I'd like to know what I am getting into buying a 338 LM. Factory ammo is way too much and I want to tune my loads naturally. What do you guys calculate your cost per round is.... (ballpark)
- Thread starter Blasst
- Start date
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
yup about a buck around after your first purchase of lapua brass around $250. per hundred. which is about 4.25 a round the first time you load up.
yup about a buck around after your first purchase of lapua brass around $250. per hundred. which is about 4.25 a round the first time you load up.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
about $2 per round. I just did the math.
- $0.60 of powder (92.0 gns of N570) per round.
- $0.80 for each Scenar 300 gn.
- $0.50 for brass. $2.50 for brand new brass, reused five times.
So that is $1.90, plus primer Fed Match 215M making it close to $2.
I didn't realize how much cheaper you could make a 338 round by using different powder and bullet. Still I won't change... I get great results at ranges out to a mile. I guess if I was shooting a 338LM inside of 1000 yards, I could do very well with Sierra HPBTs.
about $2 per round. I just did the math.
- $0.60 of powder (92.0 gns of N570) per round.
- $0.80 for each Scenar 300 gn.
- $0.50 for brass. $2.50 for brand new brass, reused five times.
So that is $1.90, plus primer Fed Match 215M making it close to $2.
I didn't realize how much cheaper you could make a 338 round by using different powder and bullet. Still I won't change... I get great results at ranges out to a mile. I guess if I was shooting a 338LM inside of 1000 yards, I could do very well with Sierra HPBTs.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
Cali tz, nice break down. I would not change form 300 Scenars and N570 either. That rocks in my Sako
Cali tz, nice break down. I would not change form 300 Scenars and N570 either. That rocks in my Sako
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
I found Scenars for $0.72 per round... so maybe you can get this down to maybe $1.80 per round, and maybe you can reuse the brass more like 7-10 times by annealing... but then you have to factor that in to the cost.
Of course nothing here factors in the oppty cost of our time...
I found Scenars for $0.72 per round... so maybe you can get this down to maybe $1.80 per round, and maybe you can reuse the brass more like 7-10 times by annealing... but then you have to factor that in to the cost.
Of course nothing here factors in the oppty cost of our time...
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
If I had to factor in my time I couldn't afford to shoot.
If I had to factor in my time I couldn't afford to shoot.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
91 grains of RL25 = .234
Used once fired Lapua Brass 135 for 100 so on the low side 5 more reloads = .27
1000 F215M = .035
255 for 250 gr sierra HPBT = .51
So 1.05 per reload. I am doing it even cheaper cause i bought 440 250gr Scenars that were a couple years old for 180. And you can make it even cheaper by making your brass last longer by neck sizing and annealing
91 grains of RL25 = .234
Used once fired Lapua Brass 135 for 100 so on the low side 5 more reloads = .27
1000 F215M = .035
255 for 250 gr sierra HPBT = .51
So 1.05 per reload. I am doing it even cheaper cause i bought 440 250gr Scenars that were a couple years old for 180. And you can make it even cheaper by making your brass last longer by neck sizing and annealing
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
I figure (depending on your components)...$1.50 - $1.70/round.
YMMV.
I figure (depending on your components)...$1.50 - $1.70/round.
YMMV.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
Nice breakdown guys. I think 5 is a good number on brass cycles to calculate with, but I think moderate charges/pressures will allow many more:
With my 308, I run high pressure to maximize performance, and I have to bump the shoulder nearly every firing or the bolt closes tightly.
With my 338, I run much more moderately - 90.5gr Retumbo, 300smk @ 2665, and after 6 or 7 firings with neck ONLY sizing, the bolt still closes with minimal resistance. I think this brass will last a long, long time.
That said, you've nearly amortized brass cost after 5-6 firings, and further firings don't dramatically reduce $/round much.
Nice breakdown guys. I think 5 is a good number on brass cycles to calculate with, but I think moderate charges/pressures will allow many more:
With my 308, I run high pressure to maximize performance, and I have to bump the shoulder nearly every firing or the bolt closes tightly.
With my 338, I run much more moderately - 90.5gr Retumbo, 300smk @ 2665, and after 6 or 7 firings with neck ONLY sizing, the bolt still closes with minimal resistance. I think this brass will last a long, long time.
That said, you've nearly amortized brass cost after 5-6 firings, and further firings don't dramatically reduce $/round much.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
More in Alaska. That's for certain.
