338 lapua load

[hawk-i]

Looks like after waiting since before christmas my new 110 FCP HS percision 338 Lapua will be here sometimes next week (had a warranty issue on a new unfired rifle and savage has decided to replace it instead of repairing it, the guns IS in the mail as of yesterday) ....anyways while waiting I've picked up some lapua brass, a box of 250gr. Scenars, and a pound each of H1000 and Retumbo. I will try the H1000 first but I don't have a starting load with the 250 Scenars and Hodgdon powder.
On the Lapua site they list loads for their bullets but they only list the loads with Vihtavuori powders. What they do list is 250 Scenars with max loads of N170 @95.2 grs and N570 @96.0 grs.
Now, when I refer to a Relative burn rate chart the H1000 sits pretty much half ways between the two Viht. powders and the retumbo sit one rating faster than the N570.
The question that I have,...... Is it safe to assume the load data using H1000 would be between the two Vihtavuori powders? I was planning on starting at 90 grs of H1000 and work up in .5 gr loads from there. Maybe I'll cut that back and start at 89grs.
Any input or loads using these bullets and powders would be appricated.
Thanks

 

[bobjoe]

With h-1000 max load for a 300 gr smk is 92. I loaded 300 gr lapua bullets upto that but got pressure signs indicating unsafe to shoot using the same brass and rifle as you. When I was looking for data I just found a 300/250 gr load and what it listed for max for that given bullet weight and started well under it. It is said that one should start 10% under max that would put you at 82.8gr for a start load. I suggest you start around there. My rifle liked h-1000 the best and I bought enought powder to last the barrel life of the gun.

 

[hawk-i]

With h-1000 max load for a 300 gr smk is 92. I loaded 300 gr lapua bullets upto that but got pressure signs indicating unsafe to shoot using the same brass and rifle as you. When I was looking for data I just found a 300/250 gr load and what it listed for max for that given bullet weight and started well under it. It is said that one should start 10% under max that would put you at 82.8gr for a start load. I suggest you start around there. My rifle liked h-1000 the best and I bought enought powder to last the barrel life of the gun.

Thanks Bobjoe,
Seeing as you've used 92 gr. of h1000 with a 300 SMK I think I should be fairly safe to start around 85 or 86 gr. with a 250 scenar.
Also from checking on other sites my question about using the RBR (Relative Burn Rate) chart to start a load compairing to other powders is NOT a good idea.
Thanks

 

[HKMark23]

Hodgdon's data is free on line if you want to check that out. I think its sticky'd at the top of this forum.

 

[hawk-i]

Hodgdon's data is free on line if you want to check that out. I think its sticky'd at the top of this forum.

Thanks HKMark23, I did check there site but they do not list the 338 caliber 250 Scenar in there data.

 

[HKMark23]

Thanks HKMark23, I did check there site but they do not list the 338 caliber 250 Scenar in there data.

My bad .

 

[cr5]

I just use the data for the bullet weight if they don't list the exact bullet I'm using. Start low and work up carefully watching for pressure signs.
I didn't have the best results with H1000 but I also didn't spend a lot of time with it. So far my best results have been with 300gr SMK's and Berger Hybrids with US869 and Retumbo. I also had decent results with Reloader-22 and 300SMK's when I had my Rem 700P but that one is gone now and my DTA SRS doesn't like RL-22 as much.

Good luck.

 

[Johnny_Zanni]

The hodgdon data has 250gr bullet info. Just start low(88gr min H1000.... and 90gr min Retumbo) and work your way up while paying attention for pressure signs.

 

[hawk-i]

Well, had a chance to try the new Savage HS precision 338 LM today, installed a Sightron SIII 8-32x56 LRMOA scope on it....I think this one will be a shooter!!! Started at 86 grs of H-1000 and 250 scenars, OAL 3.681 and worked up to 94 grains so far...no loads produced over 1 inch 3 shoot groups and the 94gr load shot 3 rounds into a .268" group. Might have been a little luck in that small group, will have to load up more and give it more of a test but so far, I'm absolutely thrilled with this gun.

 

[cr5]

Well, had a chance to try the new Savage HS precision 338 LM today, installed a Sightron SIII 8-32x56 LRMOA scope on it....I think this one will be a shooter!!! Started at 86 grs of H-1000 and 250 scenars, OAL 3.681 and worked up to 94 grains so far...no loads produced over 1 inch 3 shoot groups and the 94gr load shot 3 rounds into a .268" group. Might have been a little luck in that small group, will have to load up more and give it more of a test but so far, I'm absolutely thrilled with this gun.

What distance are you testing at?

Don't bother testing at anything less than 200yds, my Remington 700P would not pattern well at 100 but the same loads tightened right up into a nice clover at 200.
I shot a 3 shot 300yd group of 0.72 inch with factory Hornady 250gr first day out with my DTA SRS so now nothing over 1/2moa will do and even though I have a couple 1/2moa handloads developed I'm always looking for better.

Good luck