338 edge questions

[BenchLeg]

I recently built a 338 edge and most data I see is with 300 grain Berger's and h1000. I'm looking to shoot 250-265 grain monos and I'm wondering would it be ok to start with upper end 338 rum load data for more powder options? Also have some 230 eldx for break in. Any load data or opinions would be helpful.

 

[LRNut]

Can't help you, because 300 Bergers and H1000 works really well.

 

[jessej]

Also have some 230 eldx for break in.

In mine………101.5 h1000 and 230eldx makes 3200 and good groups at 1000 yrds

 

[BenchLeg]

Can't help you, because 300 Bergers and H1000 works really well.

I'm not against trying them, just concerned I might not get them going fast enough. I went with a 26 inch barrel.

 

[BenchLeg]

In mine………101.5 h1000 and 230eldx makes 3200 and good groups at 1000 yrds

That's impressive, what length barrel?

 

[FEENIX]

I recently built a 338 edge and most data I see is with 300 grain Berger's and h1000. I'm looking to shoot 250-265 grain monos and I'm wondering would it be ok to start with upper end 338 rum load data for more powder options? Also have some 230 eldx for break in. Any load data or opinions would be helpful.

Yes, but work up to it slowly, or you can request a 250/265 load from CEB at https://cuttingedgebullets.com/pages/load-data.

I'm not against trying them, just concerned I might not get them going fast enough. I went with a 26 inch barrel.

What velocity are you hoping to get? You can also use the Berger 250. Additionally, for monos, you would want to maintain an impact velocity above 2000 FPS, despite the manufacturer's claims. Sam from McGuire Ballistic recommends exactly that, https://www.mcguireballistics.com/shop/p/k4jw3yrev1erqpm7g8mfmyxaid0fhx.

I see that you're from California. Are you hunting in CA or elsewhere, where you are not forced to use monos?

 

[TopPin]

Well typically monos build pressure faster than cup and cores. So it depends on the bullet. Out of the edges I've had and shot monos out of you will typically see an increase in velocity over a cup and core, sometimes as much as 150 fps. But that is barrel and bullet dependent. Also the extreme end of velocity gain. A good starting point would be around 88.5 gr of H1000 up to 92.5, do not go straight to 92.5 grains your going to be pushing pressure and you need to work up to it.

 

[BenchLeg]

Yes, but work up to it slowly, or you can request a 250/265 load from CEB at https://cuttingedgebullets.com/pages/load-data.

What velocity are you hoping to get? You can also use the Berger 250.

I would like to see 2800 at the minimum if I went with the 300, I have ramshot grand and n570. Also some rl33. Thanks for the cutting edge link. I will use the gun some in California. We have to use non lead everywhere. Mostly elk and bear in Oregon, Idaho, or Colorado

 

[FEENIX]

I would like to see 2800 at the minimum if I went with the 300, I have ramshot grand and n570. Also some rl33. Thanks for the cutting edge link. I will use the gun some in California. We have to use non lead everywhere. Mostly elk and bear in Oregon, Idaho, or Colorado

I made changes to my #6 post. Since you're in CA, you might as well support your local small business and go with Sam (@McGuireBallistics ). He's a good guy and a site sponsor; I'm sure he'll be happy to work with you. Good luck!

I like his no-nonsense, realistic, and honest assessment of his bullet.

 

[MallardAddict]

My edge shoots very well and more then fast enough with Retumbo as I had a bunch of it

 

[MagnumManiac]

I recently built a 338 edge and most data I see is with 300 grain Berger's and h1000. I'm looking to shoot 250-265 grain monos and I'm wondering would it be ok to start with upper end 338 rum load data for more powder options? Also have some 230 eldx for break in. Any load data or opinions would be helpful.

That is exactly how I started my journey into the Edge.
I had good loads with US869, Retumbo and RL25. I was primarily shooting 300g Berger OTM's out of my 34" barrel, but I had tremendous pressure excursions due to the tight neck chamber.
I had to lop off 2" in total and re-chamber 3 times, the last foray had me remove the barrel, lop off the chamber and make something else entirely.
I will say that the 7-8g difference with ball powder wasn't really a huge performance difference, and bulkier powders would get 5g more over the standard 338RUM.
Velocities were not where I wanted them either, so I abandoned the concept and went with the 416 Rigby Improved case I designed.
It's a good honest accurate cartridge if done right, however, it does not live up to the velocities gained on the interweb…

Cheers.

 

[Wolf76]

I use the 262gr hammer bullet w/N570. Out of a 26" barrel I can run 3K. The interesting thing is shooting steel, there's a much more pronounced effect with the 300 gr bergers. Depending on your hunting shooting distance, you may want to go lighter bullets.

 

[jessej]

That's impressive, what length barrel?

22" hells canyon 9 twist.
Peterson brass, wlrm primers.

 

[BEEMAN]

You don't mention your barrel twist rate. Just be sure it's fast enough to shoot the heavy mono bullets.