.338LM - .50 Cal

Re: Loads for .338LM

I'm shooting a M700 Police. Groups are .650 MOA ave @ 100 yards.

I have not had a chance to play with the COL - Right now here's what has worked the best:
CCI LRM Primers
96.5 Grains of RL25
COL - 6.555

I think I can pull the groups in quite a bit by adjusting the COL more data later.

Now what hasn't worked:
- Retumbo w/250 Gamekings~3" groups

What has worked OK:
- IMR7828 w/250 Gamekings~.9" groups

PM me and I'll email you a image of my targets.

J
 
Re: Loads for .338LM

I see lots of different powders listed, and the obvious choices for primers, bullets, and cases. Why haven't I seen 1 listing or load using retumbo??? That's what I use and have had great results using 94.5 gr. under Sierra 300 gr. BTHP :)
 
Re: Loads for .338LM

50 BMG, Serbu BFG-50
Various brass,
I'm still developing loads and will hopefully get some velocity next time I shoot (if I can get my chrono to work!).
CCI 35 primer
750 grn AMAX, 220 grn of H50BMG
800 grn Spotter Tracer, 170-175 grn of 5010
647 grn Barnes TAC-X Bullets Hollow Point Boat Tail, 240 grn H50

I plan to also work on some 750 grn Lapua projos here in the future.
 
Re: Loads for .338LM

Just finished a load development:
Savage 110BA 338 lapua mag
300SMK 0.020" from lands
Retumbo 90.2gr
Federal 215M
Hornady brass
0.3-0.5 MOA at 100 and 200yd consistently (refining jump now, may improve)
Will have chrono data in two weeks
Note: started seeing pressure signs (hard bolt lift, ridge on primer) at 92-93gr
Note: max POI shift between 89-91gr in 2nd round of OCW at 0.2-0.3gr intervals was <0.5MOA at 200yd

Should be testing:
300SMK / H4831SC / hornady brass
300scenar / V165 / lapua brass
300scenar / V560 / lapua brass

In the next few weeks, followed by
300SMK / retumbo / lapua brass
300SMK / H4832SC / lapua brass
 
Re: Loads for .338LM

sako trg 42 1-10
300 smk, col 3.650

retumbo started 90 and worked to 93.5

my gun like
92gr = 2684fps @ 300y 3 shot group = .428 and 5 shot = 1.856
93.5 = 2791fps @ 300y 3 shot group = .575 and 5 shot = 1.041
these where shot at -15c and 980m

Also did some load testing with the 92 in warmer weather.
92gr 2725fps @ 0c and 980m

Look like i lose 3 fps for every 1c in temp change with retumbo. Is that good or not?
 
Re: Loads for .338LM

.338 Norma Mag
28" Broughton 1:9.3 5C

300gr SMK BN Coated @ 3.615" OAL
90.5gr Retumbo for 2775 fps
91gr Retumbo for 2820

both @ 40F and 5600', no pressure signs.

Currently running the 90.5gr load as I really don't need to push it any harder, and it shoots under 1/2 MOA.
 
Re: Loads for .338LM

Hey Nova,
My friend just bought a 110BA, I'm going to be working up loads for it...have you tried anything else, I'm interested in what velocity you get. How do you like yours, we just picked it up yesterday so i'm just getting started rounding stuff up for it. Have you seen any difference from the Hornady brass to the Lapua?
 
Re: Loads for .338LM

.338LM

250 SMK
Lapua brass, sized with RCBS F/L Dies
88.0gr RL19
Federal 215 primer
3.685" COAL

Average MV - 2863fps
ES - 12
SD - 5

Sub-half MOA out of my Remington 700 MLR running an XLR chassis w/CIP length mags. Have room to load out to a longer OAL, but with the accuracy I'm getting its a moot point.
 
Re: Loads for .338LM

stats
338 LM
300 GR Serria BTHP (loaded to sammi spec, length etc)
88 GR Retumbo
Federal 215 primers
once fired (my rifle) Lapua brass
26" AI
338 Can from AAC (titan)
neck sizing only
average velocity 2650
ALT 5500 FT Average temp 49 Deg
Does that Vel seem slow to any one?

