Fixing to start loading for a .338 W M. African plains game, Lion, & Elk. Gonna start with 250 gr Nosler Partitions (unless someone talks me out of it).

What powders do y'all consider good choices for the .338 W M with 250's???

I've used both H4831SC and Reloader 19 with good results in my 338s. I prefer the R19.

Russell420

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
Fixing to start loading for a .338 W M. African plains game, Lion, & Elk. Gonna start with 250 gr Nosler Partitions (unless someone talks me out of it).

What powders do y'all consider good choices for the .338 W M with 250's???

68-70g IMR4831, Fed 215 primer, 250g partition @2620 fps in my ruger MK-II. This my best accuracy load for .338WM also

After extensive load development in several 338's, I have come to the conclusion that no other powder delivers the same performance as RE19. It gives the highest velocities with the least pressure.

I have run a load of RE19 @ 73gr's with the 250gr Partition in several rifles, all with high but safe pressures, with no trouble. Velocity in a 26" barrel averages 2777fps, 24" barrel averages 2720fps. I always run magnum primers in this case, either Winchester or Federal work well.

quote:

Originally posted by 416RigbyHunter:
After extensive load development in several 338's, I have come to the conclusion that no other powder delivers the same performance as RE19. It gives the highest velocities with the least pressure.

I have run a load of RE19 @ 73gr's with the 250gr Partition in several rifles, all with high but safe pressures, with no trouble. Velocity in a 26" barrel averages 2777fps, 24" barrel averages 2720fps. I always run magnum primers in this case, either Winchester or Federal work well.

I wish my 338WM would have liked RL-19 but it simply would not shoot good with it. However, It does like RL-22 with 225 gr. bullets for about 2750fps.in a 24" tube. I have not tried 250 gr. and it might come around to RL-19 with those.

Whether you use a harder 225 gr bullet like a TSX or a softer one like the 250 gr Nosler or Woodleigh doesn't matter as long as the rifle shoots them well.

Not necessary to seek maximum velocity ... just quick and accurate.

As a fellow DVM, I won't steer you wrong.

I've been shooting and hunting with the .338 WM for several decades. During that time, I've used only two bullets, the Nosler Partitions in 210 and 250 grain. With the 250, I took a brown bear off Kodiak Island. My load uses Norma MRP for about 2675 fps. If you can't find MRP, IMR4831 and Re22 work well.

I really prefer the 210 gr bullet however. In Alaska, I've taken a moose, caribou, grizzly and black bear. In Arizona, I got an elk. All of the kills were boringly routine. My load uses the discontinued but excellent Hodgdon 205 for nearly 3000 fps. IMR4350 and Re19 would substitute well here.

The 210 gr bullet kicks noticeably less than the 250, but seems to kill just as well. Also, its higher velocity gives it a marginally better ranging ability for longish shots at plains game.

Dave

I've had excellent accuracy from mine with IMR 4350 and both the 210 and 225 partitions. I've never loaded the 250's myself, just no need for them here in AZ for elk. Both the 210's and the 225's have been very effective on elk for me. Each of 8 elk shot have been one shot drops in their tracks. I use Winchester brass, Fed mag primers, and a max charge of IMR 4350.

The Barnes 210 TSX and IMR 4350 is a good combination in my Blaser R 93 338 WM barrel. It is accurate and gives excellent velocity. I used loads suggested by Barnes for the 210 gr TSX bullet.