30-338 Win Mag info?

[Cold Bore]

I recently picked up a Rem 40-X in 30-338 Win Mag.

Currently gathering components, mounting a scope, etc.

Does anybody have any good load info to start, or anything else of interest concerning this cartridge?

Thanks.

 

[Outrider27]

As you probably already know, no special forming dies are necessary - just neck down .338 Win Mag brass in the .30-338 die, or if you use a tapered expander, you can neck up 7mm Rem Mag brass. Sierra Bullets loading manuals, starting with the second edition (maybe before, I don't have a 1st edition) have load data for the .30-338. It seems to be at its best with 165-168gr bullets, though data is available for 110gr bullets on up. IMR-4350, IMR-4831, H4831, IMR-4064, IMR-4320 and H380 all work, with the first three usually having the potential for slightly higher velocities, though not much more than 100fps over the rest. In the accuracy department, ours showed a preference for H4831, 75.5-76.0 grains for a 150gr bullet and 70.1-70.6 grains for a 168gr. Matchking - as usual, start low and work up. Although loads are around for up to 220gr bullets, I never went there. Hodgdon's web site doesn't have any data for the .30-338, but I've always found that I could get into more than enough trouble without going beyond the Sierra manual.

Although it makes a fine hunting round, mostly the .30-338 seems to have made its reputation in the long range target arena, and from your brief description of the rifle you acquired, it sounds like yours may date from that era. At any rate, it definitely will be a fun project; I have yet to encounter a 40-X that won't shoot real well. Back in the days when the Army Marksmanship Unit shot the .30-338, they used 66.0 grains of IMR-4350 behind a 190gr. Matchking according to the Sierra manual. Enjoy your find!

Mike

 

[paperpuncher]

210 gr Berger VLD with H4831 shoots very well in my gun I have used this combo out to 1000yds it performs very well

 

[wyoming .260]

Berger load manual has data for the .308 norma magnum, same thing as a .30-338.

 

[SBS]

Used IMR 4350 with the 190 MK until RL19 came out and it is better in my rifle. Had no luck with the H4831 or RL22 powders. Barrel is an Obermeyer 1/10.

 

[dkhunt14]

My gun liked the 4350 over 4831. There wasn't a lot of difference but the 4350 shot better. I used it for a hunting gun and used 180 Ballistic tip. You can use data for 308 Norma Mag. The cases are almost identical. Matt

 

[Ggmac]

66 gr , 4350 ,190 gr Sierra match king fed match primer . Work up from min. Was safe and most accurate in my old 1000 yd rifle .

 

[Cold Bore]

Back in the days when the Army Marksmanship Unit shot the .30-338, they used 66.0 grains of IMR-4350 behind a 190gr. Matchking according to the Sierra manual.

Used IMR 4350 with the 190 MK

My gun liked the 4350 over 4831.

66 gr , 4350 ,190 gr Sierra match king fed match primer

I'm noticing a trend here.... 8)

I have an older gunsmith buddy (in his 70's now), and as soon as I mentioned getting this rifle, he immediately responded with the same... 66 grs of IMR 4350 pushing a 190 SMK.

Maybe there's something to it, huh?

 

[Cold Bore]

I have yet to encounter a 40-X that won't shoot real well.

Agreed.

This is my fourth 40-X, though the others are more "traditional", and much milder, chamberings (222 Rem, 6mm Rem, 7.62 NATO).

They all shoot great.

When I found this one, I just couldn't resist.

I used to shoot the 600, 800, 1000 yard stuff, and did it with 5.56 and 7.62 equipment. The thoughts of getting back into the fun of long range, with this rifle, was just too much to pass up! ;D

 

[rcerro]

I have a 308 norma. My best results with bullets 200gr & above has been with IMR7828 ssc.

 

[oldroper]

I have 2 30-338mags and use both for hunting.

I've own few Rem 40x's and who ever purchase that rifle new it included 2 5 shot test target and loading data used. Rem custom shop may have that information on that rifle

I've been shooting Berger 185gr VLD/H-4831sc hunting bullet in one of the 30-338mag.

 

[M14AMU]

66 gr , 4350 ,190 gr Sierra match king fed match primer . Work up from min. Was safe and most accurate in my old 1000 yd rifle .

I watched a guy shoot 44 consecutive Vs from 1000 yards once upon a time shooting that load!

 

[MrMajestic]

66 gr , 4350 ,190 gr Sierra match king fed match primer . Work up from min. Was safe and most accurate in my old 1000 yd rifle .

I watched a guy shoot 44 consecutive Vs from 1000 yards once upon a time shooting that load!

Holy Moley!

 

[Cold Bore]

66 gr , 4350 ,190 gr Sierra match king fed match primer . Work up from min. Was safe and most accurate in my old 1000 yd rifle .

I watched a guy shoot 44 consecutive Vs from 1000 yards once upon a time shooting that load!

I'd claim it was me, but I already blew that story by saying that I just recently bought this rifle, and haven't put a single round through it yet.

Man.... I coulda been one a dem internet heroes!

 

[Cold Bore]

On an upnote, a member here was able to spare a few pieces of brass at a good price, and I lucked into 20 more at a gun show this past weekend. Scoured the entire show (it was a good-sized one too), and was only able to find 20 pieces of 338 WM brass. Amazing....

Now to get to loading and try this thing out!

I appreciate the info from everybody!

 

[hogan]

Internet hero?
The man told you what he witnessed.
Think with a dialed-in round and non-changing conditions set it couldn't be done?
Recall reading about the 1000yd record in 99/00 of 3.6" 10rd group. Guy was shooting a .30/338 or .300win mag.

Hope you have fun with your new rifle, but no reason to be glib and insulting even if non-intentional.

66 gr , 4350 ,190 gr Sierra match king fed match primer . Work up from min. Was safe and most accurate in my old 1000 yd rifle .

I watched a guy shoot 44 consecutive Vs from 1000 yards once upon a time shooting that load!

I'd claim it was me, but I already blew that story by saying that I just recently bought this rifle, and haven't put a single round through it yet.

Man.... I coulda been one a dem internet heroes!

 

[Cold Bore]

I didn't deny what he saw, or that somebody did it.

I was making a tongue-in-cheek reference that I could've anonymously claimed that it was ME doing that shooting, but my cover was already blown.

Sorry if you missed that, or were offended.