New 338 WM

[remingtonman_25_06]

I just picked up an older (pre j-lock) Rem 700 BDL custom deluxe in 338 WM, laminated stock, high gloss 24" blued barrel, leupold 1 piece base and rings, trigger already worked down to 2.5#, excellent condition for $425. I couldn't pass it up. It will be a nice lightweight carry rifle or backup compared to my 13lb, 30" bbl'ed, 338 EDGE. I put a Leupold vari x III, 2.5-8x36 on top. Be a nice rifle for the thicker stuff where my 30" bbl EDGE and a low end of 6.5x magnification just doesn't cut it for when you jump things.

I wanted to shoot the 200g NBT, but since they dont make em anymore, that plans out the window... I dont want to shoot the CT version since it is lubalox coated. Dont wanna tumble them either to get it off, more hassle and waste of money then its worth. Why did they discontinue this bullet anyways?? Its about the perfect bullet in my opinion if one wants a good all around bullet in 338-06 and 338 WM size cases... Its heavy enough to work and drive deep on elk and black bear, yet still light enough constructed to expand at LR where impact velocity has dropped off. Not to mention NBT's have always been amazingly accurate for me over the years in every rifle I've shot them in, with a decent BC, and not to expensive.

Anyways, elk season is in 3 weeks and I needed to find a quick load and get her sighted in. I had a few various 338 bullets on the shelf, 225g AB 2nds, 250g NP's, and some 250g Sierra BT's. I figured I would shoot the 225g ABs since I didn't wanna shoot the 250g NP's and the 250g Sierras are for my EDGE right now. I have a few powders, but figured I'd work with H4350 since its one of the faster powders and is not temp sensitive. Loaded 3 each at 69.5, 70.5, and 71.5 at 3.450" in Federal nickel cases with Fed 215 primers. 71.5g shot the best at .9" for 2890fps, but was showing signs of pressure, obviously since these loads were jammed in the lands .010"!!! Might be why they did the 2 in and 1 out on 4 of the 6 loads tried. I decided to go with the 69.5g load which shot 1.5", but 2 were in the same hole, at 2830fps, no signs of pressure here. It was putting 2 touching or in the same hole on 4 of the 6 loads which leads me to believe it wants and can shoot the 225g AB, but I need to tinker with seating depth to get the 1/2 to 3/4 I want. However I'm not planning on sticking with this bullet so I"m not doing a bunch of load work up for it. 1-1.5" will work on elk out to 100 yards for now, which is as far as I'll be using this rifle on elk due to hunting on top in the trees and being able to see farther then 100 yards.

I did buy some 225g Hornady SP's that I plan to stick with. I'll start with H4350 around 69g and go up from there and see what happens. Its not exactly a bullet I'd usually use, but this is not a LR rifle so a .397 BC is good enough. Plus, there only going around 2800-2850fps so you dont need a premium or bonded bullet to get the job done. On top of that, my local bimart carries them for $30 per 100. I have heard and read by many that interlocks are an accurate bullet, so I have high expectations from this rifle/bullet combo.

I'll keep everyone posted on how things turn out, but right now, the 225g AB's at 2890fps I think will do the trick, even if there shooting 1-1.5 MOA. Which BTW is not acceptable to me, but given my time restraints and how the rifle will be used, it will be more then adequate. It needs to do consistent 1" or less to stay around my house for long with its pet load.

 

[DrMike]

the 225g AB's at 2890fps I think will do the trick

I should think that would work on about anything. That was a good buy for you. It's a great rifle and a great cartridge. It sounds like you got a real bargain. Congratulations.

 

[BK]

I always thought the 210 Partition would be my bullet of choice if I get a smaller cased (ie not a RUM or Weatherby). Any reason why you are not going to try it? (Not that I think any of your choice aren't fine choices.)

 

[jmad_81]

I have some RL-19 you can try if you want. I'll trade you for some H4350. RL-19 seems to shoot the best in my 338WM so far.

 

[FOTIS]

Congrats!

 

[SJB358]

Congrats on the 338WM. I love mine alot and it is like a kid compared to your Edge. Although, I can't see anything walking away from an AccuBond at 2800+. Good luck with your load work. One thing to keep in mind is the 200gr BST's are uncoated as they come from Nosler SPS. Might be a way to get them and not worry about the Lubalox coating. Sounds like a good shooter, since you have put a minimum of load work and already had some pretty good starting points! I also shot some of the 225gr Hornady SST's and they are pretty good shooting bullets, I was able to get 2890 and !" groups out of them with RL19. Scotty

 

[JD338]

Remmy,

Congratulations on the 338 WM.
You can get the CT 200 gr BT as seconds without the Lubalox coating from Shooters Pro Shop.
You could also go with the 200 gr AB, its a bonded core version of the BST.

The 210 gr PT is the classic elk bullet and penetrates way more than it should. No problem punching through both shoulders of an elk. BC is .400 so it will work well for you out of the 338 WM. You should be able to get 2900-3000 fps with RL 19 or IMR 4350.

JD338

 

[remingtonman_25_06]

I'll get some pics up here once I get some fresh batteries in my camera and find my usb cord...Its really not a bad looking rifle. Love those nice Rem 700 BDL's

Reason I dont shoot Partitions is becasue they are expensive and I dont need that kind of penetration for 90% of my shots. I hunt open terrain and rarely do I shoot a deer or elk inside 200 yards. I just dont feel the need for them is all. As much as I like to shoot, I like NBT's, SST's, and AMAXs myself. There cheap, accurate, have high BC's, and just plain work better at long range. The NBT is my favorite bullet by far, which is why im dissappointed that they dont make the regular 200g NBT, even a 225g NBT or 250g NBT would be awesome IMO. If they can make an AB in those weights, why not a ballistic tip?? I understand why is because everyone thinks you need bonded bullets to kill elk and bears these days, so theres more of a market for majority of people who dont shoot past 200-300 yards. Oh well. I'll definately keep an eye open for those 200g CT 2nds though, that is the #1 bullet I wanted to shoot first.

Think I"m gonna take Jake up on that offer and trade some H4350 for some RL19. Need to get some Winchester cases and some dies, I"m borrowing Jmads for now

Figured I'll shoot it the way it is for a few years, but I've been having this itch for some time now to build me a LR deer zapping 28" 7 STW shooting 162g AMAXs... For $425 tho, I think I got a decent deal :lol:

 

[jmad_81]

Going to be doing some load work on the 280 AI this weekend if you wanna shoot. We can bust some ditch chickens as well.

 

[remingtonman_25_06]

Sounds like a plan. Ill call ya sometime tomorrow. Maybe we can look for a dog or two saturday morning before we shoot? Need to break this 338 in right :lol:

 

[SJB358]

That is a steal for a good 338WM buddy! I couldn't have passed it up either. I think once you tinker with the 338 some more, you are going to like it. I know you have the Edge already, but the 338WM is a good one for packing and out to 500 (or probably further in your paws) it is a very reliable and hard hitting round. I am always scouring SPS for 2nds so if I see them, I will let you know also.

I was able to get some 180gr BT's for the 338, planned on giving them a try for my wife. I figured the recoil would be a little lighter and offer her more range and power than her little 308 offers. They are some cool little bullets. Scotty