Ouch.
More in Alaska. That's for certain.
Ouch.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cali_tz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">about $2 per round. I just did the math.
- $0.60 of powder (92.0 gns of N570) per round.
- $0.80 for each Scenar 300 gn.
- $0.50 for brass. $2.50 for brand new brass, reused five times.
So that is $1.90, plus primer Fed Match 215M making it close to $2.
I didn't realize how much cheaper you could make a 338 round by using different powder and bullet. Still I won't change... I get great results at ranges out to a mile. I guess if I was shooting a 338LM inside of 1000 yards, I could do very well with Sierra HPBTs. </div></div> <---This guy is pretty close... I anneal so i get alot longer brass life... Brings it down to about 1.50 or less per round..and i only use Lapua brass in my 338LM...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cali_tz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">about $2 per round. I just did the math.
- $0.60 of powder (92.0 gns of N570) per round.
- $0.80 for each Scenar 300 gn.
- $0.50 for brass. $2.50 for brand new brass, reused five times.
So that is $1.90, plus primer Fed Match 215M making it close to $2.
I didn't realize how much cheaper you could make a 338 round by using different powder and bullet. Still I won't change... I get great results at ranges out to a mile. I guess if I was shooting a 338LM inside of 1000 yards, I could do very well with Sierra HPBTs. </div></div> <---This guy is pretty close... I anneal so i get alot longer brass life... Brings it down to about 1.50 or less per round..and i only use Lapua brass in my 338LM...
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
Time to switch to a cheaper powder. You can get 8lbs of h1000 or rutumbo for $145. Makes the powder cost about .25 cents? 300gr scenars can be had fr .69 or less.
Powder .25
300 scenar .69
Case used 7 times .36
Primer .03
Total=1.33/rd.
Time to switch to a cheaper powder. You can get 8lbs of h1000 or rutumbo for $145. Makes the powder cost about .25 cents? 300gr scenars can be had fr .69 or less.
Powder .25
300 scenar .69
Case used 7 times .36
Primer .03
Total=1.33/rd.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dogtown</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If costs are a concern of yours, seriously consider a .300WM - much more economical to feed and is still good to 1400 yards or so.</div></div>
No not a concern just curious. Buying a DTA so was just curious. Haven't worked with 338LM before
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dogtown</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If costs are a concern of yours, seriously consider a .300WM - much more economical to feed and is still good to 1400 yards or so.</div></div>
No not a concern just curious. Buying a DTA so was just curious. Haven't worked with 338LM before
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
I tried Retumbo... did not like it. Flattened primers and if I recall measurements of the brass shoulder Retumbo also stressed my brass out.
N570 seems to burn slower and causes much less of a nasty hit and recoil. Gave away my Retumbo to a friend.
I tried Retumbo... did not like it. Flattened primers and if I recall measurements of the brass shoulder Retumbo also stressed my brass out.
N570 seems to burn slower and causes much less of a nasty hit and recoil. Gave away my Retumbo to a friend.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
i also didnt have any luck with retumbo, but N165 shot 1/4 moa at 200 this past week end. going to try it at 1000 this sunday to see if it holds up. 82 gr and 250 scenars cci br primers.
i also didnt have any luck with retumbo, but N165 shot 1/4 moa at 200 this past week end. going to try it at 1000 this sunday to see if it holds up. 82 gr and 250 scenars cci br primers.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
Bets powder I have come across for 300Scenars is N570. Groups have shrunk down to 308 sniper type groups and extreme spread is fantastic.
I run 92.4 grains with 300 Scenar
Bets powder I have come across for 300Scenars is N570. Groups have shrunk down to 308 sniper type groups and extreme spread is fantastic.
I run 92.4 grains with 300 Scenar
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
TRG42 with 1x10 twist.
The 92.4 load is not my fastest by far but it shoots under all conditions really well.
TRG42 with 1x10 twist.
The 92.4 load is not my fastest by far but it shoots under all conditions really well.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
Yes I also found faster loads that grouped well, but I guesstimate that 98.0 grains will wear the throat out faster than 92.0 ... and 92.0 still hits the mile all the same, albeit I had to get 60+ MOA base for the scope to dial in the mile.
Yes I also found faster loads that grouped well, but I guesstimate that 98.0 grains will wear the throat out faster than 92.0 ... and 92.0 still hits the mile all the same, albeit I had to get 60+ MOA base for the scope to dial in the mile.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
i dont count the cost of the brass(lapua) as those will be used for years, and discarded.
i count what it would cost for me to reload what i have.
