what is the maximum velocity that can be achieved from the medium dakotas, 7mm .300, and .330. Like maximum handload velocities from longer barrels 26"-28". any information will be much apprecited.

Rock

Hornady, Barnes etc have load data for them (Nosler has "wimpy" data). I have a 300 Dakota and can get about 3250-3300 with 26" barrel.

I haven't tried to get THE max. load in my 26"bbl. 7mm, but to date I have hit just over 3300fps w/ 160grNP. I have shot a few 145gr GS to 3400fps, but haven't pushed the envelope.

I have a 330 Dakota with a 26" barrel and have developed the following handloads (these are chronographed velocities):
225 grain Northfork, velocity = 3050fps
240 grain Northfork, velocity = 2950fps

Tigar

How long does the brass last with those reloads?

I have thought about one for long. Wonder why no of the other rifle makers picks up these medium long rounds, the cartridges are of a healthy construction

/ JOHAN

I have had two Dakota chambered rifles. I had a 330 that would give 2960fps with a 250 Swift from a 24.5" barrel and I presently have 7MM Dakota that will give 3350fps with a 140 XFB from a 25" barrel.

Mark,
Will you post your 330 Dakota 250 grain Swift load? I haven't tried that bullet yet. Thanks.

MHC_TX,

That 330 Dakota load is nothing fancy. 250gr. Swift A-frame, 84gr. H-4831, Mast brass, Fed 215 primer, OAL 3.27". This load is not listed anywhere but it worked for me. This load was worked up in a Lilja barrel on a custom rifle. Please start out by dropping your load at least 5%. I also think the short OAL contributed to the preformance. I actually don't have the rifle anymore. The brass has to be annealed, is expensive and not readily available. It was just a hassle. It is a real screamer though for a 30-06 length action.

Mark you should get that rifle back. Brass can be had from Dakota or MIdway. I haven't annealed any of my 7mmDakota stuff & I am on (7) loadings w/ my test batch. I think the .330 is THE .338 bore for a std. length action. I might have to get one of those?

Fred,

Interesting about the 7 Dakota brass. All the brass I have had a great variation in neck tension. Consequently one .33" group and the next might be 1.5". It was very obvious when seating the bullets that some took much more effort to seat than others.

I now have annealed all the brass and actually hope to shoot some groups today.

If you get a 330 please let me know and I will give you a heck of a deal on dies and a load of brass. Really!!!