Send me a PM if any input and or velocity of personal loads please. Thanks in advance
 
Re: Loads for .338LM

A rifle builder, I forget who, posted that he uses 90grs H1000 with a 300smk as his test load for 338LM. In my TRG-42 with 215 primers and Lapua brass it shoots great for me with 300 smk's or 300 Lapuas loaded to fit the mag.
 
Re: Loads for .338LM- .50 Cal

I'm about ready to start loading 338 Lapua for my Savage 110BA.

Starting with Lapua brass, CCI primers, and 300gr Berger (PN: 33794) Hybrid Tactical OTM.

I was thinking I'd start with a single-load length of ~3.825" (near the lands) and ~90gr VV N570 and see what kind of performance it's capable of.

My other thought is to just start with mag-friendly length of ~3.750" and call it done if I can get acceptable accuracy.

I also have H1000 and Retumbo. I just figured I'd try and hold the length constant as I compare different powders.
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Re: Loads for .338LM- .50 Cal

I'd recommend all of you Retumbo users to migrate to N570... it burns slower and provided me a higher MV than Retumbo with alot less pressure signs getting there.
 
Re: Loads for .338LM- .50 Cal

I have and have tested both H1000 and Retumbo for my 338LM.

They are both burning MUCH faster and with higher pressure than previous lots of H1000 and Retumbo. Take care to start low. My current load on H1000 and 300 smks (Lapua brass & mag length) dropped to 89.2 H1000.

In the recent bullet demo they ran right at 2,700fps w/ ES of 20 and SD of below 9.

I never got to 2,800 fps from my rifle without seeing significant pressure problems.

I will try VV570 in the hope of seeing 2,800 fps, but with significant temp swings in the summer it may not be a useful experiment.

JeffVN
 
Re: Loads for .338LM- .50 Cal

What rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jeffvn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have and have tested both H1000 and Retumbo for my 338LM.

They are both burning MUCH faster and with higher pressure than previous lots of H1000 and Retumbo. Take care to start low. My current load on H1000 and 300 smks (Lapua brass & mag length) dropped to 89.2 H1000.

In the recent bullet demo they ran right at 2,700fps w/ ES of 20 and SD of below 9.

I never got to 2,800 fps from my rifle without seeing significant pressure problems.

I will try VV570 in the hope of seeing 2,800 fps, but with significant temp swings in the summer it may not be a useful experiment.

JeffVN</div></div>
 
Re: Loads for .338LM- .50 Cal

Does anyone have any experience with the Hornaday Hornady Match Bullets 338 Caliber (338 Diameter) 250 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail or in the 300gr???? The BC on these bullets is .675. I generally have loaded the SMK for my .308 and had planned on using the same bullet, but it appears that the Hornaday bullets may fly a little better. Thoughts???
 
Re: Loads for .338LM- .50 Cal

my version of the 338LM Improved holds 120 grains H2O.

To date its only run solids with low friction engraving bands so my solids load data is not going to work for jacked pills.

With the jacked bullets, I was told by Greg Tannel to start Load development for the 338 LM Improved at 95 grains Retumbo and work up from there. He was straight forward. Try to find a load at or below 100 grains Retumbo, the throat will like you a lot more.

That was 2 years ago and with the new faster lots of Retumbo floating about, I might start a touch below that now.

Jeffvn
 
Re: Loads for .338LM- .50 Cal

For people neck sizing std 338 LM, what size bushing are you using for:
Lapua brass?
Hornady Brass?

I just picked up some RCBS dies and need to get some bushings for both. As I dont have a micro, I need some dims.

Also, a good starting point for the OCW test and H1000 powder as well as H4831SC. (300 SMK and 215M)
Was thinking 88gr of each in half gr increments but want to see where others accuracy loads are so I can start a littel lower and do it safely.
I also dont want to waste 100 rnds doing load workup on 2 powders.

Thanks in advance,
DT
 
Re: Loads for .338LM- .50 Cal

Hodgdon Reloading Center has 92 gr of H1000 as a max and 79 of H4831 as max. Guess I should start at 88 for H1000 and75 for H4831?

Anyone else have any data for H4831SC and 300 grainers?
I saw some others loading 250 gr pills up to 88 grains but guess I will have to just work it up.

