338 Edge Reloading advice

[jdscada]

Hello everyone, hope all is well. We are fixing to start reloading for a new setup in a 338 Edge. We currently have brass in 300 RUM that we can expand to 338 to make it work, but do you all suggest that we use the Redding 338 Edge die set, or is it a better option to use a 338 RUM die for seating bullets and use 300 RUM die set to full length and just neck size using K&M neck expanding mandrel in 338? Should we neck turn, or wait to see preliminary results of first shots? Any advice is appreciated, and if you have some favorite loads, please share.

 

[DennisH]

I take 300 rum brass and expand the neck to 338. I have a die set from Shawn Carlock. After sizing the neck with a 338 sizing mandrel, I FL size the brass, clean, load, then go shooting.

I highly recommend using the 338 K&M neck expanding mandrel lubed with sizing wax first. I have never lost any brass while sizing.

 

[sparky123321]

I recommend and use the Whidden .338 Edge dies. However, to expand the necks I use a Hornady bullet puller with a Berger .338 VLD bullet in the collet upside down with a little Imperial Sizing Wax. Just raise the case in your press and allow the tapered bullet to expand the neck for you. No more crushed shoulders ever. Can't take credit for the method though. A member here passed it along to me years ago. Anytime I expand or reduce neck diameters I feel it's best to turn the necks slightly for consistency.

My brother and I both built and enjoy or Edges. I've owned and built several .338 Lapua over the years, including high end builds with custom actions/barrels and the Edge is more accurate and easier to reload. It seems to be a very forgiving round to reload. Initially I got into the Edge almost as a joke. Always thought of it as the poor mans Lapua. Just want to see how cheaply I could put together a highly accurate long range rifle. It's been a while now, but I know I was well under $1,000 when all was said and down not counting optics. I don't have my load data in front of me right now, but could dig it up later if you need it. I load heavy bullets though. A lot of Edge shooters out there prefer the lighter bullets screaming along a extremely high velocities.

 

[scope eye]

The low buck but effective approach is, 338 Rum for the neck and a gutted 375 Rum for full length sizing, that is what I use and have used for several years now for me as well as others I load for.

Dean

 

[jdscada]

Thanks for information guys, really appreciated.

 

[mtang45]

I have two 338 Edges, one with a 10 twist Rock Creek barrel and the other with a 9.5 twist Bartlein. I use the Shawn Carlock dies for body re-sizing and seating and a mandrel for neck sizing. The 10 twist is not quite enough to stabilize the 300 grainers but does a great job on the 250's. The 9.5 twist on the other hand does great with the 300 gr projectiles. Loads for both are:

300 gr Berger OTM seated .120 off
85.0 gr RL-25
Nosler Brass
Fed GMM Magnum primers
Velocity 2773 fps

250 gr Berger OTM seated .080 off
90.0 gr RL-22
Remington brass
Fed GMM Magnum primers
Velocity 3020 fps

Good luck and I'm sure you will enjoy your Edge as much as I do mine!

 

[jdscada]

Thanks for all the information, great stuff