I need some advice in developing a load for my bolt action Mauser 98 rifle in 338 Win Mag. The application is Oryx hunting which are described as tough animals with fairly long shots (250-300 yards). I checked my bullet supply and found 338 Hornady 225 SST's and 225 Nosler Partions. I figured the 225 NP's would be ideal and thought I would load up a few of the Hornadys of the same weight to get an approximate load and then fine tune with the more expensive NP's. I loaded up the IMR 4831 recommended loads from the Hornady manual from 58.2 grns to 69.9 grains in 100 fps increments (roughly 2 grns). I also loaded up three NP's each at the penultimate and max (69.9) in the Hornady manual. All loads were crimped with the Lee Factory crimp die and used Win Large Rifle Mag primers. I seated all the bullets to the same depth as the cannelure on the SST's. Results were poor. Groups were 4" at 100 yards, down to 3" at max. The rifle will do much better with factory Remington 225 Core Lockts. Other CGN posts suggest higher/hotter loads with 225 grn bullets and IMR 4831 (up to 73 grn). My groups did get smaller at max but I am somewhat reluctant to go above published max's ( I am a new reloader). I am hoping someone can suggest a 338/225 NP load for my next trip to the range. I also have IMR 4064 and H380 and will buy a new powder, if that is what it takes but IMR 4831 seems to often recommended for the 338 WM. Thanks for any advice.
338 WM- 225 NP Advice Needed.
- Thread starter hiredgun
- Start date
Re-19 is often recommended for 225gr bullets in the .338 Win Mag. I have tried a few loads with it and it performed as well as IMR4831 in my rifle, as well as offering significantly higher velocities than 4831. I am waiting for some more free time to fine tune everything before this fall.
For all my testing, I loaded up to my max loads in 0.5gr increments and simply shot one round at each charge weight to check for pressure signs. If you do the same you should not be risking damage to your rifle before pressure signs become apparent. FWIW, I got up to 73.5gr of 4831 and 78.0gr of Re-19 with no pressure signs whatsoever.
Here is a thread I started for info on the 338: http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=480554&highlight=338
Mark
For all my testing, I loaded up to my max loads in 0.5gr increments and simply shot one round at each charge weight to check for pressure signs. If you do the same you should not be risking damage to your rifle before pressure signs become apparent. FWIW, I got up to 73.5gr of 4831 and 78.0gr of Re-19 with no pressure signs whatsoever.
Here is a thread I started for info on the 338: http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=480554&highlight=338
Mark
Pathfinder
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Northeast Ontario
Ive worked up to 73 gr. of IMR 4831 with 225's...no issues just do it slowly....not in 2 gr. increments. Should be good for 2800-2850 fps depending on your barrel .
Johnn Peterson
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Chemainus B.C.
My son resides in the B.C. central interior and what I have been reloading for his 338WM is the Sierra 250gr SBT GameKing with IMR 4350. It's performed well for him, punching paper and on game. With part on my change over to Barnes, I've also purchased some Barnes 225gr TTSX BT's from Henry Nierychlo, to let him 'try out'. A 'go to' powder for me in many cases that size is IMR 4350. I see in the Barnes # 4 manual, that was one of the powders they got their best accuracy with for that bullet weight so that's likely what I'll go with. That and CCI 250 primers.
I use the same as above - IMR4350 and NP 225 and I only have em going about 2800 fps which is plenty and they group fine in my Sako L61 carbine.....i think it was about 68-69 grains but I am not at home right now so have to check later
