338 Savage 300 gr groups at 286 yards

[fastnf]

I need a bit of help. I have measured my three sets of groups today. I was so low on Retumbo that I was only able to get a 4-shot group on one powder charge. I set bullets at the lands and used three different levels of charges. Ladder test was said to show promise around 91 grains via Cory. All shots from a sled with a remote trigger. 1" dots inside my MRAD triangle on the SS 5x20 HD.

Coal 3.714
300 Gr Scenar
Retumbo
Winchester large rifle primers
Lapua brass
Savage (see below)

Group #1 89.8 gr 5-shots

Average group radius 1.3732
Farthest centers 4.294

Group #2 91 gr 5-shots

Average group radius 1.3308
Farthest centers 3.247

Group #3 92 gr 4-shots (ran out of Retumbo)

Average group radius 1.15325
Farthest centers 3.452

My problem is twofold. I am out of Retumbo. I have 1# of H1000. I only have 17 more Scenars and was thinking of switching to SMK's because the Lapua bullets have gone up quite a bit.

Is there a group here that is worth working with more on seating depth or just call it quits on the Retumbo while I am out and switch to H1000 and SMK's and start over.

I really don't know what "good" is and and was hoping to find a 3/4 MOA load to shoot and be happy with. I am so new and it's hard for me to see the correct direction. I have over 100 shots in the barrel so I'm hoping it is settling down now.

Thanks guys. I have pics if needed.

 

[diego-ted]

Re: 338 Savage 300 gr groups at 286 yards

I am using Lapua brass, 87gr of H1000, 300gr SMK 20 thou off the lands in my BA. I have take this load out to a mile very consistant?

These groups are at 300 yards.

 

[Hi Speed]

Re: 338 Savage 300 gr groups at 286 yards

You can do better but you sure as hell could do a lot worse.

 

[fastnf]

Re: 338 Savage 300 gr groups at 286 yards

Diego,

How did you find your load? Have a link to a ladder test or anything? Did you find that .020 jump was the best?

Thanks!

 

[diego-ted]

Re: 338 Savage 300 gr groups at 286 yards

1/2 MOA at 300 yards is ok by me! I knew I wanted to work with the H1000 from all my research, as for the load I worked up from 85. I was getting pressure above 89, and settled on the 87gr after several range trips and consistant reading on the chrony. OH yea I use Fed Gold Match primers.

DIego,

 

[fastnf]

Re: 338 Savage 300 gr groups at 286 yards

What is the muzzle velocity at this charge level?

 

[.375Mojave]

Re: 338 Savage 300 gr groups at 286 yards

For what it is worth I have not had great results with Winchester primers. I prefer Federal Gold Match primers and they seem to produce more consistent results from both my .375 CT as well as my Savage 110 338 LM.

 

[fastnf]

Re: 338 Savage 300 gr groups at 286 yards

We switched to FGM primers this week. I also loaded up some 91.5 gr N570 loads with 300gr Lapua Scenars to try out with seating depths from 0.005 to 0.030 in 0.005 increments. Any more jump results in being shorter than COAL listed on Lapua's reloading page.

The two best with 3-shot groups were 0.005 and 0.015.

After reloading and shooting the 0.005 jump I think I will try more 5-shot groups with the 0.015 jump.

Abbreviated results...

3-shot @ 300 yards
0.005 = 1.3 inch spread
0.015 = 2.3 inch spread

5-shot @ 300 yards
0.005 = 3.1 inch spread and one 4.some spread

I'm thinking I should try the 0.015 jump in a 5-shot a few times and see how that works out.

Am I on to something or not? If I find the right jump depth will it change if I change the powder level some?