Hoping for some advice. I am doing my first loads with my 338. I am seeing so many different numbers. I am using Hornady 285gr ELD Match projectiles, New lapua brass, fed 215 primers, h-1000 powder. Gun is Savage 110ba stealth. Loading to mag feed. I got 3.78" for COAL. If I start at .020 jump its 3.76. I think max in the mag is 3.778. But the 3.76 feed nice. Im not set on a charge yet, but Im trying to find where to start with jump. I read .010 off the lands, then .020...then someone said thats not enough room for expansion. Any help would be great. Thanks, Phil
Hey Phil,
Others may chime in, but this caliber is no different than other calibers when referring to fundamentals.
You can start where you would like, but the closer you are, the lower I would begin with charge weights. I think starting 20 off the lands would by my choice until I found some nodes, then I’d play with seating depth. Technicaly, you could start jammed but you would want to start low and work up slowly.
I’ve had good luck starting at 0.020” and after finding a node, loading 0.005” and 0.010” longer and shorter to find great load.
Ok thanks. The Hornady book has a charge of 72.2.... 80.8....84.3....87.8....89.6 for the h-1000 89.6 listed as max per the book. If I start at the .020 off the lands, then begin with the 72.2 or even lower?? These loads were at 3.665 per the book. The 72.2 seems really low per all the interweb info I have seen. Just want to not waste components but remain safe.
I'm using H1000, 215M, Lapua brass and 285 ELD-M in an RPR. Loading to mag length is .080" jump. If I were willing to single feed I'd have tried less jump. As it turns out, .080, .090 & .100 all have very similar group sizes. Jumping further and they started to open up. The ELD-M have a reputation for being forgiving of jump although each rifle is different.
One thing I found in mine was that a fairly low charge of 79 grains gave the best 200 yard groups but the ES was absolutely horrible. 84-86 gave almost as good groups with good ES and the added benefit that groups in this range had centers of impact very close to each other. Higher up the ladder and groups started opening up and climbing higher.
If you're willing to single feed, by all means do seating depth testing with minimal jump but don't be afraid to test longer jumps and it might be worth your while to test across the powder charge range.
The Savage uses the 3.85 mag which is 3.778 inside. Thats where im able to still mag feed and get the longer COAL. Im just gonna load up some rounds and see where Im at.
I shoot an Armalite, AR-30, 338 Lapua Magnum with the following data:
Lapua brass
CCI Large rifle magnum primer
89.5 Grains of Hodgdon Retumbo powder
Berger 338 Cal 250 grain Hybrid OTM tactical bullet
Use a lee Single Stage Classic Cast Press, Lee dies & Lee crimp die
Mitutoyo Digimatic caliper
COL 3.681"
Hornaday Concentricity Tool
Great recipe!!
Lapua brass
CCI Large rifle magnum primer
89.5 Grains of Hodgdon Retumbo powder
Berger 338 Cal 250 grain Hybrid OTM tactical bullet
Use a lee Single Stage Classic Cast Press, Lee dies & Lee crimp die
Mitutoyo Digimatic caliper
COL 3.681"
Hornaday Concentricity Tool
Great recipe!!
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Sako trg 42 1:10 factory barrel
300 berger ot
92.4gr retumbo
215M primer
Lapua brass
Loaded .010” off lands
SD of 8-10fps
2775fps average
Sub 1/2” load
Savage action, benchmark 28”9.4 twist
300 berger otm
92.4gr retumbo
Federal 215 primer
Lapua brass
Loaded .005” off
SD of 8fps
2805fps average
Sub 1/2” load
seems to me around 92.4 retumbowith 300 Bergers is in a node. A wide node around there as well.
300 berger ot
92.4gr retumbo
215M primer
Lapua brass
Loaded .010” off lands
SD of 8-10fps
2775fps average
Sub 1/2” load
Savage action, benchmark 28”9.4 twist
300 berger otm
92.4gr retumbo
Federal 215 primer
Lapua brass
Loaded .005” off
SD of 8fps
2805fps average
Sub 1/2” load
seems to me around 92.4 retumbowith 300 Bergers is in a node. A wide node around there as well.
