Hi
Well with these kind of decisions the main thing you need to think about is terminal velocity and bullet construction (design). That is, how fast is the bullet you are using traveling when it strikes the deer or whatever you are shooting at and what is it going to do when it gets there. The faster the bullet, and the lighter the construction, the more tissue damage will result. A 150 gr. .300 would be ideal, IF, you are shooting the deer or antelope at say 400 yards, providing you have the skill, confidence and experience to do so, because the terminal velocity of that .300 150gr bullet will be down around 2100fps, and since it is lightly constructed it will expand just about right. That what this load is designed for. Just about what a 30-30 Win would be close in.
However, if you were to shoot that same deer or antelope at 50 yards with that .300 150gr load, the results would be unfortunate.
So, if you chose a 180gr load in your .300, or even one of the heavier loads available, your muzzle velocity will be lower, therefore your terminal velocity will be more acceptable at closer ranges. Even if you chose a bullet that might be marginal expansion wise, on deer it will still have sufficient hydrostatic shock to make a good kill.
I would choose a heavy bullet that suits your elk hunting requirements. That bullet will kill deer as well. I have hunting buddies who do not handload and they are very successful every year with their .300�s using this method.
Hope this helps a little..

If you want to use just one bullet for everything in your 300 Mag, takes Allen's advice. My wife and I, and several of my friends have killed everything fron deer, elk and some pretty big black bear with 300Mags and the 180 Nosler Partition.

One of my friends bought a Ruger No1 in 300 Win Mag, and when he asked what ammo to get I told him Federal factory with the 180 NP. We shot it yesterday and 3 shots groups were just under 1".

I have used a lot of different premium bullets in several different calibers, but a Nosler Partition in the proper weight and cartridge for the game being hunted is NEVER a bad choice, more often than not it is near perfect.



Do not think just because the exit hole is not as big as your head the Nosler Partition did not expand.

Just this August, in Canada with my 9,3x74R Chapuis and a 286gr Nosler Partition, I shot a 383lb black bear at 18 yards, through both shoulders. He went right down. There was a slightly larger than caliber exit hole, however internal damage was extensive.



tjm

I have used a Ballistic Tip in a 300 Mag on deer and antelope. Based on those kills I would never use a Ballistic Tip on an elk sized animal.

Yesterday I zeroed my new Blaser R 93 bbl with Remington factory 180 Ballistic Tips as I might have to take a long shot on a lease I have been invited to hunt. The Rem factory loads shoot pretty good and I have several boxes in hand. Ballistic Tips have their place, but not for elk IMHO.