Stiller action with 22" Shilen barrel. Hoping to get 2600fps with this package. ALso using the Seeking DBM, so I should be able to load a little longer.

thanks,
DT
 
Re: Loads for .338LM- .50 Cal

Just an FYI for anyone else looking:

My Lapua brass loaded avg 0.368
My Hornady brass loaded avg 0.367

So I will be getting 0.364 & 0.365 bushings for my dies.

I also will be getting a 0.369 bushing to step down the fired brass so I dont step down more than 5 thou. (fired brass ranged up to 0.374)

Regards,
DT
 
Re: Loads for .338LM- .50 Cal

FYI shot this the other day, 300 SMK 87.2 imr4350 win mag primer. set out to the end of the mag. This was the recommended accuracy load in the Seirra Book. This was rounds number 84-90 on the new rifle a rem. 700P. the low round was a fowler on a clean bore. I was thinking it would stomp me but my 338 RUM kicks harder as does my 300 RUM with 100 grains of powder and a 125 HP it runs 4019 fps
ops, 100 yrds
338Lapuagroup.jpg
 
Re: Loads for .338LM- .50 Cal

I was wondering why I am not seeing anyone use the Hogdon powder US869 for the 338lm ??...I used it when it first came out even used the load given with 300 gr smk's, worked awesome with my AR-30..Only asking becuase I have been out of shooting for a few years and must have missed something...lol

God bless America and good shooting...
 
Re: Loads for .338LM

2011 made Remington 700 Police MLR .338 Lapua.
Powder: Ramshot Magnum 89 grains.
Brass: Lapua
Bullet: 300 grain SMK
Primer is FGM215M

Bullet is seated to 3.680" coal
Six shot group through chrony at 15 feet gave me only 2504 fps average with an sd of something like 9 or 10. Although the velocity wasn't there the accuracy node was phenominal. Six shots resulted in a group that was about 1/2 moa or a little less. Put in jbm and I'll still be supersonic at 1k so I think I'll stick with this one. The .338 LAPUA is just too damn expensive to be reloading for like you would a .308 or something of that nature.
 
Re: Loads for .338LM

For reference, I shot 2 rounds of Black Hills 300gr SMK.

1 - 2754
2 - 2759

M - 2756 fps
S D- 3 fps

Three rounds of 90gr N570:
1 - 2739
2 - 2731
3 - 2733

M - 2734 fps
SD - 4 fps

Bolt-lift was a little sticky with the Black Hills. Not so much with my hand loads. Also saw some shiny spots with both, but seemed like less of them with my hand loads.

I'm pretty happy with the load so far, but I might see if 90.5gr can get me to ~2750fps.
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Re: Loads for .338LM

Finally got some rounds loaded up.
Even though they are under the Sierra book max, THEY ARE A HOTT LOAD!! WORK UP!!

22" Shilen Barrel
Stiller Tac 338
Lapua Brass
Fed 215M
300 gr SMK
92.0 grains of H1000

No velocity masheen, but I dialed 1.4 mils at 360 yds. For my ballistics calculator, that puts them at 2775 fps. Crazy fast for a short barrel. My goal was 2700, so I am more than happy.

I plan on loading down to around 90 grains because of the ejector marks on the Lapua brass. I am not afraid of the pressure as much as wearing out the brass before I want to.

Plan to run under a chrony next week. Will post results.

Regards,
DT
 
Re: Loads for .338LM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Michael Aos</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Loaded up 10rds tonight.

Savage 110BA in 338 Lapua
CCI large rifle magnum
New Lapua brass, neck-sized & trimmed
Berger 300gr OTM
90gr VV N570
COAL ~3.755"

Hope to get some velocity and accuracy numbers this week. </div></div>

What was the results of this load? I too have a Savage 110 and am looking for loads that have worked well for others for me to try. Thanks man.
 
Re: Loads for .338LM

TRG-42, .338LM, 1:10
300gr. Berger OTM
Lapua Brass
Federal 215M Primers
H-1000, 92.0gr, measured until it reads 92.1, then pull granule to get 92.0 at the top end.
OAL 3.712, which is inside my mags' max inside of 3.745
My throat was measured at 3.835, but I really want to work from magazines if possible.
Averaging 2860 fps. Pretty tight SD.
Running just over .5 minute groups cold, but they spread a bit if I string fire to .75.

