 Yards or less. Would appreciate any experiences. The BTB shoots accurately in my 356 Win. Big Bore but I would want a bullet which will humanely dispatch one of these big critters so asking your advice. Many thanks in advance.

Hmmm. The 180's have been heck on pigs and deer from the .35 Rem, but that's with a wider nose, and they didn't go through a whitetail lengthwise. It did drop on the spot, though.

Gut feeling is that is should kill, but I'd call Marshall and see what he recommends.

Thanks Mike....sounds like a good idea. I will try and contact him. I'm not even sure cast is legal during rifle season for Elk in Colorado so that is another angle I'm investigating. I'll probably err on the side of caution and use my old factory jacketed 250's. I have 16 left and that should do fine. I am not a big game hunter as you can probably tell and this is my first big game hunt with my Dad(I'm 39 and he is 74 :)). Always interesting to hear how these bullets do on game and thanks for the input.

That is similar to what I had planned for my next elk with my .358 Winchester. I had a custom mold made to drop a 225 grain GC bullet with a meplat of .21". I did some expansion/penetration tests in wet newsprint at 30 yards. With a muzzle veloity of 2060 fps they penetrated a maximum depth of 21.5" and recovered diameter was .590"X.514". Alloy was wheelweights that were air cooled.
I wouldn't hesitate on a broadside shot for elk with this load and I don't take any other kind.
JDL

Wow JDL....that sounds like it will do! I am also thinking in terms of making a short broadside shot....will pass on anything else. Very interesting test results and thank you for sharing. I have used 42.0 gr. of IMR 4320 with this bullet with good results accuracy wise.

I do not shoot cast in my rifles. The answer to your original question is probably "yes, if you do your part." Cast bullets at modest velocity generally penetrate very well and 35 caliber is a good place to start.

I have had success with the Speer 220 gr. FN in my 35 Whelen as well as 250 gr. Speer and Hornady bullets. If that bullet shoots well in your gun and has MV in the 2100 fps range I would think you are pretty well equipped.

Since you shared that you are not an experienced large game hunter I will share one more tidbit. Elk often show little sign of being hit even though the wound is fatal. They can disappear quickly in the timber. Do not assume you missed just because they charge off. Follow up every shot until you are certain of the outcome.

If you feel like you made a good shot and momentarily lose sight of that animal, DO NOT shoot again unless you are sure it is the same animal. Believe me when I say you can kill a second elk before you realize the first one has dropped dead just out of sight. Make the first shot count and follow it up.

Elk are not hard to kill but they are hard to kill quickly. Good luck with your hunt.

Thank you WyoStillhunter,

I will sure keep that in mind and I appreciate the input. I hope to be lucky enough to get that far! I know the 35 is a great killer, but just have had a hard time finding real field experiences with cast bullets in the field. Most of what I have seen has been here on Beartooth forums. Again, many thanks in relating your experiences. Still on the fence on this but will keep shooting and thinking in the meantime.:)

Did you try referring to this bullet?

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/bulletselect/details.php?id=30

It has a GC, and may be what Marshall will recommend.

Call him, he'll take the time to get back to ya.