300SMK .50
94 grains of retumbo .25
primer .03
so i am around .75 give or take
i dont count the cost of the brass(lapua) as those will be used for years, and discarded.
i count what it would cost for me to reload what i have.
300SMK .50
94 grains of retumbo .25
primer .03
so i am around .75 give or take
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
I'll preface this by saying I'm not trying to smack a hornet's nest, but this question really depends on how you look at it. Everyone here is correct - if all you consider is components, it's relatively cheap. Far cheaper than buying factory. But component cost isn't all there is to reloading. There are a lot (A LOT) of other associated reloading costs as well for equipment (presses, scales, tumbler, media, trimmers, etc). I did this comparison with my 338 LM for handloading 1000 rounds and here is what I came up with:
$270/100 = 2.70 Lapua Brass
$72/100 = .72 Bullets
$3.40/100 = .04 Primers
$25/71 = .35 Powder
$180/1000 = .18 Wilson Trimmer
$300/1000 = .30 Redding Press
$280/1000 = .28 Scale
$100/1000 = .10 Tumbler
$150/1000 = .15 Dies
?? per 1000 = .15 Incidentals
$2.95/average cost per round for 1st – 4th reloaded rounds
$3.75/per round for loaded ammo @ $100/box of 20. (after once-fired brass is sold @ $1.25 each).
$2.75/per round for loaded ammo @ $80/box of 20. (after once-fired brass is sold @ $1.25 each).
Like I said, not trying to piss in anyone's Cheerios just providing a different way to look at it. The cost would obviously decrease with multiple variables (different calibers using same equipment, etc). (I'm also in the final phase of a Ph.D is psychology so my mind is a little wacky to begin with.)
I'll preface this by saying I'm not trying to smack a hornet's nest, but this question really depends on how you look at it. Everyone here is correct - if all you consider is components, it's relatively cheap. Far cheaper than buying factory. But component cost isn't all there is to reloading. There are a lot (A LOT) of other associated reloading costs as well for equipment (presses, scales, tumbler, media, trimmers, etc). I did this comparison with my 338 LM for handloading 1000 rounds and here is what I came up with:
$270/100 = 2.70 Lapua Brass
$72/100 = .72 Bullets
$3.40/100 = .04 Primers
$25/71 = .35 Powder
$180/1000 = .18 Wilson Trimmer
$300/1000 = .30 Redding Press
$280/1000 = .28 Scale
$100/1000 = .10 Tumbler
$150/1000 = .15 Dies
?? per 1000 = .15 Incidentals
$2.95/average cost per round for 1st – 4th reloaded rounds
$3.75/per round for loaded ammo @ $100/box of 20. (after once-fired brass is sold @ $1.25 each).
$2.75/per round for loaded ammo @ $80/box of 20. (after once-fired brass is sold @ $1.25 each).
Like I said, not trying to piss in anyone's Cheerios just providing a different way to look at it. The cost would obviously decrease with multiple variables (different calibers using same equipment, etc). (I'm also in the final phase of a Ph.D is psychology so my mind is a little wacky to begin with.)
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
Your estimates are a better indicator assuming the OP is buying reloading equipment to ONLY reload the 338LM, but i'm along the lines of others in the thread assuming the OP already has a basic setup and understanding of reloading necessities.
As such he has already considered the base cost of his equipment as a sunk cost in his hobby just as our time is.
Good thread all around and now the OP realizes both sides of the coin on getting started with a 338LM.
Your estimates are a better indicator assuming the OP is buying reloading equipment to ONLY reload the 338LM, but i'm along the lines of others in the thread assuming the OP already has a basic setup and understanding of reloading necessities.
As such he has already considered the base cost of his equipment as a sunk cost in his hobby just as our time is.
Good thread all around and now the OP realizes both sides of the coin on getting started with a 338LM.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CajunAR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Your estimates are a better indicator assuming the OP is buying reloading equipment to ONLY reload the 338LM, but i'm along the lines of others in the thread assuming the OP already has a basic setup and understanding of reloading necessities.
As such he has already considered the base cost of his equipment as a sunk cost in his hobby just as our time is.
