AA2230 for 358win

[tjen]

I have loaded H322 and H4895 for both the 200gr Sipre Point and the 225gr Partition. With the PT I have only done work up loads to lsted max charges and have not done much other development work with the OCL . So far the 225gr seem to have the best accuracy potential. Velocitied were 2430fps for both. I have not had consistance accuracy with the 200gr SP and was going to try AA4895 from beartooths posts some time back. I called Western Powder for advise ans was told AA2230 or X-teminator was their best powders to use. I have a 700 with a #3 Shilen barrel at 20.5 inches and 1:14 twist, pillar bedded and free floated. I have shot 5/8" 3-shot groupS and weeks later with the same batch of reloads would only group in at 2.0". I think this rifle likes a well fould barrel say 10 shot to tune up.

What I was wondering has anyone tried AA2230/Xterminator and have I esentialy already done that with the H322 and H4895 burn rates? I have only loaded up to 47.0grs with the 200gr SP for 2480fps. The 225gr I did go to max listed for both Hpowders.

I use Federal 210M match perimers and win brass and just for the SP's do a moderate FC crimp on the cannelure about .035" for the lands which give the best accuracy while no crimp and .020" for the PT's.

I did like the soft fast expanding Spire point for deer will the 225 PT expand fast on lung shot deer for hunting in populated areas? It could be my do-all deer, bear, elk bullet for the 358win but a Spitzer shaped 225gr AB would be nice for the 350 and 358 (cost affective bullet).

 

[DrMike]

tjen,

I tried X-terminator in my 356 with 220 grain Speer FN bullets, but in my 358 I have only tried it once with 200 grain TSX. The results were sufficiently discouraging that I chose not to retest that powder with another bullet. It seems somewhat fast for applications with heavier bullets. With 225 grain PTs, I have used quite a bit of A2495, TAC, 10X and Benchmark with reasonable results.

 

[SJB358]

I have some 225gr Sierra's loaded right now with AA2520 and Varget that I still need to shoot. I tried 4895 but the groups were poor in the 2" range. Speed was very good out of my Browning. I am hoping Varget or 2520 will get me better accuracy, but if they don't, I am going to try AA4895 cause Bullet had such good luck with his. Let us know how you make out. My 358 Win seems to be playing 2nd fiddle to other stuff, but I would really like to find a good 225gr load and then concentrate on PT's for an everything load. I would think the 225gr PT would be awesome in the 358. You should get excellent expansion and awesome penetration, at least, that is my hope. Scotty