338 Norma Reloading Data

[Rhovee]

Good to know. About to try them myself

 

[KH_Outdoors]

Just getting around to posting some here. I'm doing some load work with the 338 cal 225 BD-2'S & the 250 SBD-2's in my Norma

My train of thought here is that I wanted to see how the good BC 225's run "fast" vs the super high BC 250's going slower-moderate. Ultimately it would be for hunting purposes within moderate distances so the more accurate load wins! And mag length may become a factor...

I'm getting killer results already and this has been my first experience with Badlands Bullets... I think they're winners!

Rifle info:

338 Norma
Defiance Ruckus action
Proof carbon sendero 24" 1-9.4 tw
Ti Pro 3 ST brake
XLR Element 4.0 chassis (Viking Armament Branded)

Bullets to try:

225 gr BD-2
G1 - .665
G7 - .340
Goal - 3000-3100 fps

250 gr SBD-2
G1 - .800
G7 - .410
Goal - 2800-2900 fps

More to follow!!

 

[KH_Outdoors]

First workup. Decided to start with H1000. I know it's a little on slow side for velocities but I'm trying to stick with what I have some frame of reference with and using temp stable powders only.

338 Norma
225 gr BD-2
H1000 (87-94 gr pressure ladder)
Lapua Brass
Fed215

Ended up with a really nice load at 91 gr's. From 90.5-91.5 there was an ES of 12 fps and I had slight heavy bolt lift at 93 gr.

Tried seating depths from .050-.100" off the lands, and settled on .070" jump. .050" and closer was 3/4-1 moa, and it started opening up again farther than .100" jump.

Final load:

225 BD-2, COAL - 3.638" (.070" off)
91 gr H1000
Lapua
Fed215

AV - 2970 (fps)
ES - 19
SD - 9.5

3 shot group @ 100 yds = .350" ctc

 

[KH_Outdoors]

Next workup. Decided to go with N565. Again sticking to the most temp stable options first. I took a step slower in burn rates because I felt I could get full case fill with it AND the 225/H1000 combo seemed to pressure a little sooner than expected. I was very pleased with what I found!

338 Norma
225 gr BD-2
N565 (87-95 gr pressure ladder)
Lapua Brass
Fed215

Ended up with a really nice load at 93.5 gr's. From 93-94 there was an ES of 19 fps and I just started to see slight heavier bolt lift at 95 gr. 95 was full case too.

Tried seating depths again from .050-.100" off the lands, and settled on .075" jump. .050" and closer was 1-1.5 moa, and it started opening up again farther than .100" jump. This bullet just loves that .075" jump!

Final load:

225 BD-2, COAL - 3.633" (.075" off)
93.5 gr N565
Lapua
Fed215

AV - 3026 (fps)
ES - 20
SD - 10.4

3 shot group @ 100 yds = .200" ctc

 

[Lonewolf74]

Just getting around to posting some here. I'm doing some load work with the 338 cal 225 BD-2'S & the 250 SBD-2's in my Norma

My train of thought here is that I wanted to see how the good BC 225's run "fast" vs the super high BC 250's going slower-moderate. Ultimately it would be for hunting purposes within moderate distances so the more accurate load wins! And mag length may become a factor...

I'm getting killer results already and this has been my first experience with Badlands Bullets... I think they're winners!

Rifle info:

338 Norma
Defiance Ruckus action
Proof carbon sendero 24" 1-9.4 tw
Ti Pro 3 ST brake
XLR Element 4.0 chassis (Viking Armament Branded)

Bullets to try:

225 gr BD-2
G1 - .665
G7 - .340
Goal - 3000-3100 fps

250 gr SBD-2
G1 - .800
G7 - .410
Goal - 2800-2900 fps

More to follow!!

KH; curious what you where able to achieve for velocity with the 250 SBII?

 

[SheepShapeAK]

KH; curious what you where able to achieve for velocity with the 250 SBII?

I was getting 2960 with 90.9 grains of H1000, in my Norma with a 1:9.3 twist 26" tube. I'm sure you can get over 3000 fps with the right tube and powder.

 

[KH_Outdoors]

KH; curious what you where able to achieve for velocity with the 250 SBII?

I have not gotten out yet but I'll report back here when I do!

 

[RH300UM]

Following

 

[PapaSmurff]

I have 2 Desert Tech barrels that are chambered in 338 Norma Mag. Both are factory spec steel barrels 26" with 1 in 10 twist. One is shooting the 285 ELD-M's with 91.0 grains of N570 at 2,785 fps with terrific accuracy (it's the one I posted about on the previous page). The second is mounted on an identical platform except it's solid black colored and has the factory Desert Tech muzzle brake instead of running a suppressor. I had it +P throated by Shawn at Defensive Edge and had it returned to me in about 4 weeks. Started load development on it the other day and it only took me 18 shots to finalize a great load for it. Since this barrel is +P throated it is still a 338 Norma Mag but you have to up your powder charge more than usual to build pressure, which in turn gives you more velocity. This load is with 300 grain Berger Elite Hunters with 95.0 grains of N570 running average muzzle velocity of 2,800 fps vs my standard throated 338 Norma Mag barrel pushing the 285's with 91.0 grains of N570 at 2,785 fps. The standard barrel has already sped up; when this barrel speeds up it will probably be pushing thw 300 grainers around 2,835-2,840 fps I'm guessing. The picture below is my 19th, 20th, and 21st shots on my 1,000 yard target with the new +P barrel and 300 grain Elite Hunters. The 3-shot group measures 2 7/8" center strike to center strike with practically zero vertical. I couldn't be happier with either barrel, standard or +P barrel. Amazing accuracy from the Desert Tech's.

 

[nralifer]

I was getting 2960 with 90.9 grains of H1000, in my Norma with a 1:9.3 twist 26" tube. I'm sure you can get over 3000 fps with the right tube and powder.

For the 338Norma, I think that 2960 is an excellent speed! It's a 1000 yd Moose load for sure.

 

[skipglo]

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

It's the one that is bigger than the 308 Norma and bigger than the 300 Norma...

 

[skipglo]

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

Drop to 285gr. ..couldn't get 300s to perform decently either. I'm not loyal to a bullet but I am to accuracy.

 

[Alibiiv]

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.

There's a guy on here who uses the forum name if FEENIX, I think if you PM he can help you out. I haven't read all of the replies on your thread, he may already have responded to your thread

 

[bleedgreen]

Same, getting the components ready for my 338 NM build, which will be next year. Also a big fan of the 6.5x47, as I see a few others are on here.