The Accurate Reloading Forums
338 RCM timber load?
18 November 2019, 20:09
Jim Knight338 RCM timber load?
For under 150yds, and a 20" barrel, I'm thinking a 250 or 300 Woodleigh would be a hammer. This is a shorter case, yeas, but it also has 338/06 capacity. Think a man could get the 300 Woodleigh to 2200fps? If so, that would mimic the old .333 Jeffery! Curious.
18 November 2019, 22:33
AtkinsonI would opt for the 250 Accubond or Partition, both would work great, then again about any bullet from a 210 Nosler to a 300 gr. Woodleigh would work, but the 300 Woodlieh does need a bit more velocity IMO, its perfect in a 338 Win has been my experience..but short range 100 to 150 yards...The .250 would be my choice..Timber load is vague, Ive had to take some long shots hunting the black timber, like on the other side of the canyon that shows and elk at 400 or so yards..depends on your terrain..
Ray Atkinson
Atkinson Hunting Adventures
10 Ward Lane,
Filer, Idaho, 83328
208-731-4120
rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com
19 November 2019, 01:41
Jim KnightThanks sir. I just got some QL data that shows at 61K several powders can get 2400fps with that 300, ha! I don't know that I would want "to", in that little rifle, ha. I have some 250 NAB on hand. What speed would you try in the 338 RCM for up close to 300yds?
20 November 2019, 02:06
kk alaskaHave 2 338 RCM rifles with 20" barrels settled on 61 gr of RL 17 with 225 GR bullets for both around 2600 FPS and very accurate.
Tried heavier bullets but went with the 225 gr for all around use here in Alaska.
Pretty good info on a old thread look at my late friend Dennis posts sure miss him.
Copied and pasted from Dennis loads
A couple of TSX/Re 15 loads are posted earlier in this discussion, written on the photos.
185 gr TSX/59 gr Reloder 15 -- 2850 fps
210 gr TSX/56 gr Reloder 15 -- 2650 fps
200 gr Hornady SP/58 gr Reloder 15 -- 2750 fps
250 gr Hornady SP/54 gr IMR 4895 -- 2500 fps
There are no "final" loads at this point, though there are some I used in the field to kill pigs. I have some 225 gr loads too, but nothing I'm all that happy with yet. I'll let you know if something comes together that I like.
Reloder 15 is the Ultimate Solution to nearly every reloading question I ask... grin.
Dennis
https://www.24hourcampfire.com...php/topics/3039976/4
kk alaska
20 November 2019, 04:24
Jim KnightThanks for the info guys!
28 November 2019, 22:47
AtkinsonId go for as fast as the gun would allow, and my guess is 2500 FPS and that works long or short range..I don't believe the slow bullet for timber business, its hogwash, go for broke and use a proper bullet to accomplish bullet integrity such as a Nosler partition or a Barnes TTSX BT. no bullet or caliber is a cinch if you hit a limb or leaf, but in fact most will actually get it done..Ive shot many buffalo through some high thick grass and limbs without deflection..
Ray Atkinson
Atkinson Hunting Adventures
10 Ward Lane,
Filer, Idaho, 83328
208-731-4120
rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com
30 November 2019, 22:30
Jim KnightThanks sir, I used to try "slowing them down" and rarely find a load that shoots well. My 300WM indeed shoots well with the Hornady 150SST at 2800fps. 308 mimic, only because I don't want to always shoot a deer with a 300WM level load. OTOH, I like every Barnes/Partition/or any bonded bullet as fast as I can push them!
01 December 2019, 00:57
SnowwolfeI settled on 225 gr bullets in my 338 RCM. Does everything I need it to do. The RCM rounds are interesting. IMO the rifle built by Ruger to shoot these cartridges is what makes the cartridges popular for woods hunting.
20 inch barrel with factory iron sights and a LOP about 1/2 inch shorter than most rifles makes for one sweet handling rifle with enough power in either the 300 or 338 to anchor any animal in North America.
My biggest fear is when I die my wife will sell my guns for what I told her they cost.
01 December 2019, 19:30
Jim KnightThanks for the reply snow- at present, I have a bunch of the older 200 NBT and some 250 NAB. I have never used the 225 in any 338 or 35 caliber, come to think of it. I always end up on each end of the weight spectrum! ha
02 December 2019, 03:21
Snowwolfequote:
Originally posted by Jim Knight:
Thanks for the reply snow- at present, I have a bunch of the older 200 NBT and some 250 NAB. I have never used the 225 in any 338 or 35 caliber, come to think of it. I always end up on each end of the weight spectrum! ha
Jim,
Give each of the weights a try, you never know till you try. However, if I were deer hunting would avoid using the 250's at longer ranges. It could result in limited expansion on such a small animal and a difficult tracking job.
My biggest fear is when I die my wife will sell my guns for what I told her they cost.
02 December 2019, 05:19
AtkinsonIve shot half a dozen cow and one bull elk with the NOsler Accubond 225 gr. that pushes that bullet at 2913 FPS (max in my gun.) a .338 win Ruger..all one shot kills, moved no more than 30 yards on two or three? and the rest instant kills..Recovered bullet were picture perfect mushrooms, about what I get with the Nosler partitions in 210, 225, 250S as a matter of fact..For a timber load the 300 gr. Woodleigh PP would be about perfect and it shoots surprisingly flatter than I thought it would..It is a sudden killer..
Ray Atkinson
Atkinson Hunting Adventures
10 Ward Lane,
Filer, Idaho, 83328
208-731-4120
rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com
07 December 2019, 19:06
Jim KnightRay- what do you think of the Hornady 250 round nose 338 bullet, especially at this level of velocity? I like the Woodleighs, but I always wait and see how the rifle likes a cheaper version, IF I can find one, ha.
07 December 2019, 21:06
AtkinsonThe 250 gr. Interlock has always worked for me in the 338 Win. and I like the Interlocks in most any big game caliber, its a poor mans super premium IMO..
Ray Atkinson
Atkinson Hunting Adventures
10 Ward Lane,
Filer, Idaho, 83328
208-731-4120
rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com