338 Federal Progress

[edh]

I may have found my load for my Sako 85 338 Federal, and the good news is that it seems to like the 225 AB.

I only shot two 3 shot groups with each load, so sample size is limited. One group of 46.0 grains of Varget, 225 AccuBond went into 0.625 inches. I must have flinched exactly the same for each shot. :grin: We won't talk about the other loose nut on the trigger group. 2442 fps, 6.7 SD, 20 extreme spread for six shots. Pressure slightly less than 44.0 of H4895.

The interesting thing is that my load of 44.0 grains of H4895 performed exactly as it did back in March. 2433 fps (1" group). The 45.0 grain load had picked up 25-30 fps and an additional .0002 case expansion(also a 1" group). The temperature was 20-25 degrees warmer this time. That makes me believe that the 45.0 grain load at the cooler temperatures in March was right on the edge of excessive pressure.

I'll shoot more of the 44.0 H4895 and 46.0 of Varget over the next few months to see how they shake out.

Ed

 

[todbartell]

I have a Sako 85 in 338F too. Ive been mainly shooting 215 grain Sierra SPBT over 47.0 grs H4895 for 2610 fps avg. 210 gr Barnes TSX over 47.0 grs H4895 does 2625 fps.

I'm now workign with 250 grain Hornady round noses over H4895 too. Initial testing found 2275 fps attainable, I am still in the works of tinkering. Looking for a great close cover thumping load.

I havent shot any 225 grain bullets yet

 

[tjen]

Ever tried TAC powder?
Its slightly slower than H4895 and is very clean.
I tied it in my 35rem but didn't increase my velocity due to the 18.5 inch ported barrel I have. In the 20 barrels it hits 50fps more velocity than H4895. Tac is hard to find in my area and H4895 works in my 358win to so I havn't prosude it. It might be great in your 338fed.

 

[todbartell]

Ramshot powders up here in Canada are hard to come by. I usually use Hodgdon, IMR, or Alliant. H4895 seems to be the "go to" powder in my 338F