.338LM - .50 Cal

#153
Re: Loads for .338LM

Looking for loads that I can start with using:

H1000
250gr Hornady BTHP Match
285gr.Hornady BTHP Match

Start load and max load would be main concern.
 
#154
Re: Loads for .338LM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: joseph-98</div><div class="ubbcode-body">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</div></div>

87 grains of H1000 is a very mild load with the 285s. I know guys who use 92 grains with 300 grain SMKs. I use 92 grains with the 285s and get about 2840 fps which has served me well out to 2000 yards. I would definitely step up your load on the 285s.
 
#155
Re: Loads for .338LM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Varmint Slayer</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: joseph-98</div><div class="ubbcode-body">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</div></div>

87 grains of H1000 is a very mild load with the 285s. I know guys who use 92 grains with 300 grain SMKs. I use 92 grains with the 285s and get about 2840 fps which has served me well out to 2000 yards. I would definitely step up your load on the 285s. </div></div>

Is that safe to do? I read in my reloading manual that 88gr of h1000 is like max load for 300gr bullet. I always hear people going 90-91gr just wondering if thats safe to do
 
#156
Re: Loads for .338LM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Grizzdude</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Varmint Slayer</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: joseph-98</div><div class="ubbcode-body">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</div></div>

87 grains of H1000 is a very mild load with the 285s. I know guys who use 92 grains with 300 grain SMKs. I use 92 grains with the 285s and get about 2840 fps which has served me well out to 2000 yards. I would definitely step up your load on the 285s. </div></div>

Is that safe to do? I read in my reloading manual that 88gr of h1000 is like max load for 300gr bullet. I always hear people going 90-91gr just wondering if thats safe to do</div></div>

It's safe in your gun as long as you work up in small increments and watch for pressure signs. Depending on the gun and how much room you have to seat the bullets long, you might not be able to get that much powder in the case. Basically you just need to watch for pressure signs and when you start to see signs, just back off a bit and if the load is accurate go with it. Just remember that some powders are temp sensitive so what may be safe now may not be in the 100 degree sun. I can tell you that in my gun 92 grains of H1000 with 285s and a COAL of 3.740, there is no signs of pressure at all. Your gun may be different so don't just go trying it.
 
#160
Re: Loads for .338LM- .50 Cal

Savage 110 BA
Sierra 300 gr. Matchking
Lapua brass
90.0 gr. Retumbo
Fed. 215M primer
C.O.A.L 3.700

Same rifle
Hornady 285 gr. BTHP
Lapua brass
89.5 gr. H-1000
Fed 215 primer
C.O.A.L 3.700
2747 FPS av. for 20 shots
 
#161
Re: Loads for .338LM- .50 Cal

I loaded up some Hornady 285's with 90.0 , 91.0 and 92.0 of Retumbo. I got 2695 fps with the 90.0 and 2725 with the 91.0 load (which was very accurate.) The chrono strap (MagnetoSpeed..sigh) broke on the first 92.0 shot so I didn't get a speed on that.

Running the JBM calculations, it looks like the 285 would stop being supersonic at around 1600 yards with a 2725 muzzle veloicty.

No signs of pressure (Lapua brass) with the 92.0 load. As I keep working up loads, is there a realistic speed that folks have been able to get out of a 26" 1-10 barrel (DTS SRS) and the 285 Hornady.
 
