250gn or 300 for 338 lapua

tatung70

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Minuteman
Sep 18, 2011
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I'm looking for accuracy, not hunting. I've been using 250 grain rounds but wonder how the 300grain would hold up? I would to no it would do a little better in the wind, but the compromise would be distance. Thoughts?

Thanks
 
The simple answer is to load some up and try them. Nothing wrong with using either or the 285's it's whatever your rifle likes that matters. I shoot both 250's and 300's, got some 285's to try.
 
Yup, get a batch of bullets and powders and see what your rifle likes. I swore by the 250s for many years and in a 26" barrel you can get them close to 3000fps, which will easily get you to a mile. They also work really well in a variety of twists, so I consider them the safest bet and most tolerant bullet of the bunch. That same barrel didn't seem to like 300s early on but a longer 32" barrel with a slightly faster twist gives them a significant edge. 285gr may be the best mass and I would expect to see a ScenarL in that configuration soon, but the Hornady bthp would shoot for shit out of any of my barrels, but did very well for others .
 
FACTORY Hornady 285gr ammo shot beautifully out of my TRG42. 1/4MOA at 400m and at least 1/2MOA at 600. My gun loves it. I have a 1:10 twist TRG, so when I get more of this factory used up and start reloading 388s I'll be trying 285s and 300s. If your twist rate can handle 300s, I would try some.
 
I currently have only shot the 285s (factory loaded at that) so I cant comment on others....I will soon try 300 berger vlds, more Hornady 285s, and maybe some AMax's or that 300gr Nosler Custom Competition with a purported 0.800BC that is "coming soon" per MidwayUSA.
 
I have been shooting the 285's for over a year now. Been very pleased with them. 9.4 Twist Barrel

Here is a 300 SMK on the left and a 285 HPBT on the right. Dug outta ground at 1970 yard target.

Icebreaker_3_006.jpg


Two hits outta first five shots, 17 mph wind 3/4 value. 1970 yards

IMG_12175.jpg
 
Nice Shooting Sendero-Man! It looks like the bullets may not be target friendly, even at ELR distances? Have you had a chance to try them yet on a live version of your steel target? With a thumb sized hole in them, they shouldn't go too far. I have a friend that's currently doing load development for a savage with the 285's. I think he's around 92 grains of Retumbo IIRC,but has been shooting at 4-500 and hasn't stretched the legs on the rifle yet.