338 Lapua Improved searching for pressure signs

[Loudenboomer]

I'm shooting a 300 gr Berger, WC 860 and Fed 215 primers in a straight .338 lapua about 100 to 150 fps slower than the Improved.
Same rule applies .002 case head expansion is max load.

 

[seidersjoden]

I shoot the 40 degree Ackley Improved version and I fully understand what you are saying. - I've run Alliant RL-33 up to 106.2 gr. with the same type of results you are speaking of. - Bottom line, IF your going to "push it" then your brass life will suffer, even if your shooting Lapua, Peterson or ADG brass. - 3 stout 106 grain loads and primer pockets have loosened up a whole bunch which indicates that pressure has reached 1.25 times the CIP rating (so +75 Kpsi). - Micrometer readings of the case head will revile signs of pressure probably better than about any other method IMO. - What I did was settle on an "accuracy node" that is compatible with decent case life for each of the 3 rifles that I'm shooting in this caliber. - In your case, I'd determine if 3040 or 3075 fps produces the best accuracy and go with it unless you want to burn through brass. - You can take a few pieces and run a "stress-test" and see how the life expectancy is.
- I see in the photo your using the BBS 15 (Lapua) - Have you tried with any other manufacturer ?

- Ron -

Hey Ron, sounds like you know your thing with the Lapula improved. I’m getting 2950 ft./s out of a 24 inch Bartlein Barrel shooting 300g OTMs with 105 grains of RL 33. However, I’m trying to switch to solids (hunting in California no negative comments please), I’ve tested the cutting edge lasers and MTHs around the 250-275grain size and I cannot seem for the life for me to find a good consistent node. I’ve switched to hammer hunters and I think I’m narrowing it down with their 246g bullet. Using 107.2of RL 33 resulting in a slight heavy bolt lift. Any recommendations for load development with copper bullets in general?

107.2:
3095, 3095, 3110. Max 3110 MIN 3095 average 3100 SD 8.6 ES 15

 

[LA50SHOOTER]

Hey Ron, sounds like you know your thing with the Lapula improved. I’m getting 2950 ft./s out of a 24 inch Bartlein Barrel shooting 300g OTMs with 105 grains of RL 33. However, I’m trying to switch to solids (hunting in California no negative comments please), I’ve tested the cutting edge lasers and MTHs around the 250-275grain size and I cannot seem for the life for me to find a good consistent node. I’ve switched to hammer hunters and I think I’m narrowing it down with their 246g bullet. Using 107.2of RL 33 resulting in a slight heavy bolt lift. Any recommendations for load development with copper bullets in general?

107.2:
3095, 3095, 3110. Max 3110 MIN 3095 average 3100 SD 8.6 ES 15

I have not tried any .338 cal. solids so I'm no help there. - But in other calibers (416 Barrett & 50 BMG & BMG Imp.) a solid needs to be treated on a separate basis from a loading standpoint from my experience and I believe it would hold true in most any caliber. - I've found both UNC3600 bronze and the copper solid bullets to be picky about powder charge to get accuracy in comparison to lead core jacketed bullets. As well some barrels will shoot solids better than others and I've not figured out what it is that the solid bullet likes (as far as groove configuration, number of grooves & bore size).
I do know this much about using them, you'll find a velocity window where they'll produce the best accuracy & from there what I do is "tune" the amount of jump to try to get the best results. - So, tune the powder charge & be willing to accept that the higher / highest velocity isn't going to be the most accurate, then tune jump & neck tension there after is the best advice I can provide.

 

[seidersjoden]

I have not tried any .338 cal. solids so I'm no help there. - But in other calibers (416 Barrett & 50 BMG & BMG Imp.) a solid needs to be treated on a separate basis from a loading standpoint from my experience and I believe it would hold true in most any caliber. - I've found both UNC3600 bronze and the copper solid bullets to be picky about powder charge to get accuracy in comparison to lead core jacketed bullets. As well some barrels will shoot solids better than others and I've not figured out what it is that the solid bullet likes (as far as groove configuration, number of grooves & bore size).
I do know this much about using them, you'll find a velocity window where they'll produce the best accuracy & from there what I do is "tune" the amount of jump to try to get the best results. - So, tune the powder charge & be willing to accept that the higher / highest velocity isn't going to be the most accurate, then tune jump & neck tension there after is the best advice I can provide.

I appreciate it, thanks Ron

 

[Sgt. Brumbaugh]

I have not tried any .338 cal. solids so I'm no help there. - But in other calibers (416 Barrett & 50 BMG & BMG Imp.) a solid needs to be treated on a separate basis from a loading standpoint from my experience and I believe it would hold true in most any caliber. - I've found both UNC3600 bronze and the copper solid bullets to be picky about powder charge to get accuracy in comparison to lead core jacketed bullets. As well some barrels will shoot solids better than others and I've not figured out what it is that the solid bullet likes (as far as groove configuration, number of grooves & bore size).
I do know this much about using them, you'll find a velocity window where they'll produce the best accuracy & from there what I do is "tune" the amount of jump to try to get the best results. - So, tune the powder charge & be willing to accept that the higher / highest velocity isn't going to be the most accurate, then tune jump & neck tension there after is the best advice I can provide.

Ron, digging up this old post, just wondering if you still prefer load / powder data from 2019? Primer you prefer for RE33?

Thanks,
John

 

[LA50SHOOTER]

Ron, digging up this old post, just wondering if you still prefer load / powder data from 2019? Primer you prefer for RE33?

Thanks,
John

John,

I ran the Federal 215 M magnum match primers pretty much all the time. - I was lucky to get some before the cost jumps and shortages occurred.

I’m out of the shooting sports for the time being as I live abroad in the Philippines now.

During the 2020 - 2024 time frame I ended up with severe back problems and the political climate in the U.S. convinced me that I needed a change in life, so I’m an expat living abroad and in retirement.

I can express my most sincere gratitude to all who helped me in my time in the sport and also for a change in America in 2025.

I don’t spend a whole lot of time on the forum anymore, but I received a P.M. so I logged on and figured I spend a few minutes on here and catch up.

All The Best to You and ALL the guys out there.

Respectfully, Ron

 

[moondog]

Best wishes Ron! You helped me a ton with mine, all solid advice too.

 

[MagnumW]

Appreciated all the Lab50 info Ron gave over the years. The LapuaAi shooting 300 gr Bergers or Smk is truly dialed in tho it comes in many flavors. I’ve gone the Lapua - LapuaAI borerider route and finally came to the ultimate for hunting - Defensive Edge’s 338 Terminator. A 338 Lapua Inproved easily pushing 300 gr at 3000 fps from 27” barrel with great accuracy and single digit sd. And comes with dies and preformed brass available. Work up to 105.8 gr n570 should get you there.