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powder for 338 Lapua

I have a friend who just got a new toy and wants (me) to start loading for it since loaded ammo is $100.00 + a box. The powders I WANT , of course, are harder to find than fairy dust. If we limit ourselves to 250 grain bullets, could we get N160/N560 to work? (which one). That is the slowest I can find. The next slowest powder I can find is RL 50 which I am guessing is too slow even for the 300's. I checked a few of the online manuals and neither powder is listed.

For now he will just be plinking...and when powders become more available we can start over again with something better suited.

Thanks,
Tod
 
Have a look at Viht's (fairly) new N565. It was designed specifically for the 338LM and 250gn bullets.

Given Vihtavuori Oy and Lapua Oy are divisions of the Nammo group (as are Berger Bullets and Capstone Precision in the US), I'd imagine this is what powers Lapua's factory 338 LM and most likely Capstone's Berger brand of same.
 
Looking at Sierra’s reloading app, both the powders you asked about are listed for the 250 SMK for 338 LM. They show N160 topping out about 2780 ft/s, or you can push it up to about 2900 fps with the N560. A few pounds won’t last you long, but I’m still seeing a few pounds of H4831 and US869 in a few local stores, including yesterday, and either one of those could work if you can find them. The problem with the US869 is that it takes more than 100 grains per round for the 250 SMKs.
 
Have a look at Viht's (fairly) new N565. It was designed specifically for the 338LM and 250gn bullets.

Given Vihtavuori Oy and Lapua Oy are divisions of the Nammo group (as are Berger Bullets and Capstone Precision in the US), I'd imagine this is what powers Lapua's factory 338 LM and most likely Capstone's Berger brand of same.
Can't find any 165/565.....160/560 is slowest i could find. it's probably out there....maybe at a mom and pop store.
 
IMR 7977 with 250s

Or, go with 230s for now and load with 4831 or better yet, RL19. You won’t be disappointed.
 
I have a friend who just got a new toy and wants (me) to start loading for it since loaded ammo is $100.00 + a box. The powders I WANT , of course, are harder to find than fairy dust. If we limit ourselves to 250 grain bullets, could we get N160/N560 to work? (which one). That is the slowest I can find. The next slowest powder I can find is RL 50 which I am guessing is too slow even for the 300's. I checked a few of the online manuals and neither powder is listed.

For now he will just be plinking...and when powders become more available we can start over again with something better suited.

Thanks,
Tod
Of the couple choices you named I believe 560 would be your best bet
 
The powders are available, but many LGS's won't sell online, preferring to have customers come into the store. If you have a friend in Canada, they're well stocked but won't ship to USA. Again, this is where your circle of friends comes in handy. Call all the LGS's you can find within 200 miles and maybe you'll get lucky. A friend just did that and purchased it for in store pickup. It'll be a 12 hr drive one way but he's got nothing better to do and enjoys riding his Harley.

You might also post in the want ads for some powder. Those with plenty will sometimes part with a few pounds.

I"ve got just enough RL-33 and H1000 to carry me through spring. Hopefully I'll find more before the well runs dry. Oh.....then there's bullets and primers.....Crap!
 
RL33 I would be using it today but have many lbs of retumbo and us869 to use first (bought before RL33 existed. I was told by a friend when he switched to RL33 he got over 100fps faster and less pressure.
 
The powders are available, but many LGS's won't sell online, preferring to have customers come into the store. If you have a friend in Canada, they're well stocked but won't ship to USA. Again, this is where your circle of friends comes in handy. Call all the LGS's you can find within 200 miles and maybe you'll get lucky. A friend just did that and purchased it for in store pickup. It'll be a 12 hr drive one way but he's got nothing better to do and enjoys riding his Harley.

You might also post in the want ads for some powder. Those with plenty will sometimes part with a few pounds.

I"ve got just enough RL-33 and H1000 to carry me through spring. Hopefully I'll find more before the well runs dry. Oh.....then there's bullets and primers.....Crap!
Canada is a no go except for essential business. I cross for business all the time, but they say NO OTHER STOPS.
 

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