.338 Norma Magnum Data anyone?

[rcamuglia]

Anyone have any experience loading for the .338 Norma Magnum with 250 to 300 grain bullets?

I've loaded for the .338 Lapua and I'm guessing the Norma version will be similar in what it likes powder-wise.

I have on hand:

H-1000
RL-25
US-869
WC-872

With the Lapua I found US-869 to be really nice with good velocity and accuracy.

Thanks

 

[rcamuglia]

Re: .338 Norma Magnum Data anyone?

Well, I'll use the thread as informational for everyone including me!

I had loaded for the .338 LM and found that with the 300 gr MK the US-869 at about 102 grains gave great accuracy and velocity at about 2800.

I filled a Norma case with US-869 and could only get about 101 grains in it to the bottom of the neck. I figured that the powder may be a bit on the slow side. I had some T-870 (which is H-870) and thought I'd try it. I followed H-1000 data and loaded a ladder up to 95 grains which was pretty compressed. Used the 250 grain Nosler Accubond. Shot the ladder at 600 yards. Velocities were anemic and the accuracy node was at 2600 fps plus. The powder is too slow burning.

I'm going to the opposite end of the spectrum with H4831 and will report back. W-780 looks good as well. After testing those I will go to RL-25 and H-1000 if necessary, but I have a feeling the cartridge may like relatively faster burning powders than those. Just a hunch.

 

[david777]

Re: .338 Norma Magnum Data anyone?

Everything you need is in this thread.


http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=669672&page=1

 

[95LTZ]

Re: .338 Norma Magnum Data anyone?

I just finished a new wildcat (actually three of them) based on the 300 & 338 Norma Mag. While fireforming brass I got very good results with Retumbo. A half assed ladder test meaning I only loaded one of each flavor 92.0/92.5/93.0 grs. of Retumbo @ 300 yards had those three bullets touching one another. The vertical was about 2/3 rds. of a bullet diameter. KInda vague but just by lookin' it was good enough for me. The primers that I settled on were Fed. 215 Match. They produced smaller & more round groups centered around the aiming point. The other primers that I tried were Win. LRM, Fed. 215, Rem 9 1/2M. Most of the load testing was done at 400 yards. Other powders that worked well were Ramshot Magnum, RL 25 & Vit 24N41. I have only shot the 300 SMK's.
Semper Fi

 

[rcamuglia]

Re: .338 Norma Magnum Data anyone?

Hey 95,

What kind of velocity were you getting?

Thanks for posting the thread guys! Good info there. I've got the Ramshot Magnum. I've used it in the .300 WM and got really good results. I'll be giving it a try and will post back with results.

 

[Donald]

Re: .338 Norma Magnum Data anyone?

Give N570 a go seem to give great velocity and accuracy

 

[rcamuglia]

Re: .338 Norma Magnum Data anyone?

Just a range report and update. Shot a 600 yard Audette Ladder this morning with the following:

Norma case, new
Ramshot Magnum from 90 to 97.5 grains
250 grain Accubond (BC .575)
WLRM primer
COAL 3.575" which is .030" off the rifling

Audette shot at 600 yards, slight L ---> R wind at times.
Velocity ranged from 2850 to 3020 at the top end.
No ejector plunger marks even at 97.5 grains and 3020 fps

Good accuracy node at 92.5 to 94 grains at around 2900 fps
About 1.5" of vertical for the 4 shot accuracy node. Will load
5 each of 92.5, 93, 93.5, 94 and shoot to see which is best.

 

[95LTZ]

Re: .338 Norma Magnum Data anyone?

I did not have a chrono at the range when shooting the 338xr. I never guess at velocities because I am usually wrong. I only chrono after I get an accurate load just to figure out my come ups from a 100 yard zero. The last time I was at the range it was raining & I didn't want to chance drenching the chrono.
Semper Fi

 

[rcamuglia]

Re: .338 Norma Magnum Data anyone?

Well, I got it dialed in.

Went out and shot groups with the 4 loads in the node from the Audette ladder Shot at 600 yards

Thanks for the powder info.