338 bullet choice for Elk

[LeoHuhta]

What’s everyone’s favorite bullet choice for a
338 on elk?

 

[Edd]

What’s everyone’s favorite bullet choice for a
338 on elk?

What 338 Cartridge?

 

[Cloudrepair]

Barnes 250 grain LRX

 

[Alex Wheeler]

In my edges and lapua imps I like the 300 berger otm best. Killed more elk with that bullet than all others combined.

 

[LeoHuhta]

338 Win mag

 

[Alex Wheeler]

In that case try the 225 accubond.

 

[LAH]

Don't have a 338 but do have a few boxes of the Speer 275 grain semi-spitzers Mr. Keith loved.

 

[65swede]

In that case try the 225 accubond.

This and some Reloder 23.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Berger 250gr. Excellent penetration and internal damage. Been using that bullet for years now with nothing but perfect performance. Will work fine in a 338 win mag with 1in 10" twist barrel

 

[Edd]

338 Win mag

I think a 210 gr Nosler Partition would be a good choice.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I think a 210 gr Nosler Partition would be a good choice.

Great Elk bullet as well

 

[10XSHOOTER]

Partition if your shooting 300 yds or less. Accubond going longer!

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Really it depends on whether you believe you need an exit wound. Because elk are thick, wide body with heavy hair,hide and bone most bullets won't exit. Any premium, high bc hunting bullet that shoots well for you rifle is best. Grand Slam, Accubond, Barnes, Interbond, SST, Core lok, Berger hunting, all work when the heart/lungs are punched. Avoid angles that could only damage one lung, elk can travel a long ways on one lung.

 

[TaperPin]

The 210 partition in my 338 has worked well on elk out to 400ish range - it’s a loaner gun and has shot more elk in other peoples’ hands than mine.

However, it’s not a magic bullet and a small bull shot near center line while looking right at me at 75 yards went a football field before falling over.

 

[JLT]

Don't have a 338 but do have a few boxes of the Speer 275 grain semi-spitzers Mr. Keith loved.

I still have a full box of the Speer 275s and a partial with about 40 left. Absolutely brilliant on game.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

a small bull shot near center line while looking right at me at 75 yards went a football field before falling over.

If you hunt Elk long enough, I can assure you that won't be the last time an Elk runs a ways on you no matter what bullet or cartridge you are using to propel it. Sometimes they drop like a rock, sometimes they just won't go down. High shoulder shot is the best bet if you can make it. If you have to shoot at an odd angle like you described, then there's no telling how fast they'll go down

Our rule of thumb is you keep on shooting until they go down. Many times you won't need the follow up rounds, but every once in a Blue moon, you'll get an Elk that seems to have a lot to live for and he's not going down without a fight.

 

[nakneker]

338 win mag is a classic and great choice for elk. I‘m huge fan of 210gr partitions if you’re not shooting long, if you are shooting long a 250 grain Accubond or Berger OTM are good choices if your rifle has the twist rate. There’s a lot of good bullets though, Barnes, ELDXs and many more, those are are some we’ve had good experiences with. Growing up we used Remington factory core-lokts with great success, in many calibers. Elk are TOUGH and if you let their adrenaline get going they are unbelievably tough. Shot placement is paramount.

 

[DaveTooley]

Any bullet 210-225 grs that's accurate. I have some off weight Swift A-frames, 217 grs, that I love. As has been said bullet placement is key. BUT I want a premium bullet just in case.

 

[Iafarmer]

I have a couple of buddies like Sierra 225 gr. I’ve had the last three small bulls bang flop using 210 Sierra. 80 to a max of 300 yards.

 

[ebb]

The elk on my living room wall meet his end to a partition, I think it was 225 grain.