Question on .338 moose pills

blargon

blargon

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I have a .338WM that I plan to use on moose next season. I have loaded up right now 225gr IB's, 225gr Interlock's, and some 250gr Partitions. All shoot well, the Interlocks slightly better, which bullet should I use? Or should I load something different this winter? Anyone have experiences to share on these?

thanks
 
Honestly the .338 is going to slay moose with whatever you load it with. Really, it will come down to whatever bullet you like. I use 250 gr Sierra Gamekings; some guys don't like them because they aren't a "premium" bullet, but they carry over 2000 ft/lbs out past 500 yards and they've never failed me, and my rifle puts them in one ragged hole at 50 yards, under 0.75" at 100 yards and into a cigarette package at 300 yards. I've never recovered one because they always blow through the moose, even on quartering away shots through the boiler and the thick part of the front shoulder. So...I like them and use them...many guys would consider them lesser bullets to some/all of your choices. If you have one of your bullets that "feels" right to you, go with it.
 
I have stopped using Interlocks for hunting as I had some issues with bullets disintegrating on contact on deer at 7mm RM velocities (which will be similar to your .338). However, they also shoot really well in all of my guns and are usually one of the better buys so I use them a lot as practice rounds. I load Interbonds for a .300 WSM and they have performed well on 1 elk and 3 deer ( all one shot kills) and are also a cheaper alternative. Nosler Partitions are still my "go to" bullets for a 6.5 X 55 and my 7mm. RM. and have performed flawlessly on many kills. Like you, I also have a .338 WM and have chosen to try 225gr. Accubonds (same as Interbond as far as I'm concerned) but have not had a chance to take an animal with them yet so can't give a tested opinion.
Nice to have so many great bullets to choose from - good luck with your choice.
 
Ruger No.1 said:
I have stopped using Interlocks for hunting as I had some issues with bullets disintegrating on contact on deer at 7mm RM velocities (which will be similar to your .338).
Click to expand...

This was my main concern. Would they hold up or not. I'm also leaning toward the IB's, just for the tough factor.
 
Northman999 said:
Honestly the .338 is going to slay moose with whatever you load it with. Really, it will come down to whatever bullet you like. I use 250 gr Sierra Gamekings; some guys don't like them because they aren't a "premium" bullet, but they carry over 2000 ft/lbs out past 500 yards and they've never failed me, and my rifle puts them in one ragged hole at 50 yards, under 0.75" at 100 yards and into a cigarette package at 300 yards. I've never recovered one because they always blow through the moose, even on quartering away shots through the boiler and the thick part of the front shoulder. So...I like them and use them...many guys would consider them lesser bullets to some/all of your choices. If you have one of your bullets that "feels" right to you, go with it.
Click to expand...

I use the exact bullet in my 338 with the same results!
I push mine with hodgdons short cut 4831.
It also loves the 250 Interbond hornady, and this bullet has never failed me I have shot a few bear with it!
 
The bullets that have worked for me on moose have been the 250 SBT Sierra (338 Win Mag & 338 Lapua), 220 SBT Sierra (8mm Rem Mag), 250 Hornady Interlock SPTZ ( 330 Dakota). The Sierra's have given me the best results and mirror the results others have had. As much as I like the way 250 Hornady's shoot I have never recovered any because they come apart and this was in two different 330 Dakotas and three different moose ( ranges between 50 and 211 yds) all broadside lung shots, in every case the animals fell within 50yds but it left me with the feeling that if bone was hit the results might be a little different or recovery alot more work, maybe I'm wrong but it is unsettling. I used the new 200 gr Accubond in a 300 Dakota and was very impressed with how it held together on a 35yd broadside shot with complete penetration but I have not used it in any 338 caliber yet. The Partitions are old standbys, my buddy used the 250 Grand Slam and the 225 Swift Scirroco on Elk and he found them both excellent on two kills.
bigbull
 
Brad,
the first year Nugget had his 338 we loaded him up with 225gr Interlocks. Back in them thar days we was just into reloading and had no chronograph yet.

We worked up a load likely close to the max listed in the manual and it shot roughly .875". He shot a bull from 80yds or so, running at an angle away from him. Bullet went through the ribs and hit the off side shoulder, putting a vertical crack almost the full length of it. Bullet stopped under the hide. Asper usual he lost shortly after finding it. It picked the bull up and tossed him into the ground so hard he broke off half of his paddle! Okay, so it was just his momentum from running. Makes for an exciting story for the newbie hunters.....

I hit my first bull with the 250gr Interlock RN at 200yds in a 338-06. He was at a full steam ahead run until I hit him. He skidded to a stop and lay down right away. I snuck up to him and finished the job.

Any of them mentioned are fine. We are finding the Accubond petals break off but big wow, we have yet to stop one inside an animal. I wish we could to see how they look. This is in 270cal and 9,3. Have no 338 data to share for that bullet.
 
I also loaded up a batch of 225 IB but I have not tested them or shot anything with them yet.

I have done a little bit of testing (but not shot anything so take it with a grain of salt) with 225 Interlocks and I figure they are pretty much on par or a little better with any other Hornady bullet at .280 sectional density going 2800 fps (think 180g hornadys out of a 30-06) They should work ok but no stupid through the gut to the heart type shots.

I have not used 250g partitotns but use 225's and had them go through both shoulders of a 50" moose. Also had them stop on the far side of an elk and go through quarting shots on bears. Expect big time penetration with the 250's.
 
Well, looks like lots of pro's for all bullets. I guess I'll keep shooting them all, and then decide before the hunt on which to use. Thanks All for the input.

Noel, sounds like the Interlocks worked well for you guys. Shoulda kept the .338.;)
 
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