338 Norma Reloading Data

[codyadams]

I imagine you could get pretty close. Certainly could with RL33, although some folks shy away from it. I think your throated a bit shorter. Going from memory the OTMs give me a COAL of around 3.750" and I'm about .030" off. Also depends on the bearing surface of those 265s and any mag length restrictions.

My mag is 3.850" OAL, I would be using VV-N570, as much or more velocity than RL33. Just harder to find....ha ha

 

[quaka wacka]

My mag is 3.850" OAL, I would be using VV-N570, as much or more velocity than RL33. Just harder to find....ha ha

I always look for it, but have yet to find it. I worked up a VV load for a WSM years ago and it shot lights out. But then I couldn't find any leading up to hunting season one year. Had to scramble to work up a new load. I'm just nervous to do it again. Looking forward to your results.

 

[Mark L]

Currently I have on hand to try:

304gr. Hammer Hunters
300gr Berger Elite Hunters
280gr Barnes LRX
265gr Accubond LR

I have Robert Gradous' impoved chamber. Hoping to see upwards of 2900+ on the 300's, maybe pushing 3000 on the 280 or 265. We will see.....

When finished the build will be:

Curtis Custom Helix action
26" Proof Sendero 9.4 twist
Manners EH1 carbon stock
Accurate Mag DSSF bottom metal
Trigger Tech trigger
Swarovski Z8i 3.8-28
Seekins rings

 

[Rhovee]

You won't be able to get enough powder in there. I have a 338 NMI and 93.5 grains N570 is starting to compress. And 99 grains of RL33 shoots good but starting to get compressed. Both with long drop tubes. If it's improved, you might be able to run it at 2850 ish. With 300's.

 

[codyadams]

Well I ordered some 265 ABLR's to try out. I may run RL26 with these, may be about right with that weight range, not sure if vv-n570 will fit with the 265, with H1000 at my max load I have just a very small amount of room with the 300 eh. We will see....

So if anyone has shot the 265's, data would be appreciated!! If not, I'm going by the seat of my pants.

 

[Rhovee]

Post your results. I know people have luck around .030 off. I have thought about trying the same. No way you will get enough N570 in the case. I can't with 300's. Try H1000 first.

 

[Westernhuntr]

Well I ordered some 265 ABLR's to try out. I may run RL26 with these, may be about right with that weight range, not sure if vv-n570 will fit with the 265, with H1000 at my max load I have just a very small amount of room with the 300 eh. We will see....

So if anyone has shot the 265's, data would be appreciated!! If not, I'm going by the seat of my pants.

Yeah please share your loads and results with the 265 ABLR's
I'll be shooting them as soon as I get my barrel chambered

 

[codyadams]

Did some loading with the 285 Hammer Hunters and H1000. I figured since people usually end up around 88 grains with the 300 pills, that I could safely run up to 89.0, and started at 87.0 and went up in .5 increments. Seating was .020" off, which was 3.833" cartridge overall length, still works in my mag (barely) as I have a Wyatts 3.850" mag box. These are some long pills, my 300 Bergers are only 3.685" at .020" off. With my max charge of 89.0 grains, I could still just barely hear powder shaking around, I would say it was 98%+ fill ratio. The bullet bearing surface was right at or just above the neck shoulder junction, about perfect. Velocity and accuracy as follows:

There was a heavy snow storm passing through as I was shooting, at times I was having to pull off target to make sure I was even on it, then move back on and send it, so I may be able to squeeze out a little more accuracy, but I feel it is a good representation of what to expect. Recoil was mild, I was actually able to spot dirt flying from my targets backdrop at 100 yards.

Today the 265 ABLR's were delivered, they are next on my list!!

 

[Mark L]

Great stuff Cody!! Keep it coming. I'll hopefully will start contributing soon......

 

[Rhovee]

Great work. I am also in the same position and waiting for you and another friend to shoot the 265's

 

[codyadams]

Great work. I am also in the same position and waiting for you and another friend to shoot the 265's

Loading them at this moment.....

 

[codyadams]

Here we go!! A little birdie told me to start around .070" off, as they like to jump....we will see.

 

[codyadams]

Ok just finished up pressure work up with H-1000, RL-26 and IMR7828ssc and the 265 ABLR. Here is what I found:

Peterson brass
GM215M
Seated .070" off in standard CIP chamber, 3.535" OAL
16° F

H-1000:
87.5 - 2759
88.0 - 2773
88.5 - 2783
89.0 - 2812
89.5 - 2829
90.0 - 2818

Reloder 26:
85.0 - 2787
85.5 - 2792
86.0 - 2822
86.5 - 2843
87.0 - 2860
87.5 - 2863

IMR7828ssc:
84.0 - 2727
84.5 - 2759
85.0 - 2779
85.5 - 2801
86.0 - 2794
86.5 - 2829

That should help a few people out. Never had any signs of pressure whatsoever, 85.0-86.5 of RL26 all went in a .75" or so group, then the last two opened it up to 1-3/4" or so, 84.5-85.5 went in just under an inch, with the others it was around 2". I only got the last 3 on paper of H1000, I figured they would hit close enough to the Bergers and 285 Hammers that I didn't need a big sheet, but it took me 3 rounds to find where they were hitting. The last 3 of H-1000 made about a 1" group.

I do think I found something useful....this data is all VERY close to the Nosler .338 RUM data, like my top loads were all within 15 fps of what nosler data said for the 265 ABLR. Take a look and compare, it's suprisingly accurate.

 

[Rhovee]

I would think you could get more than that with 265's. Are you going to run H1000 and see if it shoot good up higher?