Practice ammo

[wisconsinteacher]

When looking at the .338, it is about .90 per bullet to shoot. Would it be worth it to get some Interlock bullets to load up and use as practice once I get the PT shooting small groups or would you stick with one bullet per gun and keep it simple?

In my mind I keep saying, "if you are going to shoot a big gun, you will have to spend some money." I am just wondering what others are doing or thinking on this subject.

 

[Wincheringen]

I don't really shoot big bores anyway, but why not shoot a smaller bore?

If you're stuck on shooting the .338, then by all means shoot a cheaper bullet to practice with, thats why we reload!

 

[SJB358]

When looking at the .338, it is about .90 per bullet to shoot. Would it be worth it to get some Interlock bullets to load up and use as practice once I get the PT shooting small groups or would you stick with one bullet per gun and keep it simple?

In my mind I keep saying, "if you are going to shoot a big gun, you will have to spend some money." I am just wondering what others are doing or thinking on this subject.

I do the same thing WT. I either buy my bullets from the Shooters Pro Shop, or find a similar bullet to punch paper or steel with. Something like a Speer, Hornady, etc 200 grain bullet could likely be substituted for the PT and give you a bullet to practice with. Good horse sense to have two loads I think. Especially if it doesn't require much tweaking. It allows you to practice all year for much less money and then with a little rezeroing, get it ready for the Fall. I do the same with most of my rifles.

 

[roysclockgun]

I have used less expensive bullets for range work with hunting rifles. But about two months before the season, I practice only with the bullets and load that I will use on game. This because in many circumstances one only has time to make an instictive shot, so being very familiar with where my bullet will impact and on what hold at any reasonable range, is very important. One seldom has the time to dope out which bullet is now loaded and hold accordingly.
Steven L. Ashe

 

[JD338]

I would get some 200 gr BST or AB seconds, along with a bunch of 210 gr PT seconds and call it done.

It all I shoot and when they go on sale, the PT is priced competatively with brand H and S.

JD338

 

[wisconsinteacher]

I was feeling guilty shooting the PT and spending the money then I looked at the cost of factory .338 ammo!!!!! I even talked to my wife about it and she looked at me and said, "Are they good bullets and do they shoot well?" I said, "yes". She then said, "What are you worried about?"

I plan on looking into some other bullets for plinking and getting trigger time with this rifle.

 

[DrMike]

Wise wife. Take her out for a nice dinner, and buy a few more boxes of Partitions.

 

[PJGunner]

I believe it was gun writer John Barsness who said he would do load work up with the equivilant Sierra bullet, then do the final work with the Nosler bullets he was planning to use. I did this using the 200 gr. Speer Hot-Core in my .300 Win. mag., the final work up being with the 200 gr. Nosler Partition. Turned out I could switch either bullet and be on target out to 500 yards which made practice a lot less expensive. I dunno if you could call it luck or a plan bit it worked for me. I did the same thing yeas ago using Sierra 180 gr. Pro-hunters in my 30-06 then switching to the 180 gr. Partition which I used on a couple of elk hunts and the Sierras for most of my practice. Might work for you too.
Paul B.

 

[dlove]

if you haven't shot or loaded interlocks before, buy a box. they will make you appreciate the quality of Nosler. weight sorting interlock bullets is a huge PITA.

I've been watching the SPS site and loading up when they have bullets I use. I have some 200gr accubonds on the way that will cost $0.05 per shot more than interlock.

 

[SJB358]

I was feeling guilty shooting the PT and spending the money then I looked at the cost of factory .338 ammo!!!!! I even talked to my wife about it and she looked at me and said, "Are they good bullets and do they shoot well?" I said, "yes". She then said, "What are you worried about?"

I plan on looking into some other bullets for plinking and getting trigger time with this rifle.

That is a good woman you have there WT! Get the PT's while the getting is good. Take a look at the 200 Speers or Hornady SST's. Good, cheap practice bullets that would fully swat deer or black bear pretty easily.

 

[SJB358]

if you haven't shot or loaded interlocks before, buy a box. they will make you appreciate the quality of Nosler. weight sorting interlock bullets is a huge PITA.

I've been watching the SPS site and loading up when they have bullets I use. I have some 200gr accubonds on the way that will cost $0.05 per shot more than interlock.

You just can't beat 2nds if you can lay into a supply of them.

 

[Tnhunter]

If it will give you more trigger time with your chosen rifle, I'd say go for the cheapies for some/most of your practice sessions. I have no problem shooting less costly bullets for paper and higher quality for when the bullet meets the fur times. I normally do not even bother readjusting the POI for the cheapies, simply concentrate on using good form and paying attention to how big the (off center) groups are with the 2nd string bullets. The shooting is basically exactly the same between similar loads coming out of the same rifle, so I'd see no disservice done to your practice time. To be quite honest, especially when the quarry was deer and the bullets adequate I've even switched to the cheapie if it shot better in that particular rifle.

Just a thought.

 

[Oldtrader3]

I shoot Partitions in (6) rifles and different calibers with Noslers in all rifles. In the .338 Federal, I shoot 200 grain BT's for practice and 210 Partitions for hunting but in the .340 Bee, I always shoot 225 Partitions.

I am retired and on a pension but your wife is correct. If you can get to SPS before Scotty does 8) , buy them there for 1/2 price for seconds. I shoot Partitions regardless and sometimes use BT's for practice if I am shooting a lot. They often shoot into the same group. MidwayUSA had Partitions on sale about a month ago for about $10 off for .338 bullets, so I bought a few boxes there.

Fortunately, the .338's are not a really popular and are fairly expensive in .338 caliber. This makes it a little easier to find them on sale at SPS.

 

[wildgene]

When looking at the .338, it is about .90 per bullet to shoot. Would it be worth it to get some Interlock bullets to load up and use as practice once I get the PT shooting small groups or would you stick with one bullet per gun and keep it simple?

In my mind I keep saying, "if you are going to shoot a big gun, you will have to spend some money." I am just wondering what others are doing or thinking on this subject.

..."HellYeah!!!", even if they're 1 1/2 MOA, compared to your 1/3 MOA hunting rounds. Fired from "field positions" you'll be hard-pressed to tell the difference in accuracy, you'll build the habits, muscle memory, & the Big 90% of shooting, "Confidence". When it comes time to get ready for hunting season start shooting an "aimed cold bore shot" w/ your "hunting rounds" @ every opportunity. You can even "modify" your "practice rounds" w/ lighter bullets/ powder charges to more or less replicate the POI of your "hunting load", say a 200gr. bullet w/ 2-3grs. under max. instead of a 225gr. @ max. Use your practice time to build your skills & confidence...

...I keep a bunch of 100gr. Sierras loaded up for the 7mm RM, just in case I run into a suspicious looking rock or other "target of opportunity". I may not hit too many pdawgs offhand @ 200yds, but I can guarantee ya I scare the bejesus outta 'em...