Well that’s somewhat of a letdown...especially for the price when the bergers seem to transition well.
Hoping for a little guidance with my 338LM. This is the 3rd barrel I have put on this rifle, the other 2 shot great, but not this one. Is it possible this barrel just doesn't like the Bergers I have been using in the past?
Info on my rifle.
30" Bartlein Heavy Varmit
Standard JGS SAAMI reamer
Terminator T4 Brake
300G Berger OTM
RETUMBO Powder
The other 2 barrels (identical to above) shot really well. Both of them had a great accuracy node at around 92g to 92.5g. They were running about 2850 fps. There was another node at 89g running at 2770 fps - but slower than I wanted to use for competition.
This barrel however, there is no node to be found until I get up to 95g, and running 2950fps. That is about 2 full grains into signs of pressure. I tested powder charges from 88g to 96g. I tried seating depths at .005 apart from the Lands out to .100.
Strangely enough, it has incredible low ES and SD's, but about 1" groups is the best it will shoot until 95g.
Is it possible this barrel just doesn't like the Bergers? Or the RETUMBO? I have considered trying the new Hornady A Tips first... then trying some H1000.
Any advise from some seasoned shooters with 338LM experience would be greatly appreciated.
Info on my rifle.
30" Bartlein Heavy Varmit
Standard JGS SAAMI reamer
Terminator T4 Brake
300G Berger OTM
RETUMBO Powder
The other 2 barrels (identical to above) shot really well. Both of them had a great accuracy node at around 92g to 92.5g. They were running about 2850 fps. There was another node at 89g running at 2770 fps - but slower than I wanted to use for competition.
This barrel however, there is no node to be found until I get up to 95g, and running 2950fps. That is about 2 full grains into signs of pressure. I tested powder charges from 88g to 96g. I tried seating depths at .005 apart from the Lands out to .100.
Strangely enough, it has incredible low ES and SD's, but about 1" groups is the best it will shoot until 95g.
Is it possible this barrel just doesn't like the Bergers? Or the RETUMBO? I have considered trying the new Hornady A Tips first... then trying some H1000.
Any advise from some seasoned shooters with 338LM experience would be greatly appreciated.
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@jeffmedlin Can you post a pic of your groups? Is it mostly side to side variation of group size?...or Vertical?...or a shot gun pattern?
That powder with 300gr Berger OTM should run great....especially since you have experience on two prior barrels.
How many rounds do you have down this barrel now?
Did the same gunsmith spin this up for you?...using the same reamer?
That powder with 300gr Berger OTM should run great....especially since you have experience on two prior barrels.
How many rounds do you have down this barrel now?
Did the same gunsmith spin this up for you?...using the same reamer?
My 338 LM w/ 300 gr Bergers OTM likes H1000 (92 gr) better than Retumbo (94 gr), even though Retumbo has lower ES/SDs.
Brux AMU Barrel 9.5T 29" 2950 fps (895 rds)
Brux AMU Barrel 9.5T 29" 2950 fps (895 rds)
Added the target to my post.... the barrel has 350 rounds down it now. Same gunsmith. I just don't think this barrel likes the combination that has worked so well for me in the past. Until , I get to 95g. But I am afraid it is too hot, and could be problematic in competition.
Have you bore scoped the barrel, cleaned it absolutely spotless and verified with the bore scope, then fouled it and shot another ladder test? Potential carbon ring? I would agree 92-92.5 is always a node with retumbo. Try 91.5-93.5 in .2gr increments after cleaning and fouling and see what it shows. Have you tried shooting this setup at 300-500yds and seen how it grouped?
Barrel is spotless. Bore scoped to verify. That is the 2nd powder charge test. Unfortunately, at my range we only have 100 yards of paper. After that is is all steel, and it is too shot up to be useful. We are unable to go downrange and paint.
Dang...may be time to try another bullet. While not the highest BC, Lapua scenars tend to shoot well in most rifles and may be an easy way of testing for improvement over the bergers. They should like the same powder window.
