Vince's .338 Hand Loads

[Vince]

I was doing some more research on the bullet powder combination and found that the powder companies data puts my load at 2+ grains away from Max and that they use a longer COAL for that bullet than the bullet manufacturer. The Lyman manual puts me 1 grain below Max so I guess I'm in the ballpark.
The IMR data uses a COAL of 3.340, which is what I loaded for these rounds, but the Hornady manual says a COAL of 3.310.
I'm going to seat four of them deeper, 3.320, and four more at 3.330. That way I can run a real test and cover 3.340, 3.330, and 3.320 on the next outing seeing as how 3.310 has already been tested. I won't load longer than 3.340 as it has to fit the magazine box and I don't want any drama. :grin: I had enough drama this past deer season with that issue.
I'm in hopes I can get to the range Tuesday. If so I'll post a report/update.

Vince

 

[Oldtrader3]

Vince for most pedestrian hunting with the .338 WM, I used 210 and 225 gr Partition bullets and 70-71 grs of IMR 4350. The 250 grain Partition is a great bullet but I have found the typical cow or Spike bull elk does not need it and only weighs 250 to 350, not 700 pounds.

 

[Vince]

I'm thinking of loading the 250's and then working up a 200 grain load for the lighter stuff.
Lighter stuff is antelope, coyotes, and deer. Basically I'm looking for one rifle for all game until I can get a .270 Win or .270 WSM as a second rifle. This is the only left handed action I currently have so it has to do for anything and everything.

 

[Vince]

I'd like to take a moment and thank Scotty, SJB358, for sending me the Quickload information regarding my bullets and powder.
I'm continually amazed at the helpfulness and generosity of the members of this forum.

Vince

 

[SJB358]

Another thought is to load the 200 AB or 210 PT for everything Vince. It would shoot flat like a 300 magnum and penetrate like nobodies business.. Both of those bullets will get into the 3000FPS range pretty easily and are elk capable bullets.

 

[Hegland]

Vince -

I had pretty decent luck with the 180 AB at mid-level loads of IMR4350 & RL19, right at 3,000 fps, plenty accurate and mild recoil. I've since, however, caught on to the 210 PT at nearly the same speed. Ought to be a great all-arounder in that cartridge.

 

[Vince]

Yeah, the 210 PT sounds like a good one.
I've got a few 225 Grain PT's but I've always had good luck with getting the Hornady bullets to shoot and if the Hornady works well the PT will too. Makes for an easier load work up when I move to the PT's and the Hornady bullets are a little cheaper.

 

[Vince]

OK.
I was planning to hit the range today but it didn't materialize sadly. I have to delay going to the range for at least another week. When I do make it to the range I'll be sure to report back.

 

[JD338]

The 338 210 gr PT is an amazing bullet. With a BC of .400, it shoots pretty flat.
As for penetration, well it just seems to penetrate way more than it should. Exits are
the size of a qtr, maybe a little bigger. You should be able to get 3000 fps from your 338 Win Mag.
I ran this bullet at 3200 fps from a 338 RUM and it flattened everything with one shot, including elk, mule deer and black bear.

You can hunt everything from mice to moose with this one. Pick up some seconds when they are available and don't look back. Also, look for some 200 gr BST seconds or AB's for practice.

JD338

 

[SJB358]

The 338 210 gr PT is an amazing bullet. With a BC of .400, it shoots pretty flat.
As for penetration, well it just seems to penetrate way more than it should. Exits are
the size of a qtr, maybe a little bigger. You should be able to get 3000 fps from your 338 Win Mag.
I ran this bullet at 3200 fps from a 338 RUM and it flattened everything with one shot, including elk, mule deer and black bear.

You can hunt everything from mice to moose with this one. Pick up some seconds when they are available and don't look back. Also, look for some 200 gr BST seconds or AB's for practice.

JD338

Yeah, it took me a little while to get around to this bullet, but everything Jim says is true about it. Amazing bullet in the 338 Win Mag. The 200 AB is also another really great shooting bullet in my 338, probably a little better than the 210 PT's, but not enough to matter at my hunting ranges.

Penetration won't be a problem with either bullet. Both of them would easily handle elk, and I wouldn't have an issue hunting moose with them at all. 3000 is pretty easy with both.

 

[jmad_81]

While there are no flies on the 210 PT, my gun would not shoot them. The 200 ET on the other hand has been relatively easy to get to shoot. I have used RL-19 and got decent results, but it really came together with Ramshot Hunter. Getting and average velocity of 3010 fps and .75" or less groups.

I think you really like the 338 WM if you are fairly new to it. I have taken a few deer, several elk and a bear with mine. They work very well.

Good luck. If for some reason RL-19 or any of the 4350 powders don't work for you, I suggest giving Hunter a shot. It has been the most accurate in my rifle.

 

[Vince]

The big issue is finding powder.
IMR and Hodgdon are the most common around here. Since the reloading dearth I've been lucky to find what I've found and now that my primary source has dried up, out of business due to not being able to get supplies and restocked, it's even harder.

 

[Vince]

Being an avid shooter and reloader I'm anxious to test these loads on Tuesday.
Here it is 0 Dark:: 30 and it has consumed my thoughts.

 

[Vince]

OK, back to the drawing board as they say.

As a shotgun load I was patterning good but not for a rifle load. Going back to 3.310" and try bumping them 0.005".