Good thread all around and now the OP realizes both sides of the coin on getting started with a 338LM. </div></div>
Good point, I totally agree. I was running cost comparison for reloading ONLY my 338.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CajunAR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Your estimates are a better indicator assuming the OP is buying reloading equipment to ONLY reload the 338LM, but i'm along the lines of others in the thread assuming the OP already has a basic setup and understanding of reloading necessities.
As such he has already considered the base cost of his equipment as a sunk cost in his hobby just as our time is.
Good thread all around and now the OP realizes both sides of the coin on getting started with a 338LM. </div></div>
Good point, I totally agree. I was running cost comparison for reloading ONLY my 338.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jonthomps</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Good point, I totally agree. I was running cost comparison for reloading ONLY my 338. </div></div>And only the first 1000. Your reloading equipment is purchased after that and lasts much much longer than 1000 rounds, bringing the cost per round on subsequent loadings down by $1.16 to a cost of $1.79 per round.
I do like how you were factoring in the value of the once fired brass. I did this same calculation back a few years when I was shooting Gold Medal Match for $1.00 per round but it was actually costing me more like $0.80 per round because I was selling the once fired brass. A lot of people don't factor that in.
That said, there are ways to trim the cost down even further, mostly by buying bulk. Even Berger Hybrids can be bought for $0.68 per bulled if bought in 250/box quantities, I just found Lapua brass on sale for $259 for 100, and powder when I buy in bulk (20-40 pounds at a time) I am getting for around $20 a pound, which carries over to $0.26 per loading. So for me, who already purchased the equipment, and is a somewhat savvy shopper, my cost per reloaded round is:
Brass: $0.26 per firing assuming 10 firings
Powder: $0.26 per firing assuming a 90 grain charge and $20/pound
Bullet: $0.68 (unless I find some for sale here, which I often do!)
Primer: $0.04
Total cost: $1.24 per round fired.
And lets not forget that this isn't all about saving money. Generally speaking, better ammo is generated as well.
Food for thought,
-Bob
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jonthomps</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Good point, I totally agree. I was running cost comparison for reloading ONLY my 338. </div></div>And only the first 1000. Your reloading equipment is purchased after that and lasts much much longer than 1000 rounds, bringing the cost per round on subsequent loadings down by $1.16 to a cost of $1.79 per round.
I do like how you were factoring in the value of the once fired brass. I did this same calculation back a few years when I was shooting Gold Medal Match for $1.00 per round but it was actually costing me more like $0.80 per round because I was selling the once fired brass. A lot of people don't factor that in.
That said, there are ways to trim the cost down even further, mostly by buying bulk. Even Berger Hybrids can be bought for $0.68 per bulled if bought in 250/box quantities, I just found Lapua brass on sale for $259 for 100, and powder when I buy in bulk (20-40 pounds at a time) I am getting for around $20 a pound, which carries over to $0.26 per loading. So for me, who already purchased the equipment, and is a somewhat savvy shopper, my cost per reloaded round is:
Brass: $0.26 per firing assuming 10 firings
Powder: $0.26 per firing assuming a 90 grain charge and $20/pound
Bullet: $0.68 (unless I find some for sale here, which I often do!)
Primer: $0.04
Total cost: $1.24 per round fired.
And lets not forget that this isn't all about saving money. Generally speaking, better ammo is generated as well.
Food for thought,
-Bob
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bm11</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jonthomps</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Good point, I totally agree. I was running cost comparison for reloading ONLY my 338. </div></div>And only the first 1000. Your reloading equipment is purchased after that and lasts much much longer than 1000 rounds, bringing the cost per round on subsequent loadings down by $1.16 to a cost of $1.79 per round.
I do like how you were factoring in the value of the once fired brass. I did this same calculation back a few years when I was shooting Gold Medal Match for $1.00 per round but it was actually costing me more like $0.80 per round because I was selling the once fired brass. A lot of people don't factor that in.
That said, there are ways to trim the cost down even further, mostly by buying bulk. Even Berger Hybrids can be bought for $0.68 per bulled if bought in 250/box quantities, I just found Lapua brass on sale for $259 for 100, and powder when I buy in bulk (20-40 pounds at a time) I am getting for around $20 a pound, which carries over to $0.26 per loading. So for me, who already purchased the equipment, and is a somewhat savvy shopper, my cost per reloaded round is:
Brass: $0.26 per firing assuming 10 firings
Powder: $0.26 per firing assuming a 90 grain charge and $20/pound
Bullet: $0.68 (unless I find some for sale here, which I often do!)
Primer: $0.04
Total cost: $1.24 per round fired.
