338 Win Mag vs. 338 Lapua Mag

[Ron J]

I'm reading my Speer Reloading Manual and can only find .338 Winchester Magnum. It's a pretty old Speer (1987). Is there a dangerous difference between my Lapua Mag and the Win Mag?

Another question, When reloading to gain a subsonic .223, I'm looking at the muzzle velocity below 1,125 f/s correct?

Using a 55gr. bullet, and 24.5 grains of IMR 4046 I get down to a muz vel of 2785.
That's as low as Speer will get me. What would would get me down to subsonic?

Last question: What casing would give me the best reloading. Figuring I'm going to purchase a bulk ammo first.

Long winded I know, But thanks for any help.

Ron

Edit:
Sorry I added this to the wrong forum. Could a Mod move it to the correct forum........ sry bout that

 

[WildRose]

There's an enormous difference in the .338wm and .338lm's in terms of velocity, energy, case volume and recoil. Same size bullet driven by a whole lot more powder in the LM vs WM.

338 Winchester Magnum Load Data

338 Lapua Magnum Load Data

I'm not sure where you can find subsonic loads for .223, you'd just have to do some googling and looking.

 

[Bravo 4]

You are not gonna find reloading data in a manual of that time, the cartridge didn't really come about for a couple more years:
Story of .338 Lapua Magnum | Nammo Lapua

As for the .223, google loads with Trailboss. That would be a good place to start. Hard to run into trouble unless you don't put enough in the case. I would also use the heaviest bullet my barrel twist will reliably stabilize, long-heavy- flat based bullets (.223 twists can be really fast to really slow so make sure you know what rifle's is). You CAN NOT just decide to lower a standard powder level down to what you think will lower the velocity and expect good results. The opposite will happen...very bad!
The speed of sound will vary with temp changes:

 

[Bravo 4]

I've never used one but these chamber inserts may be an option. Maybe just load some heavy .22lr sub loads in it.
CHAMBER ADAPTERS

Come to think of it, why not just use a .22 rifle anyways?

 

[Ron J]

There's an enormous difference in the .338wm and .338lm's in terms of velocity, energy, case volume and recoil. Same size bullet driven by a whole lot more powder in the LM vs WM.

338 Winchester Magnum Load Data

338 Lapua Magnum Load Data

I'm not sure where you can find subsonic loads for .223, you'd just have to do some googling and looking.

Great information WildRose..... I wouldn't have guessed that there would be such a difference between the two loads, but obviously I was wrong.

I was wondering if anyone knew the load values to create a subsonic .223, not where I could purchase some. While going over both replies and subsequent information I realized I can get the information on the package of subsonic .223 Cabela's sells. They also sell subsonic .9mm as well.

You are not gonna find reloading data in a manual of that time, the cartridge didn't really come about for a couple more years:
Story of .338 Lapua Magnum | Nammo Lapua

Thank you Bravo 4 good information on the history of the .338. It is a very new round. I believe the specs that the US Army use is an effective shot out to 1500 yrds, and penetrate 5 layers of body armor. I'd say the .338 would be a bit easier on specialists having to carry any amount of ammo (vs. the .50)

Anyway, Thanks guys..... good reading!!

 

[WildRose]

Great information WildRose..... I wouldn't have guessed that there would be such a difference between the two loads, but obviously I was wrong.

I was wondering if anyone knew the load values to create a subsonic .223, not where I could purchase some. While going over both replies and subsequent information I realized I can get the information on the package of subsonic .223 Cabela's sells. They also sell subsonic .9mm as well.




Thank you Bravo 4 good information on the history of the .338. It is a very new round. I believe the specs that the US Army use is an effective shot out to 1500 yrds, and penetrate 5 layers of body armor. I'd say the .338 would be a bit easier on specialists having to carry any amount of ammo (vs. the .50)

Anyway, Thanks guys..... good reading!!

The longest kills with the .338 Lapua exceed 2,000m.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longest_recorded_sniper_kills

Not only are the rifles easier to carry due to weight the recoil of the 338 is much milder than the .50 which fires a projectile of over twice it's weight and has a over 2x the powder charge as well.

 

[Ron J]

The longest kills with the .338 Lapua exceed 2,000m.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longest_recorded_sniper_kills

Not only are the rifles easier to carry due to weight the recoil of the 338 is much milder than the .50 which fires a projectile of over twice it's weight and has a over 2x the powder charge as well.

Exactly! It doesn't have the stopping power for light armored vehicles, but it shoots flatter than the .50, and can reach out there.

I watched a documentary of various long range shots..... One was a Brit, in Afghanistan. I believe it was over mile..... the Sniper said his first shot was low, and hit a rock just below 3 Combatants, his spotter gave him the corrections and said the 3 guys were sitting there looking at each other not believing it could be a round, as the report hadn't gotten there..... The sniper had already gotten his correction and had one or two rounds down range before the Afganies realized they had been targeted.... got all 3. I'm guessing if a .50cal was used the boys sitting on the side of the road would have known right away they were scoped in.

I haven't had the ability to get mine on the range to zero it, and I've had it for almost 6 months..... weather and migraines have kept me from any firearms.

I purchased some Hornady 250gr. soft point for target. I'm guessing Hornady brass would be able to stand a couple of reloads, yes?

Thanks WildRose.... can you imagine the calculations involved shooting that range in Afghanistan? Unbelievable concentration.

Be Well My Friend,
Ron