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338 Federal 160grn Barnes TTSX Load Development
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Don't know if anyone might be interested in this, thought I would post.

I developed 5 loads using the data from Barnes website (after checking an initial 48grn load for pressure signs that I didn't chrony):

http://www.barnesbullets.com/images/338FederalWeb.pdf

I deviated from the recipe in two ways - COAL length was 2.843" (easily feeds in my rifle, no where close to the rifling (2.965" COAL to touch the rifling with this bullet). I also used Winchester large rifle primers instead of the specified FedGM210M. All cases were once fired Federal 338 brass, trimmed to 2.005", after neck sizing. I used my Beta Master Chrony to record velocities, shooting my Ruger M77 Hawkeye stainless 22" barrel in a Hogue full bedding block stock, topped with a Bushnell Elite 6500 2.5-16x40.

Load 1) 49.0 grns 2230
1) 2909fps
2) 2932
3) 2922
4) 2921
5) 2923

5 shots went into just inside of 1".

Load 2) 50.0 grns 2230
1) 3000 fps
2) 2991
3) 3004
4) 2903
5) 3002

5 shots in about 1.5"

Load 3) 51.0 grns 2230
1) 3035 fps
2) 3033
3) 3027
4) 3037
5) 3041

5 shots in about 0.75"

Load 4) 51.5 grns 2230
1) 3042 fps
2) 3062
3) 3058
4) 3056
5) 3063

5 shots in about 1.5"

Load 5) 52.0 grns 2230
1) 3062 fps
2) 3048
3) 3041
4) 3036
5) 3057

5 shots in about 2.5" Primers starting to flatten a little (looks about like factory loads).

I'm pretty happy w/ the 49 grain load and the 51 grain load. May have time to tweak a little more later, but will probably load some 51.0 loads for my hunting loads this year. Will try to take a range trip later and focus on shooting some groups instead of chrony strings. I will try to remember to follow up with some anecdotal bullet performance data on this load if I have some success in the field later this year.

David
 
Posts: 9 | Registered: 03 September 2011Reply With Quote
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Velocities look good. TTSX and AA2230 work well together in the Federale. Mine clocked 3042 fps with 52 grains of AA2230. The 185TTSX was running 2820 with 48 grains.

I just couldn't see a reason to use the 160s because the 185s have a good BC and catch up quickly.



 
Posts: 1941 | Location: Texas | Registered: 19 July 2009Reply With Quote
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Thanks for the information. This is my first load for the 338 Fed, my first load for anything in a long time. I will definitely look into your load if my Elk trip pans out next year. For the local whitetails and hogs I'm guessing the 160's will provide sufficient penetration, but I haven't tried them yet.

Regards,

David
 
Posts: 9 | Registered: 03 September 2011Reply With Quote
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There is no doubt the 160s will work great. Good luck and welcome to the forum.



 
Posts: 1941 | Location: Texas | Registered: 19 July 2009Reply With Quote
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