338 WM bullet selection.

[Oldtrader3]

My bet it is not the barrel. More likely is a bedding issue or action screw torque issue.

 

[jmad_81]

That could very well be the case. I was pretty young in my bedding carrer when I did this rifle, and I don't have a in/lbs wench.

Maybe I'll rebed it. I don't like the color that it is anyways. It would look much better with black bedding.

 

[preacher]

I used the older 185 XLC over h4350 in a .338 WM, shot a big cow elk over 250, stumbled and fell, drt. I also used the 210 XBT in a .340 Weatherby, also over H4350 on zebra, Impala, Gemsbuck and it was swell. I used the Nosler 180 AccuBond in a .338 RUM for a big aoudad in W. TX, also a tad over 250yds. I did work up a hot load in another 338 RUM with Nosler 250s, but I used Retumbo, can't remember the load, sorry. I think the 210 Nosler or TSX in the 338 WM and either the Nosler 225/250 Partition or 225 TSX in the RUM will ruin any unsuspecting fauna's day! lol.

 

[treesnake]

Tried most bullets in the 338WM

So far the one that really stands out of the pack

Nosler 225gr AccuBond

Team that up with Reloader 19 @ 78.0 (MAX)
Win (WW) brass
Fed 215 GM primers

Makes a dandy load at 2940 FPS out of 24" barrel.
Very Accurate

Reloader 17 not bad very close in performance to IMR 4350 in the 338 WM.
RL17 is good but.......RL19 is still my favorite.


Sierra 215gr good long range bullet but closer shots tend to lose jacket/core. The 215gr would be excellent in the 338/06 at Max Vel.

210gr Nosler excellent with IMR 4350 or RL 17 but the BC is not that great. (good Elk bullet)

225gr TSX with 74.0 of RL 19 using same brass and primers excellent heavy game load.

250gr Speer GS pretty good bullet bad BC but hangs together in game.

250gr Nosler Part same as Grand Slam with slightly better BC and weight retention like all 250gr trejectory is not as flat as 225gr bullets.

230gr Fail Safe with 72.0 of IMR 4350 another excellent heavy game load (bad BC) similar performance on game as 225gr TSX.

I do not not suggest the 200gr bullets in the 338 WM. If you need to go to the 200gr bullets suggest the 300 WBY or 300 Win Mag,

Nosler #7 says 74 grains of RL 19 is max for a 225gr AccuBond, 78 grains is WAY past that. Have you shot that load?

 

[Oldtrader3]

What the heck, try some 250 grain bullets in it?

 

[SJB358]

Nosler #7 says 74 grains of RL 19 is max for a 225gr AccuBond, 78 grains is WAY past that. Have you shot that load?

Treesnake, I haven't ever gone to 78 with the 225 AB, but I have gone to 76 with mine and that's what it took to get close to what Nosler puts for speed in their data. Not saying anyone should start there, but I think 74 is fairly on the low side for most 225's.

 

[DrMike]

The concept that is too often ignored is that each hand loader is responsible for his/her own safety. Start low (at least 5% less than maximum charge or even 10%) and work up. Watch for pressure signs and drop back one grain when pressure signs become evident. Some firing systems, because of numerous factors, will permit a greater charge. Again, each system must be tested for it's own maximum charge and each hand loader is responsible to ensure that what he shoots is safe.

 

[OU812]

What the heck, try some 250 grain bullets in it?

I'm right there with you OT3. Love a 250 in a 338.


Bill

 

[JD338]

What the heck, try some 250 grain bullets in it?

I'm right there with you OT3. Love a 250 in a 338.


Bill

The 250 gr is where its at in the 338.

JD338

 

[treesnake]

Nosler #7 says 74 grains of RL 19 is max for a 225gr AccuBond, 78 grains is WAY past that. Have you shot that load?

Treesnake, I haven't ever gone to 78 with the 225 AB, but I have gone to 76 with mine and that's what it took to get close to what Nosler puts for speed in their data. Not saying anyone should start there, but I think 74 is fairly on the low side for most 225's.

Thanks SJB I've noticed higher max loads in other guides after checking more, Alliant says 78 max. Big difference.

 

[Oldtrader3]

I have found Nosler book, muzzle velocities to be rather optimistic in the Magnums at least.