338 Berger Load data

[SavageLapua]

I picked up some Berger 300 Hybrids, had a hell of a time finding data... So I finally decided to contact Berger...

The Following is what I recieved...

Walt Berger
Berger Bullets
Technical Advisor

338 Lapua Mag
Bullet | Powder |Start Load|Approximate Start Velocity|Max Load Approximate Max Velocity|Fill Ratio
300 Grain | RE-22 |74.5|2469|78.5|2538|93.4%
300 Grain | NORMA MRP 2 |80.0|2501|84.0|2617|101.1%
300 Grain | VIHT N560 |75.0|2488|79.1|2610|93.2%
300 Grain | VIHT N570 |85.0|2539|89.7|2689|102.4%
300 Grain | IMR 4350 |66.5|2341|70.3|2516|88.3%
300 Grain | RETUMBO |84.0|2522|88.5|2648|105.9%
300 Grain | WXR |75.0|2473|78.9|2584|96.0%
300 Grain | VIHT N170 |82.0|2409|86.5|2542|105.3%
300 Grain | IMR 7828 |74.5|2474|78.8|2606|97.6%
300 Grain | H1000 |80.0|2470|84.3|2600|102.7%
300 Grain | H870 |88.5|2522|93.3|2671|108.8%
300 Grain | RE-25 |77.5|2485|81.5|2597|99.0%

Now, my question is: Where are some of you guys coming up with your loads?

I ask because there has been a few gents on here with 90+ grains of H1000 or RETUMBO... I'd like to know where I can find this Load Data or if I should stick to Berger's recommendation...

Any advice would be awesome!

 

[michael_aos]

Re: 338 Berger Load data

I've got the same Savage 110BA in 338 Lapua. 250 of the Berger Hybrid Tactical OTM 300gr.

I bought some N570, Retumbo, and H1000. Lapua brass.

I've got everything now to load up some ammo.

Cartridge overall-length would be nice to know too. I think I'd like to stay at mag-length.
--

 

[SavageLapua]

Re: 338 Berger Load data

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Michael Aos</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got the same Savage 110BA in 338 Lapua. 250 of the Berger Hybrid Tactical OTM 300gr.

I bought some N570, Retumbo, and H1000. Lapua brass.

I've got everything now to load up some ammo.

Cartridge overall-length would be nice to know too. I think I'd like to stay at mag-length.
-- </div></div>

On my reloads, I've been measuring from base to ogive @ 2.894". This is .010" off the lands... This JUST fits in the mag.

If you don't have the proper tools to measure this, I can send you some pictures of what I used in the beginning, it'll get you close.

 

[Blackbrush]

Re: 338 Berger Load data

I've fired exactly 12 rounds through my new 700P. The last 3 shot group went .492" @200yds and I was thrilled. I read a lot of posts here and decided to start at 88gr of H1000 at magazine length. With each 3 shot group I added 1gr to look for pressure signs hoping to reach 91 as that seemed to be a good charge for lots of guys. The first group was horrible. I went out to the lands and made a significant improvement. The last group was at .010" off the lands. I think I will have to be happy with single loading unless I come up with some other solution. Going to send 20 downrange tomorrow to start fine tuning this load.

 

[michael_aos]

Re: 338 Berger Load data

I have the Giraud 338 Lapua Case and Bullet Comparator, but I haven't done anything with it yet.

 

[CoryT]

Re: 338 Berger Load data

It would appear the the Berger load data is seating to the old AI mag length, or seated touching the lands in a short throat. I run 90.1 Retumbo @ 2750, 92 grains is a max load in my rifle. This is with a .1 jump to get magazine length, which of course reduces pressure somewhat.

Start touching, work up to max, then run your OCW tests. Play with seating to find a spot your rifle likes with that load.

 

[SavageLapua]

Re: 338 Berger Load data

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CoryT</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It would appear the the Berger load data is seating to the old AI mag length, or seated touching the lands in a short throat. I run 90.1 Retumbo @ 2750, 92 grains is a max load in my rifle. This is with a .1 jump to get magazine length, which of course reduces pressure somewhat.

Start touching, work up to max, then run your OCW tests. Play with seating to find a spot your rifle likes with that load. </div></div>

This was also included in the email:

"Load data was generated using Quick Load a 26 inch barrel a COAL (cartridge over all length) of 3.681 inches and your COAL and velocity could be a little different."

My plan was to start with .010" off, once I found one that I found satisfactory, I would then play with seating depth... Am I way off target with this scheme? (punny)

 

[Sendero_Man]

Re: 338 Berger Load data

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CoryT</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It would appear the the Berger load data is seating to the old AI mag length, or seated touching the lands in a short throat. I run 90.1 Retumbo @ 2750, 92 grains is a max load in my rifle. This is with a .1 jump to get magazine length, which of course reduces pressure somewhat.

Start touching, work up to max, then run your OCW tests. Play with seating to find a spot your rifle likes with that load. </div></div>

What COAL are you running ? CIP mags ?

What twist is your barrel Cory ?

thanks Scott

 

[Sendero_Man]

Re: 338 Berger Load data

I get most of my Hodgdon data here...

pretty much only use the extreme powders anymore.

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

 

[desertHK]

Re: 338 Berger Load data

I have 91.5 gr RL25 in my AIAX. Load it to 2.955" ogive, or 3.800" still fit mag length.

 

[SavageLapua]

Re: 338 Berger Load data

Hmm... Yeah, I think when I get home tonight, I'll be pulling my bullets and upping the antie a little... I'd sure hate to waste 50 rounds and not see the results I want to/expect to...

 

[SavageLapua]

Re: 338 Berger Load data

Got home last night, pulled the bullets for 7 sets of reloads and kept the 3 highest loads that berger gave me (83.5, 84.0, 84.5) and reloaded for 89.5, 90, 90.5, 91, 91.5, 92, 92.5... Coloured all the tips with black sharpie so that my chrony will pick them up a bit better... I'm hoping to get to the range this weekend to test. I'll post all of my recorded data.