Reloading for .338

[jlfarlow0311]

New to the reloading community and currently having a .338 built (still deciding if RUM or Edge.) Having to reload for this rifle out of necessity. Any advice on setup and tips would be appreciated. As of now have no equipment and no experience on reloading. Only thing I brought with me was the habit. Thanks!

 

[QRE23]

Re: Reloading for .338

The only advantage the 338RUM has over the 338Edge is you can use factory ammo in the RUM. Not many, if any, in the long range shooting game use factory ammo but if it's a concern go with the RUM.

The 338Edge will shoot on average 75ish FPS faster than the RUM because you are using a few grains more powder with the Edge than you do in the RUM.

The 338Edge is probably, if not, the easiest wildcat to load for there is. Take a 300RUM case and run it thru a .338 expander mandrel and you now have a .338Edge case. Fill that case up with 90something grains of H1000 top it off with a 300gr Berger GenII and go shoot sub moa groups all day long.

If you're building this on a custom action or a Rem. model 700 put an extended mag box in it and you will be able to seat the bullet out further than standard mag length which will give you a little more powder capacity and more FPS.

 

[QRE23]

Re: Reloading for .338

Just about any good quality single stage press will work and get some 338 Edge specific dies. Defensive Edge is the king of the 338 Edge and they always have Edge dies in stock.

If you go with the 338RUM get a Redding Full Length Bushing die and a Comp. Seater die and you will be good to go.

 

[jlfarlow0311]

Re: Reloading for .338

Man, thanks for all that knowledge. What would you think about going with a Lapua Magnum? I'm in consideration for all 3 of them, just thinking about logistics, getting and keeping brass and being a regular shooter. I'm gonna go with a Wyatt or Lapua box and bottom metal. My concern was the initial cost of the Lapua brass but everyone I talk to says they get considerable more life than RUM or Edge brass.

I'm using an X-treme Precision titanium receiver matched with a Krieger 32" tube with a 1 in 9. Do you ever push 250's? Almost everyone I talk to pushes 300's, I'm sure they're better in the wind, but what kind of range can you push them to?

 

[SVG308]

Re: Reloading for .338

With your 32" barrel and 9 twist I would definitely load the 300s. I went through the same decision and went with 338 Lapua. Can't beat it's brass and will easily reach 2850fps with your barrel length. Most guys are getting 10+ loads out of the brass.