Just purchased a 338LM here on the Hide. It is my first 338LM. Needles to say I have never reloaded for this cartridge. Was wondering if it was possable to use Varget powder in the cardtridge. I used the search function and did not come up with any info on this. If it can't be used what would have you guy's found to work for you. I am planning to use 250 SMK's, Norma brass, and Federal 215's. Any info would be greatly appreciated. JAA
338 Lapua Mag. ??
- Thread starter Sniper52
- Start date
Re: 338 Lapua Mag. ??
I found the answer to my question on Varget ( Big No). I would still love some input from you guys with experience on this load for some load data. Looking to duplicate Black Hills Match with 250 SMK's. Thanks JAA
I found the answer to my question on Varget ( Big No). I would still love some input from you guys with experience on this load for some load data. Looking to duplicate Black Hills Match with 250 SMK's. Thanks JAA
Re: 338 Lapua Mag. ??
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sniper52</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I found the answer to my question on Varget ( Big No). I would still love some input from you guys with experience on this load for some load data. Looking to duplicate Black Hills Match with 250 SMK's. Thanks JAA </div></div>
I've loaded about 1k rounds using the 250s in a 1:12" TRG-42. I like VV-165, VV-170, H-1000 and H-4831sc for the lighter bullets. I've got some RL-25 I need to try someday.
Seat as long as mag length will allow. Don't crimp, prep the brass as best you can and have fun. I neck size every 3rd cycle and then it's a slight shoulder bump. I use a Forster micro seater and a Horndady InLine die with their micro-seating stem. I just started with the Forster.
Most of us use a .364" and/or a .365" TiNi coated bushing in the Redding FL/Neck S bushing sizing dies for controlling neck tension in the Lapua and Norma offerings.
Load to the distance you intend to shoot and prevent premature throat errosion.
Lt. Arclight has about 4k-5k rounds loaded, so maybe he'll chime in.
Don't blow yourself up.
Chris
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sniper52</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I found the answer to my question on Varget ( Big No). I would still love some input from you guys with experience on this load for some load data. Looking to duplicate Black Hills Match with 250 SMK's. Thanks JAA </div></div>
I've loaded about 1k rounds using the 250s in a 1:12" TRG-42. I like VV-165, VV-170, H-1000 and H-4831sc for the lighter bullets. I've got some RL-25 I need to try someday.
Seat as long as mag length will allow. Don't crimp, prep the brass as best you can and have fun. I neck size every 3rd cycle and then it's a slight shoulder bump. I use a Forster micro seater and a Horndady InLine die with their micro-seating stem. I just started with the Forster.
Most of us use a .364" and/or a .365" TiNi coated bushing in the Redding FL/Neck S bushing sizing dies for controlling neck tension in the Lapua and Norma offerings.
Load to the distance you intend to shoot and prevent premature throat errosion.
Lt. Arclight has about 4k-5k rounds loaded, so maybe he'll chime in.
Don't blow yourself up.
Chris
Re: 338 Lapua Mag. ??
Chris,
I think I have settled on H-4381sc for now. It is stocked at two of the local gun shops, so I will have access to it. Planning on starting with 85.5 gr and working my way up to 88 gr. Have 120 rounds of Black Hills on the way to tide me over until I can get up and reloading. Thanks for the advice, and I'll do my best to not blow up.
Jonathan
Chris,
I think I have settled on H-4381sc for now. It is stocked at two of the local gun shops, so I will have access to it. Planning on starting with 85.5 gr and working my way up to 88 gr. Have 120 rounds of Black Hills on the way to tide me over until I can get up and reloading. Thanks for the advice, and I'll do my best to not blow up.
Jonathan
Re: 338 Lapua Mag. ??
Like other big magnums, it likes slow burning powder. The Hide depot has a lot of load info. For comparison, look at a powder chart to compare burn rates and go with the slow
RE25 is the "go to" powder for the majority of shooters.
Like other big magnums, it likes slow burning powder. The Hide depot has a lot of load info. For comparison, look at a powder chart to compare burn rates and go with the slow
Re: 338 Lapua Mag. ??
I scored 10lbs of RL-25 the other day for $200
. I've actually have had some luck with Retumbo. I have a 24.5" bbl and am thinking I might try some RL-22 as it's faster burning.
