My 338 Sherman Shortmag

[elkaholic]

How is it for temp stability? I'd really like to narrow down powder choices based on good temp stability. So between RL16, N560, and H100V which would likely be the best compromise of getting enough in the case to get good velocity but has good temp stability?

Good question? I'm not certain that you can even get enough h100v or n560 in the case. I think N560 would work and likely get the best velocity. It is supposed to be pretty good for stability. H100v has fair stability, but I think you might come up a grain short on capacity to max out pressure? RL16 is supposed to be very stable and you could certainly get enough in the case but I don't know if it would reach RL17 velocity or not? I base this on my long action 338 since I don't have an SS. Wish I could give you a firm answer, but it's all borderline.

 

[elkaholic]

You would need about 63 grs h100v to reach 2800 and it would be lower pressure than 2800 with RL17 if that helps. It's not quite as dense so capacity would be about 2 grs less than 17. I shoot it at 2810 with good results in my long action. If you had a friend to get a little to try, it might be worth checking out.

 

[ruby76]

You would need about 63 grs h100v to reach 2800 and it would be lower pressure than 2800 with RL17 if that helps. It's not quite as dense so capacity would be about 2 grs less than 17. I shoot it at 2810 with good results in my long action. If you had a friend to get a little to try, it might be worth checking out.

Helps for sure, thanks. I can get H100v readily but I'll keep looking around for RL16, the temp stability is attractive and doc had good velocity. I'm going to start loading for groups and es soon so I'm sure I'll find something that works. I will keep doing some testing though.

 

[elkaholic]

Helps for sure, thanks. I can get H100v readily but I'll keep looking around for RL16, the temp stability is attractive and doc had good velocity. I'm going to start loading for groups and es soon so I'm sure I'll find something that works. I will keep doing some testing though.

It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it!

 

[ruby76]

Tracked down some of the new 250 Barnes LRX to try as well. I've always had good luck with Barnes so looking forward to what they can do

 

[drgalan]

Shot a couple of Hornady 285gr behind RL17 60gr w/215 primer got 2635' and no pressure signs
RL17 61gr w/215 primer got 2666' w/ sticky bolt. So it looks like a real potential for 2650'..... the numbers are impressive!

 

[drgalan]

Well snuck back out after the rain and shot a few more.
250 Berger RL16 64gr avg 2810' with bolt lift
250 Berger RL17 64gr avg 2883' with bolt lift

285 ELDM RL16 60gr 2589'
Same with 61gr 2625' with bolt lift

 

[elkaholic]

Well snuck back out after the rain and shot a few more.
250 Berger RL16 64gr avg 2810' with bolt lift
250 Berger RL17 64gr avg 2883' with bolt lift

285 ELDM RL16 60gr 2589'
Same with 61gr 2625' with bolt lift

Kind of thought 16 might be a little fast with the heavies. Would work well with 200 class though

 

[Pdvdh]

"with bolt lift" ???

 

[drgalan]

By "bolt lift" I mean sticky bolt. Primers were fine. I have not measured the web as yet. Sorry for not clarifying that better.

 

[KMG]

Any aspirations to testt with est 256 Flat line any time soon? The numbers on that bullet are impressive with a .434 G7, with Hornady Doppler.

 

[drgalan]

Continued with a few more loads this afternoon yielding the following:

N560 285eldm 215
64gr 2517
65gr 2558
66gr 2581 no pressure signs
Retumbo 285eldm 215
64gr max 2304 no pressure signs
H1000 285eldm 215
65gr max 2377 no pressure signs
IMR4350 250Berger OTM 215
63gr 2767
64gr 2842 shows signs of pressure on bolt lift web measured 0.552"

This rig continues to impress me. Hoping to have more combinations this weekend.

 

[elkaholic]

Hey Doc, I assume that 66 grains of N560 was all you could pack in the case? I may try it in my long action Sherman because I can probably get enough in to max out with a 285. Would the case hold more 4350? If so, you might try some H4350 in it. It usually is about a grain or so slower than IMR.
Was that with Sherman brass?
QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS

 

[drgalan]

66gr was pretty much max with the N560. IMR4350 was also max. I plan on loading some H4350 and N560 with the 250 Berger and see what kinda numbers I get.