338 norma reloading data

[speed]

Hallo

One year ago I decided that I "needed" a semi custom 338 norma rifle , after the decision was made to build it was time to begin research on reloading data with Vihtavuori powder for 250 gr bullets , after a lot of search on the internet with no results I decided that I would have to do it myself and start from scratch. I did use 338 lapua data as a reference point.
The rifle is a blueprinted Remington 700 with 24" Lothar Walter barrel in 1-10 twist and custom muzzle brake and bedded in GRS varmint stock and topped with Zeiss 6-24x56 in Night force rings.

Norma brass ,bullet is lapua scenar 250 gr ,primer is federal 215 m and col is 88,64mm(3,490" ), bullet seeding is everything , this cal is not picky on powder at least with vv .

Vv 570

92=2880 fps
93=2930
94=3010 (stiff bolt )

I'm also testing vv560 and 225 Hornady sst and results will come later.


The sweet spot, 3 shots 100 meters

 

[Swamplord]

Nice looking rig, I really like the stock !!!

My 338 Norma Mag is almost done, hopefully before Christmas !
I went with a 30" 9.5 twist Brux fluted Rem Varmint contour attached to a Sako M995 TRGS and set in a KRG Whiskey 3 chassis !

I'm interested in your starting loads and the powders you used, would like to assemble a handful of rounds in 1/2 gr increments.

soon as it's done ..... from the smith straight to the range !!!

 

[Mike 338]

Great looking rig. Keep us appraised as you do more testing.

 

[Rimfire]

Speed be careful using 338 Lapua data as a reference, although the Norma is based off the same case it responds different with the usual powders for some reason.

The reason you don't see much info for the 250's is because the cartridge is designed aroun the 300 grain SMK. During development and testing R-22 and Ramshot Magnum were the go to powders for FPS and accuracy with top FPS going to RSM

My first one shot R-22 better and my second one shoots RSM @ 2800 FPS in the .3's consistently so I left it and just shoot it.

I tried all the usuals H-1000, Retumbo etc. great accuracy but FPS was slower than 22 and RSM.

PM if you are interested in loads for the 300's

 

[new shooter]

Rimfire how many rounds before your first 338 norma barrel went bad ? Thanks Joe

 

[Rimfire]

Rimfire how many rounds before your first 338 norma barrel went bad ? Thanks Joe[/QUOTE


Got rid of it at 800 so I cant tell you how long they last. Built the new one on a custom single shot Pierce action. They were both super easy to load for not picky at all.

 

[Rocky Mountain]

Has anyone tried the new R33 powder in the 338 norma.

 

[Swamplord]

The trouble I have with RL 33 is finding it, I'd love to try it in my 338 Edge, 300 RUM and 338 Norma .
You'd think guys that work in gunshops would know a little , most sob's haven't even heard of it much less the 338 Norma Mag , had one fat bastard arguing with me and claiming there is no such thing as a 338 Norma Mag only a 308 and 358 Norma until I produced an empty case out of my coat pocket !

 

[steelshooter]

How does the Norma Mag compare to other 338s like the Lap and RUM?

 

[Swamplord]

Ballistically really close in performance to the 338 Lapua... the Lapua has slightly higher velocity.. BUT ..
barrel manufacturer, cut or button rifling, 5C, 5R, length, twist, powder, bullets, primers etc., etc., all have a play in velocity results..

My reason for building one was I had an action with the proper boltface for the 338 Norma laying around and the Cartridge works very well in the AICS 338 cip mags