338 Norma Mag Information wanted

[odie]

I am kicking around building one based on a Defiance Deviant tactical in a Rem walnut 40x Stock I modified to a LA ,with a 1 / 10 t HV profile barrle threaded for a can.

My questions are; What kind of accuracy to expect with bullets from 250 to 300 GRAIN? How stiff of recoil? Load data and velocity? It will primary be used to shoot steel at extended distance.
I am not really interested in 338 Lapua, RUM or the 338-378,
Thanks

 

[dkhunt14]

Brass isn't the best. I would build an Edge. More velocity, cheaper brass, good accuracy, and lots of info. Matt

 

[Drop Port]

Generally agree with dk but this time I'll throw in my personal experience after 6 years and 2 builds. Brass is better than most but not as good as Lapua. Accuracy is outstanding with 300 SMK's and easy to tune. Most accuracy loads run 2750 to 2800fps. It has grown on me and I personally believe it is the best cartridge within the velocity range.

This will piss off some but what the hell, its a 338 Lapua with its flaws removed, body taper taken out and bullet seated out where it belongs. If you want more do a Lapua improved, another well designed cartridge.

 

[338 Mollett]

It is 100 fps slower with 250 and 300g bullets than a 338 lapua.But a more repeatable cartridge for accuracy.N 165 worked the best for me in that case.Good Luck!

 

[Jr solocam]

With the 300's, which powder do you recommend starting out with? I have plenty of H1000, N217, Retumbo and Magnum. Thanks, first post here...

 

[338 Mollett]

N 165 shot best with the 250,s H 1000 ,Retumbo shot better with 300's.This testing was done before re 33 came out,I have had good luck with that powder in my case using both bullets so don't count it out.

 

[Drop Port]

With the 300's, which powder do you recommend starting out with? I have plenty of H1000, N217, Retumbo and Magnum. Thanks, first post here...

H-1000 is a little on the fast side and wont produce top FPS but generally produces very accurate loads.

RSM is the powder used during cartridge development so you cant go wrong with it. Expect high 2700's to low 2800's with it.

Retumbo will work also

Most likely it will shoot anything you feed it.

 

[Jr solocam]

H-1000 is a little on the fast side and wont produce top FPS but generally produces very accurate loads.

RSM is the powder used during cartridge development so you cant go wrong with it. Expect high 2700's to low 2800's with it.

Retumbo will work also

Most likely it will shoot anything you feed it.

Thanks for your input. I have a defiance/ Bartlien / McMillan on the way. Nice to hear from guys who have been there done that......

 

[Kurz]

Here is my 338 Norma Mag test rifle:

I built this a couple of years ago to test the variables for this cartridge and bullet combinations. I can suggest that some of us will not agree with some findings due to the number and quality of the variables. In essence, some barrels are faster, some are slower. Some lots of powder produce better velocity than previous lots due to the inconsistency of the manufacturing process. Some of us as shooters have good days, better days or horrible days so it's hard to assess quality and accuracy when we can be the worst of the variables. Age and quality of the throat can have good or bad influence on the information gained during shooting.

When testing more than one powder or bullet, the barrel gets cleaned before testing the next variable. It is fouled with a 5-shot slow fire 'group' before proceeding with the tests. While this might appear to be overdone, it goes to a certain degree of attempting to eliminate crossover data.

The lot of H-1000 that I load currently is superb with this cartridge and both of the bullets suggested, the 300 grain and the 250 grain VLDs. It is not too fast but essentially perfect for the loads in my rifle. I have also had good results from VVN-570 and Retumbo for the 300 grain bullets. The 250 grain need a slightly faster powder in my rifle. My results suggest that Re-25, IMR-7828 and Ramshot Magnum are the best of the powders I have had the chance to test.

I understand that we won't all agree so this is simply an attempt at fair and balanced reporting...

Have a Safe and Wonderful New Year!