And lets not forget that this isn't all about saving money. Generally speaking, better ammo is generated as well.
Food for thought,
-Bob
</div></div>
Bob,
I like your break down and you are right, I was only assessing the first 1000. If assessing 2000 rounds the cost would be cut in half based on my numbers (dear God I sure wish I had the time and money to light off 2000 rounds of 338 a year). I was simply trying demonstrate the need to figure everything in. I hear many people say "reloading is sooo cheap!" And it is cheaper (I handload), but only counting the cost of bullets, brass, primers, and powder isn't a complete picture.
For the OP, another consideration is using the same equipment for reloading multiple calibers. For example, if you reloaded for just ONE additional caliber (say, a 308) many of the factors in my cost analysis would be cut in half because the cost is then shared between the calibers.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bm11</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jonthomps</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Good point, I totally agree. I was running cost comparison for reloading ONLY my 338. </div></div>And only the first 1000. Your reloading equipment is purchased after that and lasts much much longer than 1000 rounds, bringing the cost per round on subsequent loadings down by $1.16 to a cost of $1.79 per round.
I do like how you were factoring in the value of the once fired brass. I did this same calculation back a few years when I was shooting Gold Medal Match for $1.00 per round but it was actually costing me more like $0.80 per round because I was selling the once fired brass. A lot of people don't factor that in.
That said, there are ways to trim the cost down even further, mostly by buying bulk. Even Berger Hybrids can be bought for $0.68 per bulled if bought in 250/box quantities, I just found Lapua brass on sale for $259 for 100, and powder when I buy in bulk (20-40 pounds at a time) I am getting for around $20 a pound, which carries over to $0.26 per loading. So for me, who already purchased the equipment, and is a somewhat savvy shopper, my cost per reloaded round is:
Brass: $0.26 per firing assuming 10 firings
Powder: $0.26 per firing assuming a 90 grain charge and $20/pound
Bullet: $0.68 (unless I find some for sale here, which I often do!)
Primer: $0.04
Total cost: $1.24 per round fired.
And lets not forget that this isn't all about saving money. Generally speaking, better ammo is generated as well.
Food for thought,
-Bob
</div></div>
Bob,
I like your break down and you are right, I was only assessing the first 1000. If assessing 2000 rounds the cost would be cut in half based on my numbers (dear God I sure wish I had the time and money to light off 2000 rounds of 338 a year). I was simply trying demonstrate the need to figure everything in. I hear many people say "reloading is sooo cheap!" And it is cheaper (I handload), but only counting the cost of bullets, brass, primers, and powder isn't a complete picture.
For the OP, another consideration is using the same equipment for reloading multiple calibers. For example, if you reloaded for just ONE additional caliber (say, a 308) many of the factors in my cost analysis would be cut in half because the cost is then shared between the calibers.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
Factoring in that I have about 10 pounds of RL-25 I bought for my .243 barrel and ended up shooting .260 instead, my cost per round (because selling powder is impossible and it was just going to sit there in the basement, as such, it is like found money,) is UNDER A BUCK!
Factoring in that I have about 10 pounds of RL-25 I bought for my .243 barrel and ended up shooting .260 instead, my cost per round (because selling powder is impossible and it was just going to sit there in the basement, as such, it is like found money,) is UNDER A BUCK!
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
with my 110 ba i put two thousand rounds through it all were reloads. started with new brass and used h1000 fed primers and sierra bullets. total cost per shot was 1.05 . now if you factor in burning the barrel up it adds up a bit faster
with my 110 ba i put two thousand rounds through it all were reloads. started with new brass and used h1000 fed primers and sierra bullets. total cost per shot was 1.05 . now if you factor in burning the barrel up it adds up a bit faster
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
I just invested a little over $600 in reloading stuff the other day to start reloading for the 338 I got. There was no way I could bring myself to buy ammo for it. I hope to go and shoot 20 rounds or so tomorrow or saturday. I'm going to buy brass so I have more than 20 pieces to reload at a time. I might even reload some 223 to get some nice 69 gr ammo.
I just invested a little over $600 in reloading stuff the other day to start reloading for the 338 I got. There was no way I could bring myself to buy ammo for it. I hope to go and shoot 20 rounds or so tomorrow or saturday. I'm going to buy brass so I have more than 20 pieces to reload at a time. I might even reload some 223 to get some nice 69 gr ammo.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
I'm somewhere between $1.50 to 2. Depending on how many times I use my lapua brass. Im using Scenars and Viht N560. I've thought about the N570 but haven't tried it yet. Anybody switch from N560 to N570 and have better results. Retumbo delivered poorly in the accuracy dept for me.
