My brother has only had his .338 wm for a year, deer season is in 2 weeks, still working up loads. He got some 225 ttsx and tac tipped cheap awhile back, using imr 4831, he still has yet to test any of them, but lgs told me they have 200 gr interlocks and I was curious if hornady ever made 200gr interlocks or if these are the ftx interlocks. It's gonna be a birthday present since he's low on time and cash. Should I be looking for 215 Sierras or the 2something sst instead? Basically, I'm trying to get him more options to play with than just his Barnes since I hear they can be picky about seating depth etc and he'll only have next weekend to test them. His ruger liked the superformance 185 gmxs a LOT, the 225 sst wasn't bad either but he's really wanting to use a handload this year so here we are.
.338 wm deer loads suggestions
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Grumulkin
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Since your brother is a bit late in load workup, he better cover his bets with some factory ammunition just in case his handloads don't work out.
As far as Barnes bullets being picky about seating depth; I've not found them so. If they're picky, it's probably for other reasons. I usually don't crimp bullets but in the case of Barnes, I crimp in the appropriate groove with a Lee Factory Crimp Die which has provided several very accurate loads for me. Of course, it's possible his gun won't like Barnes bullets at all.
As far as Barnes bullets being picky about seating depth; I've not found them so. If they're picky, it's probably for other reasons. I usually don't crimp bullets but in the case of Barnes, I crimp in the appropriate groove with a Lee Factory Crimp Die which has provided several very accurate loads for me. Of course, it's possible his gun won't like Barnes bullets at all.
GooseGestapo
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Yes, the 200gr Spitzer flat base are "Interloks". Good bullet. However, I've gotten better results from the Speer 200gr HotCores. They more readily expand on smaller deer, but hold together and don't blow the deer up like a 210gr Nosler Partition will. I also really like the Sierra 215gr GameKings.
Also, the 200gr Ballistic Silver Tip is a good bullet, but I suspect Nosler has also discontinued them, too.
I've got a .338/06 that I used a good bit circa 2003-2009. I now have two Marlin .338ME. I like the Hornady 200gr FTX. At 2,500fps it would also do ok from the mag, but loaded rounds would look funky.
The 180gr Interbond is a good bullet loaded down to replicate velocity of 200-225gr for reduced recoil. H4895 works good for this. A bit pricy, however. I've still got a stash of the discontinued 180gr Ballistic Tips.
BTW; The FTX aren't Interloks. Just saying... But they work real good from the .338 Marlin Express. As I said, I have two. One blue MX, and Stainless MXLR. Both shoot well, though the MXLR is a "Remlin" with a replacement reciever that replaced original with the droop...
Also, the 200gr Ballistic Silver Tip is a good bullet, but I suspect Nosler has also discontinued them, too.
I've got a .338/06 that I used a good bit circa 2003-2009. I now have two Marlin .338ME. I like the Hornady 200gr FTX. At 2,500fps it would also do ok from the mag, but loaded rounds would look funky.
The 180gr Interbond is a good bullet loaded down to replicate velocity of 200-225gr for reduced recoil. H4895 works good for this. A bit pricy, however. I've still got a stash of the discontinued 180gr Ballistic Tips.
BTW; The FTX aren't Interloks. Just saying... But they work real good from the .338 Marlin Express. As I said, I have two. One blue MX, and Stainless MXLR. Both shoot well, though the MXLR is a "Remlin" with a replacement reciever that replaced original with the droop...
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ArchAngelCD
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If it were me loading a .338 WM for deer I would load a 180gr/190gr bullet to .308/30-06 velocities and call it good. The above mentioned Speer Hot-Cor bullet in 180gr or similar would be a good choice.
GooseGestapo
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No such bullets ArchAngle.
Just looked at three venders, seems Hornady has discontinued the 200gr Spt Interlok. Too bad. They also discontinued the .257" 100gr Flat base Interlok. My favorite.257 bullet. But, I've got a life time supply of those too.
The 200gr SST would do ok too. Looks like Nosler has discontinued the 180gr Accubond as well as the 200gr Ballistic Silver Tip.
Just looked at three venders, seems Hornady has discontinued the 200gr Spt Interlok. Too bad. They also discontinued the .257" 100gr Flat base Interlok. My favorite.257 bullet. But, I've got a life time supply of those too.
The 200gr SST would do ok too. Looks like Nosler has discontinued the 180gr Accubond as well as the 200gr Ballistic Silver Tip.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Sorry, my mistake. I was mistakenly looking at the .308" bullets. I do see a 200gr Hot Cor on the Midway site though.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...iber-338-diameter-200-grain-spitzer-box-of-50
In any case, that is a lot of gun for deer but hey, use what you have...
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...iber-338-diameter-200-grain-spitzer-box-of-50
In any case, that is a lot of gun for deer but hey, use what you have...
The 200gr. Ballistic Silvertip is still shown on Nosler's website. http://www.nosler.com/ballistic-silvertip-bullet/ My FIL shoots the Winchester Supreme load with this bullet and it works great on deer. Just remember as Art (IIRC) says "Don't shoot them in the eating part!"
Here is the page on Winchester's website: http://www.winchester.com/Products/rifle-ammunition/Advanced/Ballistic-Silvertip/Pages/default.aspx
Here is the page on Winchester's website: http://www.winchester.com/Products/rifle-ammunition/Advanced/Ballistic-Silvertip/Pages/default.aspx
Arkansas Paul
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Barnes makes 185 grain TTSX and TSX for the .338. There are many option at 200 grains.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...5-grain-spitzer-boat-tail-lead-free-box-of-50
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/7...in-hollow-point-boat-tail-lead-free-box-of-50
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...5-grain-spitzer-boat-tail-lead-free-box-of-50
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/7...in-hollow-point-boat-tail-lead-free-box-of-50
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