33 Nosler testing

[Idaho Trecker]

I would imagine it would do pretty good still being a 338 bore that you won't lose a lot. It seems like most cartridges lose more fps/inch dropping under 22". Not sure how that's affected by case capacity and bore diameter. I am really liking the 33 nosler.

 

[KH_Outdoors]

I would imagine it would do pretty good still being a 338 bore that you won't lose a lot. It seems like most cartridges lose more fps/inch dropping under 22". Not sure how that's affected by case capacity and bore diameter. I am really liking the 33 nosler.

I'm thinking a "mid sized" 338 with a 20-22" barrel would be pretty sweet for realistic hunting purposes. Long enough to get some speed out of the 225-250 class projectiles, but still good length for suppressed use.

 

[Idaho Trecker]

I think it would be a good one for that use. I'm going for finding a good load for hunting with the Cutting edge since they cost so much. I didn't consider a can when I had this built because of the weight and length of them.

 

[BEEMAN]

I'm thinking a "mid sized" 338 with a 20-22" barrel would be pretty sweet for realistic hunting purposes. Long enough to get some speed out of the 225-250 class projectiles, but still good length for suppressed use.

I almost built a 33 Nosler this fall. But decided to go 338 RUM instead. Mostly due to components available in Canada at the time. It's got a 23" IBI CF with a 9 twist. Shoots the 200 gr Apex at 3200 FPS with R26. Having some accuracy problems right now. I think I need to bed the gun. Keep getting fliers.

You guys are getting great performance out of the 33 Nosler. Makes me wonder about my decision to go 338 RUM.

 

[KH_Outdoors]

I almost built a 33 Nosler this fall. But decided to go 338 RUM instead. Mostly due to components available in Canada at the time. It's got a 23" IBI CF with a 9 twist. Shoots the 200 gr Apex at 3200 FPS with R26. Having some accuracy problems right now. I think I need to bed the gun. Keep getting fliers.

You guys are getting great performance out of the 33 Nosler. Makes me wonder about my decision to go 338 RUM.

338 RUM is a great option. ADG Brass, factory loaded options, and lots of horsepower.

I used a 338 Norma for Alaska last year. Love the cartridge, and I would bunch it in with 338 RUM as one of the "larger" case options.

Personal preference, I just felt that the blast was a bit much for my application. I dont "need" the extra horsepower. So stepping it down 10 gr in powder, 25 or so grs in bullet weight, shortening to a 20-22" barrel just feels more practical.

 

[Idaho Trecker]

I've made it out to do a couple pressure tests with a couple new bullets. The 225 CEB Lazer, 250 CEB Lazer Max, and 250 SMK have been tested a little.

After having to order a new seater for the 225 I was finally able to seat them to start testing. I loaded a max capacity charge of RL 23 and was only 3016 fps so that told me it was a no-go as I thought. Moved on to RL 26

80.5 3009
81.5 3036
82.5 3043
83.5 3124
84.5 3136 out of capacity. Drop tube used. Didnt pressure out.

Next was the 250 Lazer with RL 26

76. 2759
77. 2796
78. 2826
79. 2878
80. 2939
81. 2977
The last two charges were shot later in the day and I belive my garmin was a different distance from the muzzle so I don't know if it made any difference. I'll have to see if I can run any higher with this powder.

Last was the 250 SMK that I chose to use H4831 sc. I chose this because I have a decent amount and am not looking to break speed records with this as it will be a target/trigger time load with the cheaper bullets. I didn't pressure out as I didn't load high enough charges.

75. 2639
76. 2677
77. 2719

Next outing I'll load up higher with the 250 smk and focus on that until next hunting season gets closer. I'll circle back to the Cutting Edge at that time.

 

[100percent]

I've made it out to do a couple pressure tests with a couple new bullets. The 225 CEB Lazer, 250 CEB Lazer Max, and 250 SMK have been tested a little.

