I have a Sako TRG-S 338 Lapua that has been my elk rifle for many years (since the Lapua TRG-S first came out) and for the last three years my elk and mulie rifle.

I like the rifle but don't care for the detachable mag and have had feeding problems from the mag after the bullet noses have distorted under recoil. I have proclaimed to either have the gun smithed or a new rifle built but as you know projects get on the back burner and I'm still hunting with my old friend, warts and all.

I don't load at top levels for the Lapua, just good pretty accurate loads at say 340 Wby or above. That has been enough for me so far

In an effort to combat the bullet nose distortion and help feeding I wanted to try a tipped bullet. The Barnes tipped would work, but I wanted to try the Nosler Accubond bullets.
Previous loads were with 250 Partitions and they rocked elk but the nose deformed and hindered second shot feeding (yes, I admit to needing a second shot at times!). Barnes TSXs worked great on elk but IMO were a little bit "hard" for mulies and the nose deformed under recoil. YMMV

I am always amazed at last minute load prep...come on people you KNOW you are going on a hunt and you NEED to get your stuff prepped ahead of time. Well, due to health and work I was looking at a last minute change.

I loaded up some Nos 200gr Accubonds with 90gr IMR4350, a load that did well for me with the Barnes 210 TSX. I figured it would be alright for cow elk and the mulies.

The range today was crowded of course but I settled down on a 100yd bench. 2 3shot groups were 3/4 inch , 2" high and an inch left! I can deal with that. I adjusted my scope for that one inch to the right but my following groups were about an inch. I'll blame it on the shooter on the next bench to my right that was shooting a 300 Win with a brake (not a Vias for sure!). Flame away but with both ear plugs and muffs I was not liking it!

I was shooting from a loaded 3 round mag and to my pleasure the second and third rounds fed fine. I'll credit the tipped bullets for this. As an aside I loaded to the COL standard of 3.55 as any longer the bullets hit the lands. I backed off a bit to be safe. I'm a happy camper and think I'll keep the old TGG-S but still will modify the feeding and get a Tef coat or something similiar on it. The standard Sako finish is a rust magnet if my three are any indication.

I'm headed off to NE Oregon for mulies and cow elk Friday. I'll let you know what happens

John

Good luck!

PS someone posted here in the big bores about creating a road block in the mag to keep the rounds from deforming the tips as well as a rubber bumper on the front. Let us know how you solve it as well as the trophy.

When I got to my BILs ranch I was informed that they had spotted a big herd of elk in a draw and we would go there after checking out a hot spot for mulies the next morning. We put a plan together and worked the "hot spot" early Saturday. A shooter mulie buck was spotted and we worked our way to him. My BIL set me up on him and he was a nice 3 point, nothing great but I had to weigh my chances. On a 3 day hunt with my bad back should I pass and hope for a "better" buck or go for it? Before the hunt started I said a trophy class deer would be nice but I REALLY wanted to put meat in the freezer. My venison supply was getting low and I LOVE venison!

My thoughts were do I pass and take a chance later on or take him now. I decided to take him. The Accubond 200gr out of my 338 Lapua rocked him big time and put him down for good. I'll admit I was going for an "armpit" shot but through my haste/nerves put one through his shoulders. Ack! It was a perfect "African" shot but not what I had envisioned It put him down in a dramatic fashion but I was concered over meat wasted.

To my delight the Accubond not only kiled the buck DRT and passed through but also to my amazement showed minimal meat damage. My previous load of 210 TSXs had much more bloodshot meat. My buds deer(s) shot with 7mms Partitions and Siroccos had more bloodshot meat than I with the Accubond. A very small sample to be sure but I am happy with the Accubonds performance.

After we regrouped we went to find the elk herd so I could get a cow. The elk had moved across the river and we counted 152 of the beasts! One of the things I like about a cow tag is the long season...I have until Nov 30 to fill it!

I had a great time and experienced three others of my party take a mulie while I was there. My 3 pointer won't win any awards but he will be good eating and the experience was priceless


John

John, Congats on your Mulie. I used the 200 Accubond last year to take my Bull elk in Colorado with my 338-06 very statisfied with its performance both shots were pass throughs.