My 338 Sherman Shortmag
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drgalan
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Well I finally had a chance to continue testing with W748, Imr 4064, Imr 8208 with the 225 Bulldozer
IMR 4064 gave 3000' with 61gr and no room to go up. IMR 748 gave 3003' at 63gr and 64gr yielded 3033' but was over pressure. IMR 8208XBR gave a top velocity of 2911 at 59gr Oh and I forgot to mention that IMR 3031 got 2979' at 59gr but was over pressure.
I then tested the 250 Berger in the same ADG brass 215 and seated .020" off the lands.
IMR 4064 gave 2800' with 59gr (60gr was over pressure giving 2863')
Varget gave a top velocity of 2874' at max pressure burning 62gr.
So it's looking like Varget will be a front runner as it is one of the most temperature stable powders.
I have 240gr Badland Bulldozers on the way and will be testing those next. I figure that I'll be able to squeeze 2850' outta 'em and if that is achieved, then it could be a hard one to beat. Obviously, we have only begun to understand the capability of the little powerhouse and it looks better and better everyday!
IMR 4064 gave 3000' with 61gr and no room to go up. IMR 748 gave 3003' at 63gr and 64gr yielded 3033' but was over pressure. IMR 8208XBR gave a top velocity of 2911 at 59gr Oh and I forgot to mention that IMR 3031 got 2979' at 59gr but was over pressure.
I then tested the 250 Berger in the same ADG brass 215 and seated .020" off the lands.
IMR 4064 gave 2800' with 59gr (60gr was over pressure giving 2863')
Varget gave a top velocity of 2874' at max pressure burning 62gr.
So it's looking like Varget will be a front runner as it is one of the most temperature stable powders.
I have 240gr Badland Bulldozers on the way and will be testing those next. I figure that I'll be able to squeeze 2850' outta 'em and if that is achieved, then it could be a hard one to beat. Obviously, we have only begun to understand the capability of the little powerhouse and it looks better and better everyday!
ruby76
Well-Known Member
Great results with the varget. I sure hope it works in mine as well as I really like that it's temp stable. Good testing doc!
KMG
Well-Known Member
I'm glad to hear that your going to give the 240 Bulldozers a go. That's one of the bullets that I thought had real potential. Great info Doc. Sure going to shorten my learning curve when i get mine up & going.
elkaholic
Well-Known Member
Nice work Doc! That ADG brass is really takin a lickin and comin up tickin!!!
I'm I honestly amazed at how many powders, with that fast a burn, are working so we'll. This short, fat little case is going to be an absolute, short action hammer!
I'm I honestly amazed at how many powders, with that fast a burn, are working so we'll. This short, fat little case is going to be an absolute, short action hammer!
KMG
Well-Known Member
I got on board with the 6.5 SS when Rich & Big n Green first started their development. There definitely was a method to their madness & now it's a sickness that I don't want to cure. Thanks again for all the data & development Doc. That's one of the best parts about wildcatting!
codyadams
Well-Known Member
I think the 270 Badlands bulldozer could have potential as well, with the bc of the 300 grain Berger elite hunter, and lighter and less bearing surface than the 285 eld that had decent velocity....it could be a real winner in this cartridge if you wanted to stretch it out.
However, with it's length, if seated properly, may be a long action or single shot only situation. Still, may be a good option.
However, with it's length, if seated properly, may be a long action or single shot only situation. Still, may be a good option.
elkaholic
Well-Known Member
Getting ready for hunting so I thought I would test the 250 Berger Elite in my 338 Sherman. I loaded up 30 grains of 4198 to try to simulate long range impact velocity. It turned out to be 1847'. I fired into a carboard container lined with a garbage bag filled with water followed by 8 layers of carpet and a block of wood for good measure. Good thing the wood was there! The bullet performed pretty much like the 215 30 caliber hybrids do. The tip blows off nearly 1/2" below the nose exposing the lead. At this velocity, the bullet usually tumbles, which it did here. Even though they don't "mushroom" in the usual sense, a bullet this long and heavy can cause considerable damage when tumbling. The size of the hole through the carpet verified this and the bullet landed sideways in the wood block and buried itself about 3/8".
ruby76
Well-Known Member
I hope to soon try out the 250 EH's on a moose, or a poor deer if I get a chance.
elkaholic
Well-Known Member
Cant wait too see that!
My experience is that a bullet fired at full velocity will expand better at the same impact velocity at long range than one fired point blank with a reduced load!
drgalan
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It's been awhile since I had time to work on my 338SS but I was glad to get trigger time today. I loaded 240gr Bulldozers with Sherman ADG brass Fed215 and 62gr Varget yielding 2897' with room to go up. I also got 2858' using 59gr Benchmark. That gives me 2 temp stable powders to use with my rig.
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drgalan
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KMG
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Hey Doc, could you share what your COAL is for the 240 Bulldozer & the 250 Berger Elites. Really looking for a max COAL to help figure what action length to go with. I've been leaning towards a M70 or still a Savage. Nothing set in stone for sure. If memory serves me correctly as well you had your chamber throated long to give max capacity. All things to consider in a new build. Thanks again Doc keep up the great work. Looking forward to hearing proof reports. Kevin
