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

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.

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

There is no doubt the 160s will work great. Good luck and welcome to the forum.