#162
Re: Loads for .338LM- .50 Cal

Sako TRG42 (10 twist)
250gr. SMK
96.4 gr. H1000
Hornady brass
Fed. 215M Primer
Loaded 2.850 Base to O-Give

Chrono'd at 3030 fps (Shoots closer to 2975 when matching trajectory to ballistic apps)
 
#163
Re: Loads for .338LM- .50 Cal

Does anyone have load data for 338 lapua 300 grain Berger elite hunter bullets?
28 inch barrel 10 twist surgeon action
any help is appreciated.
I'm currently using 300 grain SMK with reloader 22 but I want to try the hunting bullets with high BC
 
#164
I have a pgw Timberwolf 338 lapua.i have ordered from Berger there 300 gr.tactical bullett.i am shooting 500-1000 yards.i have not reloaded before but am waiting for my forester equipment to arrive.bergers reloading book does not show any specs on this new bullett,where do I start.powder type and grains to start,coal,what do I trim my brass to.any other info is appreciated thx
 
#165
Welcome to the Hide. Assuming you have some long range shooting experience already, understand that load development is, in and of itself, a universe of variables that can lead to great success, or frustration, lost time & money, and even injury. To begin educating yourself in handloading using high-stakes calibers like .338lm may be unwise, given the extreme pressures and high costs of components involved.
I trim my Lapua brass to 2.714. Start with a C.O.A.L. of 3.68", use slow burning powders like H-1000, Reloder22, IMR 7828, and Retumbo. Start H1000 at 85gr. start Retumbo at 87gr. I have an accurate load in MY rifle using 93gr of Retumbo & 285gr Hornady hpbt. Of course, what works in my rifle, may be dangerous in yours. Start low and work up.
 
#167
---250g Sierra Match King BTHP---

AWSM 338LM
27" Bartlein, 1-10, fluted with SAS QD brake
Lapua Brass - SAMMI specs
CCI #250 primers
H1000 - 95g
5-shot strings

Seated to AWSM magazine length - 3.61" OAL (Sorry, I do not have base-to-ogive readily available in this set of records I am referencing to write this)

DA=2000' (static 1100')

MV=2920 FPS
ES=9

Seating to .010 off lands = 3.745" OAL

MV=2990 FPS
ES=36

---300g Lapua Scenar---

AWSM 338LM
27" Bartlein, 1-10, fluted with SAS QD brake
Lapua Brass - SAMMI specs
CCI #250 primers
H1000 - 91g
5-shot string

Seated to .010 off of lands = 3.720" OAL

MV=2710 FPS
ES=3


I have more data that I will post when I have a moment to dig it up.
 
#168
I am looking for any information about the 300gr Lapua scenar with H-1000 out of the Savage 110's. I was using the Hornady 285 but they became very hard to find and a local store stocks the Lapuas. I had great results with 87gr behind the 285 and just wanted to see others takes with the 300.
 
#169
bandido said:
Does anyone have load data for 338 lapua 300 grain Berger elite hunter bullets?
28 inch barrel 10 twist surgeon action
any help is appreciated.
I'm currently using 300 grain SMK with reloader 22 but I want to try the hunting bullets with high BC
Click to expand...

I run the 300g Elite Hunters at 2780fps w/ 93.5g Retumbo, Lapua Brass, 215M primers. COAL is 3.735. .013" off. Very accurate.
Rifle is a Sako TRG M995 with a 28" 1:9.5 Bartlein. It shoots so well that's all I shoot out of it. Hope this helps.

L
 
#170
I've got 2 questions. I've recently gotten into the 338LM game with a Savage 110BA. Just out at the range yesterday breaking in the barrel and getting it sighted in. I purchased a box of DoubleTap 338LM with 300gr SMK/Lapua brass. Anyone have any experience with this ammo??? I pulled a few rounds apart and they appear to be loaded with approx 94.6gr of a powder that I swear is Retumbo. In 5 rounds pulled 3 had exactly 94.6gr 1 had 94.0gr and 1 had 94.3gr. Advertised velocity for my 26" barrel was 2800fps. My 1st 5 rounds were about 2830fps with an extreme spread of 7pfs. Then I had one round that registered 2910 on my chrony....wtf! I went back to my fired brass last night and measured bases 1/8" up from extractor groove. Pre-fired measure was .5820. Fired brass was .5840 to .5845.

So my 2 Questions are?
1) Does anyone have any experience with this DoubleTap ammo? for the most part it seems extremely consistent
2) and what is normal casehead expansion with Lapua brass? is the .0025 normal or excessive?

