100 yard groups, first time handload. 338 lapua

[harry_x1]

I recently purchased a 338 lapua (20” inch barrel) AXMC. Also loaded my ammo first time. Shot 5, 3 shot groups at 100 yards and got an average grp size of .65”. My questions is, is that an acceptable group size? How much better can these groups get? Should I now start experimenting with seating depth ? Maybe some experienced reloaders can share their take and experience to help out ...


Lapua brass
IMR 78 - 85 grn
Berger 250 gr tactical bullets
CCI primers

Thanks for your attention !

 

[theLBC]

how many shots through the barrel? only those 5 groups?

 

[Ryridesmotox]

The question isnt if the gun is shooting well at that point. The question is, are you holding it back or not. That's plenty fine for very extended range... provided that you don't let the system down. If you can maintain that group size all the way out to trans sonic, you're looking at a group under 7 inches at 1k yards and around 14 at 2k yards. I bet 99% of shooters probably can't effectively hold that at those ranges.

I'd say roll with what you have. And spend time training and shooting. But I bbn also dont particularly like load developement and I would rather be shooting. A .65mos group is plenty accurate for what a majority of use can do with a broomstick. YMMV

 

[harry_x1]

how many shots through the barrel? only those 5 groups?

actually I made 4 different loads ... 81 grn, 83 grn, 84 grn, 85 grn...for each load I had 15 bullets (5 groups of 3 shots each)....all the group sizes were very close but the 85 grn and 86 grn loads were most consistent in terms of extreme spread and SD.Some of the group size were very tight .14” was the best.. but the average for 85 grn was .65” .. with minimal extreme spread and SD... that is why I felt that 85 grn is potentially the best load for my rifle ... as this is first time, I am hand loading also am pretty new to this sport, was looking for some advice on what should be the next steps I can try to improve ...

 

[sinister]

Shoot at true range and see if the load meets your precision requirements. Do you know your muzzle velocity? That will determine where your trans-sonic distance is and where you need to start looking for bullet instability.

You've determined and confirmed your 100-yard starting point with your load and barrel length. Record your muzzle velocity and you can start building generic trajectory cards on-line using JBM Ballistic.

 

[harry_x1]

Shoot at true range and see if the load meets your precision requirements. Do you know your muzzle velocity? That will determine where your trans-sonic distance is and where you need to start looking for bullet instability.

You've determined and confirmed your 100-yard starting point with your load and barrel length. Record your muzzle velocity and you can start building generic trajectory cards on-line using JBM Ballistic.

thanks for the advice .. yes I have muzzle velocities recorded using labradar...did not think of building trajectory cards, will do so now.. when you say, take it to real range, I assume you mean take it to a long distance range 1k yard ?..... thanks again

 

[DTF370]

Yep your to a good start. Select your group/charge with your ES/SD where you want it and start testing at 300, 600, 1000 and beyond. Congrats on the 338 LM. They’re addicting.