Hunting & Fishing 338 Spectre for deer

[Ratbert]

I'd like to use my 338 Spectre for one or more of my deer tags this year but am a little concerned about what sort of terminal ballistics I can expect with various bullets at such low speeds. Can anyone give me some first hand or expert advice on the effectiveness of a 338 pill on deer somewhere in the 1200-1400fps velocity range? I was thinking of using perhaps a Hornady 225gr SST or something. That should still give me 750-1000ft/lbs of energy.

 

[DesertMonkey]

Re: 338 Spectre for deer

It all depends on how long your shoots are going to be.

LS

 

[Ratbert]

Re: 338 Spectre for deer

This would be velocity @ impact, not muzzle. The shots will be 200yds or less.

 

[Kinsman]

Re: 338 Spectre for deer

I would choose a higher velocity bullet designed to expand at lower velocities. The 180-200 gr range should do this. If you have 1000 ft lb at 200 yd, it is quite adequate for deer..
Of course, shot placement matters, but at 200 yds, you don't have to have a .5 moa.