Just bought a .340 Accumark, and have begun the load testing process. I bought the rifle for a Namibian plains game hunt next summer, and am working on the premise that a 225 gr. bullet is probably the best choice for that application.

Normally, when I load for a rifle in this velocity range, I start with Hornadys to get the rifle roughly sighted in and for initial familiarization, then go to either Nosler Partition or Barnes TSX for a hunting load, and therein lies the problem.

Both Barnes and Nosler list IMR 7828 as the most accurate powder for the cartridge. However, while Nosler lists 87.5 gr of that powder as a maxium load (2942 fps), and Hornady lists 88.7 gr (2900 fps), Barnes shows a max of 91 gr. (2970 fps), which is higher than anyone else's recommended max.

Now, I understand that test barrels, bullet characteristics, etc. differ and lead to different maximum loads, and I fully intend to do the prudent thing, start low and work up slowly toward the maximum, and will chrono the loads as I approach max, using velocity as one more clue to when I might be getting close to a safe maximum velocity. However, I'm also curious whether anyone else is using an IMR 7828/225 gr TSX combination in their Accumark, and whether they find that the 91 gr. load is a little too hot. I'm particularly curious because my other Accumark is a .257 that favors IMR 7828 and a 115 gr. TSX, and for that combination of powder and bullet weight, the Nosler and Barnes manuals are only 1 grain apart on maximum loads, with Nosler showing the slightly hotter one; thus, Barnes isn't recommending consistently hotter loads for the same powder.

I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has actual experience with the caliber and components mentioned. Thanks.

Whiteagle I have used the 7828-225 TSX combination in my 340 (MK V). 91 grs is about max in my rifle but you would be wise to work up from 86 or 87 grs. I found I get better groups using RL 22 powder. The 210 gr TSX or TTSX bullet also shoots very well in my 340 with RL 22. Suggest you start @ 84 grs of RL22 with the 225 and 85 grs with the 210 gr. This is with Fed 215 primers as well. Hope that helps.

whiteagle--Have been using imr 7828 in my mark v--excellent results--nosler partition 250 grain--87 grain of powder --primer federal 215gm--consistant 1/2 inch at 100 yards.

Thank you both

whiteagle ----- I have shot the .340 Wby extensively for the last 11 years. I felt the need for something larger than the .300 Winny when I met four Brown Bears face to face and survived the encounter, but had the strong feeling I needed something more substantial for my next trip to Big Bear country. I picked the .340 and shot every powder and bullet combo known to man. I used IMR-7828, Magpro, RL-19, RL-22, IMR-4831 SC. My most accurate powders with the speed I wanted was RL-19 and RL-22, with those two being toss ups. I got the most speed with Magpro but not by much, but by far the most accuracy with the two Allient powders. I also found the 225 grain North Fork that possibly had a lot to do with the accuracy, giving me numerous one hole groups with plenty of speed. I shot my rifle, a Weatherby Sporter Model (the cheapest you can buy with a Mark V action), many hundreds of shots developing my load and with the Federal 215M primer was completely satisfied with the end result, a huge Alaskan Yukon Moose. Good shooting.

I find this site very helpful but beware some of these loads are a bit hot. Enjoy your new gun I know I love mine. I have to run a bore snake thru mine every 12-15 shots or accuracy will suffer.

http://www.reloadersnest.com/f...age.asp?CaliberID=72

Thanks again