Hey fellas so I just worked up some loads with my new 338 lapua. Found a great temporary load at 92.5 gr h1000 with the 300fr atip (2834 FPS sd of 6.4). also ran a few other random loads that didn’t perform well and a Satterlee test. These were my first 40 rounds out of the rifle so will do more load dev when the barrel is all broken in. So on my Satterlee (with virgin brass) I got up to 2930 without any sort of preasure signs at all and I am very well versed in reading preasure signs.
Did my magneto speed lie to me or are any of you guys running 2900+FPS loads out of your 30 inch tube with 300gr bullets? I want to say my pressure test went up to 93.5gr, and my coal was around 3.820 if I remember correctly (.030 off the lands with the atips)
In short just wanting to know if 2900 FPS is a doable load with the 338, 30inch, 300gr,h1000.
Also if anyone is curious the rifle is the new Savage elite precision rifle.
Did my magneto speed lie to me or are any of you guys running 2900+FPS loads out of your 30 inch tube with 300gr bullets? I want to say my pressure test went up to 93.5gr, and my coal was around 3.820 if I remember correctly (.030 off the lands with the atips)
In short just wanting to know if 2900 FPS is a doable load with the 338, 30inch, 300gr,h1000.
Also if anyone is curious the rifle is the new Savage elite precision rifle.
I always do pressure test at .010” off. If you don’t see pressure at .030” with virgin brass and that bullet wants to be closer with formed brass then pressure may show itself after you think you’ve established a load. That does seem pretty fast with the powder you’re using...but using a magnetospeed it’s hard to not believe it. Especially since your barrel shouldn’t have sped up yet...
Yeah Kind of odd, wondering if my magneto speed was not close enough to the bore, I use a mount for mine.
The group I shot with .030 off the lands was .51 moa, and I'm not even comfortable with the rifle yet or shooting a 338 for that matter, so I think that's where i will keep it, I am sure if it can shoot .51 on its first group thats about the most you can ask for on a factory barrel. I'm sure it will even tighten up a bit when I do my part.
What percentage of capacity is 92gr of retumbo with 300gr berger , when berger data shows 89.5gr as a max load of 107% capacity. Can u use redding competition dies for over 100%?pyrofx
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>338 Lapua Magnum
10/08/2014
(1 vote)
Just tried the reloader 33 powder in the 338 . 99.0 gr
Kreiger 9.3 x27
fed 215mag
hornydaddy 285
2789 es of 6 with hornydaddy brass. bolt lifts fine untill the cam over . then it takes a bit of a nudge.
2796 es of 14with Lapua brass . effortless bolt lift .
both loads shot at 80 degrees, and at 400 yards with 12mph wind from 3.
they both kept 1" vert . last 5 shot group was 2.125" All at 400 yards
Greg
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ChrisGarrettHPBT
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Re: >338 Lapua Magnum
10/09/2014
Sako TRG-42 338LM 1:12" twist, so this is for the 250s.
Go-to powders are VV-165, VV-170, H-4831sc and H-1000.
I bought an 8# jug of H-4831sc and have used that a lot.
Pet load is H-4831sc at between 88gr-89gr under 250gr Scenars, LockBase, Berger OTMs and SMKs, for about 2875-2950ish fps depending on Miami temps. It's not a stiff load, but it's not a cream-puff load, either.
For the Berger 250gr pre-production testing, I just split the difference at 88.5gr and played with seating depth, my rifle likes that node that much.
Looking back at my VV-165 loads with the 250s, anything from 84gr-87gr and just about 2800 fps. VV-170 at 93gr in my 27.125" barrel yielded 2825 fps.
For my limited testing with H-1000 and the 250s, 97gr got me 2974 fps, so well on my way to be above hot at 3000 fps.
The rifle is fairly accurate (I'm just a hack) out to the 1000 yds that I've shot at 4-5 times, so most of those combos are close to one another accuracy-wise.
