Is a 225 Hornady spire point (338 cal.) tough enough a bullet for zebra at 338 lapua velocities (i get right around 3000 fps)? I don't plan on trying for anything larger with that rifle. My load really works in my Sako 995. Also, what boots do folks recommend for East Africa in late August (hoping to go in 2008). Thanks.

We shot three zebras with .300 win mag using 180gr TSX bullets. All were one shot kills at about 150 yards.

For boots, where what you would wear pheasant hunting in the early fall. Be sure they fit and you can walk a lot.

Good luck

It would probably work. But I would want a tougher bullet, just in case a raking shot was all I had or I had to punch through the big shoulder bones.

Best hunting boots made are Eccos, IMHO.

Since I've had 250 grain Hornadies out of a 338 RUM come unglued on a whitetail, I would try a tougher bullet.

I'd try Swift A-Frames, TSX's, Northforks or Partitions, in roughly that order, before I'd use the Hornadies.

JMHO

180 Grain Accubonds out of a .300 Win Mag do the trick. Shoot them at the top of their sergeant stripes and they fall over.

They should be ok, but I'd use North Forks if I had a choice.

Boots: Lowa Seeker (No Gore-Tex).

390ish
Use the Barnes 225gr TS bullet in your 338. The 225gr Hornady may work but the 225gr TS will penetrate much better. I used the 200gr Barnes bullet in my 338/06 to take 10 of the large African antelope including zebra and it worked great. Your gun with a 225gr TS and 200 fp more vel should be a real killer.

While I wouldn't choose the Hornadays for load development, given that you are already confident with their performance in your rifle, go with it. While zebras can be tough, a .338 with most any bullet should be sufficient, given any type of reasonable shot placement. I have shot several zebras with both 30.06 - Noslers partitions, and more recently TSX's from a 300 Win mag. One shot kills every time. It is highly unlikely you would expereince any problems with the load you suggest.

I do not disagree with others above, however. You will get an extra measure of insurance by using TSX, Northfork, or Nosler bullets. It will be exceptionally rare that you actually need this extra toughness. If you have the time, and they will shoot well, then upgrade. But you won't be undergunned with the load you already have ready to go.

Bill

390ish

The Hornady at the velocities you are getting with the Lapua will probably be very explosive. If you have a raking shot or hit heavy bone it more than likely will come unglued. The Lapua deserves a premium bullet. The Nosler Partition would give you explosive initial expansion but the additional deep penetration. The Swift A-Frame and TSX would also be excellent choices.

Mark

I have taken 4 Zebra with 338 using Barnes X. The first one walked 15ft and folded, the last three Hartmans all landed where they stood.

Well its an expensive trip and why take a chance on ruing your Safari...Use a Super Premium bullet, that is the cheapest investment in a Safari...

I like Noslers, Woodleighs, Northforks and GS Custom Bullets..They have always performed to perfection

I have killed lots of game with the Hornaday bullets, including zebra. However, I used the 250 gr Hornady at much lower velocity. If you are in the brush and shoot your zebra at close range, the bullet may not hold together. Zebra are as tough as any elk. I would go with a heavier bullet or a Barnes XXX. Like Ray said, Why take a chance. Good luck.

I'd go for a tougher bullet at those velocities. The bullet on the end is a 180gr Hornady SP out of a 300 Weatherby (3250 fps MV) recovered from an impala at 80 yards, operative word being "recovered" as that pill should have zipped right through that little antelope. Recovered weight 77grs. Impact was right on the point of the shoulder with the animal quartering towards me. Had that been a zebra, I cannot be 100% sure it would have penetrated to the vitals.
For comparison, the other three bullets are 300gr Swifts recovered from eland (hip, 200 yards), zebra (offside shoulder 125 yards) and wildebeeest 9frontal chest, 65 yards). jorge

I have a little experience with this bullet.

I shot a caribou twice with a .338 Hornady 225gr SP Interlock at 2850 fps muzzle velocity. The animal was 275yds away. One bullet disintegrated on a quartering shot, and the other balled up and was found under the skin on the opposite side on a broadside shot.

On another hunt, my wife shot a brown bear twice with the same load. One bullet went thru the shoulder and chest and was found in the opposite leg. It had almost completely shed its core. The second bullet hit the femur bone and disintegrated.

I’ve shot several zebra with a 30-06 and 180gr bullets. They are a tough animal. If it was me I’d use a premium bullet. There are a lot of good ones to select from. I always liked Nosler partitions.

I appreciate the input. I have been using the load at good distances with good results on groundhogs. I will transition over to Barnes when I run out of the Hornadys. Used to shoot the blue coated 185 grainers a few years ago, but will try the 225 tsx offering. Also thanks for the advice on boots.

Anyone have any thoughts on the .300 RUM shooting 180gr TBBC's. I'll be heading to Namibia next year for my first trip.

my 300RUM shoots the Remington safari grade ammo loaded with 200gr. swift A-frames very well. Worked perfect on my big zebra last week.

lengleng,

Thanks for the info on the Remington A-Frame loads. I wil pick up a box and give them a try. I'm kind of leaning towards going with a 200grn bullet anyway.