I've been working up some loads for my 338 RUM, mostly been using the 250g Sierra SBT, but I've noticed that the soft point portion of these bullets are really inconsistant which can't be good for accuracy. I did find a couple loads that delivered acceptable accuracy, 94.5g's of H1000 printed 7/8's groups, 95g's printed 3/4" groups. I loaded up some bullets with Retumbo tonight that I will try next chance I get, so far I've tried the 225g Accubonds, and the 250g Sierra SBT's. Anyother bullet/powder combos that I should try? Would like to them to be as accurate as possible but still perform on big game.

You might try the 225 grain Accubonds with Reloder 25 powder.

The 338 RUM I worked up loads for shot three shot groups under a half inch with that combination.

The guy who owns it has shot a couple of elk with it and has been pleased with the performance.

quote:

Would like to them to be as accurate as possible but still perform on big game.

In all seriousness just about all 338 diameter bullets will perform on big game. There' are no varming bullets made in .338 that I know of.

When it comes to accuracy I have always used the Hornady interlocks and my .338 Win Mag has 50 rounds of those waiting for something to chase.

I've become a fan of the A-Frames and while I've not fired them in the .338 I'd certainly not hesitate to spend the $50 to try them out.

Don't bother experimenting with the Nosler BT in spite of what you've been told about them being stouter. I bought a box of 200gr for grins @ less than $10 for my .338 WM. I played with them till I got acceptable accuracy then lined up water jugs to trap a bullet. My .22 Mag with 40gr HP's outpenetrated the BT! What was left of it was nothing but fragments and the bottom of the jacket.

I bought some bulk packed 250gr Woodliegh PP's from Midway last year, and tested them as soon as I got them. I immediately went home to call for more and they were sold out. They are very accurate (clover leaf groups) in my rifle, and held together very well. I only bought two boxes of them and have kicked myself for not getting several more. I'll be watching for them to be on sale.

I've had pretty good results with several of the highly recommended bullets. Partitions, Barnes XLC's, and some standards. The Barnes Triple Shock is interesting but I haven't tried it yet myself. I'd give some Northforks a try if you are just itching to spend $$$ on "The Best". Nate

I'm using Hornady's 225 gr. SST's with very good accuracy. I've also got a pack of Barnes XLC's, but I don't think I'm going to use them. I think my next load will be with Hornady's 250 gr. interlock. I've heard very good things about the Swift A-frames and Woodleigh bullets.

mike

225 TSX has been good for me.

I tried TBBC (250), XLC (210), Nosler Accubond (225), Swift AF (250 and 275), Sierra (250) and Hornady (250. With the 250's Retumbo really shined, with the 225's I have had good results with H1000 and RL-25. With all of the different combinations I could never get better than .8"-- the TSX loads I have are about .5" ....

Killed an elk last fall at 500+ and whacked a little whitetail buck (texas heart shot and out the front shoulder) at about 60 yards....(its a long story...)

IV

Bearcat ---- I have shot all the bullets manufactured in this country with my .340 Wby, .338 Win and .338 Lapua. My barrels like the North Fork 225 and 240 grain bullet, next come the Barnes TSX, Swift A-Frame, Nosler Partitions, Barnes X and XLC. Good shooting.

my friends likes the retumbo. it shoots abot half inch or less. i never had a problem with 210 noslers from my 338 wm at about 3000 fps

Bearcat,

In my humble opinion, give the North Fork bullets a try.

(307) 436-2726 Mike Brady.

You can thank me later.

Cheers,

Sam

Do you guys FL resize the .338 brass or just neck size?I read in speer #13 about adjusting the die so it headspaces on the shoulder and not the belt? Does this mean neck size only?I've never reloaded a belted magnum before and any advice is appreciated!This is for a bolt action ruger rifle using win brass.

My experience has been that point deformation matters little on accuracy, while the base of the bullet is crucial.

quote:

Originally posted by RiflemanZ:
Do you guys FL resize the .338 brass or just neck size?I read in speer #13 about adjusting the die so it headspaces on the shoulder and not the belt? Does this mean neck size only?I've never reloaded a belted magnum before and any advice is appreciated!This is for a bolt action ruger rifle using win brass.

Headspacing on the shoulder means either neck sizing or Partial Full Length Resizing. In PFLR you move the shoulder just enough to relieve the crush fit but not enough for the shoulder to lose contact with the chamber.

My best load so far: Barnes 225 gr TSX with 75 gr RL19 at 2875 fps.

AS USUAL, WORK UP TO IT!