338 RUM Bullet choice for mule deer

[sanjuanfly]

I'm looking to find a good bullet to shoot out to 500 yards for mule deer. Currently looking at:
- Nosler Accubond 180
- Barnes TTSX 160
- Barnes MRX 185

I'm using the Nosler 225 AB for elk this year, but that seems too big for mulies.

Any suggestions?

 

[trebark]

I'm looking to find a good bullet to shoot out to 500 yards for mule deer. Currently looking at:
- Nosler Accubond 180
- Barnes TTSX 160
- Barnes MRX 185

I'm using the Nosler 225 AB for elk this year, but that seems too big for mulies.

Any suggestions?

too big for mulies? any of the bullets you list will kill mule deer.

 

[royinidaho]

too big for mulies? any of the bullets you list will kill mule deer.

Emphasis added......

U must not be an LRHr......

 

[sanjuanfly]

I'm not a true LRH yet. This is my first hunt with the 338. So after the hunts are over I plan on getting into reloading and replacing the Zeiss with a Vortex PST. Once I have those pieces of the puzzle let the fun begin.

So would the 225 AB be acceptable for deer at the 300 to 500 yard range? I would rather have it be DRT than run a ways.

 

[royinidaho]

Put that 225 in the right spot out to 1200 yds and a bit beyond and bro. deer will be DRT......!!!!!!

 

[angus-5024]

the 225's will work great for mulies. Ive shot deer with anything from 210's to 300 grianers and they all work just fine. If your really conserned about meat loss make sure you dont hit bone and you'll have a golf ball sized exit. I use my .338 RUM for everything and Im shooting 225's this year.

 

[bigngreen]

Any of those out of a 338 RUM will likely make a big impression on them, with that much large frontal area going that fast I think I would lean to the TTSX just so you minimize the possibility of blowing part of the deer like a prairie dog gun)

 

[sanjuanfly]

Great...I will go with the 225s. That will save me a $100 that can go to the reloading equipment.

 

[FEENIX]

Great...I will go with the 225s. That will save me a $100 that can go to the reloading equipment.

Excellent choice! I use .225gr NAB in my .338WM from antelope to elk size game. Good luck and happy safe hunting/shooting.

 

[royinidaho]

Great...I will go with the 225s. That will save me a $100 that can go to the reloading equipment.

Good thinkin'!!

 

[trebark]

Great...I will go with the 225s. That will save me a $100 that can go to the reloading equipment.

Send the $100 to me as a consulting fee!

 

[sanjuanfly]

Send the $100 to me as a consulting fee!

How about some elk and/or venison jerky...if things work out?

 

[HARPERC]

How about some elk and/or venison jerky...if things work out?

I use and prefer the Accubonds in my.338 RUM. I've used the 180's, 225, and 250's. I like them, but I'm not much of a meat hunter. Last years pronghorn with the 180 at 3500 fps was as much destruction with a single round as I've seen. Hit it in the ribs to avoid the shoulders, and still lost the rear portion of the shoulders. Walking up to it the gut was all puffed up, and I'm thinking how the hell did I gut shoot it. Didn't, but hit it hard enough to pop the stomach, and splatter the contents over the insides. Someone has all ready compared it to a prairie dog. Even not being a meat hunter, just cleaning up a mess like that isn't much fun. The 225 is a better choice, the 250 is probably kinder to the meat in the 400 yards. If that's important to you.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I avoided this post like the plague, then decided to put my .05 cents worth in. Let me preface what I post with this: I have shot over 50 mule deer and probably the same number of antelope with a 25-06 , out to 500 yards. Quit shooting my 30-06 years ago because sometimes it buggers up too much meat. I think anything over .30 caliber for mulies & goats is overkill. You just don't need that much gun. Shot placement is the most important thing...period.

Thats my comment...and I'm stickin too it!