Best LR hunting bullet in .308, .338, .284, and .264

[drpbroun5]

I'm looking for guidance on which bullet(s) that have the best accuracy and terminal performance (after hitting the animal) for long range hunting of mule deer and elk. I have used Bitterroot, Hornaday Interlock, and Nosler Partition as well as Ballistic Tip in my hunting, along with factory at times. These were all shot out to ~300 yards. I don't have any experience with other makes or models. Please give me a run down about the bullets y'all use, with the good and bad. I am shooting long now (out to about 1300 yards) but only at targets. I have always been concerned about what the bullet does after it strikes hide. I am interested in as many opinions as you care to give and information about as many different bullets as possible. Please include comments on the bullet's performance in the critter at slow velocity (at long range) as well as high velocity (close range). Thank you.
Paul

 

[sandytye]

I am in a similar situation to you. i shoot a 7mm STW and until now i have shot partitions, barnes and A-frames to 450. all were devistating on game. this year i plan to stretch it out a little more 600+. i will be trying the Berger 180 and the Wildcat 200 if i can get my hands on some.

i hope this helps you out some.

 

[Buffalobob]

In 7mm, the Wildcat HP RBBT 200 grain bullet with an impact velocity of 2265 fps at about 1K will slice though a bull elks rib cage like a knife through hot butter. It will break the main shoulder ball joint and then the rib cage and create a shrapnel grenade that creates devastation in the heart and lungs as can be seen from the picture. In a well crafted rifle, such as from Kirby, the 200 gr Wildcat will hold 0.5 MOA past 1500 yards.

 

[ss7mm]

Gotta also recommend the WC bullet that BB described. I've shot an elk and several deer with it and all were excellent results and performance.

If I had to choose a US made bullet it would be an Accubond in the appropriate caliber and weight for the job at hand.

This is an Idaho deer I shot with my 7mm AM. I guess I was overgunned as this is all that was left of him.

 

[Pdvdh]

I want the bullet that ss7mm plugged that deer with!

 

[rem300ultra]

7mm AM

I want the bullet that ss7mm plugged that deer with!

+1

 

[ss7mm]

I want the bullet that ss7mm plugged that deer with!

That particular bullet is buried in a hillside somewhere in Idaho but you can get some just like it from Richard @ Wildcat Bullets in Canada.

Usually it's bang, flop with the 7mm AM, but this one was just bang, poof.

 

[JCFORD]

Dang SS 7mm, it not only left only his legs it vaporized him !!!! No blood spot or Nothing!!!

I would have to agree that the Wildcat bullets are at the top of the heap for ultra long range. I also believe Richard told me he could make any of his bullets bonded core now. That is how I will get my next bullets fro my 270 AM. I have had some 169.5 bullets from my 270 AM not exit on quatering to deer and antelope, now they killed just fine and penetrated to the far side hide. This was at 356 and 300 yards. But if I was shootiing elk I would probably opt for one of his bonded core versions. It is asking alot of a bullet to work from 50 to 1500 yards, but Wildcats are first class for sure.

I agree that if I was buying a factory produced bullet it would be the Accubond for me. I shoot these out of my 300 WSM and have killed deer, caribou, Dall sheep with them and they have done great out to 380 yards, the furthest I have shot. That was on the caribou and it went thru both front shoulders low and took his heart out, made a hole about quarter size coming out. This was a 150 .308 AB, MV 3300.

 

[linksmechanic]

The only thing I shoot in all my guns is Berger. I've shot a ton of animals at all ranges with devastating results. Plus there not that exspensive.

 

[archdlx]

I have 210 gr Wildcats for my 300 Rum., but have not had a chance to shoot them yet. Looking forward to it.
I have 250 A.B.'s for my 9.3 x 62......
only because Richard does not make 9.3's!!
Richard also sent me a few lighter 30's that I am going to try in my two 308's.

Archdlx

 

[drpbroun5]

best bullets

Guys,
From what I gather, y'all recommend Wildcats, Bergers and Accubonds in that order. Is this true in all the calibers I listed in my original post? I am shooting these cartridges: 1) 264 Win Mag, 2) 7 STW, 3) 7 mm Rem Mag, 4) 280 Ackley, 5) 300 Super ( an 8 Rem Mag case necked to .308), 6)270 Win, and I am going to a 388 Edge or 338 Allen Mag. What grain bullet would you recommend for long range hunting of elk, mule deer, and sheep? How about recommended loads to look at using, inc. primer, powder, and the load? What velocities are you getting with most accurate load? Thanks.
Paul

 

[gamedog]

Sierra Match Kings have been proven in the field. If you've seen what a 300 gr SMK will do to a 5/8" thick gong at 1200' , you know what I'm talking about