Well, I've probably read most of the post here so I have searched! I'm going to start reloading for 338 soon, have been doing great with 308 for quite some time. Looking for a good temp stable powder for 338. People seem to be having good luck with RL25 but I've heard that it isn't that temp stable. Will only be shooting 300 lapuas or 300 smks. Was thinking about Retumbo or H1000, both of which I can get around here. When I first started loading for 308 many people suggested varget which turned out great. Not looking to chase a 1/4 moa load but rather something that will do 1/2 moa or so any day of the week out to longer distances i.e. 16-1700 yards.
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338 Lapua Powder
- Thread starter psmith
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Re: 338 Lapua Powder
When I got my .338 It was suggested by the previous owner that the rifle I bought likes RL25. So I bought in bulk. After getting everything ready to load, I quickly found that there are very few PUBLISHED loads for .338LM in this powder. I called alliant and was informed that " A max load of RL22 is a medium load for Rel25". Seriously that was the advice I got from the manufacturer.
So, If you search on here, you will find my thread on exactly this topic.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...435#Post1756435
Hope this helps,
madd0c
When I got my .338 It was suggested by the previous owner that the rifle I bought likes RL25. So I bought in bulk. After getting everything ready to load, I quickly found that there are very few PUBLISHED loads for .338LM in this powder. I called alliant and was informed that " A max load of RL22 is a medium load for Rel25". Seriously that was the advice I got from the manufacturer.
So, If you search on here, you will find my thread on exactly this topic.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...435#Post1756435
Hope this helps,
madd0c
Re: 338 Lapua Powder
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">338+temperature swings = Retumbo </div></div>
That's interesting that you say that because I have heard that exact opposite. I know a couple of guys that are avid shooters/reloaders that like Retumbo because it is not effected by temperature swings..... Or maybe I'm just agreeing with you now that I read your equation. Are you saying that Retumbo is goo for shooting in many different temps?.... If so, I agree with you sir.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">338+temperature swings = Retumbo </div></div>
That's interesting that you say that because I have heard that exact opposite. I know a couple of guys that are avid shooters/reloaders that like Retumbo because it is not effected by temperature swings..... Or maybe I'm just agreeing with you now that I read your equation. Are you saying that Retumbo is goo for shooting in many different temps?.... If so, I agree with you sir.
Re: 338 Lapua Powder
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: patches</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">338+temperature swings = Retumbo </div></div>
That's interesting that you say that because I have heard that exact opposite. I know a couple of guys that are avid shooters/reloaders that like Retumbo because it is not effected by temperature swings..... Or maybe I'm just agreeing with you now that I read your equation. Are you saying that Retumbo is goo for shooting in many different temps?.... If so, I agree with you sir. </div></div>
I think we're saying the same thing. Maybe my math is off.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: patches</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">338+temperature swings = Retumbo </div></div>
That's interesting that you say that because I have heard that exact opposite. I know a couple of guys that are avid shooters/reloaders that like Retumbo because it is not effected by temperature swings..... Or maybe I'm just agreeing with you now that I read your equation. Are you saying that Retumbo is goo for shooting in many different temps?.... If so, I agree with you sir. </div></div>
I think we're saying the same thing. Maybe my math is off.
Re: 338 Lapua Powder
The Sierra manual lists IMR 4350 with a 300gn SMK bullet with 78.2 gn. powder as their accuracy load. This load gives me .4 to .8 MOA at 200 yards.
The Sierra manual lists IMR 4350 with a 300gn SMK bullet with 78.2 gn. powder as their accuracy load. This load gives me .4 to .8 MOA at 200 yards.
