338 Gaillard/8.6x72mm SDM shooters/reloading data

Wookie316

Wookie316

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Looking for others out there who shoot the 338 Gaillard/8.6x72mm SDM. Would like to hear how others like their rifles, and pet rifle loading data. I shoot the 338 Gaillard version. These cartridges are almost identical! I am not even sure what the exact difference is. Mine is a 26 inch Magnum Contour Ted Gaillard barrel on an AIII Sako action in a McMillan Hunter stock topped off with a 4.5x14x40mm 30mm LR Leupold scope with a B&C reticle. The scope is mounted with Talley rings! I will post pictures of my rifle when it comes back to me next week from being powder coated. (CAN'T WAIT!!!) My pet load for mine is as follows:

8mm Rem Mag case that has been fire formed!
CCI 250 Primer (all I had at the time, I now have some F215M to play with)!
250gr HPBT Sierra
89.5gr RL25
3050-3070 FPS

So let me know if I'm a Lone Wolf out here!

Thanks!
 
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I just met 3 people in saskatoon that all shoot that SDM real nice folks unfortunetly no contact info handy. There are other shooters out there, if I come accross some contact info I will pm you.
 
Wookie316 said:
That would be great! I feel kinda lonely here. Guess it's Lapua or Edge time!
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No luck with finding phone numbers one more place to check though. I know the one guy said when his barrel is done it's going to be rebuilt in edge. He said that brass is getting really hard to find and with the belt you don't get that many reloads out of them when you do find it. Plus the edge gives you more velocity. Some food for thought anyways. I decided edge for most of those reason's.
 
dan belisle said:
You know, I own probably 30 or so belted magnums, and I've never had a problem with reloading belted brass, or noticed any shorter life span then regular unbelted cases. Not sure what he's doing, but I don't think the brass is at fault. - dan
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I don't know not my rifle but I do know that my dads .300 only gets 5 reloads max before he has to toss it?
 
If you only neck size after it has been fired in your chamber, a belted case will last a long long time. Once the case is formed to your chamber the belt is just basically along for the ride the way I understand it. Maybe someone could clarify this. I know the common belief is that non belted cases are more accurate than belted cases. I have had many very accurate belted cases, so I personnaly don't know what all the fuss is about!
 
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Got my rig back from Corlane today, and I am supper impressed! I would highly recommend a Powder Coat finish to any rifle! Now to decide which one to send next!

Enjoy the photos as I am sure going to enjoy this rifle!
 
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Well I finally got out to the range today to test my 338 Gaillard since it came back from Corlane after being Powder Coated. Here is what I found out! This was only my second trip to the range this year, so I must say that I am impressed with my results!

The top left target was some 416 Rem Mag brass I was fireforming with 225 Hornady Interlocks. 85gr IMR 7828 & CCI 250 primers. 2967 FPS (Low), 2995 FPS (High). I also notice that that target should have been rotated 90 degrees CCW as that is how it was at the range.

The top right target was the last 3 rounds left from my 1st 338 Gaillard that I had. They were loaded with 250 Sierra HPBT, 340 Fire Formed Norma cases 89.5gr RL25 and CCI 250 primers.
2887FPS (Low), 2959FPS (High).

The lower left target is a 5 shot group of Barnes 225gr ###. These were Fire Formed 8mm Rem Mag cases with 86gr IMR 7828 and CCI 250 primers. 3054 (Low), 3077 (High).

The lower right target was an experiment. 200gr Nosler Ballistic tips with Fire Formed 8mm Rem Mag cases with 88gr RL22 and CCI 250 primers. Nosler does not make a ballistic tip in 200gr anymore, only the Accubond. I figured I'd try these before I used my Accubonds. I must say I was impressed!
3249FPS (Low), 3271FPS (High).

All in all I'd say it was a productive day!
 
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Thought I'd show off this stock. This is my 338 Gaillard barreled action sitting in a custom Screwbean Mesquite stock I have. It is very pretty, nice to hang on the wall to show off.

 
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