Does anyone have any experience shooting 180 Nosler Ballistic Tip's in their 338-08. I am primarily looking for loads and velocities because I use this bullet in my 338 WM's using Re15 with very accurate results and now am planning to build a lightweight rifle for deer hunting. I am curious if Re15 will work in the 308 case also. Thanks for any info, Steve

Steve, RL15 is my favorite powder in the .338-06 w/ 200-210gr bullets. I don't see why you would not have exc. results in your .338-08. IMR4064 might be another good choice for the 180gr BTs.

Steve,
I have a .338-08 AI and used the 180 gr Nosler BTs to take two whitetails last November in Wisconsin. The load was 45.5 gr N-202 and Fed 210 primers. This was also a compressed load. Muzzle velocity (22" barrel) averaged 2,685 fps w/an ES of only 5! Accuracy averaged 1.10" @ 100 yds. Case head expansion averaged 0.4697". I think you could get a bit more velocity going to a faster burning powder. 43.5 grs IMR 3031 averaged 2,647 fps with less case head expansion (0.4691") and room for more powder. Ken Waters had good results w/Rel 15 under Nosler 210 gr Partitions and listed it as one of his top three powders for the cartridge. I have more loading info if you need it. Joe

Thanks for the info. I am concerned that a 338-08 may require a slightly faster burning powder than Re15 when shooting a 180 Nosler BT. I tend to use a lot of Re15 and don't really want to stock another powder. I would rather increase the case capacity like a 338-284 if it won't work in a 308 case capacity. I have read from a variety of authors that Re15 works well with 200 grain bullets and heavier but I don't know about the 180 grain weights. Usually when you reduce the bullet weight you use faster powders. Thanks, Steve