338 win mag bear bullet

[dakotakidd]

Exactly. I wouldn't be comfortable with that bullet on an elk either. This guy was really a good sport, great attitude and really enjoying getting into hunting after retirement. But if you told him that was the wrong bullet I don't think he would even know there was a difference in bullet construction.

 

[FIGJAM]

On heavy game a 200 gr bullet really is a 30 cal bullet IMO, in a 338 you put a lot of frontal area with less bullet length to drive it deep then add in it was an SST and I'd say hitting bone would be a good way to have an issue. I know on elk if a guy showed up with that loaded I'd try to talk him into my rifle and if I couldn't I'd make him swear on all he holds dear he'll stay of the shoulder!

What bullet would you recommend?

 

[dakotakidd]

Is a 250 too much for a 338 wm? Gun has a 1-10 twist. I'm thinking of trying a 250 partition

 

[Salmonchaser]

I have spent about 20 years guiding on the peninsula, fish not bears. Always been fascinated by the bear hunts and have gotten to know several very successful guides.
Talked a lot over dinner about cartridge and bullet.
swift A frames are very popular as are partitions. The monos not as much.
From my conversations your favorite heavy for caliber bonded bullet will work.
Dakota, 338 is more than enough gun, swift A frame 250 gr. Would be a fine choice.

Courious who you worked for up there?

 

[Pdvdh]

Is a 250 too much for a 338 wm? Gun has a 1-10 twist. I'm thinking of trying a 250 partition

Nope. About right for the Win Mag.

A stout 225 is also good. I shot a couple on Kodiak with 225gr Trophy Bonded Bear Claws from a 338 Imperial Mag. Pretty devastating impacts. Imperial has a bit more MV than the 338 RUM. Equal to the 338 Edge.

 

[FIGJAM]

I was surfing the internet to see what people are recommending for browns. Thought there was a lot of information on the Alaska fish and game website. I think it is pretty cool how they go into detail about bullet construction and types. Maybe you guys can point them to this site for recommendations or at least use it to support whatever stance you want to take. Although, I know their cartridge and caliber recommendations might not align with every outfitters, there is wisdom in what they are saying.

https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=hunting.firearms

 

[dakotakidd]

Thanks for that link. Good information in there.

 

[Pdvdh]

Some error in, and critique of, ADFG article.
1) Their Trophy Bonded Bullet construction description is incorrect.

2) Their closed statement most hunters should not shoot big game at distances past 200yds. No concession that bullet placement skill limits the range hunters should or should not shoot. This is the consequence of a Government-authored article, and of course we all are supposed to understand the Government knows best [except all the times they don't]. Some faction of any Government organization truly believes that. That faction simply cannot help themselves from preaching to the less blessed.

3) "Magnums and larger, more powerful, rifles aren't necessary to kill large animals", without ANY discussion of the benefit of the additional physical destruction per bullet fired from more powerful firearms. If a bear can kill the hunter in 5 seconds, shouldn't the benefits of quicker incapacitation and death caused by the added bullet energy at least be mentioned and offered up for reader consideration? Who's better informed on firearm lethality? Experienced hunters and big game guides? Or people that happen to be employed at ADFG, and write articles on behalf of ADFG.

4) They emphasize the importance of bullet placement, minimize the value of a more powerful firearm, and pooh pooh use of muzzle brakes. Muzzle brakes allow more powerful firearms to be shot with greater accuracy, by more hunters. Their use is a personal choice. Not a government restricted choice. An unbalanced presentation of information on muzzle brake use, IMO. No mention of hearing protection? That firearms without muzzle brakes damage hearing too?
If a guide doesn't allow muzzle brake use, find one that does. Anyone shooting a firearm, or in the business of standing next to those shooting firearms, should be learned enough to wear some hearing protection. Electronic muffs and electronic in-the-ear plugs. Come out of the dark ages. The fees guides collect are enough to cover the cost of some hearing protection. Maybe it's the ADFG that's hard of hearing? Or with very selective hearing...

 

[backyardsniper]

I'll be heading to Kodiak in April with a buddy of mine who drew a tag. He is a resident so we will be hunting on our own, no guide .He has a 375 but has elected to take. 300win since he has one in the Cooper 92. Which is thier super light mountain rifle. He will be running the 220gr nosler partition . I think that should be plenty big enough. He plans to keep the shooting distance to 200yds and hopefully much closer.

 

[dakotakidd]

I'll be heading to Kodiak in April with a buddy of mine who drew a tag. He is a resident so we will be hunting on our own, no guide .He has a 375 but has elected to take. 300win since he has one in the Cooper 92. Which is thier super light mountain rifle. He will be running the 220gr nosler partition . I think that should be plenty big enough. He plans to keep the shooting distance to 200yds and hopefully much closer.

Should have no problem with that bullet in a win mag.

 

[backyardsniper]

I'll be packing a rifle similar to that and a 44mag revolver both for protection, since I don't have a tag and I'm just going as an assistant/hunting buddy

 

[speedbump]

All those listed by phorwath plus a Swift Scirocco.

I reload all my ammo.

But in Factory loads I'd be looking for shells containing 1) Swift A-Frame, 2) Trophy Bonded (Speer), 3) Nosler Partition, and 4) Nosler Accubond - in that preferential order. Those are the ones I believe are loaded in Factory ammo, that I can think of at the moment.

Behind those 4 bullets, I'd consider a Barnes TTSX or TSX. The Barnes will penetrate deeper, but likely with less immediate shock effect. Still a good bullet, all in all, in those larger calibers.

 

[Kaboom]

My Kodiak that I took with a 338 win mag, 1 shot @ 209 yards. Went 20 yards and expired. I reload my own. I used a Barnes 225 TTSX and she was quartering to me and I put it just in front of the front shoulder crease and it exited in the hind quarter. The bear had no idea I was there so that may have something to do with it, as she was relaxed.

 

[MTLIVIN]

I reload all my ammo.

But in Factory loads I'd be looking for shells containing 1) Swift A-Frame, 2) Trophy Bonded (Speer), 3) Nosler Partition, and 4) Nosler Accubond - in that preferential order. Those are the ones I believe are loaded in Factory ammo, that I can think of at the moment.

Behind those 4 bullets, I'd consider a Barnes TTSX or TSX. The Barnes will penetrate deeper, but likely with less immediate shock effect. Still a good bullet, all in all, in those larger calibers.

This reply nailed it!