110 BA 338 LM

[hooksz86]

I thought this would be a good spot for this just b/c I thought there would be someone in here with expieriance with this or maby even this gun or cartrage. about 90% of the time when i try to open my bolt after shooting each round. It is hard to open. I have to give it a good bump with my palm upwards and then pull pritty hard if you ask me. I have tryed changing the bullet depth between .03 up to .0012 off the lands. As far as case sizing, they are cut to trip length, and have been full sized. Also i have a set of redding comp shell holders that are in graduations from .002 - .010 deeper than normal for a less FL sizing with the RCBS gold metal bushing die. Im shooting the 300gr SMK with 93.6gr of retumbo, the max is 94.0gr wich is compressed with a seated bullet at 3.60COL. my COL is at 3.710 -3.720 as stated above. Using Nosler brass. Anyway I dont claim to be a pro at this but understaind well. Any help or coments/ideas would help.

 

[sinister]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

Change to Lapua brass.

I and several others here have had issues using anything softer in the Savage.

 

[hooksz86]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

do you know if the nosler is considered soft. I knew hornady was soppost to be soft. Im guesing lapua is what would be good or maby solve my problem.

 

[hooksz86]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

woops, didnt see the top of your post about the brass.

 

[sinister]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

I've never used Nosler brass (I didn't know they made it in 338LM).

 

[Cardinal]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

Don't know about the 338L, but Norma made brass and ammo for Nosler in some calibers atleast.

 

[mrbig]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

my 110 FCP did the same with Hornady factory ammo,,I went with Lapua brass and with 89 rs H1000 I havent had any problems,,

 

[hooksz86]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

Ok guys, sounds good to me. I was also wanting to make sure I wasn't doing anything wrong as far as my loading. thanks for the help and i will try some lapua brass out.

 

[mrbig]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

the big heavy bullet works pretty well,,even backed down 5-6 grs on the powder scale,,

 

[hooksz86]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

ya iv been meaning to try out a lesser amount of powder and compair the velocoty on the crony to see if backing off a little will even change my fps very much anyway. I got a crony for christmas and have not even used it yet. Is it true that I should use it on cloudy day for better resaults?

 

[CanSniper]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: longdistance</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ya iv been meaning to try out a lesser amount of powder and compair the velocoty on the crony to see if backing off a little will even change my fps very much anyway. I got a crony for christmas and have not even used it yet. Is it true that I should use it on cloudy day for better resaults? </div></div>93 grns of Retumbo would almost lock the bolt closed on my BA110, and it was screaming fast. In my rifle Retumbo seemed like it peaked real fast, went from no pressure @ 92 to almost lock the bolt at 93. No matter which powder I used in the savage I could not run close to max book charge. The rifle was a shooter though. I Had good luck with H1000 and Lapua Brass.

 

[hooksz86]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

ya ill try that under 92gr with retumbo. ya thats my only problem bith it is the bolt being hard to open. other than that I have bullet holes touching at 100yards and 10 shot groups under 9inches at 1100 yards. just that if i want to make a 2nd shot fast it takes me about 5 seconds longer than it should. No problem for me to try something out though if you have anymore suggestions. b/c my rang is rite out the back door.

 

[.375Mojave]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

FYI I went through some load development with my 110 and 300 SMK's and walked from 85 gr of H1000 to 90gr where I got ejctor marks so 89.5 gr is my max with H1000. It is coincidentally my most accurate grou load as well.

I got up to 92.5 gr of Retumbo (I will check my notes but think that's right) before I got signs of pressure. So i rounded that down to 92 gr. My best groups were actually at 90.5 to 91 gr.

These were all developed at .000 off the lands as my rifle seems to group best. I got slightly less pressure at .010 off but the groups were just not there. I am getting under .4 MOA out of the H1000.

I think it is not so much a brass issue as you are just loading too hot!!

 

[hooksz86]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

thanks for the info on that. well, i have 100 round of lapua brass coming to me but i can see what 92gr with retumbo will do for my nosler. the other day I shot 5 peices of Lupua brand brass with the same load as my nosler and they came out each time just fine. But yes I would agree with you on the preasure being a problem. So maby I can back off just a touch and be able to shoot both the lapua and nosler the same without any sticks. I just hope if i do get good luck with that, that they both shoot the same on paper even with the differance in the brass.

 

[diego-ted]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

Try 87gr H-1000, 300gr SMK 20 thou from the lands using Lapua brass. I can only use Lapua brass in my BA. Here is the load at 300 yards. Load has been consistant out to a mile.

 

[mrbig]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: diego-ted</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Try 87gr H-1000, 300gr SMK 20 thou from the lands using Lapua brass. I can only use Lapua brass in my BA. Here is the load at 300 yards. Load has been consistant out to a mile.

</div></div>

I have been shooting 89 grs and 300 Scenar,,I am gonna work down to the next accuracy node,,mine starts getting sticky at 90.5 in cooler weather,,all I need is about 2575 fps to really do what i want anyway,

these big bullets are not like 22-250 where you have to run them wide open to stretch thier legs

 

[A14]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

Also, for me even lower loads of retumbo makes the bolt stick. It is just very sooty! It shoots good but I Am no longer using it because of the stick.

