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Old October 25, 2009, 04:51 PM   #1
4T4MAG
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Join Date: April 28, 2009
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.338 Win Mag Load

I am having a debate with myself and a few friends about which load is better for elk hunting. I am looking at Federal's load data for the .338 Win Mag.

Velocity Muz 100 200 300 400 500
Nosler accubond 225 grn B.C. .550 2800 2672 2548 2427 2310 2195
Nosler Partition 250 grn B.C. .473 2600 2516 2377 2242 2112 1986

Energy Muz 100 200 300 400 500
Nosler accubond 225 grn 3918 3568 3244 2944 2666 2409
Nosler Partition 250 grn 3929 3516 3138 2792 2477 2190

I have been reloading for about a year now. Why would one shoot the 250 Grn. instead of the 225 Grn.? Looking at the velocity and the energy between both loads. The 225 Grn. holds faster and more energy. What am I missing? My friends are all about how heavy the boolit is. Even with weight retention, the 225 grn seems to be the front runner. The wind drift and trajectory also both favor the 225 grn. What am I missing?

I have my .338 sighted 2.5" high at 100yds putting me dead on at 300 yds. with 1.5" groups. (I would like it closer)


Please help.
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Old October 25, 2009, 05:52 PM   #2
oldscot3
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The energy numbers you list are the product of a mathematics formula and are useful for comparisons but you can't put the effect of bullet striking flesh in a nice neat formula, wrap it up with a bow and draw conclusions that are irreversable. Generally speaking, the formula favors velocity and could lead us to discount the performance of long heavy bullets at modest velocities such as 160 gr. 6.5s or 175 gr. 7mms. Proven game getters, everybody say amen.

With premium bullets that hold together well at high velocity, such as you list, the 225 does have a velocity advantage and may be the better choice if you anticipate long range shots.

When using lower cost bullets, and perhaps shooting over shorter distances, the 250 grain bullets at more modest velocities, might be a better choice in some circumstances, where deeper penetration is desired.

In recent the years the overall quality of bullets has improved dramatically, the lighter weights in any caliber will usually perform about as well the next step up did twenty years ago and they usually come with a few benefits such as higher velocity and maybe even a little reduction in recoil.
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