Thanks in advance for the assistance
 
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#172
LAR 50 BMG
LC brass mid 80's
229gr H50BMG
Lehigh 808gr (510-170)
CCI primers
COAL 6.100

Target was at 1,000 yds

0827f1c5.jpg
 
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#174
I start compressing Retumbo at 94Gs which is why I asked. My COAL is 3.815. I'd bet it's Retumbo. Hodgon lists 94g as the max under 300s.

edt: BTW, mine shot great at 94g but I don't like that squeeze at the end so I backed down to 93.5g. The bullet is just barely touching the powder. I still get plenty of bang and consistency is incredible. For me anyways.
 
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#176
I am working on a load with retumbo ,300 burger hybrids,starting with 85 working up to 88.5 as this is the max load burger sent me for the 300.what is the point of pushing heavier loads of power than recommended by mfg.is this not dangerous and hard on your rifle..I would like to get more fps but at 92 gr.thats really packing it in there.with pushing these hot loads will it not cut down on barrel life.
 
#177
Smkngstv said:
I am working on a load with retumbo ,300 burger hybrids,starting with 85 working up to 88.5 as this is the max load burger sent me for the 300.what is the point of pushing heavier loads of power than recommended by mfg.is this not dangerous and hard on your rifle..I would like to get more fps but at 92 gr.thats really packing it in there.with pushing these hot loads will it not cut down on barrel life.
Click to expand...

Look at Hodgon's site. They list 94g of Retumbo as a max under 300s. Berger is being very conservative with their numbers. I run 93.5g of Retumbo under 300 Bergers with no pressure signs. I've shot 94g loads just fine but I don't like compressing powder. BTW, I started my ladder where you left off.

L

edt: Mfg's stop short on potential max loads due to liability.
 
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#179
Just tried the reloader 33 powder in the 338 . 99.0 gr
Kreiger 9.3 x27
fed 215mag
hornydaddy 285
2789 es of 6 with hornydaddy brass. bolt lifts fine untill the cam over . then it takes a bit of a nudge.
2796 es of 14with Lapua brass . effortless bolt lift .
both loads shot at 80 degrees, and at 400 yards with 12mph wind from 3.
they both kept 1" vert . last 5 shot group was 2.125" All at 400 yards

Greg
 
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#180
I just bought the following .338 LM, and I'm looking for load information. I'm pretty new to reloading, and I"m not at a point where I'll be "working up a load" in the near future. For the time being I just want to load 168 gr bullets, Varget for my .308 and do a middle of the road type of load for the .338. I have 100 pieces of Lapua brass, and about 200 bullets that are 250 gr, and another 100 that are 285gr. I've read the majority of this thread, and it seems like I should be good with Fed 215 M primers. If I were only going to buy 2 lbs of powder, what would suit my situation the best? 4831sc, H1000? I listed the rifle information below.
GAP Trued Rem 700 long action w/ Sako extractor upgrade ad Badger bolt knob.
Old Rem 700 style trigger tuned to 2lbs by GAP
25.5" Bartlein 9.25 twist
Surefire MB338SS03 brake.
AICS 1.5 chassis in FDE
Click to expand...
 
#181
Hello all,
First off let me say I wish I would have found this site earlier. Just a little background information about myself. I have been reloading for about 10 years now. The calibers I reload include 5.56, 7.62, 30-06, 7.5x55 and a few others. I decided to get into something bigger and bought a Savage 110 ba in 338lm (actually wife wanted it). I went with the Hornady 285's and RE 22. Looking at this site it looks like I should have chosen either H-1000 or Retumbo. Since I don't have another rifle that would use the RE22 I guess I will give it a shot. My reloading books (Hornady6th edition and Sierra 5th edition also) are not that old but don't include the 285s. Does anyone have a good starting point for this combination?
Thank you,
Rob
 
#182
Navy..welcome...I'm fairly new here too, but everyone is extremely helpful. I've learned a ton in a short time regarding the 338LM and especially the Savage 110BA. I'll look in my new Hornady book when I get home from work tonight and see if they have RE22 load data. My advice is look thru this site and absorb all you can.

