I just bought a 338 Fed for black bear. I will also be using the rifle for elk at short-medium range. What bullet would be suitable for these animals? I'm debating on whether to use the 210 grain partition, 200 grain accubond, 210 grain TTSX, or the 185 grain TSX. I imagine which ever one shoots the best should be the one I use, but I'm hoping to buy one and have it shoot accurately. I'd like to try the Barnes bullets first, honestly. Is the 185 grain of the 210 grain Barnes bullets best suited for both black bear and elk?

I would stick to 200 or 200+ grain bullets for the game you listed. The bullets you listed would all be suitable.

The 210 grain nolser has worked for me in the win mag version.

Ckemp,

I have been using the 185 grain TSX factory load for a few years now and have had great performance with it.

The first black bear I got was over 400 pounds. It took one shot at about 40 yards and the bear never took a step.

Headache

I recently read that by using the 185 grain in the 338 defeats the purpose of shooting a 338 caliber bullet because of the lower sectional density of the lighter bullet. I guess that makes sense, but has anyone had problems with 185 grain TSX not penetrating all the way though large game like elk? I'll probably stick with the 210 grain bullets, but I was just curious.

quote:

Originally posted by buckeyeshooter:
The 210 grain nolser has worked for me in the win mag version.

If I was going to use a bullet that light, I would rather use the higher S/D 30 cal. 180.

I used my 300 RUM shooting a 200gr bullet for my black bear. Shot him right threw the heart.
That killed him right on the spot.

I would imagine that 185gr bullet would bounce off an elk seriously any of the bullets listed will do for either animal out to most sane ranges. Most blackies arent that tough to kill, and a 185gr .338" bullet in a TSX configuration will penetrate like a 200gr cup and core bullet. I would start at the 185gr first, because of the limited case capacity of the 338 fed and then work your way up...

My friend has been building 338-08 rifles for 15 years. His reamer is identical to the 338 Federal. He recommends 225 gn Sierra GameKings @ 2500fps.

gary, could he get enough velocity out of a 338-06 to make a 250 grain expand fully? Do not know the reply, just asking?

How about a 210 gr. Swift Sorocco II?

A lot of black bear and elk have been collected with a .30-30 and a conventional cup and core 170 gr bullet. Surely any of those you mention will do as well.

quote:

Originally posted by Gary Surko:

quote:

Originally posted by buckeyeshooter:
The 210 grain nolser has worked for me in the win mag version.

If I was going to use a bullet that light, I would rather use the higher S/D 30 cal. 180.

Then you've never killed anything w/ the exc. 210grNP. I have used it for years & many animals in the 338-06 @ 2750fps. You should be able to get 2650fps easily, will do well on anything the 338-06 will do just 50yds shorter.

I do not think you can ever go wrong with the right calibre and weight of Nosler Partition for the game being hunted.

However if the new Federal Trophy Bonded Tip, is as good as the older Federal Trophy Bonded Bearclaw I would be tempted to give them a try.

210 gr Nosler PT and don't look back. Even if you hit a lot of bone, it will hold together.

I used the 210 gr PT in my 338 RUM on a black bear, DRT.

JD338

I built a .338 Federal for a customer's wife for Moose hunting in Alaska. I have found that most .338's like 225 gr. bullets best for accuracy. This one was no different. She shot a 62" Moose at 185 yards, one shot-DRT with 225 gr. Trophy bonded bear claw. I think the .338 Federal will always be under rated because it doesn't look big enough and it doesn't kick much. It sure works well when used properly. Shot placement is key, practice, practice, practice. The .338 Federal allows one to practice without shoulder, retina and wallet damage.....Tom