Re: 338 Lapua Powder
i agree i use h4350 78 grains with 300 grain bullets and get low .2 all the time at 100. I was just shooting 1260 with this load and hit a 12x12 target 8 out of 10 shots. ES are in single digits. i am getting right at 2700 FPS. I have tried all the listed powders in my custom 338 lapua and this one is by far the best. i know it seem like a waste of case but that is what shoots so thats what I load. i also shot VV 560 and it shot great but ES were around 20 fps.
i agree i use h4350 78 grains with 300 grain bullets and get low .2 all the time at 100. I was just shooting 1260 with this load and hit a 12x12 target 8 out of 10 shots. ES are in single digits. i am getting right at 2700 FPS. I have tried all the listed powders in my custom 338 lapua and this one is by far the best. i know it seem like a waste of case but that is what shoots so thats what I load. i also shot VV 560 and it shot great but ES were around 20 fps.
Re: 338 Lapua Powder
Try, if you can find it, VV 570. We are getting 3020 with the 300 SMK with 100 grains of the 570. Of course the barrel is 37.75 inches long. Big Hammer. (Big Brake too!)
Try, if you can find it, VV 570. We are getting 3020 with the 300 SMK with 100 grains of the 570. Of course the barrel is 37.75 inches long. Big Hammer. (Big Brake too!)
Re: 338 Lapua Powder
I am using 91 grains of RL25 behind 300 SMK's with cci250 primers. I have been getting good results and no pressure signs under 45 degrees F. I don't know what will show in higher temps yet due to we are still having winter here in Wyoming. I would like to push mine a little harder but will wait till warmer temps. Good Luck!
I am using 91 grains of RL25 behind 300 SMK's with cci250 primers. I have been getting good results and no pressure signs under 45 degrees F. I don't know what will show in higher temps yet due to we are still having winter here in Wyoming. I would like to push mine a little harder but will wait till warmer temps. Good Luck!
Re: 338 Lapua Powder
I tried us869 and had good results very good speed and accuracy, but it is very temp sens. thats why i stay clear of it.
I tried us869 and had good results very good speed and accuracy, but it is very temp sens. thats why i stay clear of it.
Re: 338 Lapua Powder
i realy like H-100 and Retumbo and i live in a climate that swings from below zero in the winter to above 100's in the summer i dont think ive shot a powder yet that didnt "spike" a bit in the HOT sun. good luck with your loads. ps ive had good luck with US-869 as well. but ive heard it temp testy too.
i realy like H-100 and Retumbo and i live in a climate that swings from below zero in the winter to above 100's in the summer i dont think ive shot a powder yet that didnt "spike" a bit in the HOT sun. good luck with your loads. ps ive had good luck with US-869 as well. but ive heard it temp testy too.
Re: 338 Lapua Powder
After over 6K rounds of 338LM, I used to use Reloder 25. For what ever reason, my latest supplies have been WAY off. IMO, its a waste of time and money to play around. Retumbo has proven VERY temp stable,in my AO, I routinely shoot from low 20's to high 90'and my latest loads with RL25 have seemed very temp sensitive.
VV-N560, N-165 perform exceptionally well with 250's, US869 is also a good performer but exhibits alot of vertical swings at 1000yards with 300SMK's and is no where near as temp stable as H1000 or Retumbo with the 338LM. A switch to Winchester Large Magnum Rifle primers have helped to some degree.
In a pinch H50BMG and VV 24N41 will work but HUGE kernel size will usually result in compressed loads. IMO, its not a hard caliber to load for. The latest Quickload software is dead nuts accurate as well as the associated ballistics program QuickTarget. Just be aware that the data is only as good as your imputs;re: resized case volume and length.
Even H4350 will get it done. Pay especial attention to stiff bolts-most accurate loads in 338LM will flatten the primers and IMO-not a sign of excessive pressure.
After over 6K rounds of 338LM, I used to use Reloder 25. For what ever reason, my latest supplies have been WAY off. IMO, its a waste of time and money to play around. Retumbo has proven VERY temp stable,in my AO, I routinely shoot from low 20's to high 90'and my latest loads with RL25 have seemed very temp sensitive.
VV-N560, N-165 perform exceptionally well with 250's, US869 is also a good performer but exhibits alot of vertical swings at 1000yards with 300SMK's and is no where near as temp stable as H1000 or Retumbo with the 338LM. A switch to Winchester Large Magnum Rifle primers have helped to some degree.
