I am not an expert, but I have killed a good number of Africa, European, Australian and North American big game animals.
I like things to die where you shot them. Really appreciate the "bang-flop". In my mind this is best achieved with a lot of blood shed and ideally quite a lot of penetration. Both hard things to have together.
My personal choice would be one o the following, noting that "plains game" includes a lot of things from Dikdik to Eland.
Here is my AI answer, but I honestly agree 100%
I have had bang flops on Aoudad, roe deer, red stags, blesbok, wild boar, fallow deer and gemsbok with the following bullets.
Bulllets Similar to Hornady ELD-X in Performance
The Hornady ELD-X is a polymer-tipped, boat-tail bullet designed for high ballistic coefficients (BC), long-range accuracy, controlled expansion at various velocities, and deep penetration, making it ideal for hunting big game at extended distances. Factory-loaded .30-06 Springfield ammo available in the USA with similar performance characteristics (e.g., high BC, reliable expansion, and bonded or advanced construction) includes options from several manufacturers. These are commonly found at retailers like MidwayUSA, Cabela's, and online ammo sites. Here's a breakdown of key similar bullets and their factory loads:
- Nosler AccuBond / AccuBond Long Range: A bonded, polymer-tipped bullet with a high BC (around 0.507 for 180gr) for flat trajectories and controlled expansion similar to the ELD-X. It's known for retaining weight and penetrating deeply while expanding reliably at long ranges.
- Nosler Trophy Grade: 180gr AccuBond (e.g., 20-round boxes).
- Winchester Expedition Big Game Long Range: 190gr AccuBond LR.
- Black Hills Gold: 180gr AccuBond.
- Nosler Trophy Grade Long Range: 168gr AccuBond LR.
- Federal Terminal Ascent: A bonded, polymer-tipped bullet with a Slipstream tip for low-velocity expansion and a high BC (around 0.520 for 175gr), offering match-grade accuracy and performance akin to the ELD-X for long-range hunting.
- Federal Premium Terminal Ascent: 175gr (e.g., 20-round boxes, muzzle velocity ~2730 fps).
- Norma Bondstrike: A bonded, polymer-tipped bullet with extreme long-range capabilities, high BC (around 0.615 for 180gr), and reliable expansion/penetration, closely mirroring the ELD-X in terminal performance.
- Norma Bondstrike: 180gr (e.g., 20-round boxes).
- Other notable options:
- Barnes TTSX (Tipped Triple-Shock X): All-copper, polymer-tipped monolithic bullet with expansion similar to the ELD-X but often better weight retention (nearly 100%). Available in Barnes VOR-TX: 150gr or 180gr.
- Swift Scirocco Bonded: Polymer-tipped, bonded bullet for high-velocity expansion and penetration. Available in Remington Core-Lokt: 150gr Scirocco Bonded.
Bullets Similar to Hornady Interlock in Performance
The Hornady Interlock is a traditional soft-point bullet with an exposed lead tip for reliable expansion, good penetration, and mushrooming on impact, suited for mid-range hunting with consistent performance on game like deer or elk. It's not as aerodynamically advanced as the ELD-X but excels in affordability and proven terminal ballistics. Similar factory-loaded .30-06 ammo in the USA focuses on soft-point or basic expanding designs from other brands, widely available at the same retailers:
- Remington Core-Lokt: A classic soft-point bullet with a locked core for controlled expansion and deep penetration, very similar to the Interlock in reliability and cost-effectiveness for hunting.
- Remington Core-Lokt: 150gr or 180gr soft point.
- Federal Power-Shok: Soft-point bullet designed for rapid expansion and energy transfer, mirroring the Interlock's performance on medium game with good accuracy.
- Federal Power-Shok: 150gr or 180gr soft point.
- Winchester Power-Point: A soft-point bullet with exposed lead for quick expansion and reliable knockdown, comparable to the Interlock for deer hunting at moderate ranges.
- Winchester Power-Point: 150gr or 180gr.
- Other notable options:
- Hornady SST (Super Shock Tip): While polymer-tipped, it offers expansion similar to the Interlock but with better aerodynamics. Available in Hornady Superformance: 150gr or 165gr SST.
- Sierra GameKing: Soft-point or tipped variants for balanced expansion. Often in custom loads but available in some factory options like Norma Whitetail: 150gr.
