I did some more bullet testing today. This time with my 338 Federal. So far I've tested five bullets on water jugs. I'm listing them from left to right in the picture.

185 Barnes TTSX-2650 FPS-penetrated through 6 water jugs-184 grains
200 Fusion- 2660 FPS- found in 5th water jug- 167 grains
200 Interlock- 2550 FPS- Found in 5th water jug- 135 grains
200 SST- 2500 FPS- Found in 4th water jug- core separation- 148 grains
215 Sierra- 2450 FPS- penetrated 7 water jugs no expansion- 212 grains

Barnes, Fusion and Interlock worked really well in the 338 Federal. Like others have posted, SST had core separation and the Sierra would not expand. I hope I can get the Barnes to shoot because it would be my first choice for CXP3 game.

Thanks for sharing. The 338fed has interested me since it came out. I have a great 338-06 though, so just can't get behind it. The one thing about water testing is it will shed a jacket more readily than wetpack. Plus side too, yo ucan fire upto 5 shots in a series of wet phone books if careful.

Try the 210 Nosler Partition.

I have used Nosler Partitions in most calibres from 243 to 375 H&H[ and 44 Mag as well].

It is hard to beat a Nosler Partition.

That regular Hornady interlock looks pretty good, if that shoots good it would be hard to pass it up, unless really big stuff like elk or moose were on the menu.....

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
Try the 210 Nosler Partition.

I have used Nosler Partitions in most calibres from 243 to 375 H&H[ and 44 Mag as well].

It is hard to beat a Nosler Partition.

My choice in the 338-06 @ 2750fps, just flat works on everything.

quote:

Originally posted by fgulla:
That regular Hornady interlock looks pretty good, if that shoots good it would be hard to pass it up, unless really big stuff like elk or moose were on the menu.....

I thought so too. I liked the way it performed. I haven't found a consistent load with it yet but I'm still working on it. I liked that it held it's core and had good penetration and expansion. Performed similar to the Fusion without being bonded.

Very interesting and educational post.

Very nice!

Hey Scott, I agree it was a very informative Test. Nice flick too.

So the Sierra only lost the exposed Lead Tip. I've heard people mention various bullets acting like FMJs, but this shows one for sure. Very strange.

quote:

Originally posted by fredj338:

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
Try the 210 Nosler Partition.

I have used Nosler Partitions in most calibres from 243 to 375 H&H[ and 44 Mag as well].

It is hard to beat a Nosler Partition.

My choice in the 338-06 @ 2750fps, just flat works on everything.

My favorite bullet in 338 Win Mag @ 2910 fps. Shoots flat and, as stated, does the job!

Regards,
hm

I bought some 210 Partitions, 200 Hot Cors & 180 NBTs. I plan on testing them in some phone books. I'm getting tired of buying water jugs and I have too many phone books. I should be able to test in the next few weeks. I'll post the results.

Interesting indeed.

I'm most surprised by the 215 Sierra's. I'm wondering if a retest for that one would show much difference. I've got a load for my 338/378 worked up with those that I use for target practice/plinking. I used it on a deer a couple of years back just because that was what the gun had been zero'd for at the time and I was not impressed. That said, the bullet was no doubt way outside of it's performance envelope. The shot was probably 150 yards and the mv for that load was probably around 3450. It was a frontal shot and blew about a 6" chunk of chest/sternum out on impact Not pretty.

I was surprised about 215 Sierra as well but someone posted similar results on 24 Hour Campfire out of his 338-06. He used phone books and had zero expansion.

It looks like you are testing extensively, and are getting excellent results. If you wish to shoot the best, as far as my rifles are concerned, please try the North Forks. The smallest bullet they produce in .338 is 225 grains. I think you will find their accuracy and retained weight is second to none. We have used them for years in Colorado, Alaska, Africa, and Kentucky, and find them to be unequaled. Good shooting.

Phurley5 your info doesn't match the Northfork website they make a 200gr in 338. Which I have used on elk with great results. Shot a cow broadside at 250yds with a 338-06 the bullet is long gone down the canyon leaving a blood trail a blind man could follow.The cow traveled 50 yds downhill after the shot.

