[FAL_Freak]

I've noticed that most 338 bullets are geared toward elk and other big big animals that require quite a bit of penetration power. Since I'm not an elk hunter yet, what would be the best bets for bullets on whitetail deer and similar sized game?

I've noticed the polymer tiped bullets seem to max out at 200gr. I think those would do, but I was hoping to find a 250 gr projectile to match what I hope to be loading up for target loads. Currently I'm loading 200gr Hornady Spire points due to not finding any 250gr bullets when I bought the dies and powder and stuff.

[GooseGestapo]

My guess would be the 180gr Nosler B.T.. I've got a .338/06 that I've only shot 200gr Hornady, Speer, and 215gr Sierra's through. I didn't get the .338 for fast expansion! However, from what John Barsness has written on his experience, I would not use the Bal. Tips on anything bigger than Mule Deer due to core slippage. I've not ever had a Sierra Boat Tails "core slip" and have several retrieved .257 and .308 dia in my "collection", but that dosen't mean the next one won't.
From my experience, Nosler has toughened up the Balistic Tips since inception. My first experiences with them was that they are great varmint bullets, and only suffice on big game when the distances are extream, over 300yds.

I would just stick with the Hornady 200sp, as it is the bullet I can get cheapest, and I know that Hornady's will expand and hold together for adequate penetration and group decently. Midsouth Shooters supply has them for about $16.99/100. With a .338, I'd be more concerned about this than expansion. For shooting deer, they (.338's) are already "Pre-expanded" ! If they don't expand further, that just means more edible meat. However, for shooting deer I usually use a .30/30 or a .35 Rem. for "walking about" and an AR-15 flat-top for putting doe's in the freezer.
The .338 was built for that "drizzly-rainy day I get to go hunting in Alaska" after I retire from this "day-job".

[swifter]

180 gr Nosler BT! I get an honest 3100 fps from my Ruger M-77 without straining either of us, and it gives a very humane kill. Field dressing looks like a grenade went off in the thorax...:what: Best smaller big game bullet for the caliber going!:D
Tom

[FAL_Freak]

Thanks for the great responses guys! Have you tried any of the Barnes X bullets? Thier propoganda claims they will expand at 1400 FPS or so, while still retaining most of the mass at high velocities. This sounds too good to be true though. That and they come in the "holy" 250gr that 338 Lapua loaders seem to love. :D

[swifter]

I tried some of the 160 & 175 (?) gr Barnes a few years back, but never got 'em to shoot in less than 2&1/2". Nosler 210 Partitions gave me 3/4", and now the 180 BTs equal that easily. Never bothered to try the Barnes again.:D

Tom