I want a new 338 bullet!!!

[gohring3006]

My realistic longest hunting range has been reduced over the last couple years. In my mind. Not the actual field conditions. I still hunt the same location. Just came to a comfortable acceptance that I'm not going to be shooting past 1000yds at game animals. And I'm good with that.
Which means I no longer concern myself with identifying and purchasing the highest BC bullet available. Has to be good. Not higher than all the rest.
Terminal performance is more important, IMO. Godd enough is good enough, with respect to BC value.

I couldn't agree more. I get young guys spouting BC! BC!
Not even putting velocity in the factor, BC and velocity they don't relate them lol.....
Then they can't figure out why my lower BC bullet is running 8 mils to 1000 and theirs is running 10 mils. I tell them higher isn't always better, but consistent and accurate BC numbers will outshine the highest every time.
Then they say, with their sporter barreled Savage Axis with a Nikon prostaff. "well at a mile I'll beat you every time.
I usually say, "yep you got me"!!

 

[RockyMtnMT]

I am at exactly the same progression in my personal hunting range. It used to be about seeing how far we could go. Our longest shot on game is 1280y. I too have drawn the line at 1000y. I am getting ready to build a new rifle set up light and purpose built for 700-800 yard shots. At this range I am more comfortable with time of flight and the potential for animal movement. Also atmosphere makes much less difference in poi. I will continue to hunt rocks at ever increasing distances.

Steve

 

[gohring3006]

I am at exactly the same progression in my personal hunting range. It used to be about seeing how far we could go. Our longest shot on game is 1280y. I too have drawn the line at 1000y. I am getting ready to build a new rifle set up light and purpose built for 700-800 yard shots. At this range I am more comfortable with time of flight and the potential for animal movement. Also atmosphere makes much less difference in poi. I will continue to hunt rocks at ever increasing distances.

Steve

Let's face it, there is plenty of longrange hunting opportunity 1000 yards and under. If you can't get to within 1000 yards, then maybe you should work on some stalking skills.

 

[RockyMtnMT]

Let's face it, there is plenty of longrange hunting opportunity 1000 yards and under. If you can't get to within 1000 yards, then maybe you should work on some stalking skills.

I don't mind others working on longer ranges. I won't say that I won't ever shoot past 1000y again. I don't feel the personal drive to push farther anymore. I have never quit enjoying the process of using the land to close distance. For me this part of the hunt is priceless. Executing the shot is the end of the hunt.

Steve

 

[gohring3006]

I don't mind others working on longer ranges. I won't say that I won't ever shoot past 1000y again. I don't feel the personal drive to push farther anymore. I have never quit enjoying the process of using the land to close distance. For me this part of the hunt is priceless. Executing the shot is the end of the hunt.

Steve

Me too, I don't want anybody to think I'm talking ethics because I'm not.
I'm just saying that someone who chooses to limit to 1000 yards and under is still considered a long range hunter. And there is plenty of challenge in that!!!

 

[Pdvdh]

Executing the shot is the end of the hunt.
Steve

I find shot setup and execution is more concentration, than excitement, compared to the sighting of the game and the stalking to get into location for the shot.
This isn't the perfect description of living it, but the adrenaline tends to subside after I've arrived at the intended shot location. Then it's show time. Clutch or execute.

So I more or less agree.

 

[RockyMtnMT]

Yes there is a bit of the unknown that gives some intensity to the shot set up. There is a level of excitement that one can't deny in the execution of the shot.

Steve

 

[Lonewolf74]

I couldn't agree more. I get young guys spouting BC! BC!
Not even putting velocity in the factor, BC and velocity they don't relate them lol.....
Then they can't figure out why my lower BC bullet is running 8 mils to 1000 and theirs is running 10 mils. I tell them higher isn't always better, but consistent and accurate BC numbers will outshine the highest every time.
Then they say, with their sporter barreled Savage Axis with a Nikon prostaff. "well at a mile I'll beat you every time.
I usually say, "yep you got me"!!

Aright I'm still a novice at figuring this stuff out, could you give me a crash course? Say for example in my current set up (300wm) I'm pushing the the 215 at 2960. How do I figure what I would gain or loose going to the 230? How do I figure out how fast I would have to push the 230 to have a worth while gain?

For the 338 329 gr what would be a good target velocity to realize good potential of that bullet? What chambering's would be capable of reaching that velocity?

 

[gohring3006]

Aright I'm still a novice at figuring this stuff out, could you give me a crash course? Say for example in my current set up (300wm) I'm pushing the the 215 at 2960. How do I figure what I would gain or loose going to the 230? How do I figure out how fast I would have to push the 230 to have a worth while gain?

For the 338 329 gr what would be a good target velocity to realize good potential of that bullet? What chambering's would be capable of reaching that velocity?

Basically how I do it is, I use hypothetical velocity and start running them in a ballistic calculator and watch what happens with drift and drop along with energy.
For instance I might have a load for the 215 hybrid at 3000 fps.
Then I will research what everyone is getting velocity wise for the 230, and pick a velocity that's realistic and compare.

 

[Pdvdh]

Basically how I do it is, I use hypothetical velocity and start running them in a ballistic calculator and watch what happens with drift and drop along with energy.
For instance I might have a load for the 215 hybrid at 3000 fps.
Then I will research what everyone is getting velocity wise for the 230, and pick a velocity that's realistic and compare.

And if the purpose is to evaluate the bullets for hunting game, I'm certain gohring3006 also studies and compares downrange velocity, in order to evaluate whether or not sufficient bullet velocity remains at the distances of interest, to ensure the bullet will expand/upset upon impact with the game animal.

 

[gohring3006]

And if the purpose is to evaluate the bullets for hunting game, I'm certain gohring3006 also studies and compares downrange velocity, in order to evaluate whether or not sufficient bullet velocity remains at the distances of interest, to ensure the bullet will expand/upset upon impact with the game animal.

Yes, I pay close attention to energy and velocity. I'll usually just look at the 1000 yard data for each.

 

[RockyMtnMT]

I print out ballistic charts for each bullet and lay them sxs to compare from muzzle to usable or needed distance. Then choose the one that best fits my needs.

Steve

 

[yorke-1]

I do all the number crunching and verifying bullet drops and BCs too. Then I go and shoot the first critter I see at rock throwing range on opening day and realize that I could hunt with full wad cutters and it wouldn't make a difference at the ranges I actually hunt at! LOL

 

[Lonewolf74]

Thanks for the help guy's I knew it was more simple than I was making it!

Another question this brings to mind is about where is a realistic cut off for bullet velocity and energy? Which is going to have greater effect on bullet performance or expansion?