Have experimented with the Double Tap factory loaded 300 SMK's. They gave me .5 to .75-minutes out to 750 and the brass is Lapua! Excellent factory loads, which measure 3.655 OAL. UPDATE: You have to REQUEST the Lapua Brass Ammo when ordering this!

I find that the SMK's are less sensitive to larger jumps to lands than the Bergers, which love to be loaded long.

Really want to get my hands on some VV570 but it is RARE in Alaska.
Will report if things change for better or worse with these loads. I saw another potential node at 92.3 that interested me, but I don't want to be too close to 2900fps if I don't need it.
 
Re: Loads for .338LM

I got my .338 LM from Tactical Rifles yesterday, went to the range today. I'm finding 92grs Retumbo and the 285 Hornady Match gives me under 1/2", a couple were .353 and this was in the rain. I waited a bit for the rifle, but I am a happy camper today.
 
Re: Loads for .338LM

I tried retumbo with the 285 grains and the best group I got at 200 was with 86.5 grains. It was a 1.1" group. When we went up to 90 it started making the bolt heavy and the groups started getting larger.
 
Re: Loads for .338LM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ManbearpigMilitia</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Any one shooting 300 gr bergers with H-1000? how many GR? How far off the lands?</div></div>
89.5g .005" off the lands in my FCP-HS is the sweet spot.
 
Re: Loads for .338LM

I have a TRG-42 1-10" 300gr Scencar/SMK I'm running 90grs H-1000 seated to fit the mag. Not the hottest load but accurate and consistent. I got it from another post here on the hide from one of the rifle builders that said it was there test load for new rifles in 338 LM. Worked for me so I never tried anything else yet.

Chris
 
Re: Loads for .338LM

New to the 338LM, so here it goes.

Ordered 40 S&B rounds for initial shooting to get some time on the range.

Has anybody reloaded these, I haven't heard anything negative about them except they are "not quite" Lapua brass. Better than Hornady, but not Lapua.

So I ordered Lockbase 250g FMJ, H1000 powder, and Federal 215 primers.

I plan on ordering Lapua brass, but need to reset the account a little before to wifey axes me in my sleep.lol

I read a few places to run somewhere between 87-89g's.

I have some books, but they don't really give you practical application like shooting experts do.

Any help will be most appreciated.

Jes
 
Re: Loads for .338LM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: D_TROS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Finally got some rounds loaded up.
Even though they are under the Sierra book max, THEY ARE A HOTT LOAD!!

22" Shilen Barrel
Stiller Tac 338
Lapua Brass
Fed 215M
300 gr SMK
92.0 grains of H1000

No velocity masheen, but I dialed 1.4 mils at 360 yds. For my ballistics calculator, that puts them at 2775 fps. Crazy fast for a short barrel. My goal was 2700, so I am more than happy.

I plan on loading down to around 90 grains because of the ejector marks on the Lapua brass. I am not afraid of the pressure as much as wearing out the brass before I want to.

Plan to run under a chrony next week. Will post results.

Regards,
DT </div></div>

Forgot to update:

My zero must have been fuduggered as my actual drop to 400 yds is 1.9 mils, which is right at 2700 fps for the 300 smk.

ALSO, what I thought were extractor marks, was actually the brass getting "scratched" as I closed the bolt. Good news as I was worried about pressure, but bad cause I dont know why this would be happening. Maybe my OAL of my case is too long putting back pressure on the bolthead. Will measure it tonight. It is once fired Lapua brass.

Anyone?

overall, very happy with this load. It really smacks the steel with some authority.

DT
 
Re: Loads for .338LM

I just loaded my first 70 lapua rounds....

87gr-h1000
285 hornady hpbt
Fed 215 primer
Lapua brass

At 150 yards if u could do everything exactly like the last shot it it will pretty much go threw the same hole lol....but it seems pretty slow prob 2500-2600 at 600 yards my corbon 300 grain hpbt's normaly use about 8.5-9moa but with these it was using 13-14moa