.338 accu bonds

[DrMike]

I use both Partitions and AccuBonds, depending upon which gives me the greatest accuracy in a given rifle. I tend to be a hunter and not a shooter; it is unusual for me to take a shot over 350 yards. Therefore, either bullet works quite well for me. Though I'm comfortable taking longer shots, in the field, I prefer to get closer if possible; and it seems always possible. There is no deficit of game where I live, so I am not constrained to take the first game I see.

Consequently, I suspect that you have a complete pass through with the E-Tip. It imposes responsibility on me, the shooter, to really be aware of what is behind the game as it is likely the bullet will exit the body at a high rate of velocity. The monolithic bullets (E-Tip, Triple Shock, Tipped Triple Shock and GMX) are designed primarily to ensure high retained weight. It is common to witness 95% weight retention (and more) on recovered monolithic bullets. The wound channel is more shallow, but penetration is deeper. While it is possible that a petal could break off during penetration, it would be inconceivable that the petal would exit the body with sufficient force to penetrate another animal.

 

[C Broad Arrow]

Again, I appreciate the comment. I guess the approach would be to purchase a box of both from my local BassPro (Concord) and see which works best in the rifle.

You are very fortunate to live in an area like norther BC where the game is not only plentiful, but diverse. Do you tend to use the same load for all game within a subgroup - ie same for load for deer, elk, moose? Or do you change the load depending upon species for a given rifle.

 

[DrMike]

I would encourage you to pick up a box of each bullet and test them. You may find that they are equally good in your rifle. Such a result would not be unusual as the bullets are well constructed and quite consistent.

I do not take for granted the blessing of living where I do. I see this as a mark of divine grace toward me, for which I'm extremely grateful.

Do you tend to use the same load for all game within a subgroup - ie same for load for deer, elk, moose? Or do you change the load depending upon species for a given rifle.

Good question! I tend to work up one load for each rifle, anticipating the largest game for which I will use that rifle. While it is true that I may encounter almost any game at any given time, I tend to know what is abundant in the various areas. Though there is obviously overlap in fauna niche, there is nevertheless quite a bit of segregation into distinct ecospheres. Generally, I restrict my my 257 Roberts and my 260 for deer-sized game (deer, goat, sheep and black bear). I will push the 270 WSM for larger game, so it is loaded with 130 grain E-Tips right now. My 280s are generally deer rifles, loaded with 139 grain Hornady SPs and 140 grain Ballistic Silver Tips or Partitions. I have loads built around 150 grain Sciroccos, but I have never used them, yet. My 7mm WSM is loaded with 160 grain AccuBonds and my 7mm RM is loaded with either 175 grain Trophy Bonded Bear Claws or 175 grain Partitions; either of these serve as general purpose rifles. My 30-06 is loaded with 165 grain Hornady InterBonds right now; it is primarily a deer, caribou, sheep and black bear rifle. My 300 WSM is loaded with 180 grain Fail Safes; it serves as a general purpose rifle for all game. My .303 is loaded with 174 grain Hornady RNs. My 325 is loaded with 200 grain Partitions; this is another all-purpose rifle. My 358 is currently loaded with 200 grain Triple Shocks, though I'm reworking this load at the present; I use this as a woods rifle for game up to the size of grizzly at ranges of 250 yards or less. My 35 Whelen is loaded with 225 grain Triple Shocks and my 350 RM is loaded with 200 grain TSXs; either of these serve as general purpose rifles. My 356s are loaded with either 220 grain Speer Hot-Cor or with 250 grain Kodiaks; these rifles are woods guns for which I restrict my range to about 225 yards. My 375 Win is loaded with 220 grain Hornadys; this is a woods rifle with which I won't shoot game much beyond 150 yards. I still have to work up loads for my 338 Federal and for my 9.3 X 64. The Federal will serve as a woods rifle and the 9.3 X 64 will be my thumper for big game.

