Post by: yorketransport on June 23, 2012, 09:55:19 PM
So now I'm kicking around the idea of trying a different bullet. The TSX and the A-Frame are two on my list, as well as the Partition. My only requirements are that it be a mid weight (over 250gr) and shoot less than 1" for 3 shots at 100 yards. I limit this rifle to less than 300 yards so it doesn't need to have a spectacular BC. If I want to hunt past 300 yards I'll take one of the 338s.
The rifle itself is a Ruger Hawkeye Alaskan with a VX-3 2.5-8x scope. If it weren't for the weight, (9# 4oz ready to hunt) I would take this gun every where with me. I'd swap out the stock to shave some weight but the rifle is just such a great package as it sits that I don't want to mess with it.
So let's hear your suggestions!
Andrew
Post by: coyotewallace on June 24, 2012, 02:55:35 AM
270g TSX
Post by: RadSav on June 24, 2012, 04:11:49 AM
When I was guiding bear hunters one of my first questions was always, "What bullet are you shooting?" If it was a Partition I'd always bring the dog along. Never lost a bear shot with it. But, we spent more time tracking animals shot with the Partition than all other bullets combined. It was not any where close to the most popular just as an FYI for those who want to slam my opinion.
That being said, I only see change as a necessity for the sake of change. Every gun I have ever shot the AccuBond through absolutely loved it. Up to and possibly including the big brown bear I don't see much need for anything else. Especially at the velocities of the .375 Ruger. Seems the perfect match in my opinion. If it were me hunting elk with the .375 I'd keep things just the way they are - perfect :tup:
Now if I was adding grizzly to the list or hunting elk on Afognak I'd probably go with the A-Frame.
Post by: yorketransport on June 24, 2012, 07:19:42 AM
That being said, I only see change as a necessity for the sake of change. Every gun I have ever shot the AccuBond through absolutely loved it. Up to and possibly including the big brown bear I don't see much need for anything else. Especially at the velocities of the .375 Ruger. Seems the perfect match in my opinion. If it were me hunting elk with the .375 I'd keep things just the way they are - perfect :tup:
Good advice. I am guilty of messing with stuff just to have something to do! :chuckle: The Accubond really is a great bullet in this caliber. I've probably put 300 through this rifle since I got the gun. The only critter I've hit with one though was a porcupine at about 125 yards. Penetration and expansion looked to be pretty adequate. :chuckle:
Post by: Biggerhammer on June 24, 2012, 07:14:36 PM
The shot was steep down hill, impact was center of the chest. It stood him up and rolled him, I recovered the bullet just under the hide on the underside between the rear of the ribs and the pelvic bone. This was with 102grs of IMR 7828 at 3050 FPS at the muzzle.
Here are some photo's of the bullet and it's recovery. The bullet performed flawlessly, picture perfect mushroom. Straight line penetration, I would take on pretty much anything with the combo. I feel you have the perfect cartridge/ bullet combo as you are. I would expect the exact same results from your combo.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi90.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk269%2Flandonmoses%2FDSC01094.jpg&hash=a487bdaebecf85378e62e2a03fc451c89452539d)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi90.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk269%2Flandonmoses%2FDSC01096.jpg&hash=772f82a6536e7eb56518b85ecdc125fcfc1aee08)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi90.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk269%2Flandonmoses%2FDSC01099.jpg&hash=a9c6b5819c1ba664a5dd8cf35caaba6f97d7d31e)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi90.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk269%2Flandonmoses%2FDSC01103.jpg&hash=48e3cfae75dcafbd4c28ce144d4e456c4a7cc391)
This coyote took one for the team with the same load as the deer about a hour prior.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi90.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk269%2Flandonmoses%2FDSC01072.jpg&hash=b42d7149ae8c16fe283c0bd28f91f6ca03bc41ac)
Post by: Biggerhammer on June 24, 2012, 07:32:52 PM
Post by: yorketransport on June 24, 2012, 09:23:47 PM
Now what am I supposed to do all summer? I'll just have to convince my father in law to switch loads or something. ;)
Stupid accubonds and their excellent performance....... :chuckle: I'll just have to spend more time playing with the 358 or one of the 338/375 Rugers. Yoh. And never have too many backup rifles ready to go. :tup:
Andrew
Post by: Biggerhammer on June 24, 2012, 09:39:02 PM
Post by: RadSav on June 24, 2012, 10:23:56 PM
The .338/375 Ruger sounds like a bunch of fun!!! :tup:
I agree!!! I might look into that for an upcoming grizzly hunt.
Post by: Biggerhammer on June 24, 2012, 11:32:08 PM
Biggerhammer that is a much better mushroom than I would have expected at 560 yards with a bonded bullet. What was your expected velocity at that range? Can't be over 2,000 - could it :dunno:The .338/375 Ruger sounds like a bunch of fun!!! :tup:
I agree!!! I might look into that for an upcoming grizzly hunt.
550 Yards Vel: 2030. Energy: 2378 Flight Time .66
575 Yards. Vel: 1989. Energy: 2282 Flight TIme .70
I also shot a Mule deer at point blank, under 20 yards facing me head on with a .270 WSM and a 140gr Accubond. Hit it center of the chest and found the bullet under the hide at the rear of the right ham. That bullet hit hella fast and traveled the length of the body. It was picture perfect, looked just like the bullet pictured above. Nosler hit it right on the money with the Accubonds, the 7mm 140 Accubond out of a 7mm WSM is flat wicked on Mulies also.
Post by: yorketransport on June 25, 2012, 08:26:44 PM
The .338/375 Ruger sounds like a bunch of fun!!! :tup:
It is! It's essentially a 330 Dakota. In fact that's been my base line for load data.
I have an 18" barreled Savage Striker, and a 24" rifle barrel right now. At the moment my reamer is up in Alaska while a buddy has a couple barrels cut for him (all handguns), and a 22" rifle barrel for me. I
From the pistol, I get 2650 fps with a 250gr MK and H4350 with pretty much unlimited brass life. I have 15 loads on my cases! If you want to eat the brass up a little faster, I can move the 225 TTSX at 2925fps using RL17 from the same 18" barrel. Those cases don't last long though, maybe 2 firings.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi162.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft260%2Fcollegekidandy%2Fcellphonepics129.jpg&hash=b73c60608897789e0f16d428283968c821127321)
It's a Savage Striker action, 18" Benchmark barrel, and a 3 port Muscle Brake from CSR. It will hold .3 MOA out to 400 yards with the 250gr MK. Beyond that the 3.5-10x scope becomes an issue. I haven't played much with the 225 TTSX beyond 200 yards yet, but it's still less than .5 MOA. It's a very cool caliber!
Post by: high country on June 25, 2012, 08:41:12 PM
Post by: Biggerhammer on June 26, 2012, 09:18:50 AM
That is way cool, maybe when your reamer gets back we can work something out so as to let Benchmark chamber a barrel up with it for me. PM me if you will entertain the idea, I need another project as soon as they finish up my .338 Ultra.
I have a 450 Ultra Magnum reamer your welcome to! ;) It should make a Striker rather lively. :chuckle: :chuckle:
I also have a .338 Ultra necked down to 6.5 with a 40 degree shoulder.
And a couple others I came up with based off of blown out .243 Lapua brass. All PTG Removable pilots with go gauges.
.257 Smack
6.5 Brooke
.244 Slip Knot