338 WM 250 gr partition loads

fishingfinn · Apr 30, 2007

Hello,

I'm working up loads for Africa and wanted to know what folks have had luck with for the 338 WM and 250gr CT partitions.

Thanks

Alaska · May 6, 2007

Suggest the 225 gr Barnes TSX instead of the 250gr Nosler.

I suggest Reloader 19 or IMR 4350 also!

Richracer1 · May 6, 2007

I use the 225gn AB propelled by 73gn of RL-19. Just a thought for you to consider.

fishingfinn · May 7, 2007

I've been testing the TSX and have had instances where they tumbled in my test media and I'm having trouble getting reasonable velocities compared to the partitions and bonded bullets before I run into pressure signs.

I've not tried the accubonds but I should. I was hoping for a 250 gr bullet as I like the higher sectional density and the sligthly lower velocity shouldn't be a big deal for reasonable shooting distances on large game. Two bonded bullets I did try that look promising are the 225 North Fork and the 230 Norma Oryx, but being and oregonian, I'd love to use a Nosler product.

This weekend I found the IMR 4350 worked quite well for the 250 CT Partition and the bullet performed remarkably well in my test media.

Brian · May 7, 2007

fishingfinn":1k6kb0or said:
This weekend I found the IMR 4350 worked quite well for the 250 CT Partition and the bullet performed remarkably well in my test media.

I'm curious -- what's the barrel length of your rifle, your charge of IMR 4350, and your velocity?

Thanks,

Brian

fishingfinn · May 7, 2007

The load was developed using a Nosler CT 250 moly coated bullet, CCI 250 primers, Win brass. I worked up from 65 gr and stopped at 70 gr IMR 4350 with no signs of pressure. From a 25" barrel I was at 2800 FPS. This load is above the Nosler book so I'm lucky it works with my rifle but others should definately not start here because pressure signs may show up much earlier with their rifles. Given Africa will probably be warmer then when I tested (72 deg.), I'll download this slightly if I settle on this bullet.

BFaucett · May 10, 2007

fishingfinn":ovco7yvl said:
Hello,

I'm working up loads for Africa and wanted to know what folks have had luck with for the 338 WM and 250gr CT partitions.

Thanks

Date: 4/22/2000
Cartridge: .338 Win Mag
Rifle: Ruger M77 MkII
Scope: Leupold Vari-X III 2.5-8x
Barrel Length: 24"
Bullet: 250 gr Nosler Partition
Powder: 69.0 gr of IMR-4831
Case Make: W-W
Primer: WLR
C.O.L.: 3.28"

Chrono Summary
Average Velocity: 2,651 fps
Average Energy: 3,902 ft lb
High Velocity: 2,664 fps
Low Velocity: 2,633 fps
Extreme Spread: 31 fps
Standard Deviation: 8 fps

My friend Kate used this load (that I loaded for her) on a plains game hunt in South Africa back in 2000. Some results:

IMHO, 2600-2700 fps muzzle velocity is plenty fast enough for hunting in bushveld terrain. The shots are usually under 200 yards.

Cheers!!

-Bob F.

fishingfinn · May 10, 2007

Thanks for the load data and great photo's. I'm heading off 1 month from today and can't wait. Good insight on the velocities and shooting distances. 2600-2700 fps gives adequate energyy and trajectory for shots I should be taking with some margin on pressures for higher temps.