I have won a limited entry hunt grizzly tag for northern British Columbia and will be using my .338-06 FN98 rifle. I would like some advice as to bullet selection. I currently use the speer 200gr SP bullet chronographed at 2773fps(maximum charge). Because I am not dealing with magnum velocities is a premium bullet really necessary? Shots could be close or long. Opinions? Experiences?

MR331, Congratulation on your opportunity, you lucky guy, and welcome to the forum!...

I like the Speer Grand Slam 250 grain Spitzer in my 338WM, and would think it would also work well in the 338-06. I tested a number of 338 bullets in wet newspaper, and the 250 GS "won". I would want a tough bullet if I were to go after DG such as Grizzle bear - cheap insurance.

JMO, Bill

I wouldn't say that a premium bullet is not needed, but they don't hurt. I'd choose a 225 gr. bullet, that way you can reach out a little ways. My first choice would be the 225 gr. Barnes XLC, then the 230 gr. Fail Safe, then Swift 225 gr. A-Frames.

Whereabouts are you going to be hunting in BC?

My tag is for zone 7-53 which is the north side of the Liard River/Alaska HWY up to the Yukon border. Know the area?

If a 275 grn African GS doesnt get it done nothing will. Personally I wish Speer would expand their AGS line, thats a really well made bullet IMO, but actually I agree that a 250 gs would be a good choice. If your gun is dialed in @ 200 yds then a 250 will drop about an inch more @ 300 than a 225 grn. Thats a small price to pay for better penetration since it will already drop nearly the same anyway. Time to prioritize!

Also at 06 velocities Id opt for a partition before a failsafe or an X bullet. But thats just me..

Good luck looking for Whabb!

[ 07-10-2002, 06:50: Message edited by: Wstrnhuntr ]

I hunt w/ a .338-06 & really like the 210gr NP. It hits hard, penetrates well & shoots reasonably flat. For a Grizz hunt I would think you are going to keep the range as short as possible. I would bump up to a 250gr NP, Swift or GS. The extra penetration could come in handy if your bear is carrying extra weight or a wet hide. Good luck, sounds like a great trip!

Needed most likely not. On a lope hunt I wouldn't think 2x about it. But this is a big time gig. I'd not go unless I absolutley had w to without a Premium bullet!

My 338/06 like the 210 NP and the 250 Swift. But any of the premiums would be just fine. If I went with a non Premium it would be the 250 Hornady.

"GET TO THE HILL"

Dog

and let us know how the hunt went

I shoot 250 gr hornadays in mine at 338 06 vel they hold to gather just fine. They well kill any grizzly you decide to shoot. I shoot max load of 4064 give me just under 2500 site in 1.5 high at 100 give you about 1 in low at 200 11 in low at 300. I would prefer to be with in about 150 or closer just to make it easier. There isn't enough diff between the 225 and 250 go with the 250s.

I think if I had the chance for a hunt like this I'd find the premium 250gr bullet that shot best in my rifle. The Swift A-frame comes to my mind as the first one to try then Nosler Partition or Speer GS. You should get around 2400/2500 fps.Good Luck on the hunt !