 

[Richracer1]

Do you tend to use the same load for all game within a subgroup - ie same for load for deer, elk, moose? Or do you change the load depending upon species for a given rifle.

I know you were asking Dr. Mike, but I'll chime in and mention that I usually develope two loads for my rifles, a primary and an alternate. I don't develope loads for specific game, but I'll choose a specific caliber for the game I'm hunting, the larger the game, the bigger in caliber I go.

 

[C Broad Arrow]

To this point I have been developing a load for each rifle, and each rifle is built around a specific species and or type of terrain I am hunting (or intend to with that rifle).My goal is to develop a load that is the most accurate for that rifle. I was asking the question, becasue a number of hunters develop multiple loads for a rifle for a range of species. With the multitude of game opportunities for Dr. Mike I was ccurious as to his approach. Thanks for chiming in, it is great to hear the views of others.

 

[DrMike]

A man with one rifle, or only a few rifles, might well develop multiple loads depending on the game he intended to pursue. However, he would be equally well advised (at least for larger game) to choose one bullet for the largest game he intended to tackle and use that for all game. A 180 grain bullet in the 30-06 will take moose and elk, and it will assuredly take deer. So, such a load would cover everything anticipated.

 

[jmad_81]

I used to make several different loads for every rifle. I got tired of trying to keep them all strieght. So now the only rifle that has more than one load is my .243 and my 280 AI. The .243 shoots the 55 BT for yotes, and the 105 A-Max for yotes and gongs. The 280 AI shoots the 140 BT for just about everything, and the 160 AB for elk. I'm thinking about ditching the 160 AB load (don't get me wrong, it is a hell of a load and lets the air out of elk) and just loading the 140 AB or the 140 PT for everything. My wife will use either one of those loads to take her first elk, and her doe this fall. I thought about having her use the .243 for her doe, but I want her to just use one rifle and get used to it.

I try to match game with caliber as well. The 280 AI and 270 WSM both are mostly deer/speed goat rifles (both capable of taking elk if need be), while the 338 WM, 338 Edge, and 375R are mostly elk/black bear rifles. Each one of the bigger rifles only has one load, and can be used for deer or speed goats if I have to.

You can't go wrong with the AB or PT of just about any weight in the 338 WM.

 

[JD338]

As already mentioned, both the AB and the PT are excellent bullets and are well suited for the 338 Win Mag.
If you are looking for a single all around bullet for your 338 Win Mag, look no further than the 210 gr PT. Depending on your rifle and load, you will be between 2900-3000 fps. Accuracy is usually very good and penetration is more than enough for elk and moose. Deer and bear will fold quickly as well.
At 2950 fps and a 200 yd zero, you will be 7.3" low at 300 yds and 21.3" low at 400 yds with 2000 fpe remaining.

JD338

 

[C Broad Arrow]

Thanks for your post. I am using a Sako AV and am just getting started in loading for it. My app is primarily elk, but moose and deer are always a possibility.

For the performance you indicate, are you using a specific powder? I had planned on using Viht N160 but cannot seem to find a load for the 210 PT.

 

[JD338]

RL 19 and IMR 4350 should get you where you want to be with the 210 gr PT.

JD338

 

[C Broad Arrow]

Thanks JD! Just looking at my manual and component inventory and see that I have both powders. I will be getting some PTs tomorrow from BP.

If you or anyone comes across a N160 load I would appreciate an IM.

 

[JD338]

I have used this bullet in my 338 RUM at a MV of 3200 fps to take a 5 pt bull elk, black bear and 2 mule deer. Every animal dropped in their tracks. Exits on all about the size of a golf ball.

JD338

 

[SJB358]

Jim is right on. RL19 is king in my 338. Very accurate powder and it produces excellent speeds with all normal 338 bullets. I get nearly 2900 with 225's and 2725 or so with 250's and again, very good accuracy out of them. Scotty