I'm somewhere between $1.50 to 2. Depending on how many times I use my lapua brass. Im using Scenars and Viht N560. I've thought about the N570 but haven't tried it yet. Anybody switch from N560 to N570 and have better results. Retumbo delivered poorly in the accuracy dept for me.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
yes as posted several times, several of us have gotten better results in switch from both Ret and 560 to 570.
Also I should factor in annealing costs, but I think that would be 3-5 cents per round... it's not a dominating factor.
yes as posted several times, several of us have gotten better results in switch from both Ret and 560 to 570.
Also I should factor in annealing costs, but I think that would be 3-5 cents per round... it's not a dominating factor.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
I've gotten great results with 570 too. But for accuracy, my gun loves H1000.
I've gotten great results with 570 too. But for accuracy, my gun loves H1000.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
H1000 for me as well. My savage shot a single hole 5-shot group at 200m. I cant find any complaint yet. My rounds are coming out to about $1 each.
H1000 for me as well. My savage shot a single hole 5-shot group at 200m. I cant find any complaint yet. My rounds are coming out to about $1 each.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
Why the heck are you guys bragging about shot groups at 100-400yds? Seems like baby talk to me. Stretch the legs on this cartridge like it was designed to do. I shot a 8" (1/2" M.O.A) at 1165yds on Saturday. Then on Sunday I stretched the legs to 1650 with a 10-15mph full value wind and still shot 8" group. With a $1300.00 Savage FCP. Stop wasting your money and shoot this rifle like it was intended for.
Why the heck are you guys bragging about shot groups at 100-400yds? Seems like baby talk to me. Stretch the legs on this cartridge like it was designed to do. I shot a 8" (1/2" M.O.A) at 1165yds on Saturday. Then on Sunday I stretched the legs to 1650 with a 10-15mph full value wind and still shot 8" group. With a $1300.00 Savage FCP. Stop wasting your money and shoot this rifle like it was intended for.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GrayMatterSplatter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why the heck are you guys bragging about shot groups at 100-400yds? Seems like baby talk to me. Stretch the legs on this cartridge like it was designed to do. I shot a 8" (1/2" M.O.A) at 1165yds on Saturday. Then on Sunday I stretched the legs to 1650 with a 10-15mph full value wind and still shot 8" group. With a $1300.00 Savage FCP. Stop wasting your money and shoot this rifle like it was intended for. </div></div>
Don't rip on others for bragging about groups, then you brag about an 8 inch group at less than 1200 yards and call that half moa...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GrayMatterSplatter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why the heck are you guys bragging about shot groups at 100-400yds? Seems like baby talk to me. Stretch the legs on this cartridge like it was designed to do. I shot a 8" (1/2" M.O.A) at 1165yds on Saturday. Then on Sunday I stretched the legs to 1650 with a 10-15mph full value wind and still shot 8" group. With a $1300.00 Savage FCP. Stop wasting your money and shoot this rifle like it was intended for. </div></div>
Don't rip on others for bragging about groups, then you brag about an 8 inch group at less than 1200 yards and call that half moa...
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GrayMatterSplatter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why the heck are you guys bragging about shot groups at 100-400yds? Seems like baby talk to me. Stretch the legs on this cartridge like it was designed to do. I shot a 8" (1/2" M.O.A) at 1165yds on Saturday. Then on Sunday I stretched the legs to 1650 with a 10-15mph full value wind and still shot 8" group. With a $1300.00 Savage FCP. Stop wasting your money and shoot this rifle like it was intended for. </div></div>
Nice first post. Join the Hide to make friends, did you?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GrayMatterSplatter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why the heck are you guys bragging about shot groups at 100-400yds? Seems like baby talk to me. Stretch the legs on this cartridge like it was designed to do. I shot a 8" (1/2" M.O.A) at 1165yds on Saturday. Then on Sunday I stretched the legs to 1650 with a 10-15mph full value wind and still shot 8" group. With a $1300.00 Savage FCP. Stop wasting your money and shoot this rifle like it was intended for. </div></div>
Nice first post. Join the Hide to make friends, did you?