After having to order a new seater for the 225 I was finally able to seat them to start testing. I loaded a max capacity charge of RL 23 and was only 3016 fps so that told me it was a no-go as I thought. Moved on to RL 26

80.5 3009
81.5 3036
82.5 3043
83.5 3124
84.5 3136 out of capacity. Drop tube used. Didnt pressure out.

Next was the 250 Lazer with RL 26

76. 2759
77. 2796
78. 2826
79. 2878
80. 2939
81. 2977
The last two charges were shot later in the day and I belive my garmin was a different distance from the muzzle so I don't know if it made any difference. I'll have to see if I can run any higher with this powder.

Last was the 250 SMK that I chose to use H4831 sc. I chose this because I have a decent amount and am not looking to break speed records with this as it will be a target/trigger time load with the cheaper bullets. I didn't pressure out as I didn't load high enough charges.

75. 2639
76. 2677
77. 2719

Next outing I'll load up higher with the 250 smk and focus on that until next hunting season gets closer. I'll circle back to the Cutting Edge at that time.

Thanks for sharing! i have one that I'm going to be playing with after hunting season! Great information

 

[TonyRumore]

I'm thinking a "mid sized" 338 with a 20-22" barrel would be pretty sweet for realistic hunting purposes. Long enough to get some speed out of the 225-250 class projectiles, but still good length for suppressed use.

My 33 Nosler has a 22" barrel on it, but I haven't chrono'd it yet.

Tony

 

[KH_Outdoors]

My 33 Nosler has a 22" barrel on it, but I haven't chrono'd it yet.

Tony

What are you shooting out of it?

 

[Idaho Trecker]

After two more outings I finally reached max pressure in my rig with the 250 SMK and H4831sc. Here it is from the start again. Loaded the 81 grain charge twice on purpose. Now I can fine tune a couple areas and look at accuracy.

75. 2639
76. 2677
77. 2719
Next outing
78. 2773
79. 2834
80. 2895
81. 2905
Next outing
81. 2922
82. 2942
83. 2986 heavy bolt lift and extractor mark
Luckily I only loaded 1 round too many that didn't get shot. At max capacity also. If I try another powder I'll give Hybrid 100v a go.

 

[100percent]

Forgive me if i missed this but, did you use a saami spec reamer or did you go for more free bore? Seems the short mag length of the nosler rifles crippled the whole line up. Thanks for sharing your experiences!

 

[Idaho Trecker]

Forgive me if i missed this but, did you use a saami spec reamer or did you go for more free bore? Seems the short mag length of the nosler rifles crippled the whole line up. Thanks for sharing your experiences!

I made a dummy round and gave to my smith. I don't know what the amount of freebore is measured at.

 

[KH_Outdoors]

After two more outings I finally reached max pressure in my rig with the 250 SMK and H4831sc. Here it is from the start again. Loaded the 81 grain charge twice on purpose. Now I can fine tune a couple areas and look at accuracy.

75. 2639
76. 2677
77. 2719
Next outing
78. 2773
79. 2834
80. 2895
81. 2905
Next outing
81. 2922
82. 2942
83. 2986 heavy bolt lift and extractor mark
Luckily I only loaded 1 round too many that didn't get shot. At max capacity also. If I try another powder I'll give Hybrid 100v a go.

Thats fantastic for the 33 Nos case & H4831 combo. That's what I've seen from a 338 Norma/250 Berger and 24" barrel with H1000.

 

[Idaho Trecker]

I had a little time yesterday and measured the bearing surface on most of the 338 bullets I have which has a huge difference between designs. I only have a hornady comparator so the measurements may be off slightly.

250 Berger. .508
250 SMK. .625
252 Cutting Edge MTH Max. .646
270 ELD X. .675
300 Berger. .705
285 ELD M. .712
250 Cutting Edge Lazer Max. .772
With the freebore I have the 250 Berger only has .020" or so of bearing surface in the neck so if I try it hopefully they like a lot of jump!