HSi-ESi
Well-known member
Here's little background before my question. I've got a Ruger No1 chambered in .338 WM. It wasn't a shooter when I first purchased it and my Dad and I spent time working on the fore-end. We added a Hick's accurizer and glass bedded the forearm. The initial tests I've done with shooting my original loads show that the combination of the 2 items have improved the shooting a ton. I went from 6-9 inch groups to sub 2's. I've been planning on doing a full write up here of what we did - once I get it completed. In the meantime - I was lucky enough to draw a MT Moose permit - and am planning on using this gun (sentimental reasons now).
But my question to the group now is on some bullet selections.
I worked up 3 different bullets, 5 rounds each. All were minimum powder charges and I chose IMR4831 as the powder (I've got it on-hand, all 3 bullets had manufacturer loads for it). All 3 bullets were loaded 0.050 off the lands. I shot last night - and here are the results.
Nosler Partition 210 gr, Spitzer.
I figure that any of these bullets will perform just fine on moose, and with the Accubond's being the most accurate right now - I'm leaning towards loading those. I can get 30 rounds worked up this week and then do my final sight-in this weekend with 10 of the rounds. I have the most faith in the Partitions in that I've shot >20 elk with 180 gr 30 cal Partitions, but I've heard great things on both the Accubonds and Barnes.
What are your collective thoughts?
As an aside, I will be doing more load development and tweaking the Hicks after the season. I'm pretty sure I can get it shooting under an inch. I just am running out of time right now for using this on the moose.
But my question to the group now is on some bullet selections.
I worked up 3 different bullets, 5 rounds each. All were minimum powder charges and I chose IMR4831 as the powder (I've got it on-hand, all 3 bullets had manufacturer loads for it). All 3 bullets were loaded 0.050 off the lands. I shot last night - and here are the results.
Nosler Partition 210 gr, Spitzer.
4 shot group: 1.7" (this was my previous bullet choice. First shot was used as a fouling shot)
Nosler Accubond 250 gr.5 shot group: 1.4"
Barnes TSX 210 gr.5 shot group: 2.6"
I figure that any of these bullets will perform just fine on moose, and with the Accubond's being the most accurate right now - I'm leaning towards loading those. I can get 30 rounds worked up this week and then do my final sight-in this weekend with 10 of the rounds. I have the most faith in the Partitions in that I've shot >20 elk with 180 gr 30 cal Partitions, but I've heard great things on both the Accubonds and Barnes.
What are your collective thoughts?
As an aside, I will be doing more load development and tweaking the Hicks after the season. I'm pretty sure I can get it shooting under an inch. I just am running out of time right now for using this on the moose.