I'm in the middle of deciding whether or not to convert my 30-06 Savage to a 338-06 and keep it as a dedicated big game rifle.
IF, I keep it as an '06, I'm wondering what bullet you'd suggest for use on elk and hopefully, someday, moose.
I'va narrowed it down, for a number of reasons, to the following,
Nosler Partition 165gr
Nosler Partition 180gr
Nosler Accubond 165gr
Nosler Accubond 180gr
or
One of the above in 200gr.
Looking at purely the numbers, ballistics and energy, the 165's are so close to the 180's it's not worth worrying about. In some cases, superior. Now, looking for REAL world experience, does it make a difference, whether or not it's a 165 or 180 or 200? Would a heavier, slower, 200gr penetrate deeper than the 165?
Is the 165 enough for moose? Could I load it with 165gr Accubonds and use it on deer as small as 150lbs and all the way to moose? Asking an AWFUL lot of one bullet, I know, but I'd like to find just one load and stay with it for all. Would the 180 be the better all round?