250 gr Swift A-Frame loads for 338 Lapua needed

[effendude]

I am going on a coastal grizzly hunt this fall and want to use my Sako 995 in 338 Lapua. I picked up a box of 250gr Swift A-Frames and can't find a Swift manual. I found some info on the Vihtavouri site for the bullet and I could cross reference those powders against Hodgdon but if anyone has some experience I'd sure appreciate it.
Thanks,
Scott

 

[KevinThomas]

I am going on a coastal grizzly hunt this fall and want to use my Sako 995 in 338 Lapua. I picked up a box of 250gr Swift A-Frames and can't find a Swift manual. I found some info on the Vihtavouri site for the bullet and I could cross reference those powders against Hodgdon but if anyone has some experience I'd sure appreciate it.
Thanks,
Scott

Hey Scott, what powder are you looking to use? I have the Swift manual here in front of me, and they're showing H1000, H4831, RL22, RL 25, IMR4831 and IMR 7828 with their 250 A-Frame. Looks like RL25 gave the best velocity, but no mention on an accuracy loading is given.

 

[centerlineseal]

With 250 grain SMKs and 87.0 grains of IMR7828 over Federal 215M primers, we got less than 1/2 moa @ 300 yds at 2,790 fps in a Sako TRG42. FWIW

 

[effendude]

Hey Scott, what powder are you looking to use? I have the Swift manual here in front of me, and they're showing H1000, H4831, RL22, RL 25, IMR4831 and IMR 7828 with their 250 A-Frame. Looks like RL25 gave the best velocity, but no mention on an accuracy loading is given.

I'd like to use a Hodgdon extreme powder if possible. I have H100 and H4831SC on the shelf
Scott

 

[KevinThomas]

With the 250 A-Frame, they show H1000 starting at 81.8 gr, and going up to a max of 88.0 gr for 2,700 fps. The list H4831 (standard, not SC) as starting at 75.8 gr, and going up to 81.5 grains at the top. That one shows a bit over 2,700 fps. Both of these show loading density to be a bit low, at around 80% or so. Personally, I'd want to look at some slower powders if you've got the time.

From page 323 of their Reloading Manual Number Two.

Hope that helps!

 

[wboggs]

With the 250 A-Frame, they show H1000 starting at 81.8 gr, and going up to a max of 88.0 gr for 2,700 fps. The list H4831 (standard, not SC) as starting at 75.8 gr, and going up to 81.5 grains at the top. That one shows a bit over 2,700 fps. Both of these show loading density to be a bit low, at around 80% or so. Personally, I'd want to look at some slower powders if you've got the time.

From page 323 of their Reloading Manual Number Two.

Hope that helps!

A 250 out of a Lapua at 2700-2800 looks little better than the .338 win. You are going to have to develop the load yourself.

 

[effendude]

Thanks for the help guys. I like the Swift design and wish they would be more open with their load data. My lgs doesn't have a Swift manual or I would have bought one. I did find some info for the bullet on the Vihtavouri site and comparing burn rates to Hodgdon powders, loaded up (6) from 89 to 93 gr of Retumbo. No signs of pressure. I also did (6) rounds with the Barnes 265 gr LRX bullet at 84-89 grains. Both shot well, considering it is a light rifle that kicks. Honest 1-1.25 MOA off bags. Plenty good for a coastal grizzly at 200 yards or less. I'll keep you posted.
Thanks,
Scott

 

[germanlongbow]

Retumbo 95 grains in mine works well with Warner Flat line 255 gr bullets. Sub 1/4 moa.
Can push it to 96.9 with similar accuracy but minor pressure issues. Scott

 

[effendude]

My other 338 Lapua loves the 300 Berger with 99 gr of RL-33. This rifle has a 1-12" barrel so I am limited to shorter bullets. Actually surprised the long Barnes shot so well. I'll chrono and test further.
Scott

 

[wboggs]

Thanks for the help guys. I like the Swift design and wish they would be more open with their load data. My lgs doesn't have a Swift manual or I would have bought one. I did find some info for the bullet on the Vihtavouri site and comparing burn rates to Hodgdon powders, loaded up (6) from 89 to 93 gr of Retumbo. No signs of pressure. I also did (6) rounds with the Barnes 265 gr LRX bullet at 84-89 grains. Both shot well, considering it is a light rifle that kicks. Honest 1-1.25 MOA off bags. Plenty good for a coastal grizzly at 200 yards or less. I'll keep you posted.
Thanks,
Scott

Make a well placed shot at 200 or less and there will be no problem at all. Combo will be deadly.