Temperature stable powder for 338 Lapua

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datatools

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Hi guys, I'm looking to switch powder load for my 338 Lapua. I found a great load that shoots well, but seems to be really sensitive to temperature. My current load is 83.3gr IMR4350 with a SMK 250gr. Last summer when I worked this load up velocity was 2910fps, in winter temps around -10/-15 velocity drops by approx 100fps. I'm thinking about trying RE19 or RE22 or H1000. But I'm wondering if these powders are going to have any noticable less reaction to colder temperatures?
 
datatools said:
Hi guys, I'm looking to switch powder load for my 338 Lapua. I found a great load that shoots well, but seems to be really sensitive to temperature. My current load is 83.3gr IMR4350 with a SMK 250gr. Last summer when I worked this load up velocity was 2910fps, in winter temps around -10/-15 velocity drops by approx 100fps. I'm thinking about trying RE19 or RE22 or H1000. But I'm wondering if these powders are going to have any noticable less reaction to colder temperatures?
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The RE powders are going to be as bad or worse than the IMR 4350 for temperature sensitivity. The Hodgdon H1000 is very temperature insensitive and would be your best choice. If you can't get enough powder in the case, then H4831sc would be a second choice.
 
Ron AKA said:
The RE powders are going to be as bad or worse than the IMR 4350 for temperature sensitivity. The Hodgdon H1000 is very temperature insensitive and would be your best choice. If you can't get enough powder in the case, then H4831sc would be a second choice.
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Good to know. I'm curious as to what makes one powder less sensitive than another?? I would like to switch to the H1000, but before I buy yet another powder I want to know if the difference will be worth the trouble of working up another load.
 
datatools said:
Good to know. I'm curious as to what makes one powder less sensitive than another?? I would like to switch to the H1000, but before I buy yet another powder I want to know if the difference will be worth the trouble of working up another load.
Click to expand...

Have a look at some of the numbers here. H1000 is not among those shown in the data, but another poster here did some very extensive testing and H1000 is even better than H4831 and Varget. RE and VV not so good.

Hodgdon Extreme Comparisons

All Hodgdon Extreme Powders
 
I tried US869 in my 338 ultra and had problems with temperature sensitivity. When I would set up to shoot in cold temps I had to keep dialing more and more elevation to stay on target using it.

I just bought 8lbs of H-1000 with the hope it will have less velocity loss at colder temps and I am in the process of working up a load but there's still lots of snow which makes it a little challenging.
 
Ron AKA said:
Have a look at some of the numbers here. H1000 is not among those shown in the data, but another poster here did some very extensive testing and H1000 is even better than H4831 and Varget. RE and VV not so good.

Hodgdon Extreme Comparisons

All Hodgdon Extreme Powders
Click to expand...

This is a convincing enough argument for me. I'm going to make the switch to H1000 and and give it a try. I like shooting LR in all conditions, and the velocity difference with the IMR4350 introduces another variable I could do with out.
 
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