338 ax bullet choice for elk.. Going crazy

[jmden]

I checked with Berger and they said they wanted to keep the Elite the same and never changed it because some guys really liked it. I know I just kept them below 3000 to make sure. They said they kept it the same and just added the OTM to give the guys shooting faster bigger cases a bullet that wouldn't slump. I know the Elite is super accurate and really kills in my 338 Lapua IMP. All my shots have been one shot kills and the accuracy at 1000 yards is not showing any slump issues. Matt

This is the reply I just received from Berger Technical Support:

"Hello Jon,

Thank you for contacting Berger Bullets. The current Elite Hunter bullet is a completely different bullet for all intents. The Gen 1 bullet has been discontinued for quite some time and is not available. The Elite Hunter bullet does use a slightly thicker jacket design than what the original bullet did to prevent the jacket slump issues from occurring. Please do not hesitate to get back with any of us with the Berger Tech. Team if we can be of further assistance for you.

Kind Regards,
Bob Blaine
Technical Specialist
Berger Bullets Technical Support Team
[email protected]"

 

[MT4XFore]

Berger advertises that they make their Elite Hunters so they will work fine without having to monkey with seating depths. My 338AX shoots both the 250gr and the 300gr EXTREMELY well. Granted my rifle is a single shot, but it shoots all the 300's very well. I use RL 33 as my powder and IT likes a bullet loaded closer to the lands for lower ET's. For me 104.5grs of RL 33 gives me 2987fps with the 300 and single digit ET's. I get a tad over 3200 with the 250gr. The Berger is a no-brained IMHO.

Jim

 

[jonthomps]

You'd be fine with Berger's or SMK's. I've taken elk with both bullets and both performed flawlessly.

 

[djtjr]

I like the SMK.

 

[TXAoudadKlr]

Why not just run a 265gr ttsx or LRX? They should perform fine out to 1,000yards if not further and not "blow up" on closer shot opportunities.

I expressed this very same concern to Kirby given I will be running a 300AX. He told me granted this was a while ago, it was something along the lines of running a good bonded bullet like the accubond.