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Bullet question

SCOUT5
I know there are some long range shooters on here who also have set ups for long range hunting beyond the range in my question. My question is very simple. If you wanted to kill a caribou or elk from muzzle to 500 yards, using a 300 wsm, what bullet would you load for the job?

I'll be hand loading the bullet.

Thanks
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Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • SCOUT5
    I have some USGI 30 cal cartridges manf. in the late 50's. The bullets are jacketed in Zinc? Silverish color like steel, magnetic, and sparks slightly. Is it Zinc?

    Jesus: Don't leave earth without him

    byf
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  • XXCross
    180 gr and up. (but shot placement is ALL important)
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  • tsr1965
    SCOUT5,

    I would undoubtedly use the Barnes 165, or 180 grain TSX, or Tipped TSX bullet. Either one would work, and I would also bet money on the 150 grainer too. They simply way out perform any of the lead bullets on large, big boned game. They are a little pricey, but not any more so than any of the other PREMIUM hunting bullets.

    Best
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  • nononsense
    SCOUT5,

    We could give you a hundred different answers and they would all be correct under most circumstances. The reality is that most hunting bullets will perform adequately when the hunter and his rifle are tuned and practiced for the job. Select any bullet for performance at the various ranges then practice and practice some more, getting to know the trajectory and placement of the bullet in the animal's anatomy. Practice using a variety of field expedient positions also. The bench won't be there when the Elk or Caribou shows up. Prone is always good as is sitting with a backpack for support, etc.

    Performance within the entire range is imperative because you'll never know where either specie will show up. Caribou tend to follow pretty well known trails so they can be ambushed in many cases. Elk on the other hand, take some stalking and glassing unless you have a guide who has mapped the movement of specific bulls for his clients.

    I am using the Berger Match HUNTING VLD bullets for the longer ranges but they work just as well up close. These might appear pricey but they are less expensive than the Nosler and Barnes offerings. The cost per bullet is really meaningless on big game hunts since you might use 1/2 of a box to get a load developed, the other 1/2 for practice and then buy a new one for the hunting loads and next year too.

    I have experience with the Berger 185 gr. Hunting VLD and the 210 gr. Hunting VLD so I can recommend both highly. These will outperform all others at the longer ranges with retained energy and trajectory.

    Nosler Partitions are the all-time dependable hunting bullets in nearly every flavor since they exhibit good accuracy and energy retention at most hunting ranges. The Speer Hot-Cor and the Remington CoreLokt also have had their supporters for good reasons including the lower cost. But don't forget that we're looking for the utmost in consistency along with the contact performance. A load which shows the occasional flyer is NOT the load for longer range hunting. When you pull the trigger you need to know exactly where that bullet is going go.

    Best.

    ADDED:

    I was going over some load data and found the powders that worked for me with the Berger Hunting VLDs.

    The best three powders for the Berger 210 gr. Hunting VLD are:

    Accurate 4350
    Hodgdon Hybrid 100V
    Re-19

    These loads were capable of good accuracy at approximately 2700 FPS with the bullet seated to magazine length. None were over pressure.

    Secondarily either the H-4350, IMR-4350 or Ramshot Hunter.

    Best.
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  • SCOUT5
    Thanks for the replies.

    I have been looking at the Barnes copper bullets, I have shot these in commercial loads. I have no experience with the Berger VLD bullets but have read up on them and was wondering if anyone here used them and could share their experience. I also like the increased B.C. of the heavier bullets. Of course only real range testing with my rifle will tell the story.

    I understand equipment, practice, and circumstances are the larger part of the equation and there are dozens of bullets that will "do the job". However the bullet is a good place to start tuning up that equipment. That is why I asked "what bullet would you load for the job?"

    I got a couple of good suggestions with the Barnes and Berger bullets. I am just starting to load my own ammo and want to follow the KISS philosophy. So knowing what bullets to start with will help. I want to load one bullet, find the right powder charge, then use that load for all occasions. Hence the question included "muzzle to 500 yards".


    I know 500 yards is a very long shot and I most likely will never have the need and the circumstances to make a shot that long. But you can't make it unless you know you and your equipment are capable. To find out I have to load the right stuff and see. If I can't do it consistently then I can't.

    Again thanks for the advice so far, if anyone else would like to chip in please do.
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  • SCOUT5
    Nononesense,

    Thanks for looking up the loads. I copied this information and put it in the 300 wsm file. Information like that is a big help.


    Scout5
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  • Camelot43
    Might I recommend the Berger VLD as well. Nononsense has never steared me wrong...

    I have been using the Berger VLDs 150gr. in my 270WSM using 69gr. Retumbo with great results! 1/2" Groups (good for me) all day. They are coming out about 3220fps on the chrony.

    I have not used them on big game however my brother in-law shot his doe yesterday with the VLD in a 25-06 at 200 yards and the bullet performed perfectly he said. Pin hole entrance, 50 cent piece exit wound with a good blood trail without destroying/ruining everything on the inside.
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  • FEENIX
    +1 on Bergers, if you can find best load configuration the shoots best off your rifle. Bergers can be a bit finicky on how they are seated, but once you got that figured out, you won't be disappointed.

    Another for your consideration is the .200 NAB. My current load for one of my .300 WM is 71.5g H4831SC, CCI250, 3.62 OAL (base to tip, not ogive).

    Good luck and happy safe hunting/shooting.
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