338 Federal and Federal 200 grain Trophy Copper

[DrMike]

I'm running out of time for load development before August 15. I have loads made up for many of my rifles, but I had hoped to carry either my 338 Federal or my 9.3X64 Brenneke. I should have the Brenneke within the next two weeks, and I will have to do load development on it if I want to shoot it. However, the Federal shoots several factory loads quite well. This was what it was doing last week with the Federal 200 grain Fusion load.

I believe that will do quite well. Today, I had a box of the Federal 200 grain Trophy Copper load with me, and I gave it a try at the range. Here is what it looks like.

I do believe that will do for a moose if I have to use it, and it gives me something to work toward when I am able to get some loads working. At the moment, I have several rifles for other people on the go, which precludes spending time on my own stuff. I helped a friend today. We got his 7RM sighted in and I provided him twenty rounds of a 175 grain Partition load launched by a stiff charge of H870. I cautioned him that this was the last of the load I could let him have, as whatever is left belongs to me. I put a VXL on his rifle and in general got him up and running. Again, it took time away for me. However, I have something to use in a pinch. I'll carry my 338 Federal along next week to finalise sighting in, and I'll at least have something new to carry.

 

[nvbroncrider]

Sweet can't complain too much about that factory stuff seems like it will shoot and do the job.

 

[DrMike]

I will work on some hand loads, but that will have to wait until this fall at the present rate of work.

 

[Tnhunter]

My Hawkeye shot 200gr Fusions at sub MOA from the first time it was at the range. I cannot imagine a problem with ammo that shoots like that (mine stayed there!). No elk hunting in the cards for Ed, but my 9.3x74 will be #1 in the blocks for Maine bear time in a month or so.

 

[JD338]

MIke,

Looking good. You should not have an issue with the 338 Federal and a nice young bull moose.
Good luck to you.

JD338

 

[Greg Nolan]

Lookin good Mike. I'm jealous.
Looks like I may have to break down and buy some factory ammo for the 338 Federal.

 

[DrMike]

If I shoot this factory stuff, it will be a first in decades. However, if I want to carry this rifle... There are a couple of other rifles that have never been blooded, and my current .358 might get the nod. However, I am partial to this one for the moment.

 

[Oldtrader3]

The 200 gr Fusions shoot right at MOA or a little better in my Sako. I am sure that they would take down the typical Washington Black bear without too much effort, I expect.

 

[DrMike]

I have no doubt, Charlie, that the 200 grain Fusions will take down a black bear. If a 150 grain 30 calibre bullet from a .308 works, or if a 140 grain bullet from a 7mm-08 work, then a 200 grain Fusion should work. I can attest to the fact that a 200 grain TSX from a .358 or from a 350 RM will take down elk and black bear.

 

[SJB358]

Nice Shooting Mike! That looks like a great testament to that rifle build. Seems to be shooting everything well, as the mighty Winchesters seem to do!

 

[DrMike]

I believe it is a keeper, Scotty.

 

[SJB358]

I believe it is a keeper, Scotty.

I would hold it for you Mike. You know, just to see if you really missed it! :lol:

 

[DrMike]

Such generosity leaves me speechless, Scotty. :grin: I'll see if I can manage to assess such potential loss without a drastic step such as you suggest.

 

[SJB358]

Such generosity leaves me speechless, Scotty. :grin: I'll see if I can manage to assess such potential loss without a drastic step such as you suggest.

The offer stands Mike. No experiment is as good as the real thing. I am all for science...

 

[DrMike]

Tell you what, Scotty, come on up and we'll head to the range for a shoot. :mrgreen:

 

[SJB358]

Rgr! Sounds like a plan!

 

[DrMike]

I'll put the coffee on and have some steaks ready for the grill.

 

[SJB358]

I'll put the coffee on and have some steaks ready for the grill.

Can't wait for the day Mike..

 

[DrMike]

Well, I'd better go tag a moose and replenish the larder, then. A nice elk would supplement the freezer quite nicely, as well. At breakfast this morning, I had several people clamoring for some bear roasts and steaks. So long as I have the ribs, I'm good.