338 LM reloads

[insectguy]

Just started reloading my .338 LM tonight. First thought was, "Boy, that uses a lot of powder...." Then, "Ya' know, these are just plain big rounds...." And finally, looking at my 100 rounds ready for both a ladder test and an OCW test, "That would be $600 worth of ammo if purchase outright!!!" Good thing I reload.

So here's my questions-- I'm using CCI #250 primers, 250 SMKs, Lapua brass, and Retumbo (this is going into a Blaser Tactical II, 26" barrel). Hodgdon's website data has information on 250gr Hornady's, but not SMKs. The load data should be the same for a 250gr using the same powder, correct? I'm going from 90.0 to 98.0 in 0.5 increments.

Also, for those of you who may have used the same setup, I began getting compressed loads at about 95.5gr. Sound about right? My OAL is 3.560, a little longer than on the Hodgdon website, but a little shorter than the factory ammo from Corbon.

Thanks!

 

[vman]

Re: 338 LM reloads

Yeh the weight is the same for the projectile but the bearing surface length is different... buts its not much different.

Use the Hodgdons data for the 250gr pill but work up slowly as per the usual routine and you will be fine.

 

[Arif]

Re: 338 LM reloads

i have a Blaser Tactical as well and i use Retumbo 96 grain and get 2970 fps OAL 3.60 and is pretty accurate, These Blasers dont like bullets being jammed, planning to go doen to 3.850 OAL as per a Blaser Instructor you are indicating your Barel is 26 inches? its actually 27