I just recieved my 338 Lapua that I had built on a Rem 700 action, with an ABS carbon wrap barrel that is 31" long including the brake, set up with a Seekins Detachable box magazines to take a 3.9" COAL, set in a Rem. Sendero stock. I originaly wanted to shoot the 325 grain Wildcat rebated boatail bullet, but it will not stabilize in the 10 twist of my barrel. They were key holeing even with velocity over 2700 FPS. Today I tried some 250 grain SMK bullets with 98 grains of H-1000 they averaged 3189 FPS with a SD of 11 FPS and 95 grains of Reloader-25 averaged 3197 FPS with a SD of 9. I also tried 98 grains of Retumbo and this load averaged 3010 FPS but seemed a little mild in the pressure department and di not shoot nearly as acurately as the other 2 powders did.

Next I moved back to shoot a group with both loads to 330 yards according to my lazer range finder. I only had 2 of the H-1000 loads and the 2 shots went .634 inchs. The 95 grain load of Reloader-25 with 3 shots went into a group of 1.125 inchs with the first 2 into .424 inchs

I was very pleased with this performance both in the velocity and accuracy

John, did you try the 300g Sierra yet? Might be a nice bullet if it will stabilize.

I have some 300 grain SMK's on the way. I hope that they shoot with the accuracy of these 250 SMK's. I am rather certain that the 300 SMK's will stabilize, since Sierra recomends a 10 twist which is what I have. The proof is in the pudding, that's for sure.

That looks really promising, John! Now, how about some photos of the rifle??!!

Hi John, I shot my 338 Lapua from about 10 years testing some bullets and powder combinations. I think that reloader 25 and H-1000 can be a good choise with 250 to 300g bullets. Vihtavuory N-560 and N-570 are also veeery good powders!!!
Remington action is a good one, but probably for this big caliber it's on here limit. You know that accuracy depends from many things: action, barrel, powder, bullet, brass, ecc, ecc.
So it's almost impossible to have the magic solution for all guns. What can I say you (hope this can help a bit) is: use Lapua brass, Federal 215 primers, don't move the bullet to close to groowes and shot even 5 groups!!! Write everything in your notebook (powder, bullet, climatic conditions ecc) and before you load a new ammo read ever you write before.
If you're looking for maximum accuracy don't look to much at the speed.

Faina

JWP, I understand that the 300 grain Berger VLD is an excellent long range 338 cal bullet. They will stabilize in the 1:10 twist and have a "stupid" high BC.

Ken....

quote:

Originally posted by Heat:
JWP, I understand that the 300 grain Berger VLD is an excellent long range 338 cal bullet. They will stabilize in the 1:10 twist and have a "stupid" high BC.

Ken....

They are not avaible as production will not begin until late this year or early next year?

Thanks JWP. Now at least I know why I haven't found any yet. I should have looked over their website a bit deeper. I'm looking forward to trying some of the 338s out of my 338-378 Wby.

Ken....

John, if you're looking for a long range target bullet, use Lapua 250g Shenar. This are the best you'll find!!!

Faina

I have a 338 Lapua in an HS Precision HTR2000 with a 28in. bbl.,not counting the brake. I use Sierra MK 300gr. with Norma brass. Use IMR7828 and am getting 1/2 MOA 5 shot groups at 200 yds. Barrel has a 1 in 10 twist also.
Good luck.
Bob G.

quote:

Originally posted by Faina:
John, if you're looking for a long range target bullet, use Lapua 250g Shenar. This are the best you'll find!!!

Faina

+1. A very high BC for a 250gr 338, IIRC it is around the 700 mark, according to the factory.

How does the Shenar do on game? Just curious. He plans on hunting with his .338.