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
I'm still waiting my 338 to be finished. Should be soon. I just want to thank all ya'll for all this info. Great stuff for someone about to dive off into reloading for a 338. Thanks!!
L
I'm still waiting my 338 to be finished. Should be soon. I just want to thank all ya'll for all this info. Great stuff for someone about to dive off into reloading for a 338. Thanks!!
L
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
I ended up with about $1.12 per round if I get 10 shots out of brass. Lapua brass, 300gr SMK, retumbo, cci LM primer check out prices on www.powdervalleyinc.com
I ended up with about $1.12 per round if I get 10 shots out of brass. Lapua brass, 300gr SMK, retumbo, cci LM primer check out prices on www.powdervalleyinc.com
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
Im just playing with you guys! Yes Im new here but not to shooting. But lets do some math here: 1 M.O.A.=1.04" at 1000yds 1 M.O.A.=10.40" at 1165yds 1 M.O.A.=12.116" So I will correct my statement and say it was a 3/4 M.O.A. group. At 1650yds my group was 8" or 1/2 M.O.A. 1 M.O.A. at 1650yds=17.16" This was with a Savage FCP. Gun shoots great! Feel free to pile on me! I can take the heat!
Im just playing with you guys! Yes Im new here but not to shooting. But lets do some math here: 1 M.O.A.=1.04" at 1000yds 1 M.O.A.=10.40" at 1165yds 1 M.O.A.=12.116" So I will correct my statement and say it was a 3/4 M.O.A. group. At 1650yds my group was 8" or 1/2 M.O.A. 1 M.O.A. at 1650yds=17.16" This was with a Savage FCP. Gun shoots great! Feel free to pile on me! I can take the heat!
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
GMS, we figured you understood what an MOA was at distance. The issue is thinking you achieved anything with that. The more often one shoots at that distance, the more you realize that such groups are due to chance rather than skill, given effects of wind and ES in ammo velocity.
GMS, we figured you understood what an MOA was at distance. The issue is thinking you achieved anything with that. The more often one shoots at that distance, the more you realize that such groups are due to chance rather than skill, given effects of wind and ES in ammo velocity.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
What ammo or load are you using for that?
I'm working on getting a good group at 200 just to see how the loads are doing. Best so far is 1" at 200 with retumbo and 285 hornday bthp and 300 bergers over retumbo. I'm about ready to buy some smks and see if they'll do better or try some H1000.
What ammo or load are you using for that?
I'm working on getting a good group at 200 just to see how the loads are doing. Best so far is 1" at 200 with retumbo and 285 hornday bthp and 300 bergers over retumbo. I'm about ready to buy some smks and see if they'll do better or try some H1000.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
Cali_tz I will have to disagree with you. I have and can keep making that shot. To be good at anything one must practice. And Ive been doing my fair share of it. Sure wind always comes into factor, spin drift, temp, humidity, rifle cant, mild corialis effect at that distance. But if you practice it and know your loads and can read all the other factors your "chances" become skill. Thats just my opinion. Im comfortable making those shots.
My Load: Lapua Brass, CCI 250, Hornaday 285gr BTHP Match,92.1gr of Retumbo. Have not chronoed but should be around 2725fps
I dont use ballistic software because it cant read conditions like a human. What I have used has been known to be off at distances. I do carry a Kestrel though.
Cali_tz I will have to disagree with you. I have and can keep making that shot. To be good at anything one must practice. And Ive been doing my fair share of it. Sure wind always comes into factor, spin drift, temp, humidity, rifle cant, mild corialis effect at that distance. But if you practice it and know your loads and can read all the other factors your "chances" become skill. Thats just my opinion. Im comfortable making those shots.
My Load: Lapua Brass, CCI 250, Hornaday 285gr BTHP Match,92.1gr of Retumbo. Have not chronoed but should be around 2725fps
I dont use ballistic software because it cant read conditions like a human. What I have used has been known to be off at distances. I do carry a Kestrel though.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GrayMatterSplatter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Cali_tz I will have to disagree with you. I have and can keep making that shot. To be good at anything one must practice. And Ive been doing my fair share of it. Sure wind always comes into factor, spin drift, temp, humidity, rifle cant, mild corialis effect at that distance. But if you practice it and know your loads and can read all the other factors your "chances" become skill. Thats just my opinion. Im comfortable making those shots.
