Which monolithic bullet for tough game with 300 Win Mag?

[TackDriver284]

My go to bullet for medium / large game have always been the AccuBond, Partition or the Scirocco bullet. If I were to hunt those tough bruisers like nilgai, what monolithic bullet would you opt for? Barnes, Hammers or Maker? And what bullet weight is optimal for reliable expansion? I have never used a mono bullet. I want a bullet that will penetrate and break both shoulders on nilgai where the 200 ELD X failed to do.

I'm sure all three of those monos will do the job and I assume that 165 to 180 grains is all you need for expansion with the 300 Win Mag. Opinions and stories from those who experiences with mono bullets is appreciated.

 

[xphunter]

Barnes LRX

 

[FOTIS]

Barnes LRX or....

 

[salmonchaser]

Seems to me you need a fast 338 . I’ve only used the Barnes in a limited fashion out of both an 06 and a 300. It’s a good bullet in my very small data set. Started playing with the Nosler in my 300 as well as a couple of the Hammers, also in the 300. Jury is still out on those. The potential is there.
I’ve driven accubonds out of my 338 Jarrett through both shoulders of a bull elk at 30,’ 80, 100; 200; 300 and 425 yards. 501 through one and out the other side. Not convinced a mono would do any better.

 

[xphunter]

Don't forget the Cutting Edge bullets in the mix as well
With Hammer's, I would lean toward the Tipped Hammer Hunters, if distance is in the mix

 

[xphunter]

My go to bullet for medium / large game have always been the AccuBond, Partition or the Scirocco bullet. If I were to hunt those tough bruisers like nilgai, what monolithic bullet would you opt for? Barnes, Hammers or Maker? And what bullet weight is optimal for reliable expansion? I have never used a mono bullet. I want a bullet that will penetrate and break both shoulders on nilgai where the 200 ELD X failed to do.

I'm sure all three of those monos will do the job and I assume that 165 to 180 grains is all you need for expansion with the 300 Win Mag. Opinions and stories from those who experiences with mono bullets is appreciated.

Max Distance you are considering for the Big Blue's?

 

[nhenry]

Hammer is my go to, but you can't go wrong with any of them. Even the new CX from Hornady is a pretty great bullet.

 

[JD338]

Mark,
A 180 gr Barnes LRX or Nosler E-Tip would be a solid choice. I did use a 260 gr E-Tip in my 375 H&H Mag to take a WT buck this year. I was surprised to recover the bullet in the off side hide.
As Ernie mentioned, a fast 338 would pole ax them.

JD338

 

[Guy Miner]

I was wondering about Nosler's E-Tip. I've got some, but haven't used them on game yet. Have read good reports of their performance on game.

Regards, Guy

 

[RL338]

Barnes TTSX has been a go to bullet for me. 300 WM either the 165 or 168 should give you good results. I use the 165gr TTSX in my 300 Wby.

 

[FOTIS]

.........With Hammer's, I would lean toward the Tipped Hammer Hunters, if distance is in the mix

After I deplete my current HUUUUUGE stash of non- tipped I will be switching. Hope they like the old loads with the non-tip! (Yeah right) LOL

 

[Divernhunter]

Barnes TTSX OR LRX, Swift A-Frame, I used 225gr Swift A-Frames in my 338win mag for Eland (a big animal) several Kudu and blue and black Wildebeest. I understand it is a 338 and you have a 300 but I also use them in my other rifles with excellent results. You will also. One tip seat them DEEP for best accuracy and especially Barnes push them FAST for better accuracy and terminal performance.

 

[TackDriver284]

Max Distance you are considering for the Big Blue's?

Anywhere up to 300-400 plus yards. I won't be shooting too far, I like to retain lots of energy especially for nilgai. I don't have a 338 nor will get one without my wife knowing. I think a 300 Mag is all I need, its about bullet placement.

 

[michsteve]

I was wondering about Nosler's E-Tip. I've got some, but haven't used them on game yet. Have read good reports of their performance on game.

Regards, Guy

I have E tips and in same boat never used them yet in fact have not even loaded them. It's more of if I ever have to hunt somewhere that does not allow lead bullets then I'll try them otherwise I'll stick to old tried and true lead core bullets.

 

[JD338]

FWIW...
338 RUM 250 gr PT at 3000+ fps vs. Off side moose shoulder. Moose was drt.

JD338

 

[Lazy Bushman]

Atomic29. Check them out on their Facebook sight. about a third cheaper than Barnes with equal or better performance

Atomic 29 | Naracoorte SA

Atomic 29, Naracoorte, South Australia. 1,406 likes · 75 talking about this. Precision machined copper hunting projectiles. Proudly made in South Australia.

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[SJB358]

If you're going Barnes they have a pretty slick 190 LRX and a 200 LRX as well I would trust to get through just about anything with hair/hide and lotsa bone. Anything Hammer seems to be getting rave reviews. I have heard enough great stuff from friends I trust to give them a whirl. They had excellent results with the Hammers this year. Mind your twist as the Hammers are quite long for a given weight, but from the ones I have used (182 .308 in my 300 RUM and 220 in my 35 Whelen), they are easily accurate without a bunch of fiddling.

 

[RL338]

I was wondering about Nosler's E-Tip. I've got some, but haven't used them on game yet. Have read good reports of their performance on game.

Regards, Guy

I also have some E-Tips that I will work with next year. The 260gr for my 375 Wby , just waiting for my new stock.

 

[SJB358]

I also have some E-Tips that I will work with next year. The 260gr for my 375 Wby , just waiting for my new stock.

I wished I could make them shoot sometimes. Those and ABLR's have given me more fits than I can remember. I know if they shoot, they'll work well, but darned do they give headaches at times.

But, when they come together, great stuff!

 

[diverdown]

I've been using Federal's Terminal Ascent lately and find their deadly accurate and penetration on Deer with the .300 is in one side and out the other. I think on Elk sized game they would be perfect.