180gr 338 Accubond for Deer
 

I'm thinking about trying the 180gr Nosler Accubond as a new deer load for my 338-06. I'll try working up a load and pushing it around 2800fps Plus/minus.

I've used 200gr Nosler BT's in the past on deer with good results but I'm out of bullets and thinking of trying something new.

What do you guys think.

I won't use big game bullets anymore on deer. I shot a deer a few years ago with 160gr accubond out of a STW kicking at 3200fps and it penciled thru. I since changed to a more "deer" bullet like 140gr bullistic tip. Something that would expand faster.

Charlie (mossyoak33) also shot a doe with RUM 180gr accubond and penciled thru without a huge amount of damage. I was kinda surprised.

You'll be ok if you like shoulder shots, but it may be marginal on a pure lung shot in terms of expansion. I've shot 2 deer with the 200AB out of a 300WM, it absolutely destroyed both deer to the point that I've becomed convinced that it's way too much gun for deer but neither shot was a pure lung shot and both shots were out after the bullet had a chance to slow down and work better (200 and 430 yds).

I was afraid that the AB would be a little too much bullet.
I actually tried the deer hunting one season with original Barnes X-bullet. It killed deer but was WAY more bullet than was needed and it didn't have the tissue damage than I like.
I would like to hear a few more opinions before I decide but I'm leaning back toward buying more of the 200gr BT's.

It's not too much bullet, it's too much gun. A 338 is WAY overkill for deer.

You think a 338-06 is overkill? I know guys who use a 35 whelen. Its not packing that much of a whollop.

Bare in mind my sample rating is small when it comes to deer and AB. That said last fall I used my .338wm loaded with 225gr AB's to harvest 2 mulie does. Both where classic behind the shoulder shots, lungs were torn in pieces and neither deer went anywhere but straight down. Exit holes were smaller then BT's for sure but they weren't pencils by any means either. I have also shot 160 Ab out of my 7mm rem mag into a couple whitetails and received good results. My bullet of choices remains the BT, love the accuracy and they have always worked well for me in the past on deer sized game. As I said my sample rating isn't huge with Ab and deer, so take it for what its worth.

In regards to the BT in .338 nosler discounted it for now, however the 200gr is still available under the CT umbrella I believe. Hornady does offer the 200gr SST as well. Seirra gamekings another option??

Good Luck

Claimed MV (2800 fps) is 300-500fps faster than a 35 Whelen. No it's not an absolute screamer, but on closer shots, that's overkill with a 338. In fact it's closer to 388WM velocities than 35 Whelen.

Yes my velocity is generally a little fast than a Whelen but 300-500fps fast, no way. That would mean that the Whelen is only doing 2500 - 2300fps. It might be a little heavy for deer but with the right bullets you get impressive results.

I guess that's why I haven't see any BT's for a while. I think I'll give the Hornady SST a try. The 1st bullet I loaded for this gun was the Hornady Spire Point. Liked it ,but got away from it over the years because the BT's did such a good job.

Thanks for all the input.