Author Topic: Moose/Bear Bullet? (Read 983 times)

Rusty · « **on:** April 03, 2003, 09:15:49 AM »

What bullets do you northeners recommend for moose/bear medicine, in 30-06, or 338? Any special weights and/or bullets for stoppage and penetration?

Yukon Jack · « **Reply #1 on:** April 03, 2003, 11:00:32 AM »

For the 338, I really like the 230 grain FailSafe's. The 250 NP are good also, but my rifles have shot the FailSafe's great. Any well constructed bullet will do in the 225-300 grain range.

Moose-Hunter · « **Reply #2 on:** April 03, 2003, 11:11:04 AM »

My 338 hated those 230 fail safes, putting them all over the paper. Though, that was when my gun was in stock form. I've had alot of work done to it, so it might shoot those bullets decently now. But I shoot 250 grain Federal HE Nosler Partitions with good accuracy. I don't think you need that much bullet for moose, though. :grin:

Yukon Jack · « **Reply #3 on:** April 03, 2003, 11:34:14 AM »

Moose,
Mine is just the opposite! Actually of the three 338's, 2 will shoot the 210 NP's great, but none like the 250's at all. I don't know why. 2 Rugers and a Weatherby (well, I sold the Weatherby). The Weatherby would shoot anything you put through it, except those 250's. Each rifle is different I guess. This summer I intend on trying a box of the 240 North Fork's. Maybe I didn't tinker with loads long enough with the 250's, but it won't shoot the factory stuff at all. I haven't tried the High Energy loads. I tried the Safari Loads from Federal, but the rifle didn't like them.

The FailSafe's shoot really well and I've never recovered one. Amazing bullets if they shoot well from your particular rifle.

Moose-Hunter · « **Reply #4 on:** April 03, 2003, 12:32:32 PM »

Yukon Jack,

Yeah, I really like those factory 250 HE loads. That big of a bullet just cruises at 2800 fps. :grin: My favorite load and it's factory! :eek: But this summer I plan on trying those failsafes again, but I'll reload them instead and not mess with the factory failsafes. Way to exensive nowadays. $40+ a box.

But you're right, it depends on the gun and whether or not it'll like what bullets you feed it. My first Model 70 classic 338 Winnie loved those 230 failsafes, but my new one simply hates them, or did rather. My new one is a semi-custom Model 70 classic.

Dand · « **Reply #5 on:** April 03, 2003, 12:53:34 PM »

Haven't shot a bear myself but I watched my friend shoot a small brownie with 7mm Rem Mag and 175 Nosler partition - approx 150 yds, 1 shot through the lungs - bear went 100-150 yds and died -he should have aimed for bones. Another friend shot a bear with a 375 H&H and Barnes X (don't know wt but possibly 250??) - by his account the bear expired very fast - hardly traveled at all. I carry Nosler Partitions in 180, 200 or 220 for my 300 win Mag. I'm very happy with the 180 partion on the one moose I shot - 1 shot approx 120 yds high in lungs - traveled about 15 yds into river, stood around and died. Thank God I was able to float him to shore. I'm experimenting with 180 gr failsafes and I'm getting good accuracy in the 300. I love the 180 Nosler partion in my 30-06. I'd say the Nosler Partion is the gold standard, I read Failsafes are great, probably Swift A frame is fine, and if your guns like them, the Barnes X should be good. With the Barnes I'd consider using a slightly lighter than conventional bullet to compensate for their length, their solid construction, to reduce recoil, and to assure the velocity for good expansion. I think another friend of mine uses the 338 225 Nosler partition for everything. He's taken several large moose.

kloshe · « **Reply #6 on:** April 04, 2003, 06:58:14 AM »

anybody have experience with federals 225g trophy bonded bearclaws for their 338 on big bears. I've used them on goats and sitka deer with fine results.