338 Norma Reloading Data

[smmstw]

i just pick up a new Christensen Arms in a 338 Norma and I am having a hard time finding reloading data. I did call Berger and they were king enough to email me some data but I am looking for so pet loads to start. Any input would be great. It is a 1 in 9 twist barrel.

 

[Cuz]

I would definitely start low and work up, but I have 2 of them, made with the same reamer and they both shoot 88 grains of h1000 at 2750. Very accurate and not max load in my guns.300 berger otm. Texas heat. Not knowing how yours is throated I would back off to 83-84 grains and work up.

 

[6.5x47hunter]

i just pick up a new Christensen Arms in a 338 Norma and I am having a hard time finding reloading data. I did call Berger and they were king enough to email me some data but I am looking for so pet loads to start. Any input would be great. It is a 1 in 9 twist barrel.

https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-data/rifle-reloading/?cartridge=34

 

[smmstw]

Thanks Cuz. I am thinking about trying some reloaded 22 and 25 as well with 300 gr bergers.

6.5 x47 the link you posted is for 338 Winchester we are talking about 338 Norma mag. Thanks for the efforts

 

[6.5x47hunter]

6.5 x47 the link you posted is for 338 Winchester we are talking about 338 Norma mag. Thanks for the efforts[/QUOTE]

oopsy,! i have a 300NM and saw that data. oopsy again thanks for seeing that.

 

[surgeon260]

I shoot an improved 338 Norma. My fireforming load for virgin brass is 90 grains of Retumbo, 300 grain Berger jammed 10 thou to help control headspace in the improved chamber. Velocity is around 2760 with this load and 28" barrel. In the improved brass I shoot 99.8 grains of RL33, same bullet jumping 10 thou, and velocity is around 2920 (don't try that in a standard Norma!).

Start low and work up. In my experience this cartridge likes to be loaded hot.

 

[Wild Bill G]

I have to ask what is the 338 Norma? Is it the 358 necked down or another case all together?

 

[surgeon260]

It is a shortened 338 Lapua with less body taper. Lapua bolt face required. The shorter case allows you to seat 300 grain bullets out of the powder column while fitting in a CIP magazine. Performance is very close to the Lapua, but the case is much better suited to repeating actions.

 

[6.5x47hunter]

RL33 seems to be the choice powder in both 300/338NM, H1000 second and one i have not tried yet N570 (beside Retumbo on burn chart.)

based on the 416 Rigby case

http://www.lapua.com/en/headlines/3...ucing-.300-Norma-Mag-and-.338-Norma-Mag-brass

they are AWESOME!

 

[Wild Bill G]

Good to know had never heard of either before being on here.

 

[LRHKiller]

I'm shooting 87.7 grns of h-1000 and a 300 gn smk ,. .015 off lands, at 2795 fps under a half inch every time at 200

 

[highdrum]

Try the new imr 8133, it's between N570 and Retumbo. Should be great, going to run it in my 300 norma improved.

 

[smmstw]

Got some range time over the weeend. RL33 is not working out with the 300 gr Berger. The bullets is way in the powder column getting a lot of vertical. Tried H1000 same results. Any ideas?

I am thinking about trying Retumbo, R26 or R22. I think I am going to have the same issues with retumbo.

PS all testing loads were .005 off

 

[codyadams]

Any updates? I am having a 338 NM built, 28" carbon six 1 in 9 barrel, Manners EH1A stock, Stiller TAC338 action and Stiller CIP DBM. Standard spec reamer, no extended throat, and will be using the Berger 300 grain Elite Hunter. I have heard N570 is the powder if you can find it, but H1000 usually gets good results. I'll be using Peterson brass.