My Load: Lapua Brass, CCI 250, Hornaday 285gr BTHP Match,92.1gr of Retumbo. Have not chronoed but should be around 2725fps
I dont use ballistic software because it cant read conditions like a human. What I have used has been known to be off at distances. I do carry a Kestrel though. </div></div>
??? I remember the first time I handloaded on cocaine too.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GrayMatterSplatter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Cali_tz I will have to disagree with you. I have and can keep making that shot. To be good at anything one must practice. And Ive been doing my fair share of it. Sure wind always comes into factor, spin drift, temp, humidity, rifle cant, mild corialis effect at that distance. But if you practice it and know your loads and can read all the other factors your "chances" become skill. Thats just my opinion. Im comfortable making those shots.
My Load: Lapua Brass, CCI 250, Hornaday 285gr BTHP Match,92.1gr of Retumbo. Have not chronoed but should be around 2725fps
I dont use ballistic software because it cant read conditions like a human. What I have used has been known to be off at distances. I do carry a Kestrel though. </div></div>
??? I remember the first time I handloaded on cocaine too.
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
One other cost of shooting a big .338 is barrel wear. I have a .338-416 and it costs me about ~$400 to replace the barrel (I do it myself and am including shipping). I only get about 1200 rounds of accurate life out of a barrel (at least the last one) so that adds about $0.33 per shot.
I know some people with big 338s get more life, I'd like to know what kind of barrels they are shooting, or are they just putting up with the loss of accuracy.
Brad
One other cost of shooting a big .338 is barrel wear. I have a .338-416 and it costs me about ~$400 to replace the barrel (I do it myself and am including shipping). I only get about 1200 rounds of accurate life out of a barrel (at least the last one) so that adds about $0.33 per shot.
I know some people with big 338s get more life, I'd like to know what kind of barrels they are shooting, or are they just putting up with the loss of accuracy.
Brad
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JBM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">One other cost of shooting a big .338 is barrel wear. I have a .338-416 and it costs me about ~$400 to replace the barrel (I do it myself and am including shipping). I only get about 1200 rounds of accurate life out of a barrel (at least the last one) so that adds about $0.33 per shot.
I know some people with big 338s get more life, I'd like to know what kind of barrels they are shooting, or are they just putting up with the loss of accuracy.
Brad </div></div>
I'd never thought of that as a handloading cost, but I suppose it would be! Do high-end barrels experience accuracy loss at the same rate? Also, is there a high BC caliber that doesn't burn barrels out as quickly?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JBM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">One other cost of shooting a big .338 is barrel wear. I have a .338-416 and it costs me about ~$400 to replace the barrel (I do it myself and am including shipping). I only get about 1200 rounds of accurate life out of a barrel (at least the last one) so that adds about $0.33 per shot.
I know some people with big 338s get more life, I'd like to know what kind of barrels they are shooting, or are they just putting up with the loss of accuracy.
Brad </div></div>
I'd never thought of that as a handloading cost, but I suppose it would be! Do high-end barrels experience accuracy loss at the same rate? Also, is there a high BC caliber that doesn't burn barrels out as quickly?
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
I don't know if it's a handloading cost or not, I include it when people ask me what it costs to pull the trigger.
as for barrel wear, it's the powder. The last barrel I replaced (Pac-Nor -- which I liked very much) was severely eroded for a few inches in front of the chamber. ~100 grains of powder a shot quickly erodes a barrel. Keep in mind that I was/am pushing 300 grain Sierra MatchKings at about 2900 f/s.
Brad
I don't know if it's a handloading cost or not, I include it when people ask me what it costs to pull the trigger.
as for barrel wear, it's the powder. The last barrel I replaced (Pac-Nor -- which I liked very much) was severely eroded for a few inches in front of the chamber. ~100 grains of powder a shot quickly erodes a barrel. Keep in mind that I was/am pushing 300 grain Sierra MatchKings at about 2900 f/s.
Brad
Re: what does 338 LM end up costing if you handload
yes that is why I backed off from 98.8 grains to 92.0 grains, without much of a hit at ELR distances. I keep reading about excessive heat damaging throats and replacing a Steyr barrel could be quite costly. I am at around 400 rounds expended on my Steyr SSG08 and it seems to be no less accurate than anytime till now.
yes that is why I backed off from 98.8 grains to 92.0 grains, without much of a hit at ELR distances. I keep reading about excessive heat damaging throats and replacing a Steyr barrel could be quite costly. I am at around 400 rounds expended on my Steyr SSG08 and it seems to be no less accurate than anytime till now.