Rob1SG ----- My bad, you are absolutely right. I looked at my shelf of North Fork bullets and found the 225 and 240 grainers, and looked no further. The 200 grainers should be perfect for many uses. I have shot many North Forks, all with excellent results. In fact, now that I am aware of the 200's, I can't wait to try them in my .338 Lapua and .340 Wby, their speeds should be amazing. Good shooting.

quote:

Originally posted by phurley5:
If you wish to shoot the best, as far as my rifles are concerned, please try the North Forks. We have used them for years in Colorado, Alaska, Africa, and Kentucky, and find them to be unequaled. Good shooting.

I'm sure they are terrific but they are $80 for 50 which is pretty much twice the price of other premium bullets. It's kinda cool because it's something not everyone shoots but is it more effective than an A-Frame, TSX or a Trophy Bonded Tip at half the price?

I have been shooting the North Forks quite some time now, as are my grandsons and son. I readily admit they are expensive. I managed to haved quite a large collection at Mike's prices. However when I spend the money for a hunt that is very special, I don't bemoan the expense. I shot a huge Cape Buffalo with a 370 grain North Fork soft at 80 yards with my .416 Remington. The bullet traversed from his last rib through his body, lodging in his backbone where the first rib starts. It still had 99.1% of it's original weight. My son took a huge Bull Elk at 125 yards with one of my .358 STA's, using a 270 grain North Fork, the bullet penetrated both shoulders then penetrated a cows head 25 yards beyond, recovered on the off side scull plate. It had 86% of it's original weight. By the way my son was tagged for two Elk that day. The weight retention is only one reason I use them. Their accuracy is awesome in my rifles, giving me a feeling of total confidence when I use them. I still shoot many other bullets including all the Nosler's, Swift A-Frames, Barnes TSX. Between my son and two grandson's hunting Deer and Elk with me, we shoot a lot of ammo, 100% reloads that 80% of the time will have a North Fork in it when we are in the field. Yep, they are expensive, but what is the hunt worth in the end. Good shooting.

I was wondering how the TTSX would respond if you took out the plastic tip for low impact velocity expansion. If the Tipless TTSX will open up well at say down to 2,000 fps impact velocity. Taking off the tip you can use the lower canalure as well.

I tested the 210 Partition and 160 TTSX this weekend using phone books. Impact velocity of the Partition was about 2650 and the TTSX was over 3,000. TTSX weighed 159, not surprising. The partition did what partitions do. Blow the front core and penetrate. Partition weighed 153 grains.

Scott, I've always been thinking lighter bullet weight when thinking Barnes vs others. How far did the 160 TTSX penetrate compared to the 210 Partition. Since as they ended about the same weight. Thanks for posting this.

quote:

Originally posted by Rob1SG:
Scott, I've always been thinking lighter bullet weight when thinking Barnes vs others. How far did the 160 TTSX penetrate compared to the 210 Partition. Since as they ended about the same weight. Thanks for posting this.

The Partition penetrated about 2.5" further and also had a much bigger would channel through most of the books from the front 1/3 exploding. I think the 160 TTSX would be a great deer load but I would move up to the 185 for Elk class animals.

Interesting. Here's what the 185 gr TSX looks like after thumping a decent bull elk at 280 yards from my 338-06. In behind the quartering away near shoulder and centering the off shoulder. Muzzle velocity was 2900 fps, retained weight 122 grs. Don't have my books handy to advise approximate impact velocity but guessing around 2200 fps or so.

I'm shocked it lost it's petals at that speed. I guess I wouldn't be too concerned since you removed it from a dead elk.

I've only been hunting phone books and water jugs with mine.

quote:

Originally posted by scottfromdallas:
I'm shocked it lost it's petals at that speed. I guess I wouldn't be too concerned since you removed it from a dead elk.

I've only been hunting phone books and water jugs with mine.

I was suprised as well. That said, the bull simply dropped at the shot, something I have never seen before. My hunting partner was amazed when its legs just collapsed.