.300gr .338 Berger otm vs smk

[krenard7]

Just starting a .338 Norma build and wanted to find out which bullet you guys prefer? Which powder is better H1000 or Retumbo?

 

[timelinex]

I have a 338 lapua and not Norma but it shouldn't change my answer. 300 gr Bergers are most definitely considered superior to smk's. However depending on your budget and your expectations, the smk's can do just fine.

As far as the two powders go, I think both are considered great powders for our calibers. I started with h1000, couldn't find a good load and tried retumbo. Ended up finding a load with retumbo and stuck with it. However , I might have just not given h1000 a fair chance, bc I also changed my brass at the same time, and I think it was my brads that the issue. You would probably be just a well of with either h1000 or retumbo.

 

[TimResin]

I use 300gr scenars which are expensive but great and also RL25 which is temp sensitive but when its above 55 its awesome

 

[Wildwillalaska]

I have a lapua, load am using is H1000, and my gun seems to prefer the Bergers over SMK's. just got a couple hundred 300gr scenars--haven't hand loaded them yet. Did try some factory Lapua rounds w/ 300's and Bergers have better groups, but again haven't worked up a specific load for the Scenars.

I have a bunch or Retumbo and R25, and need to play around with both. Still new to the Lapua, and the H1000 has been so good so far, just haven't messed with anything else.

 

[krenard7]

Thanks I have heard lots of good reviews on the Berger bullets just wanted to get some feed back from others. Already bought a pound of H1000 and think I will also get a pound of retumbo too and see which works best for the rifle.

 

[krenard7]

Just ordered the .300 gr Berger bullet

 

[vh20]

Mr. Sloan did design the cartridge around the 300gr SMK and as far as I know that's what he still shoots. He gets sub- 0.5 MOA @ 1000 out of his gun, so the SMK can definitely give superb performance in the Norma.

 

[bas402]

I've shot them all and the Scenars 300's are still king for my rifle(and they point their bullets). Both H1000 and Retumbo are great powders for the 300's. RL25 is good as well but don't like the temp issue, If you really want to send them fast N570 is great but expensive and hard to find. For the 250's (SMK's,Bergers,Scenars)H1000,H4831SC, and N560 but again expensive and sometimes hard to find.
Sully