Here's the scoop. I'm looking for a good starting point with a 338 Win I just got. The powders I have are RL15, H4350 and H4831SC. I'd like to use 225 TTSX, but am seeing scattered report of people having good luck with 210 TTSX and RL15. RL19, comes up a lot in the 338 discussion, it's just that do not have any or see it one the shelf anywhere.

Have any of you found a good combo with the bullets/powder I've listed? I'm not trying to set records, just to get either to about factory specs at 2800. Either bullet has enough of everything at any distance i'll ever shoot so if going to 210 TTSXs will make one powder work I'd be happy to do that. Previous owner liked Rl22, but with 8lbs of powder in the safe, I was hoping to use what I had if I could find some reliable starting points.

Thanks.

I never used the 225 TTSX in my 338 as I remember. Actually used very few Barnes.

That said of your powder choices I would start and try in the reverse order you have them listed. 4831, 4350 then RL15.

I used 414 for most of my 338 loads.

H4350 should work just fine.
The label on my 1 lb. bottle shows 69.5g w/ a Horn 225g SP.
I 've loaded 70g of Imr 4350 w/ the Horn 225g in my 338 and it shot well.
Start lower, say 67.5g , and work up in 1/2 g increments.
The Nosler manual shows Imr 4350 at 71.5g max and 75g H4831 max for a 225g Partition.

Barnes Site list 61-67.5 for IMR 4350 for the 225 TSX.

Older IMR was just a touch faster than H4350 so you can use the IMR loads. I'm not even sure that they are still making both IMR & H now that Hodgdon owns IMR.

Have taken a couple dozen animals with the 225 grain TSX. Fabulous results. TTSX, the tipped version, I understand has a slightly different center of gravity and may need different reloading components to get consistent results. Sorry but haven't used TTSX. With the TSX, I had fair success with RL 19, but even better with Varget.

Using 215 gold match federal primers, with OAL of 3.325", I worked up to 62.0 grains of Varget. Chrono'd at 2686 - 2759 fps. 200 yard group of 1 1/4".

For RL19, I worked up to 74.0 grains, 2871 - 2880 fps. All in a 24" barrel, from Lilja barrels. Accuracy was just under 1" at 100 yards. same primers and OAL.

Winchester-Western cases, Sako Finnbear action.

Your loads may need to be different, but working up carefully and minding the pressure MAY allow you to duplicate my load.

The 225 TTSX's are the best shooting bullets I have ever tried in my old .338. My rifle is throated for an OAL of 3.6" with 250 Noslers. I am using a case full of Re22 and getting 2820 fps. Re22 may be too slow for a normally throated rifle. I am getting .8" groups at 100y.
C.G.B.

quote:

Originally posted by ramrod340:
I'm not even sure that they are still making both IMR & H now that Hodgdon owns IMR.

Scored a pound of H4350 in December.

Thanks for the replies. I've not seen to many rounds where so many different powders have been suggested. Interesting. I've also noticed people seem confident about going over book max with this round. Just an observation I've seen.

The more the merrier, and again, I do appreciate it. My local store opens tomorrow so i'll stop by. Seems most powders people like are ones I dont have!

FYIm this bullet to the lands is roght at 3.485 and the mag mox is 3.43~, so I can load it a bit longer than book. I've seen lots of people have geed luck though at the 3.31-36 range though.

I'm loading 69.5 grains of IMR 4350 with a 210 grain TTSX 2850 fps