Range Report At the range: Sellier Bellot 338 LM ammo and 110BA

[bullsyeman]

As promised, here is a short report on S&B 338 Lapua ammo. Short because thunderstorms rolled in before extensive testing could be completed. SET UP: Savage 110BA 338 LM with Nitghforce 5.5-22x56. Bipod and beanbag rear rest. S&B 250gr 338 ammo. 600yds sitting at table.
The day began beautifully! Scattered clouds and 85 degrees. Little wind. I used the simple ballistics calculator on Hornadys website to dial in. Bing! First 4 shots on the money! (see pix) Painted target and returned to bench and the winds kicked in. At one point strong enough to blow over our fairly substantial 10x10 easy-up canopy! Rain ,thunder, lightning followed about an hour later. My lack of long range shooting experience (1st time out this far) had me missing left because I wasn't allowing enough for the 9-11 mph crosswinds. Only when I got home and recalculated did I realize I was dealing with 12-13" drift. Worse, the winds were swirling and constantly changing direction. Bottom line: no good data after original four shots. The red diamond is 7x4.5 and the group is 6.25 from left to right, or approx 1 moa. I was more than satisfied. At 70, my eyes and shooting skills not what they used to be. Not sure better ammo will make a difference. But I had no failures of any kind and will continue using the S&B until I have good reason not to.

 

[sib1948]

Re: At the range: Sellier Bellot 338 LM ammo and 110BA

Great shooting ! S & B appears to work well and I've found it to be much cheaper than other 338 ammo.

 

[timelinex]

Re: At the range: Sellier Bellot 338 LM ammo and 110BA

It would be interesting to shoot it over a chrono....

After trying out some HSM ammo, I don't see a reason to shoot anything but top notch ammo out of a 338. At the ranges that a 338 should be used, you absolutely need the best MV consistency.. At the ranges that MV isn't as vital is also the ranges that something like a 308 can reach and you dont need the 338. And then at the end of the day, even the 'cheap' ammo is far from cheap.

 

[bullsyeman]

Re: At the range: Sellier Bellot 338 LM ammo and 110BA

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: timelinex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It would be interesting to shoot it over a chrono....

After trying out some HSM ammo, I don't see a reason to shoot anything but top notch ammo out of a 338. At the ranges that a 338 should be used, you absolutely need the best MV consistency.. At the ranges that MV isn't as vital is also the ranges that something like a 308 can reach and you dont need the 338. And then at the end of the day, even the 'cheap' ammo is far from cheap. </div></div>
I'll let you know how it performs at 1000yds and 1 mile! preparing for both

 

[h2odog]

Re: At the range: Sellier Bellot 338 LM ammo and 110BA

I have quite a bit of experience with the S&B .338 ammo. I have shot it in 4 different rifles, Savage, Sako, AI-AX and a APO-AW. Every gun without exception loves it. 5 shot groups in the AIAX were best at .171 and the worst group was 3 shots thru the APO at .596. I have fired over 300 rounds thus far. With over 80 having been over Ohler 35 sky screens. Velocities ran from an average 10 shot string in the AIAX of 2866 to a low of 10 shots @ 2828 in the Sako TRG. ES and SD were low in all guns. That is my only gripe is lower vels than my handloads of 98.0 grs of Retumbo and 250 gr Scenars at 3075. This ammo is half the price of most other premium brands at $60 per 20, so for a non reloader it is perfect. Like to hear what others are finding out.

 

[bullsyeman]

Re: At the range: Sellier Bellot 338 LM ammo and 110BA

I got 2862 through my 110BA. I shot 1000 yds earlier this week for the first time. Managed to shoot several 1 moa groups and a few sub moa groups with 4-6mph winds that were constantly changing direction. I am not an experienced LR shooter and would expect those who are would do better. Glad to see someone else reporting good results. I have gone through exactly 100 rds without any issues