The Accurate Reloading Forums
338 WM 180 Nosler handloads
10 February 2006, 22:13
6_5X57338 WM 180 Nosler handloads
Hello Sirs:
In the last hunting season, I have used extensively Federal ammunition loaded with 180 gr Nosler BT in my 338 WM, to hunt deers and boars (stalking and driving hunt). The result have been excellent (I have taken 3 deers and 6 boars, all with only one round and all in its tracks). I want to reload the bullet for future hunting seasons.
Has anybody experience with this bullet and this caliber? What are the recommended loads for this combination?
Ignacio Colomer
12 February 2006, 00:08
Bear in Fairbanks6_5x57:
Sorry, I don't use 180 gr. bullets in my .338 Mag. but from the Nosler 5th edition reloading manual -
Most accurate powder tested was Viht N150.
Charges were from 63.0 gr. to 67.0 gr. and the 67 gr. charge is listed as the most accurate.
They give 3002 fps for the 63 gr. charge and 3149 fps for the 67 gr. charge.
Maybe this will get you started.
Later, Bear in Fairbanks
Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes.
I never thought that I'd live to see a President worse than Jimmy Carter. Well, I have.
Gun control means using two hands.
12 February 2006, 00:25
ramrod340The load I had worked up for my 338wm and the 180s was 76 grs of H414. This is over Nosler's book so as they say work up to it. My rifle gave me the best accuracy at just below pressure limits.
As usual just my $.02
Paul K
12 February 2006, 03:35
ricciardelliPersonally I feel that the 180 grain bullet is a little light for the .338, but:
H-4350 From 69.0 grains to 76.0 grains
Remington 9-1/2M Primer
I was most impressed with the Sierra 300 grain bullet and RL-22 from 63.0 grains to 68.0 grains with a Remington 9-1/2M primer.
12 February 2006, 22:46
DUKIf you want to try out a reduced load, Vihta N110 gave me really superb groups with this light bullet. For the 200 grain version, Blue Dot was the best choice.
12 February 2006, 22:57
ramrod340quote:
Personally I feel that the 180 grain bullet is a little light for the .338
Steve for an all around bullet I agree 100%. For Texas whitetails and hogs it worked like a champ.
As usual just my $.02
Paul K
12 February 2006, 23:38
jjmp6_5x57, i think the 180''s a great bullet for what your doing, sad to say nosler droped that weight in their balistic-tip, hopefully you bought yourself a stash, but fear not nosler is bringing that same weight out in their accubond bullet, another poster mentioned vit -n150 powder i tried this powder in my 338 magnum also but with 200 grain balistic-tips their shoot into 5/8 at 100 yds and shot into minute of angle at 600 yards, vit- n150 is a great powder for this caliber as is imr 4350, and i would venture to say h-4350 would be great also, noslers reloading data has saved me manny reloading hours 4 sure.my 338 hosts a 26 inch #5 conture Douglas ss barrel screwed into a mark 10 mauser action,bell and carlson fiberglass stock, just rembered Ross /Seyfred, the gun writer recomends reloader 22 for the 338 magnum in 230 to250 grain bullets,i''m going to try it with lighter bullets ifin i ever get around to it, best of luck...jjmp
12 February 2006, 23:48
ricciardelliquote:
Originally posted by ramrod340:
quote:
Personally I feel that the 180 grain bullet is a little light for the .338
Steve for an all around bullet I agree 100%. For Texas whitetails and hogs it worked like a champ.
How does it work down along the border?

13 February 2006, 04:12
Slattsquote:
How does it work down along the border?
What do you mean by that?
13 February 2006, 06:30
6.5 SWEDE6_5x57 I use the 180 bt in my 338. wm. And I use 75 gr. of h 4350 with a federal primer.I like that load alot. try it ill bet you will to 6.5 SWEDE