Chris
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lashlaroe
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Re: >338 Lapua Magnum
11/16/2014
I must have missed this one or maybe it just got pinned. I'm getting ready to star loading .338 LM for the first time and will be starting with H1000 and hornady 285 bthp, because that's what I have right now.
Based on searches on the old Hide and other googlization, I've got my starting points and maxes set for first try, but am still interested in loads others have had success with.
As you know, loading manuals and other industry sources seem notoriously slow to add load information for newish products. Even Hornady doesn't list good loads for it's own 285s that have been out for years.
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Diver160651
XFirst Sergeant
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Re: >338 Lapua Magnum
11/19/2014 Last edited 12/08/2014 by Diver160651
(5 votes)
338 Lapua MAG 1-9 26” Powder Grains Primmer COAL OGIVE RIFLE LANDS FPS TRIM 2.723 COAL OGIVE 285gr A-MAX Hornady H1000 92.5 FLR-MAG 3.739 2.9525 3.759 2.972 2950
[IMG2=JSON]{"alt":"338 Lapua Magnum 285gr A-Max @2835fps","data-align":"none","data-size":"full","height":"180","width":"240","src":"https:\/\/farm9.staticflickr.com\/8117\/15557339127_6cd3ed56e5_m.jpg"}[/IMG2]
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lashlaroe
X52 MONTHS
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Re: >338 Lapua Magnum
11/20/2014
Thanks Diver. Just what the doctor ordered. I'll start low and work my way there.
Excellent group BTW! Impressive shooting and rifle.
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dTros
XFirst Sergeant
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Re: >338 Lapua Magnum
11/25/2014
Stiller Tac338
22" Shilen Match Select
300gr SMK
92 gr H1000
Lapua Brass
215M Primer
2710 FPS
Regards,
DT
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KITTYCATMANX26 MONTHS
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Re: >338 Lapua Magnum
11/27/2014
Plinking: 250gr Scenar or SMK, 86-88gr IMR 7828 (easy on the brass and bore)
Stout load: 300gr Scenar, 92gr Retumbo
Long Range: 267gr MTAC (single feed), 95gr H-1000 (still working up)
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DefenseLaw
XSergeant
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Re: >338 Lapua Magnum
12/03/2014
96 gr RL-33
Lapua Brass
215 GM
300 SMK, .02 off the lands.
32 inch Pac-Nor, 2936 FPS.
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vinsonrXGunny Sergeant
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Re: >338 Lapua Magnum
12/08/2014 Last edited 12/08/2014 by vinsonr
300gr Scenar
92gr H1000
Lapua Brass
215 primer
base to ogive: 2.95
2820 fps
26" 1:10 DTA SRS
A writeup I did while doing load devel for my 338: 338 Load Devel
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secondofangle1X27 MONTHS
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Re: >338 Lapua Magnum
12/23/2014 Last edited 09/24/2015 by secondofangle1
DTA SRS DT barrel 26"
lapua brass
fed 215m
92.0 retumbo
2745 with SD 6.0
300 grain Nosler cc
< 0.5 MOA 5 shot groups
ETA I'm getting a slight ejector mark, very faint, so I backed down to 91 grains. My barrel since it was broke in is faster, so 91 grains still gets me 2752 average velocity 5 shots, SD <10 FPS. Next I'm going down to 90 grains, just to be kind to the brass, just in case. To reiterate, this does not appear to be a HOT load, I'm backing down for brass life and an extra safety margin.
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epracmetconXSergeant
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Re: >338 Lapua Magnum
12/31/2014
AI AX338 27 inch barrel
Winchestor WLRM primers
94.0 GR of Retumbo
300 gr Berger OTM Hybrids
According to my DOPE, running around 2960fps
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captacademyXGunny Sergeant
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Re: >338 Lapua Magnum
01/12/2015
vinsonr wrote:300gr Scenar92gr H1000Lapua Brass215 primerbase to ogive: 2.952820 fps26" 1:10 DTA SRSA writeup I did while doing load devel for my 338: 338 Load DevelWhat distance was your testing shot at 100 0r 300 yds?Rate now:
reeldoc1XSergeant
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Re: >338 Lapua Magnum
01/16/2015
epracmetcon wrote: AI AX338 27 inch barrelWinchestor WLRM primers94.0 GR of Retumbo300 gr Berger OTM HybridsAccording to my DOPE, running around 2960fpsDistance off lands?