In a pinch H50BMG and VV 24N41 will work but HUGE kernel size will usually result in compressed loads. IMO, its not a hard caliber to load for. The latest Quickload software is dead nuts accurate as well as the associated ballistics program QuickTarget. Just be aware that the data is only as good as your imputs;re: resized case volume and length.
Even H4350 will get it done. Pay especial attention to stiff bolts-most accurate loads in 338LM will flatten the primers and IMO-not a sign of excessive pressure.
Re: 338 Lapua Powder
I have tried, RL25, RL22, Retumbo, H1000 and H4831SC. Although RL25 was promising with the 300SMK's, it wasn't consistent. I worked up a load using H1000 and my ES came way down and my groups got better and consistency was great. I found the same thing when using H4831SC for the 250 Scenars (consistent and accurate).
I have shot both powders in below freezing to 80+ temps and have no issues. I really like Hodgdon powders and use it in almost all of my guns. YMMV
I have tried, RL25, RL22, Retumbo, H1000 and H4831SC. Although RL25 was promising with the 300SMK's, it wasn't consistent. I worked up a load using H1000 and my ES came way down and my groups got better and consistency was great. I found the same thing when using H4831SC for the 250 Scenars (consistent and accurate).
I have shot both powders in below freezing to 80+ temps and have no issues. I really like Hodgdon powders and use it in almost all of my guns. YMMV
Re: 338 Lapua Powder
Thanks for all the great info. I picked up a pound of Retumbo to try with some loads listed in the MLR thread. Just didn't want to waste too much time going replicating everyones findings. 6K of .338 LM...jeezus thats $30,000 in ammo!
Now I just have to get the rest of the components together. Can't wait to shoot this thing! I'll report back in a few weeks.
Thanks for all the great info. I picked up a pound of Retumbo to try with some loads listed in the MLR thread. Just didn't want to waste too much time going replicating everyones findings. 6K of .338 LM...jeezus thats $30,000 in ammo!
Now I just have to get the rest of the components together. Can't wait to shoot this thing! I'll report back in a few weeks.
Re: 338 Lapua Powder
Here is a load I use and keeps me at .5 moa at 200yrds
lapua scenars or hornaday hpbt 250g
vihtavouri n165 @ 91.9 grains
cci mag primers
lapua brass
COAL is 3.689
this load came from the army marksman unit and I have been super pleased with it.
for 1000 yrd load they(I) use
Vihtavuori N170 88.4
Sierra 300 HPBT
OAL 3.690
CCI Magnum or the Federal 215
I forgot to add I am shooting these from a Barret 98B 1:10 twist 29" bbl..hope this helps
Here is a load I use and keeps me at .5 moa at 200yrds
lapua scenars or hornaday hpbt 250g
vihtavouri n165 @ 91.9 grains
cci mag primers
lapua brass
COAL is 3.689
this load came from the army marksman unit and I have been super pleased with it.
for 1000 yrd load they(I) use
Vihtavuori N170 88.4
Sierra 300 HPBT
OAL 3.690
CCI Magnum or the Federal 215
I forgot to add I am shooting these from a Barret 98B 1:10 twist 29" bbl..hope this helps
Re: 338 Lapua Powder
I have had good luck with the Ramshot Magnum. 96.2grs and a 215 Fed primer for a 250 gr Sierra HPBT.
I have had good luck with the Ramshot Magnum. 96.2grs and a 215 Fed primer for a 250 gr Sierra HPBT.
Re: 338 Lapua Powder
300grs.= Retumbo
250grs.= VVN560
But I've only worked with two different LM's...Both GAP's and both Bartlein barrels, 26" 1-10" and 28" 1-9.75".
Both are hammers. I'm always amazed at the precision of these big boomers...
300grs.= Retumbo
250grs.= VVN560
But I've only worked with two different LM's...Both GAP's and both Bartlein barrels, 26" 1-10" and 28" 1-9.75".
Both are hammers. I'm always amazed at the precision of these big boomers...
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