.338 Win Mag loads...any good recipes????

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sgt.rock

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Hi, I am just in the process of acquiring a Tikka .338 win mag (T3 lite S.S.)
Its got a 24 3/8 barrel. I will have 225 gr Tsx bullets, 250 grain sierra gamekings, and 225 Hornady interbonds. The powder I have on hand is Reloader 19 and 22. I have magnum winchester large rifle primers.
Does anyone have any pet recipes that they wouldn't mind sharing with any combination of the above components???
My powder availability is quite limited to my geographical isolation. Yellowknife doesn't have the worlds best selection of reloading components.
Any help would be appreciated.
And specifically , measurement data would help too, such as seating depth, any compressed loads, chrono speeds, OAL, trim lengths, distance to the lands when chambered (this is especially important I am told with the TSX bullets)
Thanks in advance.
Kearney
 
I have the same rifle in 338WM. Mine is magnaported and I added a limbsaver pad. I've been shooting 210grs TSX and AB 225grs. with H4350. Here's the data and results:

72.0grs H4350
CCI 250
Barnes TSX 210grs
2849fps
OAL 3.3415" (0.052" from the grooves)
Best 3 shot group .547" (consistently under 3/4 MOA to 400yds)
I use this load for close in shooting (0-200yds) with a Zeiss z Point on a Near 12 MOA picatinny base.

72.3grs H4350
Nosler AB 225grs
CCI 250
2843fps
OAL 3.475" (.0165 from grooves) - have to single feed ammo
Best 3 shot group .637" (also consistently under 3/4 MOA up to 500 yds)
I use this load for long range with a Swarovski Z6 1.7-10x42 TDS with Warne QD mounts.

Unlike the Barnes TSX, I couldn't get the Nosler ABs to shoot under 1.5MOA with AOL at 3.34. Everything changed when I increased OAL to 3.475. I haven't tried any loads longer than that.

Good luck.
 
i ;ile 70 grains of 7828 imr for the 250 grain sierra- i used to use the same load for the 275, but that's been gone for some time- just plain better bullet, and 25 grains heavier
 
i used speer 200gr loaded to 2500fps on muledeer, it blows very large holes, not good, i switched to hornadys 225 gr and 250 gr at the same speed they work very good for a cheap bullet,more like .308 damage to my buck last two years, i wouldnt hesitate to use either in full power loads for bigger game, moose, elk, etc, great caliber , have fun ,wade
 
225gr Nosler Part 67grs IMR-4350 = 2800 fps MV

The 225 Hornady IB would probably work with that load.
I just bought some 225 IB's to try.

250gr NP's or Horn IL's I use 67.5gr IMR-4350 = 2645 fps MV

So I use virtually the same load in two bullets 25grs different in weight.
 
RL 19 is awesome in the .338 WM, especially at the upper end for velocity--groups seem to tighten up as I approach max.

I load 75.3 grains RL 19 over a Winchester Large Rifle Magnum primer, and seat the bullet out as far as I can within mag/throat constraints (mine is at 3.39 inches OAL). That charge is listed book max in the Lee book (believe it's originally an Alliant load) so you SHOULD ABSOLUTELY NOT try it without starting 10% lower and working up. I believe Nosler's accuracy load for RL 19 is something like 74.0 grains, but don't quote me on that. I found their load good but not great for accuracy.

75.3 of RL 19 gives me 2930 fps (26" bbl) performance with the 225 grain Accubond and SST, and sub 1" groups at 100 yards, and very pretty groups at 200 and 300. What's not to love?

Edited to add: 75.3 RL 19 is a mildly compressed charge in a factory case; I neck size, which makes it even easier to pack all that powder in. Remember to use a magnum primer, and to start 10% below max!
 
Oh god and it's a 'lite'; I didn't even see that. Forget everything I said and play with some soft loads, unless you've got one of those extra-thick recoil shields for your shoulder...
 