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reeldoc1XSergeant
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Re: >338 Lapua Magnum
01/23/2015
up for overall length info please
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epracmetconXSergeant
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Re: >338 Lapua Magnum
02/10/2015 Last edited 02/10/2015 by epracmetcon
reeldoc1 wrote:epracmetcon wrote: AI AX338 27 inch barrelWinchestor WLRM primers94.0 GR of Retumbo300 gr Berger OTM HybridsAccording to my DOPE, running around 2960fps
Distance off lands?I'll have to measure when I get home. I am loading them to mag length, they are quite a ways off the lands. I would not recommend this load for everyone, it is just a touch over pressured.
EDIT: They are 3.784 COAL.
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rltw75
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Re: >338 Lapua Magnum
02/21/2015
Looking for some input and your opinion on the Berger 338 OTM's.
I have H1000 and some 250's to load up. Been using scenars but wanted to give the Berger's a shot.
26". 1:9.4 Krieger. 1500 yards is max range available. My rifle likes bullet jump (.015).
Thanks
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cecchino76XFirst Sergeant
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Re: >338 Lapua Magnum
03/11/2015
secondofangle1 wrote:DTA SRS DT barrel 26"lapua brassfed 215m92.0 retumbo2745 with SD 6.0300 grain Nosler cc< 0.5 MOA 5 shot groupsno pressure whateverWhat is your COAL or to the ogive length ?
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WolfCobraXSergeant
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Re: >338 Lapua Magnum
03/14/2015
I am currently making a MV of 2632 out of my 27" AI AXMC using Berger 300 OTMs and 87.4 grains of H1000. What kind of velocity jump should I expect if I bump it up to 89.5 grains of H1000? I'd like to get a little more out of my transonic range for shooting at a mile by shooting closer to 2700-2800, but started getting harder bolt lift at 90 grains with Hornady brass. Is it likely I could even push it a little further using Lapua brass?
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rltw75
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Re: >338 Lapua Magnum
03/15/2015
WolfCobra wrote:I am currently making a MV of 2632 out of my 27" AI AXMC using Berger 300 OTMs and 87.4 grains of H1000. What kind of velocity jump should I expect if I bump it up to 89.5 grains of H1000? I'd like to get a little more out of my transonic range for shooting at a mile by shooting closer to 2700-2800, but started getting harder bolt lift at 90 grains with Hornady brass. Is it likely I could even push it a little further using Lapua brass?I am using both Lapua and Norma brass with Berger 300 OTM's.26" Krieger with 92.0 of H1000 at 2800. My best nodes were between 91.5 and 92.0I have settled on 91.8 (base to ogive @ 2.956), seated at 2.933 (.023" jump) with no pressure on brass or sticky bolt. Loaded at the absolute maximum magazine length (coal @ 3.788"). MV is 2788 over my V3.
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secondofangle1X27 MONTHS
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Re: >338 Lapua Magnum
03/15/2015 Last edited 04/08/2015 by secondofangle1
cecchino76 wrote:secondofangle1 wrote:DTA SRS DT barrel 26"lapua brassfed 215m92.0 retumbo2745 with SD 6.0300 grain Nosler cc< 0.5 MOA 5 shot groupsno pressure whatever
What is your COAL or to the ogive length ?B-ogive 2.971 which is about eleven thou off lands.
ETA I'm getting a slight ejector mark, very faint, so I backed down to 91 grains. My barrel since it was broke in is faster, so 91 grains still gets me 2752 average velocity 5 shots, SD <10 FPS. Next I'm going down to 90 grains, just to be kind to the brass, just in case. To reiterate, this does not appear to be a HOT load, I'm backing down for brass life and an extra safety margin.
berger states 85.2gr is 104% case capacity with h1000 and 300gr otm and as a max load. Is berger load data underpowered on max loads then? And how much case capacity is to much .And are redding competition dies able to load compressed loads. cant see why not for the price.
