338 RCM 210 or 225 in 20" bbl for timber elk?

preacher

Handloader
Aug 19, 2012
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I can see where the 20" Mod 77 338 RCM could be pretty handy in the wooded areas. I know it is compared more to the 338/06 than the 338WM, but most folks don't set up a 338/06 with a 20" barrel. I like the lighter weights in Medium calibers, but I was always after an "all-around" kind of round, near & far. So, for under 250yds, in a short barreled 338 RCM, has anyone used (probably more 338/06 users than RCM) or heard of a good weight/style/speed that can really hammer elk or really big hogs? I have used the older 210 XBT, but in a 340W. The 200/210/225 seem a better candidate than a 250RN, or is that one also an option? Any help appreciated.
 
I picked up a bunch of 225gr partitions for my 338 RCM. It seems to be the best catch weight for the RCM.


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With very minimal load work up I’m getting 2610fps with H414. I’m getting pretty good accuracy and don’t need anything more than 2600fps.

It’s quite a handy little rifle


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I would think a 338 225 gr PT at 2600 fps would crush anything you hit with it. Should be a good one.

JD338
 
I hunted and harvested all of my game with the 338 Win Mag with the 210 gr Partitions, from bears (grizz and black) to bison. Worked very well. My rifle did also shoot the Federal blue box ammo with the 225 gr bullets very well; just never harvested anything with them.
In my 338-06, I have harvested black bear with the Wby 210 gr Partition ammo. It shoots very well. My handload with the 215 gr SGK is doing 2751 fps and 1/2 MOA w/ 62.0 gr of H414, out of a 22" barrel.
Using the Federal Premium 210gr Partition ammo in my custom Model 88 in 338 Federal that did well on my caribou last year. Having fun experimenting so far with other factory loads with the 200 and 210 gr bullets in the Tikka and the Hawkeye. Have picked up the Federal blue box ammo with the 225 Uni-Cor bullets to try in them as well.
As you can tell I am a big fan of the 338 caliber!

I wouldn't hesitate to use either the 210 or 225 gr Partitions or AccuBonds in the 338 RCM.
I would think that a 250gr bullet would be slower, but with that SD, you are going to get awesome penetration on elk at close range! Might not get the best expansion on lighter skinned, smaller big game though, at longer distances of 300-400 yards.

An interesting cartridge that I would buy if I could find a LH Ruger Hawkeye.
 
Jim, those sound like a bunch of good in a pretty slick little rifle.

I have not seen much difference in really killing elk between the 250 Nosler and 225 TSX from a Whelen to the 210 Partition, 210 Swift, 225 Partition or the 250 Partition. I’ll add in the 180 Partition, 165 Accubonds, 200 grain Accubonds, 160 Accubonds and 175 Partitions. I’ve either shot or been standing next to fellas shooting elk with them in various rifles and at the end of the day they will all penetrate way far enough to put elk on their bellies. I used to be a supreme believer in big Bullets being the answer but the fastest, most effective elk Bullets I’ve used to date have been the 175 Bitterroots that have expanded really wide and usually been caught on the far side, some have come out. Love the Partitions in the penetration department but I think with the front blowing off they lack a little observable effect, but still kill just as well, just not quite as fast as Bullets that’ll hold onto a larger frontal area like a Swift Scirocco or AccuBond. I’d hunt elk with any of them and the 200 AccuBond from a 338 RCM might be a dandy choice as a major thumper.

All of them are wicked good killers and don’t leave us wanting for much.
 
Thanks guys, I found one for a really great price that I could put "on Layaway". I "almost" had a Ruger 77 338 Federal rechambered/converted to the 338 RCM a couple years ago. Not enough barrel shank, so off it went. Nice round, just not what I wanted "at the time". lol I would think the Swift Aframe or Woodleigh PP would be good thumpers.

Then, I might just wait until I can get another Model 700 Classic in 35 Whelen. Sure loved the ones I had before! I had "just bought" a really nice one from TruckDriver when I had to sell off everything for Obammcare Taxes. Bummer. I "could" have got one for less than I paid for the Mesa, but I felt I needed a Mesa first...then we will see, ha. Gott a love a 35 Whelen, ( I always used it rechambered to the Ackley Improved) with todays newer powders, I would leave the next one standard Whelen.
 
Preacher,
Dont forget Scotty n I are both seeing 250gr bullets out of the 35 Whelens at 2600fps with RL15. Thats only 100fps
less than alot of factory .338 ammo. And the .338 has around 50 years of proven results on "runaway Elk and Bull Moose. I am with you on the AI modification......you just dont need it anymore
There is nothing walking in N.A. that will stand after
Absorbing a 250gr bullet of good construction, at 2600fps. Its truely that simple......
Lobing bullets from 2/300 yards at
the back end of 7/1000 lb cloven hoofed
Animals can however have very mixed results
even with .375 H&H or .458WM.
338/06 or 35 Whelen both fit your needs
Nicely. Good Luck
E
 
Thanks guys. My first trip to South Africa I used the original Barnes 250X going 2550-2600 from the 35 WAI ( reamed out Classic) I only found two bullets, both had went over three feet, closer to four! Kudu straight on at 110yds and a zebra ( I was trying to break him down, he was wounded (another story) at 150yds, root of the tail. Bullet ran alongside his backbone, dropped him though. He got right back up ( was with a herd) and I shot him behind the shoulder & rolled him. Never found that bullet though it didn't exit. Blue Wildebeast, Red Hartebeast, Gemsbuck all pass throughs. I miss that rifle...:)
 
Well, I broke down and put the thing on Layaway! So later on I'll get to play with it! I would think the Barnes 185 TSX would be a good one too.
 
Bear- is your rifle the wood stock version or the synthetic? How is the recoil in it, as compared to a 7mm08 for example? Just curious, I'm not really bothered by recoil at this level. Now, I once shot a Mark V 416 Wby with factory 400gr load and THAT is way, way more than I want! ha.
 
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