Where to start? Found the answer!

[80Maro]

I posted this on another forum but thought i'd post here as well. Any input is appreciated.

I need some input. I just picked up some Barnes LRX 265gn bullets for hunting this fall. The are the same (as far as I can tell) as the TTSX Boat Tail. Caliber is .338 Lapua, rifle is the 110BA 26" BBL 1 in 9 twist (for those who dont know). I already have a load for my 300gn SMK's but I am trying to figure out where to start to get a load made up with these Barnes bullets.

Now I checked a Hornady and Sierra book and found no data for a 265gn bullet. I check on Barnes' site and they have data but only for IMR 7828SSC and Ramshot Magnum with a min of 77.5 @ 2482fps max of 82.5 @ 2628fps with the IMR 7828SSC and with the Magnum it's a min of 86.0 @ 2609fps max of 91.0 @ 2723fps. Now in my Sierra book IMR 7828 is listed but not 7828SSC. Are these two powders the same or different? Also in the powder burn rate chart in the Sierra book H1000 is listed right above the Magnum powder. So my questions are,

1. Would it be safe to substitute the powder Barnes lists (Magnum) with the H1000?
2. Since there is no data in the Sierra book for a 265gn bullet, would it be safe to use data for the 250gn bullet (from Sierra)?
3. When using lighter bullets, is there a general rule of thumb, for a givin caliber, to use faster powders, and slower powders for heavier bullets?
4. If I do use data for a lighter bullet (250gn) how much under or over the min charge should I start testing at?


I have H1000 and H4831SC on hand and would like to use either one of those for a load, I just dont know where to start. I did already email Barnes but have not heard back from them yet.

I'm not looking for a difinative answer (although one would be greatly appreciated) but some guidance.

Thanks,

 

[Doublezranch]

Re: Where to start?

I am reloading these in my 338 ultra. IMR came out with SSC powders that stands for Super Short Cut. They designed it to meter better than the regular 7828. There is no difference in performance....or at least I can see.

It is never a good idea to 'substitute powders". I think that might be a recipe for disaster....expecially in big bore rifles.

 

[80Maro]

Re: Where to start?

Thanks for that!

 

[Doublezranch]

Re: Where to start?

What gun are you loading these for? If you are loading for a 338 Ultra, I have some data.
I don't however for the Lapua.

 

[Outlaw6.0]

Re: Where to start?

Don't play with fire, Barnes bullets are constructed differently than Hornady or Sierras are, you could really have some troubles going that route . I suggest you contact Barnes direct & talk with those nice folks, they will have no problem pointing you in the right direction.

 

[80Maro]

Re: Where to start?

I'm loading for a 110BA. I appreciate the info. I've never strayed from the book loading and am not to keen on doing it so what everyone has said so far is backing me up on this. I already emailed Barnes but i'll give them a call too. I'll post back here if I hear anything just incase anyone else wants to load the same thing.

Thanks,
80Maro

 

[80Maro]

Re: Where to start?

Ok no sooner did I hit submit on my reply that I got an email from Barnes.

Please see the complete set of data attached. H4831 can be used but it is a bit on the fast side. H1000 should be an excellent choice. In the past we have recommended the Hodgdon 275gr SFT SP load data as a good starting point with the 265gr LRX – I'll include it as well.

Thanks, Ty

Ty Herring | Consumer Service - Lead Tech
Barnes Bullets, LLC

So here's the data incase anyone is interested.

 

[jlamb]

80Maro,

Thanks for the link. I'm going to try these in my 338 Lapua. I'll let you know how they work.

 

[jlamb]

Well tried the Barnes 265 LRX's yesterday. I'm not really impressed. I've heard so many "likes" regarding Barnes; "They like a jump to the lands", "they like slower powder so they don't overpressure"...

So I tried 5 loads of Retumbo with only one achieving a half way decent group. I'm thinking that I might have a powder/bullet incompatability issue. The question is do I go slower or faster?

 

[80Maro]

I know what you mean, I had about the same results. RL25 on the way and i'm going to try that.

Your 85.4 group looks ok. What seating depth are you using? Did you chrony your loads? I would try that 85.4 again but with different seating depths. I dont know how far is too far with these bullets. Maybe start at .020, 040, 060, 080.


Good luck,

80maro

 

[jlamb]

80Maro,

I tried US869 today and brought the load length out to about .015 off the lands (3.750"). I'm going to go back to Retumbo and at the longer lenght and see. What have you found with the bullets when it comes to COAL?

 

[80Maro]

My testing results with H1000 were not stellar at all. I have some H4831SC that I tested with some sierra GMK's today and it went ok. I thinking that if H4831 is not too fast for the 250's then it shoulden't be for the 265's. I know the bullets differ in design also but i'm not getting insane speeds nor pressure signs with the H4831SC (about 2900-3000fps). I loaded 85-90gn's in 1gn increments so I will try about 86gn with the LRX but I am going to load the same charge and just change the OAL. My testing was done with .030 off the lands but I think I will try .050-touching the lands just to find out what these things like for a jump. I'll let you know what I determine works best with my rifle, maybe that will give you some idea where to start with yours.


What did you use (program) to measure your group?

 

[jlamb]

80Maro,

I've had good luck with H4831SC & 250 gr SMK's (see below). My rifle twist in 1 in 10". I have had better luck with Retumbo and 300 gr SMK which is now my new target load. Below are the targets at 86.0 grns of H4831 at varied lenghts.

The program is free - OnTarget Software

 

[jlamb]

I'm done with the Barnes 265LRX. I can't get them to shoot in my Remington 700P. (See below). I'm made the decision to hunt this year with 300 grain Matchkings. They're accurate, consistant and will do the job with good shot placement.