No compress loads. OAL 3.990.
I worked both gradually.
I used Redding Type-S Match Diess
I stopped at 92 gr H1000 and at 94 gr Retumbo because I hit the high velocity node which was the accuracy I was looking for.
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Here's my .338LM load:
Brass: Lapua
Bullet: 300gr Sierra SMK
Primer: Federal 215 magnum
Powder: Retumbo 93.6gr
Seating: .010" jump (ogive oal measurement: 2.966")
Barrel: 26" Kreiger 1:10" (heavy)
Velocity: 2880fps 10 shot Ave ES=16 SD=5.4
Environmentals: temp=+21c, R.H.=40% ASL=1124m wind=n/a
It is a hot load. A plinking load at a mile (just kidding). Great success to 1900m. I'm sure it has more. I hope to try it out to 2600 yards this summer. Although, iSnipe shows it transitioning right around 1900m.
Brass: Lapua
Bullet: 300gr Sierra SMK
Primer: Federal 215 magnum
Powder: Retumbo 93.6gr
Seating: .010" jump (ogive oal measurement: 2.966")
Barrel: 26" Kreiger 1:10" (heavy)
Velocity: 2880fps 10 shot Ave ES=16 SD=5.4
Environmentals: temp=+21c, R.H.=40% ASL=1124m wind=n/a
It is a hot load. A plinking load at a mile (just kidding). Great success to 1900m. I'm sure it has more. I hope to try it out to 2600 yards this summer. Although, iSnipe shows it transitioning right around 1900m.
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What kind of sizing dies are you all having the best results with? I have a redding full lenth bushing die but I'm getting a click. I think its too big at the .200 line but cant be certain.
To be clear, I get the click in bolt after third or so firing. 90-92 grs H1000 with 300smk/ fed 215M loaded to fit CIP mag length. No ejector swipe or overpressure signs on brass. This is a 30"shilen 10"twist on a rem 700.
I had the same issue on one of my barrels. I had to switch from Redding dies to Whidden dies. They are slightly smaller at the base. Cured my problem.
Thanks @jeffmedlin ...That rig is super fun to shoot but wow the frustration of not sizing right. I have a little 6br that has same issue. A guy out of the blue last night said he had moved away from redding dies for that reason.. what a bummer.. I have a bunch of them..
@BrienM I have a shitload of Redding S dies as well. I think they are great dies. I use them on most of my calibers...only issue I ever ran into was on one of my 338LM barrels. In my case the off the shelf Whidden dies did the trick. I would not have any problem in the world running Reddings...but gotta admit. The Whidden Customer Service is SECOND TO NONE. Their service alone would make me go with them...to start all over again.
Are there any Christensen Arms MPR 338 LM owners out there hand reloading and getting better results? Using factory ammo on my 338LM leaves .050 jump. I am planning to reload closer to a .020 - .010 jump and see if my groups tighten up. Yes I know they will not fit into the magazine but desire accuracy more than magazine operability. Reloading to the magazine specs result in one MOA groups with velocity of around 2660 using 90 grains of 8133, WLRM primers, Lapua brass and 300 grain SMK. Any help greatly appreciated. I love this gun as it is nice and light for carrying in steep high mountains but would love to get velocity up to at least 2750. Using the forementioned load I started seeing pressure signs at 90.5 grains so I backed off to 90. Thanks in advance
Interesting
Always wondered what a long tube would get with 338 lapua.
I'm thinking of going to lighter bullets, or solids. Think they would be beneficial, but haven't made up my mind. Well actually haven't been able to shoot.
I’ve been contemplating a 338 lapua or NM with a fast twist and 260 or 285 badlands and a long barrel for quite a while.
Fairly affordable ELR combination with more poop than my 7 saum.
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Reloading Equipment 338 Lapua Brass and Factory Loads