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| Yes, for any paper and deer hunting I'd be happy with 200 Hornady's which is why I bought 2 boxes, and yet to have a 338 Federal, but intend to as I like the round. It is a practical round for much hunting, not a super long range number, but with enough reach that at normal hunting distances, 'reach' will not be an issue. Let's face it, much game is under 300 yds, and depending on the available rest, or lack thereof, 200-300 yds in the field is not always a chip shot with most guns of portable weight. That said, I do remember seeing a posting of a guy who custom built basically a 'tactical style/weight' rifle in 338 Federal. Heavy to carry? Yes! Do I think it will work out well for him? YES! I expect having a steady holding rifle in a moderate cartridge that should have very solid penetration, wound channel, and energy trasmission will be a sure bet w/in the round's capabilities and shooting a rifle so designed will ensure field accuracy, but building a rifle like that is not what most would choose if they expect to tote it around when not sitting.
Thanks for the posts. |
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| My Sako 85 hunter is a fairly substantial chunk of wood and steel but the weight sure helps getting a good shot off. And you can shoot it off the bench all day without getting punchy. 6.5BR thanks for this thread it has gotten me excited about spend a little more time with my 338 Federal. |
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| I know many don't see this round as 'sexy' but it seems like a 'practical' round for many, and I hope to get one to fool with myself. When you get bored with your Sako, and need cash fast, and I am in that position, let me know. Sako has to be hard to beat. ALMOST got a Tikka last year but I held off, just wanted the STEEL bottom of the sako, not plastic. |
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| When I get bored with a Sako I just put in one of my safes and shoot one of my five Blasers or one of my Sauers or one of my other Sakos I am not sure how many Sakos I have but I am always finding one I forgot I had. I do not usually part with any of my favorites and I like em all. |
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| Yeah, parted with some Sako's in past Nice rifles you named. The wood that stood out the most I believe at the SHOT show was the Blaser's and the Perazzi....one shotgun was literally 250-300k, dead serious. |
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| Will be working on loads with the 210grain Scirroccos in the next few days Will post a report next week. |
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| One never knows about calculations, but "Load From a Disk" estimates 4.16" low at 250 yards with a bullet 2.5" high at 100. Guess this an example of why they always say to compare calculated info with real results.
Don't limit your challenges . . . Challenge your limits
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| I have a Ruger Frontier, and with the 200 Hornady, highest velocity was 2393 fps. With the 200 Speer, I got 2508 fps for 3 shots? Not sure if it was a chrony error? Seemed pretty high, and will have to retest the load? Wondering if I should push for higher velocities from the 16" barrel? I am using 308 Win brass ran through my sizing die. Have to admit, with a cheap Simmons pistol scope in the forward position, and aiming through a little tunnel in the scope because of needing more eye relief, I have had a couple 1/2" 3 shot groups with some loads, and several under an inch. Plus my aging eyes, I think its pretty good for a light barrel weight. |
| Posts: 298 | Location: Anchorage, Alaska | Registered: 15 December 2003 |
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| I think you are getting what you can in that 16" bbl, 2500 is about right based on Ken Waters getting just over 2600 in a 23 or 24" bbl with 200 ballistic tips.
Same load both bullets? Could be different diameters, I'd mike the bullets just out of curiosity to see if one is tighter than the other, but bearing surface and bullet base/heel design may also differ, interesting. Great accuracy though, and if you are likely using it in timber, it should do what you need, handle quick, kill effectively and efficiently. |
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| VERY good speed, what gun/bbl length? Custom bbl? Thanks, yes surprised bullet did not go through, may have hit some solid bone-base of neck, what angle? Thanks and congrats on the shot, nice shooting. |
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| That is a coincidence, my 7BR 21" gets 2875 or so from 2015/120 grain bullets, 200 fps off a 7/08 using 2/3 powder! Not bad. That powder may be overlooked for many applications. Might try 335 and others with similar burn rate. |
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| IIRC Sierra tech told me long ago he used 335 alot in 358 WCF. Did say have to watch as pressure is not 'linear' but I use a full-compressed load in my BR, suspect a load would be similar in 338F and 358 but would look for data.
Let us know what works well for you. |
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| Thanks, I believe IIRC, 2015 was what put my 50gr or 55s out at 3400 from a 223 with 22" bbl. Bypassed most any or all other powders tried. I don't see 2015 used much but it has a niche in many ctgs as a preferred 'go-to' powder. |
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