Regarding 500M shots with that rifle, I’ll share my opinion. I shoot a 338-06 AI and have done pretty extensive load development with it using many hunting bullets that I researched for best terminal performance. I found the best bullet for me was the 230 ELD-X. It’s the bullet that my guide uses in 30 caliber in his own rifles due to its effective on game, so that is encouraging too.
The last barrel was 22” and the one I am chambering now is a 24” barrel.
The ballistics of this cartridge, even in 22” is equal to what factory ammo will likely be in a 20” bbl 338WM, maybe a bit more. So, I feel there is a pretty close comparison between these two if the bullets are 230 grains or less. (With 250 and up the win mag will have higher MV.)
I ran the drop charts for my rifle and load at 2750. But even with this high BC bullet, velocity isn’t where I prefer when shooting beyond 400-450 yards.
Even if my shot placement is perfect (??) the impact velocity just isn’t high enough to put some PG down DECICIVELY, which is my goal. I want enough energy on the animal to do the job quickly and without doubt that the bullet performs its best, not just so-so.
According to my chart, my 2750 MV is 2200 at 400 yards. At 450 it is 2138 fps. That’s over 60 fps loss in 50 yards. Pretty eye-opening I hope. I don’t really want to drop lower than 2200 by choice. I’d rather stalk in a bit because low impact velocity seems to me to always result in too slow kill.
I feel too much emphasis can be placed on trajectory charts in relation to acquiring a target and not enough on impact velocity and bullet performance at the proposed velocity. People try to shoot elk at 7-800, even -000 yards and the impact velocity is shockingly low when you look at the charts. I would never hunt elk with a 30-30 Win at 100 yards but the impact velocity is lower than that, even from big 30 magnums at 1000. (Sorry, that wasn’t your point. I digress.)
Back on the point of 400, 500 yard shots:
Another consideration is, if you try to shoot one of the lighter bullets in 338 for increased velocity, such as a 200 or lighter it doesn’t help. The speed at these distances is down to very similar to my choice, the 230 Hornady.
So, I have much flatter shooting calibers with higher impact velocity if I want to shoot further. I like the 338 for a bigger, heavier bullet with a bigger expanded diameter and moderate velocity to put down game decisively at moderate distance. Also, I simply don’t like super magnums. I would rather accept the limits of my caliber choice and hunt a bit closer in favor of a 300 RUM Orr whatever similar option might perform better on paper. I’m not interested in that. I’m really looking forward to my first trip to Africa with this cartridge/rifle and have high confidence it will do everything I ask it to, as long as I do my part. We shall see.
