Lead or copper for Elk?

[jcouto20]

I'm a california guy and I shoot a 7 mag. My gun does well with copper, so in the past I've taken lead free ammo even when I hunt out of state. It's served me well for the last 5 years on deer and antelope, 1 shot kills on all but one animal. But this year we're hunting Elk in Wyoming. My question is, do I stick with a copper bullet for more penetration, in case I hit bone on such a big animal, or do I switch to lead for easier bullet expansion so that it does more damage since it's a smaller bullet? I'm sure I'll get a variety of opinions, but I'm curious about your thoughts on the subject.

[Scottie15]

I wouldn't swap. Given the past performance and (presumably) known ballistics, and the fact that you gun is already sighted in for copper, why change?

Proper shot placement is the #1 important thing with elk. I switched to copper for elk hunting years ago for the penetration they offer.

[CSACANNONEER]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Whether they are required to use lead free bullets or not, many people, throughout the world, choose use Barnes bullets to hunt big game.

[lewdogg21]

If you have a good copper load go with that.

[desert dog]

I use the 175gr LRX in 300 H&H mag for elk. My buddy uses the 150gr TTSX in his 7mm mag for elk (he switched from the 160gr partition). All one-shot kills with these bullets.

The Barnes LRX and TTSX are fine bullets for elk.

[Duck Killer]

Copper is better for large animals. I am using nosler E-tip 180 grain in my
30-378 Weatherby. That is my elk gun.

[DaveInOroValley]

Nosler Partition

[Skip_Dog]

Stick with copper.

[edgerly779]

^^^ Nosler partition i have rn 150 gr 7mm projectiles for sale. To heavy for my 6.8spc.

[Kenpo Joe]

If it has worked for you in the past, go for it. I'm going to stick with partitions in my 338 win mag for elk.

Back on mute.

[yoteassasin]

Wow people still shoot nosler partitions? The Barnes are killers and way more reliable than 90% of lead ... if it ain't broke don't fix it and defiantly don't down grade . If you must shoot lead run the Berger vld

[pennstater]

Nothing wrong with Nosler Partitions whatsoever. Or Barnes TTSX. Never shot the Berger bullets, so, can't comment on those.

[desert dog]

Wow people still shoot nosler partitions?

Hahahaha. Yep they are still popular, even though the Swift A-frame is a much better version of the partition. Even at that, the partitions are still better killers than VLDs, ELD-X, and Sierra Game Kings.

Once I started loading, shooting, and killing with the Mono bullets, I never went back to lead.

[Bull Elk]

My hunting party has been using copper in 7mm, 30-06, 25-06, 7mm-08 and 300 wm in Colorado for a 3-4 years now. I'm guessing that covers a few elk killed. Can't tell the difference between copper and lead. Hit them in the right place and don't worry about it...………..although I remain very fond of Nosler Partitians.

[NYT]

Barnes Vor-TX 150 gr