 

[cali_tz]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

I have stopped using Retumbo and gone to N570. Retumbo really pressured my primers and cases at loads less than max recommendation. N570 seems to burn slower and stresses the brass and primer not at all.

 

[hooksz86]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

very nice info, and thanks. I just got my lapua brass in, cant do anything with it now b/c just had a hurnia sergery. but as soon as i can start im going to try these things out. I mite get some h1000 and some n570. Its just that i bought 8lb of retumbo already, ^&*! lol. to A14 and cali_tz, are both of your 338's the 110 ba? that some good shooting there on the paper also guys. also are you guys using a bushing die?

 

[tipper]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: longdistance</div><div class="ubbcode-body">very nice info, and thanks. I just got my lapua brass in, cant do anything with it now b/c just had a hurnia sergery. but as soon as i can start im going to try these things out. I mite get some h1000 and some n570. Its just that i bought 8lb of retumbo already, ^&*! lol. to A14 and cali_tz, are both of your 338's the 110 ba? that some good shooting there on the paper also guys. also are you guys using a bushing die? </div></div>

I have to give it a good bump with my palm upwards and then pull pritty hard if you ask me = hurnia !

Over PSI. use less powder and work up!

 

[bas402]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cali_tz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have stopped using Retumbo and gone to N570. Retumbo really pressured my primers and cases at loads less than max recommendation. N570 seems to burn slower and stresses the brass and primer not at all. </div></div>

Smart call on the N570 good stuff, you should also try H1000 say around 87-88gr

Sully

 

[cali_tz]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

with N570 and 250 Scenar btw you can't overfill the case... you can put 98 grains in there, and compress it with the Scenar 250 at spec'd seating, and you'll push 3050fps (27"barrel) with no pressure signs on brass or primer. I am suspecting that in this case, there is unburned powder being ejected out the barrel starting around 97 grains or so, because my ladder didn't speed up at all from 97 to 98.

 

[psinclair]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

N560 is really good in my Lapua with 250 scenars. I've gotten 3100+ with it w/o pressure. For the 300's I switched from Retumbo to H1000. It was more consistant in temp swings.

 

[hooksz86]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

Im glad im getting all this talk on this. It is good for me to here this stuff b/c there is not really anyone around me shooting these bigger cartrages. im probly going to try some of those other powders unless I can get zero preasure signs and 2650 - 2800fps and good group with the retumbo. I will keep shooting the 300gr bullet though, no offence to the 250grain bullets. keep the info coming though, you will not affened me to correct me on somthing.

 

[hooksz86]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

I should say. not anybody around me reloading bigger cartrages.

 

[cali_tz]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

I tried N560 and it gave me pressure signs, but in my Rem 700, not my current rifle. I heard that N560 is good for 250s and N570 for 300s.

 

[bas402]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cali_tz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I tried N560 and it gave me pressure signs, but in my Rem 700, not my current rifle. I heard that N560 is good for 250s and N570 for 300s. </div></div>

And what you heard is correct

Sully

 

[A14]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

I'm really anticipating reloader 33. Developed for the .338LM

 

[bas402]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

Aliant powders have always been temp sensitive in all my rigs, Let's just hope they have looked into it and have a solution.
Sully

 

[hooksz86]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

Ok, thanks again for the info.

 

[Hoverp]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

Same maker of RL 17 and RL33 so it's not the same as the other Alliant powders.

 

[hooksz86]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

well, havent got my h1000 in yet but just loaded some 5 round/5 of each testers up. Retumbo, lapua brand brass, cci and SMK 20thou off the lands. starting with 91.0, 91.5, 92.0, and 92.5. we will see what they do as far as preasure and hope they are as accurate as the same with 93.6gr. Hope the fps doesnt drop to much.

 

[fostercd]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

I have the same issue with my 110, even with lapua brass (1x). I am not at max case length yet, but still get hangs on 2nd loading. I have read several places that you need to trim to min case length with the 110 or you will have the issue. Haven't gotten a chance to try that yet.

 

[cali_tz]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 402</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cali_tz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I tried N560 and it gave me pressure signs, but in my Rem 700, not my current rifle. I heard that N560 is good for 250s and N570 for 300s. </div></div>

And what you heard is correct

Sully </div></div>

Though I used 570 in my 250 loads and they shot fine. After experimenting with 250s and 300s, I decided to go only 300. The advice I got was to use 250s since they shot flatter out to some distance (given higher speed), but for me past 1500 it seems 300s simply perform better, they use less powder and less powder means less throat erosion...

 

[bas402]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cali_tz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 402</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cali_tz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I tried N560 and it gave me pressure signs, but in my Rem 700, not my current rifle. I heard that N560 is good for 250s and N570 for 300s. </div></div>

And what you heard is correct

Sully </div></div>

Though I used 570 in my 250 loads and they shot fine. After experimenting with 250s and 300s, I decided to go only 300. The advice I got was to use 250s since they shot flatter out to some distance (given higher speed), but for me past 1500 it seems 300s simply perform better, they use less powder and less powder means less throat erosion... </div></div>

tz,
just watch for the new Berger 250gr Hybrid OTM's and I think you will change your mind about the 300's.

