The Accurate Reloading Forums
.338 Fed. For Eland?
12 August 2009, 07:40
HogSlayer1.338 Fed. For Eland?
Is a .338 federal with 200 grain Trophy Bonded bullets sufficient for an eland under 200 yards?
12 August 2009, 07:45
Rob HaughtI had a choice last trip of 338WM or 375 Ruger for my Eland. I chose the larger and was glad I did. My Eland soaked up three good shots, the last two about two inches apart without flinching then just shuddered and fell over. Its a very large animal compared to most plains game and I would opt for somthing a bit bigger than 338 Fed.
12 August 2009, 08:01
L. David KeithSufficient? Absolutely. If your shot is in the right place, no problems. If not; big problems. Study their vitals, they are not like our Elk/Deer. Break the shoulder just above the elbow and be prepared to put another into him if you have doubts. The Taxidermy man can patch a small hole easier than you can try to track a wounded Eland. Break his shoulder.
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Every morning the Zebra wakes up knowing it must outrun the fastest Lion if it wants to stay alive. Every morning the Lion wakes up knowing it must outrun the slowest Zebra or it will starve. It makes no difference if you are a Zebra or a Lion; when the Sun comes up in Africa, you must wake up running......
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12 August 2009, 08:12
Mike SmithAbsolutely will do the job. Have done it with a 300wm and a 7mm with no problems. The 338 will do a fine job. The key is placing that first shot correctly. If you wound one you will be in for a very long day of tracking unless you get a couple quick follow ups. Just relax and think about the shot if you have time. If a quick shot is in order that is ok as well just pick the spot. As said above dont take time to admire your handiwork as most of us do at times. Hit him again until he is down. An eland can chew up a lot of ground in a hurry. They will appear to be trotting unless they are already spooked. Shoot just as he hits the edge of your scope if he is running.
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I would select a heavier bullet if your hunt for other critters allows.
JPK
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12 August 2009, 08:26
Mike SmithI also agree with jpk. A heavier for size bullet is always better in my book no matter what the animal is.
Happiness is a warm gun
12 August 2009, 08:30
jdollarit will do the job, although i would opt for a heavier bullet. i took mine with a .338 WM using 250 gr. Noslers. in Federal's high energy load. broke both shoulder on a 75 yd. broadside shot. knocked him off his feet and he never got up. even the PH was impressed( it was only the second animal i had ever shot in Africa).
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12 August 2009, 09:06
odieI used a .338 WM for my Eland using 230 Black Talons.
I double lunged him at 50/60 yards. He ran about 60 yards and dropped dead.
Best ever single hunt I ever had in Africa.
I don't recommend too heavy a bullet construction like the Black Talon was as it didn't expand at all and I'd swear the exit looked smaller than the entrance wound.
I'd recommend a heavier bullet than 200 grains unless that particular bullet shoots superior from your rifle.
12 August 2009, 12:20
WinkI have only shot one Cape Eland, and used a 375 H&H with light Impala bullets. These are solids which cut a nice hole, both in entrance and exit. I felt my shot was a touch high but the eland didn't go more than 40 yards. I'm for big holes.
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12 August 2009, 14:14
Ganyana.338 Federal is a bit short of ME to be strictly legal in most places. Will it work- yes if you shoot well. Would I sugest it to a client- no. My favourite eland rounds are .338 Win, .375 H&H and ...you probably guessed it , a 9,3x 62
I have culled eland for meat supplies using a .308. At close range, taking neck shots on cows and young bulls it worked fine, but a fully grown bull is alot more animal, and if you have to take a body shot...I would say realistic options start with a .300 win mag with 180grn TSX or 200grn Swifts