Load info for 20" AI AX .338 Lapua

[AEROMechanic]

Afternoon all I would be using 300gr Berger Hybrids. I was wondering if any of you had a successful recipe for any of the 300gr bullets out of a 20" tube that you wouldn't mind sharing or, at least give me a nice powder to start with? I'm in central FL and will be at an elevation of no higher than 75ft above sea level.

Thanks
Larry A

 

[AEROMechanic]

Anyone have any recommendations

 

[Dogtown]

For the 300s, H1000 and Retumbo are popular powder choices.

 

[ChrisGarrett]

For the 300s, H1000 and Retumbo are popular powder choices.

The problem will be, whether the slower powders burn fully in a 20" tube. 338LM powders are a lot slower than some of the other cartridge powders of choice.

Honestly, with a 20" tube, I wouldn't even worry about shooting the 300s and move to the 250s and/or 285s, which might allow you to use some of the slightly faster magnum powders, but by all means, find some loads in the reloading depot tacked above and have at it.

Chris

 

[AEROMechanic]

The problem will be, whether the slower powders burn fully in a 20" tube. 338LM powders are a lot slower than some of the other cartridge powders of choice.

Honestly, with a 20" tube, I wouldn't even worry about shooting the 300s and move to the 250s and/or 285s, which might allow you to use some of the slightly faster magnum powders, but by all means, find some loads in the reloading depot tacked above and have at it.

Chris

Yeah, the reason I'm leaning towards the 300gr bullets is because I've herd from others that the short barrels really like the heavier pills. I'll check the depot out!

Thanks
LarryA

 

[AEROMechanic]

For the 300s, H1000 and Retumbo are popular powder choices.

Thanks Dogtown!

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Well, maybe because they're longer/heavier and there's a bit more pressure built up, that allows that powder to burn a bit longer, but there should be no inherent reason why a shorter barrel should shoot a particular bullet better, than that same barrel in longer form.

I'm just throwing stuff out. My 338LM sports a 1:12" 27.125" barrel, so I'm kind of stuck with the 250s, but those 250s, if punched out up to ~2950 fps, will shoot flatter than the 300s (at typiical 300gr velocities) out to ~1500 yds.

The 300s really shine in longer barrels, single feed and at distances approaching that mile marker.

Unfortunately, with a 20" tube, you're probably not trying to get to one mile, so why bother with the 300s, I guess is my thought on the matter?

Different strokes and all.

Good luck, Chris