Contending for Elk...Thoughts please?

[fyrepowrx]

Hello all;

Been thinking a bit, which usually gets me in trouble.

I plan on a cow elk hunt in November. I have decided to make it a handgun hunt, the next big question is which barrel to use.  Terrain is mixed timber with some small openings, shots should be limited to 150 yards or so. Handguns are fine on this one, its a private preserve.

Suitable barrels in my safe are: 7x30 Waters, .30/30 AI, .35 Rem, .445 Supermag, and just ordered a .358 JDJ. I lean toward the JDJ of course, but havent fooled with this one yet to develop loads. Who has had experience with the 358 JDJ on large game, and what are your recommendations on bullets? I have had pretty good luck with the Hornady 200 grain spire point on deer, but have not tried it on bigger stuff... am a little concerned it is a bit too soft... anyone tried this bullet/chambering combo on bigger stuff?

also, the 30/30 Ackley has sure been shooting good...any comments from those that have used this one on larger game as to bullet/load choice?

[Jerry J]

If you are looking at cow elk out to 150yds and with the list you have mentioned I would go with the 358JDJ and not look back. I've taken elk with an Encore in 7mm08 and 140 Nosler Partition, 358Win and Speer 200gr RN this was a bad choice bullet blew up at the velocity I was running it at, 338JDJ 185gr Barnes Triple Shock. My last load for my 35/284Win Encore was a 225 partition at 2400fps I haven't taken any big game with this load although a friend of mine took a moose with the same cartridge out of a scout rifle 19" bbl, two shots and he was down for the count. With the bullet selections being limited, go with the premium, I believe the Hornady would work just fine for cow elk, I don't think I'd try to put it through the shoulder though. JD recommends the Speer 220 in 35cal in the 358 at 2100fps. Barnes makes the triple shock 225gr in 35cal. I would look at this one. JD doesn't recommend Barnes for the Contender/G2 frames however the triple shock is a new breed of Barnes bullets and bears a serious look. I'm getting 2400fps with the 200gr Nosler BT I've got my 185gr triple shock loaded at a conservative 2350fps in my 338JDJ. I hope I haven't muddied the water to much.   Jerry J

[jhalcott]

If YOU can handle the 358jdj with 200 rn bullets go with it.Use H322,imr 4064 or 2520,what ever is most accurate in your barrel. I had to put a Vias brake on mine due to physical problems,and it still bites a little.Deer are no problem at 200 yards from a rested position.

[HHI-7420]

.358jdj! Use 2520 or 4320. I get right at 2,300fps w/rem 200gr. rncl, 1" @ 100. Great on deer(I've never shot an elk). This is from a 14" hunter bbl.. Plenty of throat so I seat halfway down the neck-allows a little more uumph. You can do 2,100+fps with the 225gr..  Pat