338 bullets for ELR

[86alaskan]

So, getting the bug for ELR. I'm going to be loading for my 338RUM. I currently load the 300GR SMK to 2850fps and the thing shoots great. I have been wanting to go to a higher BC bullet to try and cheat the wind and drop a little at ELR ranges. I've been looking between the 300gr Berger OTM Tactical and the 285gr ELD-M. BC's are very similar, so am I going to see any real difference between the 2? Can I get enough more speed from the 285 to make it pull ahead of the Berger? I plan on practicing the most with the SMK's as I have a bunch and they're cheap, then shoot comps and stuff with bergers or ELD's

Rifle is setup with a 28" 9.3 twist benchmark with 5port beast brake, ADG 338RUM brass, 215m primers, IMR8133 powder and I'm getting a stable 2850fps through the first 30rds. Still working on loads.

 

[dkhunt14]

Maybe try RE33. It seems everything we put it in ran around 100 FPS more. Matt

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Practice with one bullet then shoot competition with another???

 

[DaveTooley]

Both are good bullets. Shoot the one that's the most accurate. Using two different bullets will cause a learning disability. Nothing wrong with sticking with the SMK.

 

[6MT]

Really, the tried and true 300gr SMK is my choice. With Retumbo, 93.6 gr, out of a 1:10" 26" barrel, with average of 2810fps (ES=8 & SD=9). Transonic transition at around 1900 metres is pretty decent. And wind bucking weight.

I'll be looking at 2600 yards this coming season with this set-up. Beyond that, I up the caliber.

IMHO

Edit: sorry, mine's a .338LM

 

[simo hayha]

Stick with smk and rl33

 

[Zero333]

2,850 fps is a decent speed.

If you're happy with the accuracy, then just stick with the ImprovedMilitaryRifle 8133 powder.

If you think you should be getting better accuracy but can't get the IMR-8133 to deliver, don't hesitate switching to RL-33.

 

[Mr.Knowit all]

I know that we are all "BC blind" but Craig Harrison made those shots (>2400 meters)with a 250 gr. Lapua lock-base. It has like a .600 BC which is NOT the best but it transitions into subsonic very well. The shorter bullet has a very stable fight so issues in transonic are minimal. Maybe Berger's 250 gr. MAY be better? Flies faster and weighs less so drop MAY be less than the heavier ones, depending on range. I know the 9.25 twist is the industry standard but it's a little slow IMO for the 300gr. Especially, if you will be shooting to or through transonic. JMO

 

[Tempest]

Ditto on RL33. I like compressed loads. I used 300g Berger and 100g RL33. Was pretty accurate to 2,000 yards at 2,800 FPS.