 

[.375Mojave]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

Is there any information about whether these Bergers, or SMK's or Scenars for that matter, have any amount of controlled expansion?

SMK's are hollow point boat tails and I always wondered if that equated to any significant expansion as it relates to a hunting round.

Given the tactical intended use for the Berger OTM's, is expansion intended? Obviously a .338 round traveling over 2,500 fps does not need to expand to be lethal on a human (and maybe not even a mule deer) but has anyone shot any of these into gel or game and retrieved one to observe expansion?

Military rounds are hardball by Geneva rules but police forces are not bound by those rules so I am not sure what the design intent is here.

 

[cali_tz]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

402 yes I will be very interested in anything Berger does in this area.
Looking fwd to test results and anecdotes from the Gunsite testing ongoing.

 

[bas402]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

Myself and a few others got to test some of these for Berger a couple of weeks ago and they do fly extremly well.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3128888#Post3128888
Sully

 

[A14]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 402</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Myself and a few others got to test some of these for Berger a couple of weeks ago and they do fly extremly well.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3128888#Post3128888
Sully </div></div>

Dang sully, lucky!! I'm totally jealous, can't wait for them to come out for all to play with haha.

 

[cali_tz]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

Quite thorough testing of the 250 Berger, and it seems to perform well. But I can't get a sense of how that compares to the Scenars, 250 or 300.

 

[bas402]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cali_tz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Quite thorough testing of the 250 Berger, and it seems to perform well. But I can't get a sense of how that compares to the Scenars, 250 or 300. </div></div>

Well it told me that the Bergers were jump tolorent for one and I could still load them in my CIP mag. The next was and depends on what distances you shoot because with the added BC it means you dial less and when you get beyond 1000 it really should shine which means less elevation required in a scope or rails. I was only able to test out to 1000 as time and bullets were short but I dialed up 1.7MOA less and if they hold true to the BC it should yeild -5.9 MOA @ 1500 with my set up. I am waiting on the testing that Lowlight and Cory and the bunch will be doing @ Gunsite to see if that holds true... we'll see but I was impressed
Sully

 

[cali_tz]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

When you say you dialed up 1.7MOA less, you are comparing the Berger to what 250 gn bullet? And when you are doing this comparison, you are apples to apples seeing the same MV's on both bullets?

 

[bas402]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cali_tz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When you say you dialed up 1.7MOA less, you are comparing the Berger to what 250 gn bullet? And when you are doing this comparison, you are apples to apples seeing the same MV's on both bullets? </div></div>
That was comparing the 250gr Bergers to the Serria 250 SMK. Velosity is very close, within 15fps. It even gets better when you compare it to the 300gr Scenars. But like I stated, I want to see the results on the test from Gunsite to confirm my results.
Sully

 

[hooksz86]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

So I did a little shooting yesterday with those loads. None of them got stuck at all. But the 91.5gr-retumbo grouped the best at 100yards. I know it is way short distance for this rifle but at the same time if the 300 SMK is stable at this point then know it is the rest of the way too. And at 100yrd Know if it is me or fluke on the groups. So anyway 4 shots were in a group just over a 1/2 inch, measuring outside to outside. This amount of powder did not flaten the primer nor did it show a mark from the ejector and most important didnt stick my bolt. It was very sunny so didnt want to use crony. turned to my 1100yard target and clicked scope to what I had it set for with 93.6gr and got a hit about 8inches below aim point. adjusted for it and rite on target. turns out those extra grains were just sticking my bolt and blowing out the end of te barrel. I am using lapua brass now though. Thanks for the help guys and have a good one.

 

[cali_tz]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 402</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cali_tz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When you say you dialed up 1.7MOA less, you are comparing the Berger to what 250 gn bullet? And when you are doing this comparison, you are apples to apples seeing the same MV's on both bullets? </div></div>
That was comparing the 250gr Bergers to the Serria 250 SMK. Velosity is very close, within 15fps. It even gets better when you compare it to the 300gr Scenars. But like I stated, I want to see the results on the test from Gunsite to confirm my results.
Sully </div></div>

yes even with 15fps that is a tremendous difference... kudos to Berger for staying afloat like that.

 

[hooksz86]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

I have to say that burger does make some very good flying bullets, for me though Its not worth the price to how the SMK performs and the price im getting the SMK at. check out www.powdervalleyinc.com. they have good prices on everything.

 

[Sniper Uncle]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

Hey guys,
New to long range shooting, but am trying to learn all that I can. I appreciate the comments you all have made about bullets and powder types. I just recently purchased the equipment and started loading, and am anxious to try some hand loads in my Remington 700-338Lapua.
My nephew is a former Marine Scout Sniper, and has graciously offered to teach me some about long range shooting. So far, it really is a blast.
Be safe

 

[hooksz86]

Re: 110 BA 338 LM

Oh ya man. Im the same way on that. Its fun to do your own things at home and what not. But anytime you can shar your bad and good expierience with others doing the same thing you can learn alot. That why I like this forum so much.