Yup! I am asking for punishment but I dont think I have even heard a gun go off when an animal is standing there looking at me. I bought one of those gun rests that has a compartment that takes 50 pounds of weight to help cut down on felt recoil.
I dont have the rifle yet as the transfer , etc is not going to be done until monday or so, then shipped, but I am in no hurry. But because its coming with everything I need to start loading for it (about 150 bullets, 100 brass, die set, cleaning kit, sling, scope, etc - except powder which I already have) I thought some pre planning was in order. I wanted to get the recipes so that I don't have to wait a minute when It comes.
SO PLEASE KEEP EM COMING, I love it when you guys share your work.
It really does make a difference to the novice reloaders like me. Thanks alot!
 
I handload 185 gr TSX in my buddies 338 Win Mag. 61 grains of Varget for 2800 fps. Not a hot load but it's accurate and kills well. He isnt into long shots so the extra velocity that is capable isnt important.
 
I used a lot of RL 19 in my 338 Win Mag with the 210 & 225 Partitions. Loads were 78.0 & 75.5 grains respectively. Both shot under MOA consistently, and the 210 'graphed just over 3000 fps in a 26" tube. Start low and work up, these were working max in my A-bolt (which I hated, but it was a good shooter). I have shot a 338 in a T3 Lite, and believe me, with full-house loads, recoil is no maiden's caress!! Take care, enjoy your 338, it's a winner! Regards, Eagleye.
 
hey sarge i got the same gun hang on and let her rip .watch out for scope bite mine has got a couple of guys that said it cant kick to bad .limbsaver cut down the felt recoil alot.also when i put on a bipod it made a ton of difference when it is folded up not being used, i guess this is because of the extra weight on the front but over all the gun shoots real good out to 400 yards with factory ammo .so get it and get some lead down range to get used to it.happy hunting
 
I am freaking super stoked about this gun. I have lusted after a .338 for several years now, but no one that I have ever run into with one would ever part with theirs (for any amount), and I never liked the feel of the few I saw on store shelfs.
Needless to say, if I can't kill it with this gun, I have no business hunting.
 
For years I've been shooting 250gr Gamekings with 70.2gr IMR 4350. Just got a chorny and so I haven't measured it yet. I'm guessing 2750 or so, looking at the books. My Model 70 groups under 3/4" with it all day long, and I've never recovered a bullet from a bear or mooose. At 500 yards this load is still carrying over 2000 ft/lbs, and accurately. Seat your bullets as far out as they will function in your mag, so long as they are not actually jammed into your lands.
 
I have a stainless M695. While the recoil didn't bother my shoulder too much, I found it "wrenched" and twisted my torso and left my chest area a little sore after five or six shots.
Might be my age, but it's more comfortable to shoot now with the mercury recoil reducer in the butt stock adding a little weight.
 
Bishopus said:
Oh god and it's a 'lite'; I didn't even see that. Forget everything I said and play with some soft loads, unless you've got one of those extra-thick recoil shields for your shoulder...
Click to expand...


I've had a Sako .338 (fiberclass) AV that I've been shooting the last 23 years or so. If I remember right it is at, or just under, 7lbs. Max loads can smack right smart!

I shot an M77 .338 with the boss system and its recoil was like a .30-06, real nice. I've considered porting my Sako, but I only shoot it about a dozen times a year; 10 or so off the bench, 2 or 3 at game animals. So far, I shoot once and bring a game animal home. Never needed a follow up shot... ever. I cant remember ever missing a shot either. Last season was the first time an animal moved after shooting it. A monster mulie jumped once and lit on the ground dead. I was amazed at his vitality considering the giant smoking hole on both sides of him! (some small exageration... very small).

Make sure if you shoot prone you shoot from a position where your body can move a little or it can be a killer! (kinda like the German WWI .51 bolt action anti tank rifle with the 3 man fire team that took turns shooting and recovering!)
 
The classic 338WM load is 250 Nosler Partion and 75gr RL-22.I have never shot it. I felt the 225gr was a better compromise. We have found that the 225 Accubonds have shot great in three very different 338s.I use N-560 here ,too.
 
Been shooting the 250 Noslers for years, they always work great never any surprises. I load 74 gr. Rel. 22 for 2660 at the Chrono. Made my longest shot ever with this load. As long as you know where it'll land you don't need a laser.
 
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