338 win mag. What load do y'all suggest

[dmak]

Hey there, I'm Dmak and am new to the forum. Recently moved from the south to salt lake city and am looking forward to the coming big game season. 

I will be participating in the multi season elk running both archery and a boomstick. The rifle I will be using is a Tikka T3 light stainless in 338 win mag.  I have a Vortex Viper ffp 4-16x50 and am looking for some more long range hunting with that (300-500m).  I have been running Federal Nosler 250gr and like the recoil, but am curious if I should step down to 210-225gr.  What do you guys suggest, and what have you found to work the best?

 

[jamesctaylor17@gmail.com]

Personally I can't vouch for the 338 but with any long range rifle I look for a high ballistic coefficient. Partner that up with any reputable bullet manufacturer and a load that shoots accurately out of your gun and you should have a winner!    250 grains may be a bit of overkill on an elk honestly but you can never kill em too dead! That's my two bits.

 

[montanaelk31]

Load I like is a 225 Hornady interbond on top of IMR 4350.  Good results on elk. (4 for 4, longest 300yd).  I've been tinkering with Berger Elite Hunter 300's and found that my groups tightened up a bit.  Not sure about their performance sitting at 2400 fps on game, however.  They really can punch the paper out of a 1:10 twist, 28 inch barrel.  Recoil is about the same. 

 

[dmak]

Load I like is a 225 Hornady interbond on top of IMR 4350.  Good results on elk. (4 for 4, longest 300yd).  I've been tinkering with Berger Elite Hunter 300's and found that my groups tightened up a bit.  Not sure about their performance sitting at 2400 fps on game, however.  They really can punch the paper out of a 1:10 twist, 28 inch barrel.  Recoil is about the same.

I'll have to build some of those hornady rounds and try them out.  Thanks for the suggestions.  Elk is a new species for me (hunting and tracking is not).  I'm very anxious to see the draw results but have already started the shed hunting to prepare for the season