What twist rate is your barrel? If you have a 1/10 twist bbl you should try and 300gr SMK's, those seem to be the cat's ass. I've only shot them to 700yds and I didn't have to touch the windage knobs.
I scored 10lbs of RL-25 the other day for $200
What twist rate is your barrel? If you have a 1/10 twist bbl you should try and 300gr SMK's, those seem to be the cat's ass. I've only shot them to 700yds and I didn't have to touch the windage knobs.
Re: 338 Lapua Mag. ??
i have tried them all and my most accurate load is 78 grains of H4350 behind lapua 300gr scenar. It shoots .25 at 100 and 1.5 at 600 with single digit spreads. i know it sounds to fast but thats what i am shooting. Seirra recommended this load to. i have a 30 inch bartlein on a bat action 1/10 twist. federal 215m primer lapua brass.
i have tried them all and my most accurate load is 78 grains of H4350 behind lapua 300gr scenar. It shoots .25 at 100 and 1.5 at 600 with single digit spreads. i know it sounds to fast but thats what i am shooting. Seirra recommended this load to. i have a 30 inch bartlein on a bat action 1/10 twist. federal 215m primer lapua brass.
Re: 338 Lapua Mag. ??
Thanks for all the help guys. I had a friend give me a pound of RL25 today. So i'll be giving it a try as well. My rifle has not even shown up yet. So I'll see which works best after it arrives. JAA
Thanks for all the help guys. I had a friend give me a pound of RL25 today. So i'll be giving it a try as well. My rifle has not even shown up yet. So I'll see which works best after it arrives. JAA
Re: 338 Lapua Mag. ??
Have another question for you 338 LM reloader's. I have been looking up information on RL-25 for this caliber. Trying to get a good base to start from. Looking to get 2950 fps with 250SMK. Barrel is 26" 1 in 10. Do these numbers sound right to you guys? RL-25 From 83.7 grains to 96.0 grains. Thanks JAA
Have another question for you 338 LM reloader's. I have been looking up information on RL-25 for this caliber. Trying to get a good base to start from. Looking to get 2950 fps with 250SMK. Barrel is 26" 1 in 10. Do these numbers sound right to you guys? RL-25 From 83.7 grains to 96.0 grains. Thanks JAA
Re: 338 Lapua Mag. ??
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sniper52</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Have another question for you 338 LM reloader's. I have been looking up information on RL-25 for this caliber. Trying to get a good base to start from. Looking to get 2950 fps with 250SMK. Barrel is 26" 1 in 10. Do these numbers sound right to you guys? RL-25 From 83.7 grains to 96.0 grains. Thanks JAA </div></div>
QuickLoad is saying about 91.9grs of REL25 for a 26" barrel with 250smk to get to 2950fps.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sniper52</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Have another question for you 338 LM reloader's. I have been looking up information on RL-25 for this caliber. Trying to get a good base to start from. Looking to get 2950 fps with 250SMK. Barrel is 26" 1 in 10. Do these numbers sound right to you guys? RL-25 From 83.7 grains to 96.0 grains. Thanks JAA </div></div>
QuickLoad is saying about 91.9grs of REL25 for a 26" barrel with 250smk to get to 2950fps.
Re: 338 Lapua Mag. ??
Thanks for the info Poison 123. Will try that first and work my way up or down from there. Thanks Again. JAA
Thanks for the info Poison 123. Will try that first and work my way up or down from there. Thanks Again. JAA
Re: 338 Lapua Mag. ??
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Taterxl</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
lapua brass
lapua 250 bthp
94 grains rl-25
Fed GM 215</div></div>
Funny how that particular load works well across the board. That turned out to be the best all-around load in my SRS - clangs steel with authority out to a mile.
I've been tempted to try N570 or Retumbo, but honestly don't seem to have a reason. The only potential issue with RL25 is variance from lot to lot appears to have grown in the last year or so.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Taterxl</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
lapua brass
lapua 250 bthp
94 grains rl-25
Fed GM 215</div></div>
Funny how that particular load works well across the board. That turned out to be the best all-around load in my SRS - clangs steel with authority out to a mile.
I've been tempted to try N570 or Retumbo, but honestly don't seem to have a reason. The only potential issue with RL25 is variance from lot to lot appears to have grown in the last year or so.
