338 Lapua - best powder?

guntech

guntech

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.338 Lapua Magnum:
Can anyone give an accurate suggestion as to the best powder to use with a 250 grain bullet and a 27 inch barrel?

Best for accuracy and highest velocity...?

Just inquiring for a friend.
 
I just started shooting a brand new never fired TRG-41 (pre TRG-42). I am using RL25 behind 250 grain Scenars. Groups with the initial load of 88 grains of RL25 are producing 1/2" 5 shot groups at 100 yards off a bipod. I'm gonna play with the load some more. I think it can do better.
 
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I'll have to phone him and check but I think my buddy was feeding his 89. someting grains of RE-22

I'll ask him and confirm.
I've shot his older rifle and from 100 i've never shot as large a group as 1/2 inch. This thing shoots and his newer one seems to be better.

M.
 
Personally I found that shooting for groups at 100yds didn't really proove much but I guess it really depends how fast you're pushing the bullet too. In my own 338LM AI, I'm using US869 but my barrel length isn't 27" and I'm not shooting 250gr either, so that's not going to help you. Out of a 27" barrel, I'd probably try US869 but I'd be loading them a lot hotter then others just because it's hard to get pressure signs from US869. In load developement, I went up to 120gr of powder and still had very little signs of pressure. They weren't doing magic for me either so I moved back to the 300gr SMK. They're just a better bullet all around.
 
I am considering picking up a 338 Lapua so I have been looking at the reloading data. From Lyman- 250 gr Jacketed SP is most accurate with US 869. Starting grains- 101 and max load is 106. Their data gives that as 2938 fps.
 
I haven't actually fired my loads but based on book data - US869 seemed to be the best powder for pressure, load density, and metering. If it will actually shoot is another matter. The fact that it is a little bit cheaper then other Hodgon powders doesn't hurt as well.
 
I use 94gr of H-1000 with 250gr moly scenar, CCI 250 magnum at 2900fps. I can push them over 3030fps but groups start to open past 2950fps
 
I use 93.0 H1000 with naked lapua 250 Scenar and Federal 215M.
Tested velocity at the Tac-Pro match, 2935 fps from 26" barrel T-wolf, very consistant.

I've tested various powders. H1000 is easily the best.
 
Glock4ever said:
I haven't actually fired my loads but based on book data - US869 seemed to be the best powder for pressure, load density, and metering. If it will actually shoot is another matter. The fact that it is a little bit cheaper then other Hodgon powders doesn't hurt as well.
Click to expand...

Each rifle has its own preferences as you know.
In my own 338LAI I am having fantastic success with US869 and 300 gr SMKs.
I have used this combination in minus 20 degree F temp here and in Africa at plus 104 degree F.
If 869 IS temperature sensitive I expect I should have seen something by now. Accuracy out of my rifle as well as the several others I have built that are all using US869 powder is 1/4 moa accuracy or better.

I am trying to get some Vitavhouri powder for the 50 BMG, I can not remember all the numbers of it, but hope to get some soon to try in the 338s
 
From the guys at Lapua R&D:

VV - N165 and N560 are optimum choices with the 250gr Scenar
300gr SMK - VV - 24N41

Been loading 92.0gr H1000 with the 250 SMK and getting 3K.

just my 2 cents.
 
My buddy's using 89.9 gr of Re 22 behind a 250gr. sierra.
I use the US 869 for the 50 BMG, it's cheaper because is not an "EXTREME" powder.

By the way ric
The VV powder you were looking for is N170
If your pushing a 750 gr. V-Max you'd want 215.8 gr , that will get you 2763 f.p.s.

Mike.
 
Ice-Pick said:
My buddy's using 89.9 gr of Re 22 behind a 250gr. sierra.
I use the US 869 for the 50 BMG, it's cheaper because is not an "EXTREME" powder.

By the way ric
The VV powder you were looking for is N170
If your pushing a 750 gr. V-Max you'd want 215.8 gr , that will get you 2763 f.p.s.

Mike.
Click to expand...

It is the 24N41 that I ordered to try, by all accounts it should be great.
I hope
 
Us869

Seems to be working good in my ATR .338LAI. 110.5gr with the 300gr SMK yields me .557 groups at 300m consistantly..... Members on this board can confirm this.....

:dancingbanana:
 
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