Savage 110 BA 338 LM / opinions

110BA .338 and Stuck Cases

here are a couple other sites to keep you busy as well.

I think that you will be very pleased with the accuracy out of your 110BA. I'm just getting mine broken in but it is already getting groups WELL under 1/2 MOA :)
 
#184
Thank you so much, I really appreciate this. I will start on them this weekend. What edition is this out of so I can pick it up. I made sure to pick up the 5th edition specifically for the Garand section. I will let you know the results when I go shooting in a few weeks.
Rob
 
#185
Navy....it's the 9th edition. Definately keep us posted. I'm just starting load workup with the 285's as well, but working with Retumbo and WC872. The Retumbo with the 285's is showing some amazing potential so far. :)

Chris
 
#187
BigSoundRacing said:
Wow - I have been collecting Lapua Brass for the past four months, the best price I found was at brunoshooters.com in Phoenix AZ. I just looked at the prices today, while the prices have increased for 2008 following the Lapua increase, Bruno is still very competitive.

Be safe, BSR
Click to expand...

Just placed an order with Bruno's last night and must say I am impressed with these guys already. Bruno's called me this afternoon to inform me that one of the powders on my order ran out of stock before they could fill my order. At that time they let me add another in stock powder to my order. Another thing that really surprised me was that their website states anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks for orders to go out. Not the case any more. They have caught up with their backlog and orders go out in 3 to 5 days.......

Looks like I will be working up loads sooner than later.
 
#188
redd0311 said:
Need a good starting point for 750 grain amax and 50 bmg. It's for a Barrett 99
Click to expand...

From my earlier post.
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, 235 grns of Vhit 20N29
800 grn Spotter Tracer, 170-175 grn of 5010, or 195 grns of Vhit 20N29
647 grn Barnes TAC-X Bullets Hollow Point Boat Tail, 240 grn H50BMG
Look at your manual and work up.
 
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#190
AR-30A1 in 338LM
26 inch barrel, 1:10 twist

Bullet: 225 Grain Hornady SST
Brass: Lapua (once fired, FL size)
Powder: 91.0 Grains RL-19
Primer: Federal 215

Muzzle velocity: Averaged 3093fps.
Accuracy (5 shot groups, 100 yards, CTC): Averaged just over 1 inch at 100 yards. Best .910 inches, worst 1.175 inches.
Caution: This load is under the Hornady listed MAXIMUM, but my bolt lift was a little sticky on a few shots. Loads at 90.0 and 90.5 grains were not sticky.

Anyone else try any 225 SST's in their 338LM? I was looking for a decent hunting load while I was waiting for my 285's to show up and had a couple boxes of 225 SST's laying around. I only have about 50 rounds through the rifle so far and would really like to try some match bullets. I've only fired two groups with factory ammunition (250 gr Black Hills) and the groups were .590 and .610 inches CTC (5 shots) at 100 yards, so I know the rifle can shoot! I might try another powder choice to see if I get better results. I'm going to try for another elk hunt in 2014 and would prefer to use the SST over a BTHP, so if anyone has any data on the 225 SST I'd really appreciate it!
 
#193
i notice a few guys are reloading 250gr lapua scenars with h1000 @ 95gr to 96.4gr, i am currently loading 94.4 to 94.6gr of h1000, i am going to up a few to 95, 95.5, 96, and 96.4 and see where that gets me.
 
