Originally Posted by plattski
I recently upgraded my elk rifle from an old Sako .30-06 (built in the late 50s so a little my senior) to a Ruger 77 Mark II stainless in .338 Win Mag. The Sako (nicknamed "Rusty" after this year's elk season) has been a good performer and accounted for a number of elk but after some serious weather abuse last fall I decided to go to a stainless/synthetic rifle and took the opportunity to move up in caliber for a little more authority.

I've been very happy shooting 168 TSX and want to stick with Barnes, but I'm thinking about going with TTSX for the new Ruger and am leaning toward 225 gr. Anyone use these and what do you think compared with TSX? I've also considered the 210 gr. TTSX for a little more speed but the 225 should mimic my .30-06 ballistics pretty well. I don't expect to be shooting over 300 yards and mostly under 100 based on the terrain where I hunt.

The .338 combined with close quarters and my generally good shot placement should be much more decisive in killing elk - at least that is my hope. Gotta find 'em first! Thanks for any advice anyone may care to offer. Also any good load suggestions would be much appreciated.


All great question. I personally love the 338 win mag, I think you did great in choosing that as your go to elk cartridge and the rifle will be excellent also. I've had about 4 338's on the ruger MK II platform and they have all been great performers. Excellent accuracy, ergonomics, and function. Nothing to worry about there. Did you get one with the laminated wood or the boat paddle or the new style synthetic stock??? The laminated wood version will be a little heavier but is actually not a bad thing with a larger caliber such as this. My (and many of my buddies) favorite elk load consists of (don't laugh grin) 250 gr sierra btsp gameking and 67-70 gr of IMR 4350. If your rifle wont shoot these bullets into less than 1" at 100 yds something is wrong. These bullets really perform and they are about $20.00/50 so you can do a lot of practicing with them too to get yourself used to the extra recoil of the 338 vs your 30-06. Here's how my Ruger M77 MKII does with 67 gr of IMR 4350 and the 250gr. sierra:

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Originally Posted by raybass
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style.
Originally Posted by Pharmseller
You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole.

BSA MAGA