Elk bullet for 338 win mag?

[Junglebird]

I'm getting a 338 win mag and have started to research different bullets for elk hunting. (Never been elk hunting before) I've been very happy with the performance of Hornady's bullets in my other calibers, but am a little worried by some of the reviews I've read on them. Bullet blowup with sst's, and general lack of performance with IB's. I'm open to trying other bullets, but want to hear from anyone who has EXPERIENCE with 338 calibers on elk. I'm looking for an excellent performer from 0-400 yards. This is, for the most part, a single purpose round. I will be handloading for it as well. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[RockyMtnMT]

https://hammerbullets.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/33225SH.jpg

This is the perfect bullet for "normal" range elk hunting with the 338wm.

Steve

 

[Varmint Hunter]

Nosler 225gr Accubond should be a top contender.

 

[Bravo 4]

First thing I thought of was one of Steve's bullets, one of the lighter to mid weight offerings.
I'm not having the best of luck with my recently rebarreled .338 RUM and the usual heavy Sierra and Berger offerings. Gonna give some of the Hammers a go before I revert to drastic matters.

I have some experience with the 225 grain SST on several deer. Out of a .338 Edge at close(ish) range they did not blow up and fully penetrated through shoulders and all. They seem to be more heavily constructed that their smaller caliber brethren.
At those ranges a Partition would be an option I looked into as well.

 

[beretzs]

The Swift 210 Scirocco, 210 Partition, 200 Accubonds and 250 Partitions have worked well for me.

This is a Swift out of last years bull.







It shot pretty well from my old Alaskan.

 

[HARPERC]

I've had good luck with the Accubonds in a couple of weights, and calibers. Especially if I was staying in the 400 yard range I'd prefer the 250, although I get why in the .338 Winchester guys prefer the 225.

I've had the 213 Hammer on bench for longer than I should have. I've been shooting up some other loads, but I think in terms of weight, and construction, this is the best choice for many of us. It should get you the velocity you need, as well as upper end penetration.

 

[Steelheadjoe]

I'm getting a 338 win mag and have started to research different bullets for elk hunting. (Never been elk hunting before) I've been very happy with the performance of Hornady's bullets in my other calibers, but am a little worried by some of the reviews I've read on them. Bullet blowup with sst's, and general lack of performance with IB's. I'm open to trying other bullets, but want to hear from anyone who has EXPERIENCE with 338 calibers on elk. I'm looking for an excellent performer from 0-400 yards. This is, for the most part, a single purpose round. I will be handloading for it as well. Thanks in advance for the help.

I have a 338 win mag and it has taken a big Caribou Bull and numerous Elk with the Nosler Accubond 225 grain and 200 grain bullets. Both perform great and punch thru bone well. I have had to chase too many animals for too many miles that were shot with a 30-06 that didn't penetrate a shoulder. I really like the heavier bullets for Elk. Good luck, once you start chasing these critters, it can become an obsession.

 

[Junglebird]

Thanks for the input!
For the 0-400 yard range would you recommend the <210g or the jump up to the 225gr?

 

[HARPERC]

.......I'm getting a 338 win mag and have started to research different bullets for elk hunting.....

If you haven't got a rifle as yet-consider magazine length as one of the factors. Of course many single load, but it's a good place to think about how your ammo will come together.

 

[Junglebird]

If you haven't got a rifle as yet-consider magazine length as one of the factors. Of course many single load, but it's a good place to think about how your ammo will come together.

The rifle is a rem 700 bdl.

 

[HARPERC]

......For the 0-400 yard range would you recommend the <210g or the jump up to the 225gr?........

If you're asking regarding the Hammers, in the .338 Winchester, yes I probably would go to the 225 Sledge Hammer, as it's a little shorter.

I'm used to thinking in terms of my RUM, which has a 3.6" magazine, I single load a lot, and shoot more steel, and varmints than elk.

The 213 is replacing the 180 Accubond in my line up so I gain a little weight. The 213 would still work well for you, but the Sledge Hammer would as well, might have to try both.

 

[waspocrew]

225 accubond would get my vote!

 

[Junglebird]

HARPERC, the question about bullet weight is a gerneral question regarding most of the bullets suggested. I realize not all bullets are created equally, but as a general rule would a 225g be preferred over a 200'ish g bullet for elk in a 338 wm?

 

[RockyMtnMT]

HARPERC, the question about bullet weight is a gerneral question regarding most of the bullets suggested. I realize not all bullets are created equally, but as a general rule would a 225g be preferred over a 200'ish g bullet for elk in a 338 wm?

You are right they are not all created equal. The 225 Sledge Hammer will have the ability drive end to end on an elk or break through both shoulders or take a pure lung shot at any yardage from 0 to 600 in the win mag. It will load develop easier than the others and have better muzzle vel than the others of the same weight. I would be shocked if they are not more accurate than any other bullet in your rifle.

I just made a lot of big claims but it is true. We have a money back guarantee if you don't agree after giving them a go.

Steve