338lm load testing for elr

[lisagrantb]

I'm not new to load testing or long range shooting just trying to get this right the first time because the big boys can eat your pocket book up pretty fast and I want the best data I can get. I normally do the ocw method followed by seating depth tuning then verify vertical at 1000. I usually wind up with a very consistent .4-.5 moa load. I'm happy with that because I'm either hunting or tactical shooting and an extra .1 or so off that doesn't buy me much in the real world. I was just thinking with the new elr 338 shooting Berger 300's would it be a good idea to run the ocw at 500-1k or more yards. I have my own range and can wait and test at optimal conditions like a cloudy windless day. What do you think?

 

[ar10ar15man]

ocw is a waste of powder and bullets and this case bbl life.
(round robin shooting typically ensures you have zero wind consistency)
do a simple 10 shot ladder at the lands, repeat it if you think you must.
yes longer is better, but too long adds wind to the mix.
pick a spot that has little vertical and is near the velocity you want.
tune and test from there.

 

[lisagrantb]

Wind is not an issue. I'm looking for the best and most efficient way of load development. Today would have been an excellent day, overcast zero mirage and not a leaf moving. I have gone out at night to test loads just to make sure there were no variables. I have read a lot about ladder test and that is an option I'm considering. Thanks

 

[ar10ar15man]

ladder is cheaper, faster, less variables
but a ladder is just that STEPs that go up....no round robin.
aprox 10 shots in aprox 1/100 of case volume steps.
one target, one point of aim, log each hit at the bench on a clean target.
at least 200 yds, 300 is better, try to keep the wind out of the equation.
looking for vertical changes, nodes , clusters
look at shots like this
1,2
123
234
345
456
567
678
789
8910
910

 

[C.O. Shooter]

Have you started loading for it yet?

 

[lisagrantb]

No not yet. Waiting on smith to stick the barrel on.

 

[C.O. Shooter]

I'm currently running: 338 Lapua Brass, Federal 215M Primer, 91 Grains of H1000, and a 300 Grain Berger Elite Hunter @ 2842 fps. COAL is 3.853" and BTO is 3.003" (.005 Off).

If using H1000, you should find a load somewhere between 90-92 grains. Seating depth will be your deciding factor.

I'm going to try these at some point: https://cuttingedgebullets.com/338-275gr-single-feed-mth-match-tactical-hunting

 

[jasent]

For me and my ELR rifle (wild cat but close to Lapua) velocity is king. I don't mean the fastest but the most consistent. I do a velocity ladder test with magneto speed v3 and 1% charge increments. Range dosent matter as I look for flat spots in velocity. Then I fine tune seating depth
I'm shooting 250gr elite hunters at .015" off

If I remember correctly it was 17 shots total to find my load

 

[buster2765]

I'm currently running: 338 Lapua Brass, Federal 215M Primer, 91 Grains of H1000, and a 300 Grain Berger Elite Hunter @ 2842 fps. COAL is 3.853" and BTO is 3.003" (.005 Off).

If using H1000, you should find a load somewhere between 90-92 grains. Seating depth will be your deciding factor.

I'm going to try these at some point: https://cuttingedgebullets.com/338-275gr-single-feed-mth-match-tactical-hunting

what barrel length

 

[C.O. Shooter]

what barrel length

30" 1-9" twist.

 

[buster2765]

ladder is cheaper, faster, less variables
but a ladder is just that STEPs that go up....no round robin.
aprox 10 shots in aprox 1/100 of case volume steps.
one target, one point of aim, log each hit at the bench on a clean target.
at least 200 yds, 300 is better, try to keep the wind out of the equation.
looking for vertical changes, nodes , clusters
look at shots like this
1,2
123
234
345
456
567
678
789
8910
910

 

[buster2765]

View attachment 125052 View attachment 125053 For me and my ELR rifle (wild cat but close to Lapua) velocity is king. I don't mean the fastest but the most consistent. I do a velocity ladder test with magneto speed v3 and 1% charge increments. Range dosent matter as I look for flat spots in velocity. Then I fine tune seating depth
I'm shooting 250gr elite hunters at .015" off

If I remember correctly it was 17 shots total to find my load

when looking for a velocity node can this be done during barrel break in, or wait until barrel stops speeding up

 

[jasent]

when looking for a velocity node can this be done during barrel break in, or wait until barrel stops speeding up

i have done both but waiting had better results in the long run

 

[Dialing Long Distance]

I'm currently running: 338 Lapua Brass, Federal 215M Primer, 91 Grains of H1000, and a 300 Grain Berger Elite Hunter @ 2842 fps. COAL is 3.853" and BTO is 3.003" (.005 Off).

I'm running 92gr H1000, Federal 215M primers, Norma Brass and 300 gr Sierra MatchKings, but only pulling 2710fps. I'm shooting a 26" barrel, C.O. Shooter, what are you running on barrel length?