.338 Win. Mag. & 250gr SP

Slamfire

Slamfire

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
4   0   0
Location
In the shadows of the Rockies
Developed a load for my 338 Win Mag Ruger Hawkeye using the Hornady 250gr SP. Ample amount of IMR 4064 on hand so tried this to see how it performs referencing the Hornady Handbook.

Not bad accuracy. Using the Nikon Spot On app to calibrate the mil dot reticle it's pretty much bang on at 200 meters with the 207 yd dot. One of the more interesting calibers to play with because of the wide selection of bullet weights available including VLD bullets. Got the right scope (and got the funky trigger fixed nicely), just need to decide on a hunting load for this rifle.

27485663397_83321f04c8_z.jpg
28482105108_d84276e98b.jpg


27485593897_b8d61fee5f_z.jpg


27485602407_fe3e89584f_z.jpg


27486702617_fb9b5552c2_z.jpg
40549464530_dc331b1a06.jpg


41465541115_8c32901553_b.jpg


40548595200_4bc25bcdb9_b.jpg

.338 Win. Mag. Ruger Hawkeye with Nikon Monarch3 4-16x42mm
 
Last edited:
Don't believe the brake is necessary. Makes the rifle long, heavy and unwieldy. Muzzle blast is felt. And the report is real LOUD!

Rifle weighs 10.0 lbs as shown. Scope is a bit heavy at 19 oz / 1.2 lbs. Removing the brake and replacing it with my aluminum thread protector the scoped rifle with leather sling weighs 9.6 lbs. Without the leather sling it's down to 9.4 lbs. With nylon sling it's 9.5 lbs. Much better.

32164598520_10562b007c.jpg
31731647583_37b7e5e183.jpg
 
Last edited:
pretty anemic. I can push the 250gr to 2525 fps in a 23" 338-06 with Ramshot BigGame
 
Last edited:
todbartell said:
pretty anemic. I can push the 250gr to 2525 fps in a 23" 338-06 with Ramshot BigGame
Click to expand...

I get 2550 with 250 Bear Claws out of my 338-06 with a 24" barrel. There is no reason the OP shouldn't be able to get ~2650 with the 250s out of his 338 WM.

Loading a 338 WM to 338 Federal velocities leaves a lot of performance potential on the table.
 
Just a plinking load using IMR4064, not the powder for highest muzzle speed for this round. Nosler lists 2780 fps using H4831 for a 250gr from a 24" barrel.

https://load-data.nosler.com/load-data/338-winchester-magnum/

Not sure yet what to load for hunting. Maybe the 265gr AB LR, 0.732 b.c. Provided these would shoot accurately from my rifle.

39033303855_bcb9829142_z.jpg
 
Last edited:
Slamfire said:
Don't believe the brake is necessary. Makes the rifle long, heavy and unwieldy. Muzzle blast is felt. And the report is real LOUD!

Rifle weighs 10.0 lbs as shown. Scope is a bit heavy at 19 oz / 1.2 lbs. Removing the brake and replacing it with my aluminum thread protector the scoped rifle with leather sling weighs 9.6 lbs. Without the leather sling it's down to 9.4 lbs. With nylon sling it's 9.5 lbs. Much better.
Click to expand...


My BSA Featherweight in 338-06 with 24" barrel tips the scale at 8 pounds with scope.

20180527101044-0c4c403a-me.jpg
 
8 lbs is a nice carrying weight. Mine's laminate so it's going to be heavier. Could replace the scope with my Leupold Ultralight VX-2 3-9x33mm that weighs 8.8 oz. Weight would then be down to 8.75 lbs, or about 10% heavier than your 338-06.
 
Last edited:
My 338-06 is 7.5lbs scoped, wouldn't want it any lighter ;) RL17 will make the 338wm perk up, 2750 fps could be attainable from 24" pipe

My buddy's dad has a 338wm m700 and he can't handle the recoil, but likes the rifle. Solution is to download 185gr TTSX with H4895 down to 2750 fps. Kinda pathetic but sure kills fine
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom