Feedback on my first 338lm reloads before I shoot.

[Longshotbill:)]

Loaded up my first 338 loads(I'm a noob at loading). Everything seemed to go perfectly, but that doesn't alot other than I think I'm getting the hang of it.

The load:
lapua brass, once fired, fl sized in rcbs dies.
Barnes 265 lrx
83-89 grn Retumbo 1 grn increments. 5 rounds per grain.
3.7 Coal. Just fits the mag and is just off the lands.
Fed. 215 primers

Savage 110 BA. Bone stock out of the box other than scope and bipod.


Critique away!

I'm learning on a steep curve and have read most of the site it seems lol.

Btw I was shipped these bullets instead of the 285's I ordered and decided to just shoot them than screw around with an online return. Oh and I opened the box(cut the sticker) before I noticed the mistake. Oops.

There has to be better resources than I'm finding for 338lm loading data. Suggestions would be appreciated. Retumbo is what they have literally down the street so that's what I have for the moment.

Thanks for any input
Bill

 

[DeputyDawg]

Re: Feedback on my first 338lm reloads before I shoot.

What was cost per round?

 

[Longshotbill:)]

Re: Feedback on my first 338lm reloads before I shoot.

Alot! being new to the 338 and reloading it's redonkulous for the first few rounds. Equip costs prob 700-1k. Bought a mix of good and decent stuff. Brass was once fired purchased at 1.75 per. Lapua brass. Good bullets can be near a buck a piece. so 2.75 + powder and primers. So figure 3.5 per as a low estimate, but you can make them work in your rifle and perform as well or better than the 6+ per shot factory stuff.

Hell my firsts are probably 20-30 per pull till it evens out with time!

 

[DeputyDawg]

Re: Feedback on my first 338lm reloads before I shoot.

Holy SHIT

 

[Longshotbill:)]

Re: Feedback on my first 338lm reloads before I shoot.

So I shot these yesterday and obviously need something different in my mix. Groups were flat out crap at 350yds. five shot group was five inches. 2-3 shots close (1") then opened way up. Couldn't tell what shot was what. POI was off by 6" left and 2.5" low vs. 250grn hsm and 300grn lapua factory stuff.

Had some stiff bolt lift on some of my 83-85grn loads and a slight mark on the shoulder? After 86grn no sticky feelings.

So... WTF?! Going to pick up some different powder and pills to try out tomorrow.

Reccomendations? I'm thinking my local stores won't have over 250grn, but should have a decent powder selection available.
Read on here that h-1000 was a good choice also.

HELP!!

Thanks,
Bill

 

[mavrick10_2000]

Re: Feedback on my first 338lm reloads before I shoot.

I know some folks have luck with H1000 but I didn't like it.

I use H4831SC for the 250's For 1K or less I shoot a lighter charge weight to save on powder in my TRG42. 87gr H4831SC and 250 Scenars 2750 FPS good accuracy out to 300 so far. Haven't had the time to take it out longer.

My beyond 1K loads will be around 150-200FPS faster probably between 88.5-89gr of H4831SC based on several other TRG42's I've shot.

These are paper & steel loads, I wouldn't use Scenars for hunting as it appears you might be working up. SMK's would probably work for hunting.

 

[mkf350]

Re: Feedback on my first 338lm reloads before I shoot.

I had good success with my 110ba 338 with the following..
Lapua Brass
CCI 250
98gr H-1000
250gr Lapua Scenars
3.630 COAL
Gives me .75 moa at 100yds all day long.

Working on 300 smk load right now.

 

[cdnshot]

Re: Feedback on my first 338lm reloads before I shoot.

My pet load for it is:

H1000
91.0gn
300gn SMK's
Lapua brass trimed to 2.716
CCI 250 Primer
3.706 COAL .030 off lands
2820fps

This gives me .817 3 shot group at 200yd. It took about 250 rounds for the barrel to settle in though.

I just tried those Barnes 265 LRX's today. Loaded up H1000 87.0-91.0 and it was bad to say the least. No group worth posting. My second of 3 shots at 91.0 got stuck in the chamber. Had to be tapped out with a rod. I'm still working on a load for those as i'd like to use them for hunting moose in the fall. Don't know where to go from here though...

 

[bowstryder]

Re: Feedback on my first 338lm reloads before I shoot.

first of all, what are your rifle specs? And those loads aren't a bad start, but like you said it's a learning curve. Take advice and try some of the loads listed and just make sure your reloading skills are constantly improving by checking and rechecking yourself. It's one thing to throw together a load for your "daddy's ol huntin rafle" It's a whole new ball of wax when you are trying to get groups sub moa way out there. I would guess that first off your barrel doesn't like those pills. I started off with the big 300's and stayed there. So i am of no help but good luck and happy shooting!