I'm new to reloading so i'm looking for some different opinions. First of all i'm shooting .338 win. mag, Ruger 77 MII in stainless. I had a quality muzzle brake installed as well a Boyds laminated stock. The barrel was free floated and the action was bedded. I also had a Simms recoil pad installed along with a timney trigger set to 3#. I started with 200 gr. nosler ct ballistic tips (moly coated) and imr 4350 powder. This gun was shooting a terrible group(flinging everywhere). I switch to 225gr accubonds and immediately seen my groups tighten to around 3"-4", nothing to get excited about but much better than before. i then switched to imr 4831 and saw a little better improvement(2"-3" groups). I then tried R19 w/ the 225gr Accubonds and shot a 1 1 /8" group. I have not had a chance to try to repeat this set up but i'm hoping it wasn't a fluke. I'm using a sandbag to shoot all of the rounds(the type that is about 14" long and the gun sits in a "v"). anyone have a recipe that they have found for this caliber? I know every gun is different but i was just trying to get an idea if i'm in the right ball park. Anyone else have trouble with a lighter bullet in this large caliber?
Location: NW Ohio , 5 min from Ottawa National / Magee Marsh
Posts: 2,049
RE: .338 win. mag help
I sold my 338 years ago but a lead shot 1/2 - 2/3 full and sewed shut can be put between the pad and your shoulder ( no shot between pad and shoulder) to help with the reciol / flintch ,this will "add"10-15 lb to the gun during group testing and I have found no inpact shift with out it . I sold my 338 due to a flinch.
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Flinch doesn't seem to be a problem due to the muzzle brake, better designed stock and good recoil pad. Recoil is no worse than my .300 win mag now. Thanks for the info!!!
Location: NW Ohio , 5 min from Ottawa National / Magee Marsh
Posts: 2,049
RE: .338 win. mag help
The flinch may not allwas be from recoil ,alot of muzzel brakes are loud that can cause a flinch also .I use plugs and electronic muffs . I looked it up I shot Fed cases with 69.0 gr H4350 Hornady 250gr dullet Fed 215 primer and got 1.25" groups.
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Try some good old 225 gr. Hornady Interlock bullets they will run you about $21.00 for 100. Use RL-19 since it's giving you the best accuracy. Good luck.
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Thanks for the input. I do shoot with good ear protection and the brake doesn't seem too loud to me(the guys beside ma beg to differ) so i believe i just need to keep trying different loads. Thanks again....
Like i said, i'm new to reloading and i have been using the current Nosler manual. 78 grains seems relatively high compared to data in the manual. Any adverse effects? Just asking because i'm trying to be a sponge..........
hi, allcamo
here is a load that gives me 3/4 inch groups at 100 meters in my tikka new generation m65 338 cal.
74 grains imr 4350
225 grs nosler partition
federal large rifle primers
i notice your are shooting a non premium bullet, i use to do that until i had blow up on animals as small as a mule deer. imo the 338 cal is one of the best all around calibre, but the foot pounds impact is to much for standard bullets
I have shot this load in my 338 for about two years now. I have some brass that I have reloaded four or five times so far. Still show no signs of pressure stress.
If you think that it is to hot. Drop it down 1 or two grains and start from there. It took me about three weeks of working with different grain weights to get my rifle load to where I liked it. But I am satisfied with it.
I am now working on loads for my 338 Rum. Trying different bullets and powders. Haveing a whole lot of fun doing it too.
.338 win. mag help
