I've been doing well reloading for my 338 fed using rl7 powder and 185gr TSX with a MV of 2725.

Because of the tsx price, I decided to try the 180gr accubonds. I worked up to the same load as the TSX bullets and showed no signs of trouble.

I brought out my chrono today and was really shocked to see only 2630 fps.

I would have figured I'd get more velocity, say 2800fps. Is this possible or is my chrono going screwy?

Barnes X bullets are known for developing higher pressure and less velocity than lead cores so now I'm at a loss.


HELP!

Here's a link to Nosler's load data for the 338 Federal and 180 Accubond from their website: link

They don't list RL7 but the max velocity they list is 2687 fps with a max charge of H335. So that may not be out of line with what that case and powder will do. It's a pretty small case for a pretty large bore.

LWD

If you used the same powder charge, the TSX will create more pressure, usually means higher vel. too.

quote:

Originally posted by beretta96:
I brought out my chrono today and was really shocked to see only 2630 fps.

I would have figured I'd get more velocity, say 2800fps. Is this possible or is my chrono going screwy?

I'm with fredj338 on this one, besides if it is an accurate load what difference is 170 fps going to make on a game animal anyway? Speed is nice but accuracy always wins out in my book. I will not give up any accuracy for more speed if it will open my groups up larger than 1.5" @ 100 yards on a hunting rifle

Ya'll correct me if I'm wrong here but I believe the TSX is known for creating less pressure because of less bearing surface. Less bearing surface thus gives better velocity.

I've wondered this myself, it could be too, that weight for weight the TSX is longer so assuming similar COAL it will intrude further into the case reducing capacity & thus increasing pressure. It would be good to hear from those who've tried this in a variety of chambering to get their take on the question of TSXs & pressure.
Steve.

quote:

is this possible???

Appearently.

Many people have been disappointed by actual velocity readings from a chronograph vs. what a loading manual had predicted. If we could actually get the speeds the books say, we really wouldn't need a chronograph anyway.

I just read an article somewhere where they listed handloads that matched the factory velocities for the 338 Federal. If I remember correctly the information was in the current handloader magazine. I do not have the magazine in front of me at the moment, but it may be worth checking out. If no can confirm this info, I will check back later, after doing some investigating.