338 Win Mag

[RDJ]

Can anyone tell me which has greater knock down ability between a 200 grain bullet from a 338 Win Mag or a 200 grain bullet from a 300 Weatherby. I know the Weatherby bullet would be flying a little faster, but the 338 has greater frontal area and therefore a larger hole. Which factors play a more important role in the ability to quickly take down and elk or moose at both close and longer shots of about 400 yards?
Thanks. RDJ.

[pabloaa]

RD,
Given 200 grain weight, I wood go with the 300 Wea. Bump the 338 to 250 And I think the 338 win. would be better moose load to 400 yards.

[bigbulls]

I don't think the dead elk or moose will complain either way.

Personally I would choose a 180 grain bullet for the 300. A 180 grain premium bullet out of a 300 will cleanly take out any elk or moose with no problem what so ever.

If I were to go with the .338 I would then choose a 225 grain premium bullet. Again, this would be able to cleanly take out any elk or moose you will ever encounter.

Both of these choices are heavier than average bullets, but not the heaviest, to give you and plenty enough "power" to break big heavy bones good penetration after those bones have been broken. IMO they will provide you the best of power and flat shooting ability.

[handloader1]

Using Weatherby Ammo a 200 gr. Nosler Partition in the .300 Wby. Mag. @ 400 yds. has a Velocity of 2308 f/s, and 2366 ft/lb of energy.

Using Federal Ammo a 210 gr. Nosler Partition in the .338 Win. Mag. @ 400 yds. has a Velocity of 1980 f/s, and 1835 ft/lb of energy.

Good luck.

[RDJ]

Thanks for replies and advice guys. Sounds like there is no real clear winner here, which is what I expected. Either way, whichever I choose, it will more than likely be in a Sako 75 SS.

Thanks for the info and I guess I'll ponder this decision a little longer.

[pharaoh2]

The Sako 75 is a beutifuil weapon, though a bit on the heavy side. Myself, I favor the .338 Win mag. It can push a heavy bullet with relitave ease, has the benifit of a larger selection of heavy bullets, and the recoil is quite tolerable. I kind of miss mine!

[DM]

Personally, i think the 200 grain bullet is too light for the 338 on bigger game. I think i'd go with the 250 grain to get the proper penetration that bigger game needs for most shots.

The 30 cal. 200 Nosler Partition will easily out penetrate a 200 grain 338 bullet. I shot them both and saw this my self.

I'd choose the 300 wby 200 grain NP in this case, because of the reasons stated above, and the added velocity at longer ranges will help it to shoot flatter too.

I shot the bull in the picture with my custom .338-06 imp. useing a 250 grain Speer Gran Slam at 150 yards. I wasn't impressed with the way the bullet performed, but i've read the Gran Slams made today are better??

Drilling Man