Handsome bull you tagged. The 338 Federal is a fine cartridge. I've only taken one moose with mine, but it did work putting him down with authority. The Fusion is a fine bullet. Congratulations.
Oh, yeah, the BLR chambered in .358 Win will definitely "git 'er done!" I've owned three of these beautiful rifles, and all were a delight to carry. All performed well above expectations, even when taking a bison on one occasion.
This is such a delightful story. Man, I was right there with you, reliving hunts with my grandchildren before they got "all growed up!" Congratulations to the entire family.(y)
Yes, in the original photo I saw what you then circled. I gave my evaluation from the photo presented. Again, I don't see that you have a problem with your rifle or with the ammunition. Best of luck to you.
Perhaps I'm going blind in my advanced years, but I don't see any smear that would concern me. Do you know if your rifle was test fired before being shipped from the factory? Did you have any other signs indicative of pressure other than what you see as shiny spots? Did you measure velocity...
I've taken ample numbers of deer with BT and with Sierra GK (include black bear and moose with those pills). I can recall a few instances of tracking being necessary, but usually the bullets delivered where they needed to go resulted in the need to ensure that my knife was handy and sharp...
Sorry to hear about your dad. Time has a way of catching up to all of us, whether we like it or not. With a degenerating spine, I'm experiencing some intense pain as the ulnar nerve is compromised at the level of the cervical spine. i can tell you this is no fun. Good that you are...
Don't believe one is more accurate than the other. The WSM is purported to have less felt recoil, though I never found the recoil on the 300 WM to be problematic. I've loaded for quite a number of each of these cartridges. Either can be a joy to own. I have owned or now own three of the...