B23
Well-Known Member
Is H-1000 the best choice for a 338 lapua Ackley Improved shooting 300SMK?
Have had good results with H1000 in other rifles.
Have had good results with H1000 in other rifles.
Best powder for 338 Lapua AI
- Thread starter B23
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Fiftydriver
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In my 338 AX which is another version of the 338 Lapua Improved, I have found that for my standard throat design, Retumbo offers the best consistancy to top velocity ratio.
As mentioned Rl-25 also works very well as does Ramshot Magnum.
I feel H-1000 is a bit fast burning for this class with at 300 gr SMK anyway. That said, it works very well, you just have to pay attention because you can get into more serious pressure problems if you keep running the powder charge up with H-1000.
This is not as much of a problem with the slower powders.
I do not feel anything slower then Retumbo offers any advantage in this chambering or similiar chamberings from my testing. You can get some really tight ES numbers but powder fouling generally gets much worse and you will not be getting the velocity the round is capable of. Not that that is a nessesity but if your happy with 338 Lapua velocity it would be much easier to just shoot a 338 Lapua then the improved version.
Just my opinion.
As mentioned Rl-25 also works very well as does Ramshot Magnum.
I feel H-1000 is a bit fast burning for this class with at 300 gr SMK anyway. That said, it works very well, you just have to pay attention because you can get into more serious pressure problems if you keep running the powder charge up with H-1000.
This is not as much of a problem with the slower powders.
I do not feel anything slower then Retumbo offers any advantage in this chambering or similiar chamberings from my testing. You can get some really tight ES numbers but powder fouling generally gets much worse and you will not be getting the velocity the round is capable of. Not that that is a nessesity but if your happy with 338 Lapua velocity it would be much easier to just shoot a 338 Lapua then the improved version.
Just my opinion.
B23
Well-Known Member
I like the Hodgdon Extreme powders for their ability to not be temp sensative. Is Retumbo going to be the best choice? I ask only because powder, as well as other things, is getting so hard to come by. I would look into getting a stock pile now.
Fiftydriver could you tell me the differences between the 338 Lapua AI, 338AX and 338Allen. I'm sure you have already done this a million times but I can't seem to find it. Thanks
Fiftydriver could you tell me the differences between the 338 Lapua AI, 338AX and 338Allen. I'm sure you have already done this a million times but I can't seem to find it. Thanks
Just tested some loads for my 338 lapua improved today, with H1000, Retumbo, and US869.
The winner is......RETUMBO!!!
Retumbo worked great with the 265HAT's as well as the 300SMK's.
Very stable velocities as well as very good groups.
Even fireforming brass with the 300smk's I shot sub 1/2" 5 shot groups at 100yds.
The winner is......RETUMBO!!!
Retumbo worked great with the 265HAT's as well as the 300SMK's.
Very stable velocities as well as very good groups.
Even fireforming brass with the 300smk's I shot sub 1/2" 5 shot groups at 100yds.
