300 or 338 ultra mag for LR elk gun

[wannabee]

My Dad is looking to buy a LR elk gun and asked my opinion. I personally like the 338 Lapua w 250 or 300 gr bullets. But he don't like spending 2$ a piece for brass. I tried to explain the difference between a high BC bullet starting slower and a lower bc starting faster but I didn't have any numbersto substantiate my claims. In your opinion, what is the better deal as far as ft lbs energy and flatter ballistics. He's looing at a Rem 700 300 or 338 Ultra mag. I'm not sure what these calibers are capable of safely. I was thinking of 3300 fps w. 300 ultra and 180 gr bullet or 3100fps w/ 338 Ultra and 225 gr. bullet. Both will have a 26" barrell. He wants knockdown power at 7-800 yards which equates ft-lbs. Any help good-bad or indifferent is appreciated in advance.

[Darryl Cassel]

At the range, bullet weights and speeds you gave, here is the breakdown.

The 300 Ultra with a 180 Gr Barnes X Bullet with a BC of .552 will give your Dad 1988 FPS and 1580 FP of energy at 800 yards.

The 338 Ultra with a 225gr Speer Bullet with a BC of .484 will have 1696 FPS and 1438 FP of energy at 800 yards.

Between these two bullets the 300 Ultra has the advantage.
Now lets add the 338 250 Gr Sierra Game King here to your velocity and the BC is now .597 and at 800 yards the velocity will be 1907 FPS and the energy will be 2019 FP. The advantage now goes to the 338 Ultra.

I would go with the 338 Ultra and 250 Gr Sierra Game Kings and at a speed of around 3000 FPS. for an elk gun to 800 yards.

Just my opinion

Darryl Cassel

[wannabee]

3000 fps w/ 250 gr bullet in 338 REM ultra mag is a reasonable velocity?

[Darryl Cassel]

You put down 3100 with a 225 Gr ???

DC

[wannabee]

I was guessing for velocity as I have no reloading information on either cartridge. I have seen these two cartridges come up on this forum once or twice so I thought some of you would have a realistic idea of what velocities are safely attainable w/ 26" barrels . Longer barrels would give more vel. I'm sure but my dad uses mules to hunt from and the rifle wuld have to fit in a scabbord , plus it will be several inches longer because of a muzzle brake.

[Darryl Cassel]

Hello

2950 to 3000 fps is attainable with a 28" to 30" barrel with the 338 Ultra.

The energy level of the 250 gr over the 180 gr is something your Dad would be interesed in for an elk rifle to 7 or 800 yards. Even if it's going a bit slower then the 180 it (the 250) will arrive with a lot more punch.

Later
DC

[Dave King]

I have a 338 UltraMag and easily get 3000 fps with the 250 Sierra. (The rifle has a 27.5 inch barrel.)

For my money, I'd get the 338, those big bullets seem to kill much better IMHO. Most of the game I've shot with the 338 have been "bang - flops".