#194
I have a Armalite AR30A1. This is my most accurate load to date.
Lapua brass
.364 Neck Bushing
300 grain SMK Meplat uniformed
Remington No. 9 1/2 M Primers
90 grains of Retumbo
OAL 3.744"
Cart length to Ogive 2.886"
Aprox .15 off lands
During testing four 4 shot groups ranged from .2 - .3 MOA
zero @ 100 and 26 MOA @ 1000

I determined the velocity from a ballistic program and MOA validation to be 2745 FPS
This is a warm to slighly hot load in 90 degree weather. Slighly flattens primers and a light tension on the bolt. I feel this load/gun is capable of better accuracy but it limited by me/the shooter.
At 89 grains the pressure signs are not present however accuracy suffers a bit.
During testing four 4 shot groups ranged from .5 to .6 MOA
 
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#195
kyhuntclub said:
I have a Armalite AR30A1. This is my most accurate load to date.
Lapua brass
.364 Neck Bushing
300 grain SMK Meplat uniformed
Remington No. 9 1/2 M Primers
90 grains of Retumbo
OAL 3.744"
Cart length to Ogive 2.886"
Aprox .15 off lands
During testing four 4 shot groups ranged from .2 - .3 MOA
zero @ 100 and 26 MOA @ 1000

I determined the velocity from a ballistic program and MOA validation to be 2745 FPS
This is a warm to slighly hot load in 90 degree weather. Slighly flattens primers and a light tension on the bolt. I feel this load/gun is capable of better accuracy but it limited by me/the shooter.
At 89 grains the pressure signs are not present however accuracy suffers a bit.
During testing four 4 shot groups ranged from .5 to .6 MOA
Click to expand...

heard good things about retumbo ...i should pick some up
 
#196
Looks like I'll be the first to post data for the Berger 250gr OTMs when i get them. I'm surprised to not see any data here for them! I'm running the 300s right now with success, but ballistically they are no better than my 260 out to as far as 1000 yards when launched at 2690ish compared to 2900 on my 260 with 140amax. I need 7.6 mils to get the 300s to 1k,, whereas the 140s need only 7.5. Time of flight is identical between the two.
I did manage to squeeze 2800 out of the 300s from my 29" bartlein but massively heavy bolt lift. That was 91gr retumbo and 2.99ogive(.025 jump). I might try different powders or seating depths but according to my ballistics calculator I'd have to be in the mid to upper 2900s to see an advantage with the 300s over the 250s. With most of my shooting being 1500yds or less i think the flatter trajectory of the 250s will have the advantage. Only one way to find out though...

PCR/XLR/TAC338 http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz53/bodywerks/IMG_20130816_111453_255_zps1b498f0d.jpg http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz53/bodywerks/IMG_20130816_111325_951_zps290ebdd0.jpg
 
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#197
Anyway, my current go to load for my 338lm is:
Berger 300otm
215m primers
Lapua brass
90gr retumbo
3.750(2.89ogive)
29" bartlein 5r 9.5tw barrel

Magnetospeed says they're flying at around 2700 but shooter ballistics tables agree better with about 2650 at 200, 542, and 1000 yards. **EDIT**> using the lower G7 BC that they got for the 300 otm during the gunsite XLR testing (.389) actually matches up better than adjusting the velocity.
Yeah, I'm wasting the 300s at such a slow velocity, but this load shoots!
3 shots @100 yards:
gysyvuge.jpg

3 shots @542 yards:
ysurema7.jpg



PCR/XLR/TAC338 http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz53/bodywerks/IMG_20130816_111453_255_zps1b498f0d.jpg http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz53/bodywerks/IMG_20130816_111325_951_zps290ebdd0.jpg
 
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#200
I've been looking every where for someone who has tested 338 Lapua Magnum in the following configuration. H4831 pushing Berger 300 gr. OTM in Lapua Brass, CCI No#250 Primers. Hodgdon recommends starting with 71gr and working up to 79. The H4831 is the only powder I could get my hands on here in the Austin area. Any advice on set up would be great. I'll be it shooting out of a Savage 110BA 1:9 twist. Thanks guys in advanced.
 
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