I've been reloading for 25+ years with excellent success. Nearly every rifle has shown dramatic improvements in accuracy, and usually, velocity. Not so with my 340wby. I've tried dozens of different powder and bullet combinations and I can't match the accuracy and velocity of 210 factory loads (fortunately these shoot into 1/2 m.o.a. with good velocity 3240 fps). What gives? I've been able to get 11/2" accuracy, but not with velocity, or if the velocity bumps up, groups extend to 2" plus. I've tried 6 or 7 different powers, all at different weights, with the following bullets: 210, 225 and 250 partitions, 200 ballistic tips, 200 barnes X, and sierra 250s. To compare pressures with the factory ammo, I've been measuring case expansion (as with most weatherby factory ammo, all factory ammo leaves a modest ejector mark on the brass in this rifle). Given the free bore, what else can be done? Has anyone found a benefit in these high intensity cases using a taper crimp of some kind? The above results have been with new factory brass, fully resized brass, and partially-ie neck sized brass. I have not seen a difference with any of these different case preparation methods. Given how well the rifle shoots factory fodder, its got to be in the load preparation. Please advise!

If you want to match Weatherby's ballistics use Norma powders, go to www.norma.cc for data, and www.grafs.com for powder.

I own a Weatherby Mark V Sporter (made in Japan) 26" barrel .340 Wby. Mag. If I do my part, I obtain .408" @ 100 yds. three shot group. Velocity: 3062 f/s, Energy: 5204 ft/lb.

I use a .300 Wby. Mag. R-P brass necked up to .340 Wby. Mag.; cases are trimmed, primer hole deburred, primer pockets uniformed, and Fed. 215 Magnum Rifle Bench Rest Primers.

I use .338 cal. 250 gr. Barnes XFB.

I use 89.0 grs. of Norma MRP. The Min. 86.1 grs. @ 2821 f/s, Max. 90.0 grs. @ 2986 f/s. (I know I don't have to tell you this, but be sure to start at Min. load).

I seat the bullet just enough so it will fit the magazine.

Good luck.

Handloader 1

Thanks for the info. It's nice to see a company post recipies. I will give the MRP a try--I've tried everything else. Do you know of any site where Norma gives other loading info? I know they manufacture weatherby's loadings that are not identified. I'm particularly interested in 225g loadings. The Norma site suggests they are going to publish a reloading manual in 2/2004--I'm sure I will add that two my collection of reloading manuals. Thanks

I have seen data in some reloading manuals, but the most comprehensive data is through the Norma site. www.grafs.com has loading booklets for Norma powders. Good luck.

Elkaddict have you tried IMR7828 powder??