Its The Powder.

[338winmag]

Last year I stated my Weatherby Vanguard 338 WinMag just would not shoot Nosler 225gr ABs. I tried all different combinations of primers, cases (including Nosler), seating depths and powders (RL19 and H4350), and powder loads. Groups were never consistent so I referred to the popular expression, "some rifles just can't shoot some bullets"

In my case I am going to backtrack and now say "I didn't have the time or money" to test "more component combinations" to validate that my rifle will not shoot NABs.

I pulled my trusty Nosler Reloading Guide #6 and saw that H4831sc was listed as a possible powder. this year with all the different reloading powders I was testing with for other rifles, I found that I had some leftover H4831sc.

My 338 WinMag has fallen in luv with 74.3 grs of H4831sc and the Nolser AB. Ths round has won hunting position for this year in Colorado. Without even trying, my 200 yard groups are 1.5". I am happy.

These are the 100 yarders. Made two small adjustments and the NAB beauty came through.
Go Nosler. (top target - three string group going up and down is the NAB - Barnes is the Clover to theleft)

 

[russ808]

I would say that your dialed in now. Good shooting.
Russ

 

[DrMike]

Nothing wrong with any of those groups! Great groups and great shooting.

 

[Guest]

338winmag,
You have found the load buddy. I shoot the 225 AB in my 35 Whelen for Whitetail Deer. Your gun shoots a lot faster than mine with that bullet. My gun just flattens Deer at 2677 fps, can't imagine what yours would do on an Elk. Poor Elk! Good Luck in Colorado, I'll be there 2nd Season chasing High Country Bucks and Cow Elk.

Don

 

[SJB358]

Steve, that is VERY nice! Great shooting. I had good accuracy with H4831, but the speed wasn't as quick as RL19. Might have to retry. Scotty

 

[338winmag]

Thanks Scotty
As as always Scotty, you are spot on!

It is definitely slower at least for me by about 80-90 fps, but I am going to follow JD338.

"speed sells, but accuracy kills"

My rounds are traveling at muzzle at about 2735 - 2750. Quickloads has me at about 2729 fps so pretty close. I am happy with that speed. RL19 had me between 2825 and 2845 ish.

Its Elk time in about another 42 days. Elk are late bugling this year in some of the areas. I am not sure if that is good or bad.

Steve

 

[sask boy]

Those are great group I think there is going to be some real nervous critters :wink: this year.
Good luck with all your hunts.

Blessings,
Dan

 

[Greg Nolan]

Great groups. You've got the AccuBond's accuracy dialed in, and I don't believe you'll be the least bit dissapointed with their performance on the elk either. :wink:
Good Hunting
Greg

 

[OU812]

H4831 was the goto powder in my 338 win mag as well. Great groups by the way.


Bill

 

[Jimbeaux82]

Very nice - you have now found that magic load!!

 

[BK]

Yep, you're there!

 

[Gm weatherby man]

Great shooting, I myself found that the old standby powders like h4831 are great for accuracy, maybe slower, but I always take the more accurate side of the equation in any load development. 8)