338 Win Mag 250 Scenars RL26

[SJB358]

I used a little RL26 a few years back with 250's in the 338 Win and also in my 35 Newton. I remember some good speeds, and decided to try the Lapua Scenar and see what my old Alaskan would do with this combo. Anyhow, this is what the QL looks like for the combo.

Cartridge : .338 Win Mag.
Bullet : .338, 250, Lapua Scenar GB488 8017
Useable Case Capaci: 70.315 grain H2O = 4.565 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.340 inch = 84.84 mm
Barrel Length : 25.0 inch = 635.0 mm
Powder : Alliant Reloder-26 *C

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 0.658% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step Fill. Charge Vel. Energy Pmax Pmuz Prop.Burnt B_Time
% % Grains fps ft.lbs psi psi % ms

-06.6 102 71.00 2666 3946 50075 9816 99.9 1.350
-05.9 103 71.50 2686 4006 51387 9841 100.0 1.334
-05.3 103 72.00 2707 4067 52740 9863 100.0 1.319
-04.6 104 72.50 2727 4128 54134 9882 100.0 1.303
-03.9 105 73.00 2747 4190 55572 9900 100.0 1.288 ! Near Maximum !
-03.3 105 73.50 2767 4251 57057 9918 100.0 1.273 ! Near Maximum !
-02.6 106 74.00 2788 4314 58589 9935 100.0 1.259 ! Near Maximum !
-02.0 107 74.50 2808 4376 60171 9952 100.0 1.244 ! Near Maximum !
-01.3 108 75.00 2828 4439 61803 9968 100.0 1.230 ! Near Maximum !
-00.7 108 75.50 2848 4501 63489 9983 100.0 1.215 ! Near Maximum !
+00.0 109 76.00 2868 4565 65219 9998 100.0 1.201 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+00.7 110 76.50 2888 4628 67034 10012 100.0 1.188 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+01.3 111 77.00 2907 4692 68897 10026 100.0 1.174 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+02.0 111 77.50 2927 4757 70824 10039 100.0 1.160 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+02.6 112 78.00 2947 4821 72815 10052 100.0 1.147 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+03.3 113 78.50 2967 4886 74879 10064 100.0 1.134 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by ± 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba 109 76.00 2987 4952 83341 9498 100.0 1.102 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba 109 76.00 2679 3983 50698 10473 98.3 1.335


Since the QL was all I had to go off, I started out at 74 grains and decided to work up slowly with this, knowing that if I saw 2850, I was likely as high as I wanted to be. QL was a little off in projected speeds vs charges, but I that's to be expected. I didn't adjust case capacity or Ba rate in the program.



I don't have any pictures of the lower charges, but as I crept up and the speed started coming around here is what I got.

75.5 was starting to look decent though.



76 grains





76.5





77





I was pretty impressed overall with the way it shot. It's been a good while since I have done load work with my old Alaskan, but it seems to still wanna shoot. Kept putting the 3rd round out. I shortened the next batch I loaded .010" and will reshoot with 77 grains to see where I am at. I am at 2800 even with that charge which is more than plenty for what I am doing.



Hoping to get a new load in the old rifle and hunt it this year. Been awhile since the old elk slayer has been on the mountain and man, it's treated me great in the past.

 

[DrMike]

Another load that will deliver a definite punch for about any game you might ever encounter. I know there are no more wooly rhinoceroses lumbering across the prairies of Saskatchewan, but perhaps there is the odd Tyrannosaurus Rex lurking somewhere in the jungles of the Congo that would benefit from that load. Good job, Scotty.

 

[SJB358]

Another load that will deliver a definite punch for about any game you might ever encounter. I know there are no more wooly rhinoceroses lumbering across the prairies of Saskatchewan, but perhaps there is the odd Tyrannosaurus Rex lurking somewhere in the jungles of the Congo that would benefit from that load. Good job, Scotty.

You never know Mike.

Sheesh, I was just hoping it was enough for a poor old bull elk...

 

[RL338]

I’m following with interest. I’ll be fire lapping the barrel next and with give the 250gr GS another look. N555 flattens out at 2700 maybe I’ll give RL26 a try also.

 

[SJB358]

I’m following with interest. I’ll be fire lapping the barrel next and with give the 250gr GS another look. N555 flattens out at 2700 maybe I’ll give RL26 a try also.

I have a pile of those 250 GS's myself. I wouldn't be scared of running them either. I am going to tune this load some and see if I can shrink it a bit. I have a feeling it'll come around.

 

[lhsako]

I’m following with interest. I’ll be fire lapping the barrel next and with give the 250gr GS another look. N555 flattens out at 2700 maybe I’ll give RL26 a try also.

The 250 GS at about 2,750 is my proven moose and bear load.

 

[preacher]

My first 338WM, back around '93 shot the Remington factory load when they put the 250GS in them. It shot bugholes! I got up from the range and went back to the store, bought 5 more boxes of the same Lot#. I never killed anything with them, but shot them like crazy out to 300! They are accurate for sure.

 

[JD338]

Good stuff Scotty. A 250 gr at 2800 fps is going to hit like a freight train. I'm certain you can tighten up the groups.

JD338

 

[preacher]

Thats for sure! They are a good looking bullet, aren't they? You did good!

 

[SJB358]

I shortened them up a little and they seemed to have responded pretty well.

 

[JD338]

I shortened them up a little and they seemed to have responded pretty well.

I'd call that a wrap Scotty.
Well done.

JD338

 

[DrMike]

I shortened them up a little and they seemed to have responded pretty well.

Yup! You're there. Fine riflery that should guarantee the shooter will bring home game each trip into the field.

 

[SJB358]

Took the old trusty 338 out the other day as soon as the cold front moved in. It was about 17 degrees that day, but still as could be on the range.



Pretty happy with the old Alaskan. It is nice to have another load for the books in this rifle. I ordered up some Hammers to try out of it, but if they don't come around quick, I will load up the Scenars and give them a whirl this year.

 

[DrMike]

Well, the Scenars obviously work for you. That'll do.

 

[SJB358]

Well, the Scenars obviously work for you. That'll do.

Thanks Mike. It is funny in these leaner than normal times what we find works for us. I used the 220 in the RUM a few years ago, but thought, there are so many other bullets out there. Well, nowadays, the bullets I used to go to, just aren't there as much and some of the lesser known ones are there for the taking.

 

[JD338]

Scotty,
Would you hunt elk with the 250 gr Scenars?

JD338

 

[RL338]

I shortened them up a little and they seemed to have responded pretty well.

Looking good
What COAL did you settle on?

 

[SJB358]

3.370" COAL was what has been shooting. Might be able to go another .010" shorter, but I wanna stretch it out some before I change anything. Shooting at distance will give me a better idea if anything needs to be changed I think.

 

[SJB358]

Scotty,
Would you hunt elk with the 250 gr Scenars?

JD338

I think so Jim. Had good luck with the 220's in the RUM. Might get them into jugs one of these days.

 

[TXbaldhunter]

Amazing results.You never know when magic happens until you give it a try.I may have to try the Reloader 26 with 225gr bullets.