AXMC 338LM Questions

[jonthomps]

I just bought a 338 AXMC. I'm begining to reload for it and have a couple of question for those of you who own one. It has a 27" Win Tactical barrel. I'm getting a COAL of 3.050" BTO on Berger 300 OTM's and 3.045" BTO on Hornady 285's.

First: Does AI use the same reamer/freebore on all of their 338 barrels?
Second: If they do use the same reamer, does anyone have a couple of go-to accuracy loads? I've got H1000, Retumbo, RL26, RL33, and N570.

Thanks

 

[AIAW]

They have a standard. You sure you measured it correctly and aren't jamming into the lands? Your BTO seems a tad long.

Here is what I run in that particular barrel (disclaimer: duplicate at your own risk).

Bullet: Hornady 285g AMAX
Brass: Lapua
Primer: CCI 250
Powder: H1000 - 90g
OAL: 3.77"
BTO: 2.971"
MV: 2764 fps
Temp: 93F

 

[jonthomps]

^^^ Thanks for the load data - exactly what I was looking for. I thought they most likely had a standard reamer. Maybe I did measure incorrectly. I'll double check this evening.

 

[jonthomps]

Just got back from the range. Thanks again for the load data. It hammers in my rifle! 5-shots @ 102y. Time to take it out to distance.

 

[AIAW]

Excellent! Did you duplicate that exact same load I posted?

 

[jonthomps]

Excellent! Did you duplicate that exact same load I posted?

Yep, exact load. Slight ejector mark but I'm thinking that's due to the virgin brass.

 

[AIAW]

Could be. Play around with it a little too. No barrel will ever behave identically.