Loading .338LM

[.338DL]

Hell all.

I just started my .338 lapua magnum reloading journey and it has been....extensively interesting to say the least. I saved money for a Christensen Arms Modern Precision Rifle, bought a Dillon xl750 reloading press, Peterson and ADG brass, H1000, Retumbo powder and a **** load of precision dies. Some with calipers so I can dial in seating, neck and shoulder bump as needed. I watch videos every night I search of videos that will tell me what I don't know and what I forgot. I have become knowledgeable on annealing, differences in brass, researching loading cheap and expensive brass, shoulder bumping(when it's needed and when it's not), neck tension, jumping from the o-jive to lands, ect. Yes, it has been a journey. I still will have questions and answers for anyone that needs help.

 

[memtb]

First and foremost..….Welcome from North Central Wyoming!

I can't offer any specifics on loading for the 338 LM…..but, you're in the right spot to get most anything you may need for educated input! memtb

 

[.338DL]

Thank you Sir

I am interested in knowing what load is being used for peterson and or ADG brass. Im using H1000 and I use retumbo. My research ended when I couldn't find a plain suggestion for that load using the above stuff.

 

[alphapygmy]

I also just started into 338L. I have a few pounds of IMR 7977 for break-in doing very well so far and 10 pounds of RL33 once the brass is fire formed. Working primarily with 285 ELDMs.

 

[C.O. Shooter]

My only experience is with H1000.
90-92 grains of H1000 and a 300 grain bullet, you will find something that works well in your setup. Factory chambering, I'd start 88 and work up.

Currently shooting a 275 grain copper bullet. 90.4 grains of H1000, Fed 215m, and Lapua brass.

 

[ARlife4me]

i haven't reloaded for the 1 i have yet, but weights will be from 230edl-x, 250fmj-bt, 265ablr, 275edl-x, 285edl-m, 285tac-x and several 300's in different brands. i only have ~40 rounds down the pipe so far.

 

[LRNut]

I have two Lapuas; one likes 90 gr Retumbo and the other 87 (max in that rifle). Both use 285 ELDs. For whatever reason, ELDs and the Lapua seem to go together whereas my Edge loves 300 Bergers.

 

[C.O. Shooter]

I believe that Reloader 33 was designed for that cartridge, but could be wrong.

 

[74honker]

Thank you Sir

I am interested in knowing what load is being used for peterson and or ADG brass. Im using H1000 and I use retumbo. My research ended when I couldn't find a plain suggestion for that load using the above stuff.

Welcome to the forum. I run both Peterson and ADG. I agree with C.O. Shooter, 90 to 92g of H1000 with the 300 SMK. I also have loads for 250smk but not at my bench right now.

 

[C.O. Shooter]

H1000:
91 grains w/300 Berger EOL - 2850
90.4 grains w/275 SBD2 - 2904

 

[LongRangeRookie]

What is your primary use for the 338 LM? I ask because if you are shooting for distance I would go up in bullet weight - I have been working a load for 1000+ yds that uses the 300gr Hornady A-tip using Retumbo powder. I tried H1000, but Retumbo gave me more velocity in the A-tip and my grouping was better. I also pushed the A-tip out which increased the case capacity slightly, but pushed me to single load rather than use the magazine.

 

[Sasman]

Hell all.

I just started my .338 lapua magnum reloading journey and it has been....extensively interesting to say the least. I saved money for a Christensen Arms Modern Precision Rifle, bought a Dillon xl750 reloading press, Peterson and ADG brass, H1000, Retumbo powder and a **** load of precision dies. Some with calipers so I can dial in seating, neck and shoulder bump as needed. I watch videos every night I search of videos that will tell me what I don't know and what I forgot. I have become knowledgeable on annealing, differences in brass, researching loading cheap and expensive brass, shoulder bumping(when it's needed and when it's not), neck tension, jumping from the o-jive to lands, ect. Yes, it has been a journey. I still will have questions and answers for anyone that needs help.

I have had good luck using 250 grain Lapua Scenar bullets with IMR 4831 powder . I did try H1000, IMR7828 and H50BMG but settled on the IMR4831 .

 

[skipglo]

I also just started into 338L. I have a few pounds of IMR 7977 for break-in doing very well so far and 10 pounds of RL33 once the brass is fire formed. Working primarily with 285 ELDMs.

Hopefully not shooting a Savage 110....or Precision Elite.

 

[skipglo]

I believe that Reloader 33 was designed for that cartridge, but could be wrong.

You're correct!