338 wsm

[West Calamus]

I finaly got my 338-325 WSM done and all I can say is WOW! If anyone else has one I'd like to share load data. I used a 700 long action, Lilja 28" barrel 10 twist in a sendero stock. I used Quickload to find a starting point. Then worked up. I was hoping to use H1000 as my 6.5 WSM loves it. I settled on 7828,RL25, and RL22. 7828 was the slowest at 2550fps @ max load. The RL22 was 2574fps with a es of 6fps. At this point I was happy as three shots looked like a perfect little 3 leaf clover measuring 5/8" outside to outside. All that was left was the RL25. In the end 72gr RL25(compressed load) 2650fps with the 300gr Hybrid that would print 3 shot groups in the 3's. For a short mag it would sure give the 338 RUM a run for it's money with a lot less powder.

Frank I know this is a little off topic but do you encounter any alpha feeding problem with the WSM cases on the 700. Reason I ask is I am interested in trying the WSM's but knew that the WSSM's had feeding problems. thx

 

[AZShooter]

Limbic,

You asked about the 338 RCM?

I have two that use RL-17 with the 300 gr Berger.

7.5 lb Sporter with #2 lilja 1 in 10 twist 22" barrel. Bullet seated to fit and feed from 3.050" magazine 54 gr of RL-17 fed 210 match primer 2349 fps. Reamer is an exact match with Hornady's original design.

Second rifle is a 14 lb LA with a #7 30" barrel with a 1 in 9 twist. Same reamer with throat lengthened so rear of boattail/body junction is even with neck/shoulder junction. 54.5 grs of RL-17 Fed 210 match is most accurate with many SDs the same value. Velocity is 2454 fps. Can get more velocity but this is a sweet spot. Can shoot 8 rounds and barrel only gets warm. Lots of fun to shoot LR, think the barrel will last a long time. Downrange performance is darn good for a bullet going so slow. It still has 3000 ft/lb of energy at 590 yds (4200 ft elevation)

I think the 338 WSM would be a great round to own. FYI at one point I made a 26" 338/375 Ruger. With the 300 gr Bergers got to 2625 fps and the 8 lb gun's recoil was brutal didn't try more powder. Did get 180s to go 3250 fps. I would think the 338 WSM would come close.

 

[nbowlin]

I had Chris at long range customs in Idaho recently put one together for me. Chris is a good sport and puts all my boredom spawned ideas together. Off a tikka with a 26" proof, an ag composites stock and a mk5 3.6-18. It ended up 8lb 9oz and we made 2900+FPS with 3 powders using the 270eld-x and the 265lrab.

He built a 375 version of this for me first. We made 2700 with a 350smk and 2750 with a 329HH. Again on a tikka. Did a 10t but it ended up needing more. It shoots 300gr ab at 2800 lights out but the bc isn't much fun.

 

[hseII]

View attachment 161160 View attachment 161161
I had Chris at long range customs in Idaho recently put one together for me. Chris is a good sport and puts all my boredom spawned ideas together. Off a tikka with a 26" proof, an ag composites stock and a mk5 3.6-18. It ended up 8lb 9oz and we made 2900+FPS with 3 powders using the 270eld-x and the 265lrab.

He built a 375 version of this for me first. We made 2700 with a 350smk and 2750 with a 329HH. Again on a tikka. Did a 10t but it ended up needing more. It shoots 300gr ab at 2800 lights out but the bc isn't much fun.

2900fps with the 265/270 grain bullets is amazing.

Which 3 powders?

 

[nbowlin]

16, 17, 565

 

[Earnhardt]

Any more load info on the 338 wsm?

 

[nbowlin]

650 target ended up running H4350 and 215's

 

[Earnhardt]

650 target ended up running H4350 and 215's

Powder type/weight and seating depth?
Thanks

 

[nbowlin]

250 Berger elite hunter
215 fed primer
H4350……..70 some grains
3.050" coal.
9.3t 26" barrel.