I'm somewhat new to reloading, but I have loaded quite a few rounds for my 338 win. I've always used RL 19 with good results. Usually the max amount of this powder is 71-73 grains. I'm gonna load some 250 grain A-frames, and have noticed that the max amount of powder listed in their manual is 68 grains. I'm gonna start with a low charge and work my way up, but I'm just curious as to why the max powder is so much less than any other bullet I've seen for the 338, and the velocity is quite a bit less as well. Thanks.

A-Frames are very long and have a lot of bearing surface, so start low.

I found the A frames to be excellent bullets on Cape Buffalo, but I do not like them on deer, elk or plainsgame..I have a problem with there expansion in that it is perfect and makes wonderful little pictures for advertisement and the fact that many of todays hunters have been brainwashed to believe everything that is in a magazine...

The Swift A frame is TOO SMOOTH, and on more than a few ocassions, I have gotten good enough penetration but not enough tissue damage and very poor blood trails..This has happened on Eland, Kudu, Fallow deer and several other species, and only on ocassion, but it still happens and thats no good IMO...

I do like the Sirraco much better, it is a real killer, and it is a fine long range bullet also.

A lot of folks I know and respect swear by the A Frame bullets..A few of those same folks have also confided that I am right in my observation of them, but only after they used them for quite awhile. Like I said, it only happens from time to time.

I find the same thing with the Barnes Xs, when they work they are absolutly perfect but when they fail they are very very bad!

The A-frame is longer & the jacket a bit softer than a true gilding metal jacket. You may be able to get to the same vel. level, just work up.

Would you guys suggest something other than the A-frame for coastal brown bear? I also bought a box of barnes tipped 225 grain bullets for my 338 win mag. I haven't shot either so I don't know how each shoot, but I figured I couldn't go wrong with the A-frames. Would the Barnes be better, or should I try something different than both these bullets. Also, I have always used RL 19 for my 338 loads. The barnes reloading data doesn't list RL19 for the tipped TSX 225 grain. Should I work up a load with one of there listed powders? ie IMR4831. Thanks.

you won't go wrong with either bullet,shoot them and see which shoots better. every rifle is different. my barnes #3 manual shows rl-19 out doing imr 4831 ,just barely. no matter try their web site or follow normal tsx 225 data.
good luck all round , and welcome to our forum. jjmp

For a plains game hunt in Namibia next year, my buddy and I will be using the 225gr A-Frames. I've experienced the A-Frames being a little tougher than the Nosler Partitions of the same weight on elk. Not much, but a little. We are using .338WSM wildcats so velocity will be a little slower than your .338WinMag.

I have a difficult time getting an honest 2650 fps out of a 250 grain A-frame out of my 24 inch barrelled .338 Winchester magnum. 2525 was all I could get and the accuracy left much to be desired. They are so tough that the smack is missing. I have not tried 225 grain, .338 bullets. I am a one load per gun kind of guy, and screwing around to meet factory velocities takes up too much time with A-frames.

Out of a .340 Weatherby,et al, I think the 250 grain A-frame would do well.