What are the preferred bullets out there in the 200gr, 220gr, and 220gr+ class?

I was thinking of Aframes for the 200 and 220.

200 grs NP. Works a charm, allows the caliber to offer the flat shooting ballistics needed for open range hunting.

I have not used them, but I guess a 180-200 grs TSX would also work well.

- mike

I use the 220 grs Woodleigh PP (or RN) with 73-74 grs Norma MRP behind it. About 2800-2850 fps and absolute deadly on everything from roedeer to really big moose

M

I have always used the 220's from Woodleigh and Serria 220 gamekings. I gave thoughts to the 250's woodleighs but just never took the plunge.

Ed

Outstanding success with A Frame 200 grs and Norma MRP. If flatshooting is not priority the 220grs might be even better.

quote:

Originally posted by Austin Hunter:
I was thinking of Aframes for the 200 and 220.

From what I read, the 8x68S usually carries a 11" twist - or near that in metric. So, I would try the 200 gr Aframes. If accurate, that's your bullet. 180gr TSX ought to be fast and flat shooting too.

The only reasons I can see for using a 8mm bullet heavier than 200 gr is if you already have a bunch in stock, or if you are just determined to get the 8x68S to perform (nearly) up to what the 338 WM does with a 225gr bullet.

KB

I got my brass in and my donor rifle - Parker Hale Hussar built on a ZG47 - mint condition with a huge factory mag.

I have 200 gr Accubonds that I use for my 8x57 and see that a lot of guys use those for the 325 WSM and 8mm Rem Mag.

I like Aframes, but not the BC. The 220 gr Sierra may drop some initial FPS, but the BC might carry it out very far.

I think the 200 gr TSX would be a whopper.

Based on previous experience of the 200 gr AB in my 8x57 on waterbuck, red deer, and elk, I am a little concerned the extra 500 fps will limit penetration with over expansion at ranges under 300 yards. Thoughts?

Austin,
I think you have a good handle on the subject. I would use the tougher bullets as you have more velocity and so many 8MM bullets are designed for the 8x57...I would choose a GS Customs or perhaps a Barnes 180 or 200 gr. or a Nosler or Accubond..I have used the Accubonds in the 30-06 and 300s, they, like a partition, have worked at both velocities..I would be tempted to try them in the 8x68, Im betting they work in the 68...

I have used the 200 gr. Accubond in my 8x60 Brno btw on two cow elk and some Mule deer. worked great and my handload velocities were almost up to the 8x68..I am pretty sure the Accubond or the Partition would be more than satisfactory to you.

I shoot an 8x68,8mm/338,8mm Mazon and an 8mm Rem. The 200 gr TSX holds together and penetrates as well. The 200 gr Partition is good on elk and moose and similar game. If you want heavier bullets for closer range and or bigger game the 220 gr A-Frame is good and I suspect the Woodlieghs would work as well,although I have very limited experience with them.

Going to try a 220 and 220 gr from Northfork as well. They have always shot well and performed well in my DG rifles.

I was shooting 196 gr CDP (Blaser) bullet for some time.



Effect on game was fine, however I was expecting to penetrate better - here is a CDP that I got from broad shoulder shot on a red stag - distace 7m, bullet found under the skin on the exit side:



After I shot a roebuck (20kg dressed weight animal) frontal, and bullet didn't exit, I began to look for something different. So now (last year) I am shooting 126gr SAX bullet:



going ~ 3600 fps it shoots incredibly flat and I have yet to find a bullet within critter.

The classic bullets for the 8x68S are the 186grs H-Mantel and the 225grs Kegelspitz(conepoint). Norma offers a load with the 200grs A-Frame.

Now, with the new regulations,in some areas bullets with lead are forbidden.
A very fine bullet is the SAX-KJG, very ligt, very fast and very effective!

I have laid in a supply of 200-grain Nosler Partitions, and 200-grain Nosler Accubonds. Both bullets do a fine job, and can be had from Shooters Pro Shop for less than $20.00/#50.

quote:

Originally posted by lawndart:
I have laid in a supply of 200-grain Nosler Partitions, and 200-grain Nosler Accubonds. Both bullets do a fine job, and can be had from Shooters Pro Shop for less than $20.00/#50.

Have you noticed a difference in the two in a fast 8mm cartridge in terms of weight retention and penetration?

I got to monkey around with an 8mm Remington Magnum. The bullets acted pretty much the same as regards penetration. The Accubonds were a touch more accurate. They open in a more classic mushroom, the Partitions go through hard objects (simulating bone) a bit more easily. The Partitions really penetrate after the nose material is wiped off of the rear core. You just can't go wrong with either bullet. The Swift A-Frame bullets act like super Partition, with less weight loss up front due to being bonded. A box of A-Frames will get you through a lot of "once in a lifetime" hunts. I tend to use Aframes for .375 caliber on up, and stick with the Noslers for anything below .375 caliber. You can't go wrong with anyone of those three bullet types, so pick whichever appeals most to you psychologically. Psychology is one of the most important factors in shooting and hunting. Hope this is of some use to you. Cheers.

I have had very good luck with the Barnes 200 gr. TSX - very accurate and close to 3,000 fps. The Speer 200 gr. is a cheaper bullet to load in training ammo. I've used the 180 gr. TSX. It is a screamer.

I think Lawndart is spot on, I decided the exact same thing based on my experience of using both the partitions and accubonds in my 30-06 and 338 Win..I found the same good luch with GS Custom HPs, a monolithic bullet...Lots of good bullets out there today however....I shot about 20 head of PG with the 200 or 210 A frames in my .338 some years ago..They all worked, but I found the PG went considerably further when shot with the Aframes. By the same token I found the Aframes with 250 gr. bullets work incredibly well on Cape Buffalo..

I use the 200 TSX and have taken everything from Eland down to Bush UCD and the only thing that ever needed more than one round was a Zebra I misjudged the distance ones

Excellent penetration and complete weight retention.

Sportsman's Pro Shop out of Bend, Oregon has 200 grain Nosler bullets on sale for about $20.00 per #50