I Can take either or both of these guns on a elk/deer

hunt to Idaho this year. Looking for advise on what

over the counter ammo fellow hunters have found to be

most accurate and best performing for these rifles.

Any advice is most appreciated.

Hi the only way to find out what ammo would work well in your guns would be to buy a couple of boxes and go to the range . I reload my own . I know this is not what you want to hear. but it will get you some time at the range and fun .sorry i can't help more . Bob

If this were my situation I'd take my .338 and use the same bullet for both animals.
As for what to recommend, I'd pick Federals and try a couple different ones. I used the 225 gr. before I started reloading for it. I don't think the "premium" bullets are a need in the .338 unless you like shooting them through the shoulders.

If you're traveling to hunt I'd probably take both guns, and use some Barnes X, or Nosler Partitions, Swift A-frames in the 150 gr. variety if I had to use the .270 on elk.
My best friend has used only a .270 for everything for a long time but, he has yet to take an elk with a single shot.

i would use the m70 with 250 gr. n.p..

why take chances, flatten them. no tracking. .270 is good for deer use it for that.

cold zero

My Model 70 SS Classic with a 3x9 Leupold weighs 8.40 lbs in the synthetic stock, and 8.59 lbs with the ACRA-Bond laminate. Either way, it's probably lighter than the BAR. Therefore, if it was me, I'd take the 338. But your 338 may weigh more.

After shooting an Elk with my 270 and 140 grain Trophy Bonded Bullets this year, it will be the last time I hunt Elk with it. It worked, but I prefer a little more power.

338 wm with premium bullets.

First of all, take both guns. I've never needed a back up gun, but there's always a first time. Either will do for either species, but of course the .338 provides more margin for elk. I would carry the .338 and keep the BAR in reserve.

With factory ammunition, look for a 210 or 225 Nosler Partition for the .338. The "High Energy" loads will be fine, if they shoot well in your gun. There's nothing wrong with the 250 Nosler for elk, but it won't do anything either of the others won't also, and it kicks a little harder and requires a tad more elevation for long range shots. The ligher partitions might theoretically put a deer on the ground more quickly than a 250, but there's actually little practical difference.

The most important thing is which load shoots best in your rifle. When trying factory ammunition, I would advise buying plenty of one lot to both try for accuracy and complete your hunt. If a load doesn't meet your expectations, take back the unopened boxes for credit or trade them for more whatever ammunition that you like (make sure that your retailer agrees to this first).

For the BAR, use ONLY 'regular', not "high energy" loads. The high energy loads use compressed charges of very slow burning powder, and although their CHAMBER pressures are within limits, the gas pressure at the port on your BAR will be excessive and may either cause a malfunction or could even damage your rifle. A 150 Nosler Partition in a 'regular' velocity load is the best choice here.

If, for some reason, the Partitions don't shoot up to your expectations in either rifle, look at the new Nosler Accubond 225 in the .338 or 140 grain in the .270 as an appropriate substitute. The similar Hornady bonded bullet would also likely do well as an alternative. It is rare for to find a gun which will shoot ammunition loaded with the Barnes X bullet accurately.

Good luck, and have fun!

The post by Stonecreek is right on the money on this one.


R F

I like the Remington 250 gr or the 225 gr regular loads 338 win mag loads.I have shot some 3/4" groups with the 225 gr in my 338 ruger All Weather.A friend of mine has shot 5 moose wity 5 shots in their tracks with thre 250 gr loads.I would leave the 270 home.I have shot 80 dee with 80 shots using my 338 fr om 3 to 425 yards.I use 200 gr Winchester Power Points for deer.The 225 would work for Elk and deer.