Partition or AccuBond

[KIM338WM]

Hi,

I'm new to this website, so please forgive me if I've posted this subject in the wrong area.

I'm presently trying to develop some handloads for my Kimber 8400 Classic (.338 Winchester Magnum). These handloads are intended for Sambar deer hunting needs. While I've narrowed my bullet choices to either an AccuBond or Partition, I'm unsure which would be a better option.

My dilema comes from the varying nature of this hunting activity. These animals vary in size from 440-660lb, they can be presented in virtaully any shooting angle imaginable (broadside, raking etc.) and are typically taken at ranges of 30 yards - 150 yards.

Can anyone assist with some advice on these projectiles, particularly with which one is best and the bullet weight I should be looking at?

Cheers,

KIM338WM

 

[str8meat]

shoot what your gun likes. test both. my 338 doesnt like 225gr. ab's but likes 250 pt's and 230gr. failsafes. either one will work just shoot what it likes.

 

[JDMAG]

AS already stated, try both. I would add to the weights already mentioned 180 gr AB with some IMR 4350 behind it. the Ab is a great bullet.

 

[bullet]

Both the Partition and AccuBond are great bullets. I liked the AccuBond in my 300Win mag and the Partition in my 30-06

 

[Richracer1]

I shoot the AccuBond exclusively for the most part. The 225AB from your 338WM will serve you well for all big game, that's what I shoot feom my 338WM. Again try the 200 and 225 AccuBond and see what your gun likes.

 

[1Shot]

The AB in my book is the best of both worlds. It flies like and is easy to make shoot very accurate like the ballistic tips but holds together and keeps on trucking like the PT. The PT can be hard to make really shoot in some rifles.

 

[blacktailhunter]

KIM338WM, welcome to the forum! Just shoot the bullet that is the most accurate in your rifle. At the shot distances you describe, the ballistic coefficient of the AccuBond gives no advantage. Either bullet will give you the penetration needed for the heavier critters with both expansion and weight retention even when heavy bone is struck. The first load that I found that shot around 1-inch groups with decent extreme spread in velocity would be the one to go with. Let us know what you develop.

 

[DrMike]

KIM338WM,

Welcome to the forum. I hope you'll find answers to the questions that are certain to arise from time-to-time. The forum members are a great group of hand loaders with a wealth of experience. You will notice that the theme of the answers you have received so far is that you won't go wrong with either the PT or the AB for sambar. Either bullet will work very well in your .338 WM. The weigh range is less critical for the game you are hunting than is the accuracy of the load you develop. I don't believe you'll be disappointed with either the AB or the PT in any weight from 180 grain to 250 grains.

 

[KIM338WM]

KIM338WM,

Welcome to the forum. I hope you'll find answers to the questions that are certain to arise from time-to-time. The forum members are a great group of hand loaders with a wealth of experience. You will notice that the theme of the answers you have received so far is that you won't go wrong with either the PT or the AB for sambar. Either bullet will work very well in your .338 WM. The weigh range is less critical for the game you are hunting than is the accuracy of the load you develop. I don't believe you'll be disappointed with either the AB or the PT in any weight from 180 grain to 250 grains.

Hi Dr Mike,

Thanks for making me feel welcome.

Similarly, thank you to you and everyone else who respond to my question(s), your thoughts are sincerely appreciated.

I should have indicated in the beginning that I have been using the 225gr AccuBond’s (Federal Vital-Shok load) with a string of one shot, drop on the spot kills. Having said that, all of these shots have either been neck or high lung/spine shots. I just thought by switching to a heavier projectile or different projectile that I could always ensure good clean kills irrespective of shooting angles .

Based on what I’ve read, there does not seem to be much of a difference in performance under such short distances.

Having said that, and since posting this thread, I have purches a whole heap of 225gr AccuBond's and 250gr Partitions, powders (H4350, H4831SC, REL19, REL22) and primers (FED 215) and want to start focusing on the accuracy, particularly as this will also include extended range (+250 yards) hunting of Red deer. Any thoughts in this load development area would be appreciated, particularly with regard to COAL.

Cheers,

KIM338WM

 

[DrMike]

You certainly have a great cartridge for the game you will hunt. The 338 WM will get the job done. Both the PT and the AB will work very well for game at extended ranges. Congratulations on finding F215 primers! There will be a lot of jealous people here. The 225 ABs may give you some advantage with distance. Your powder selection allows you to focus on classic powders that work well with the two weight of bullets you have. Use the Nosler loading data (http://www.nosler.com/index.php?p=15&b=338cal&s=380 if you don't have the current guide), and you're good to go.

 

[Andy]

Kim,

Since you might encounter your game "from any angle" I would deffinately recommend the Partition, esp the 250 grain even if you have a bit lower velocity.

the partitions always have less frontal area than an accbond and will there fore have more penetration.

Still very destructive on a less challenging shot (side on).

I have used partitions since 1978 and my dad since 1948. I shoot 160 grain accubonds in my 7mm remington and bonded Bitterroots, North Forks or TBBC in my other rifles. I have reloaded most of the other bonded bullets over the years for myself or freinds. Saying that, Id still recommend the Partition to you, or the bonded North Fork.

Andy

 

[FOTIS]

Welcome to the forum. Glad you stopped by.

As far as your question goes then I can tell you shoot what your rifle digests better. Either bullet will do just fine!.

 

[JD338]

I would load the 225 gr AB and not look back. It is more than enough bullet to get the job done.

JD338