Wanting more velocity out of 338 WSM

[tonechaser88]

I'm shooting a 230 eldx out of a 24" barrel 338 wsm. I have been using H4350 but have been running into pressure before I get to my desired velocity 2750+. I'll be happy with a consistent 2700, I think that should be achievable. Due to the lack of data , I've started with 338 rcm and worked up. My question is , does anyone have any suggestions for powder to use to achieve good velocity with that combo as well as temp stability. I'm particularly interested in trying some VV powder. Was looking at N565 possibly. Thanks in advance!

 

[FEENIX]

I'm shooting a 230 eldx out of a 24" barrel 338 wsm. I have been using H4350 but have been running into pressure before I get to my desired velocity 2750+. I'll be happy with a consistent 2700, I think that should be achievable. Due to the lack of data , I've started with 338 rcm and worked up. My question is , does anyone have any suggestions for powder to use to achieve good velocity with that combo as well as temp stability. I'm particularly interested in trying some VV powder. Was looking at N565 possibly. Thanks in advance!

Try RL-17, it's made for WSM. I was getting 2850.FPS with 215 Berger out of my .300 WSM 24" so it might get you to 2700 FPS. I think you are closer to your goal than you think. The RL-17's burn rate is nearly the same as H4350. The H4350's propellant has its energetic component with only nitrocellulose, the RL-17 also has a nitroglycerin to help generate higher energy (performance) into the propellant.

Good luck!

ADDED:

I experimented with H4350, H4831SC, MagPro, and H1000 before settling with RL-17.

 

[choprzrul]

I'm not sure it crosses over exactly....but I see Hammer load data for the 175gr Hammer Hunter in a 338 Sherman Short using 58.3gr of N540 to get 3146 fps.

 

[FireFlyFishing]

I think you need to go with a slower powder. Plenty out there that are available on the shelves. Check out your burn rate chart and go a bit slower, not way slow.

 

[fseaman.js]

Try RL-17, it's made for WSM. I was getting 2850.FPS with 215 Berger out of my .300 WSM 24" so it might get you to 2700 FPS. Good luck!

This

The Hornady manual lists 230 ELDX for the 338 RCMs and RL15. Shows with a 20" barrel at 2600fps so a 24" would be 2700fps.

I have not tried this exact combination of 230 ELDX in a 338 WSM. I have a 300 WSM, considered a 338 WSM. I have used RL17 and it works as described.

I ran 338 WSM and RL17 in QL and that works out to your desired 2700fps at 54k PSI. Your rifle will vary.

So from an educated but not exact, IMO, RL17 is worth a try.

 

[fseaman.js]

I'm shooting a 230 eldx out of a 24" barrel 338 wsm. I have been using H4350 but have been running into pressure before I get to my desired velocity 2750+. I'll be happy with a consistent 2700, I think that should be achievable. Due to the lack of data , I've started with 338 rcm and worked up. My question is , does anyone have any suggestions for powder to use to achieve good velocity with that combo as well as temp stability. I'm particularly interested in trying some VV powder. Was looking at N565 possibly. Thanks in advance!

Just to check.

Do you mean a 338WSM or a 338/300 WSM?

 

[huntinfool18]

338 wsm and 338/300 wsm are the same thing

 

[fseaman.js]

338 wsm and 338/300 wsm are the same thing

Yes, it seems the "short" drawing with a Case Length of 1.960 is an error someone published.

 

[Taylorbok]

I'd try N565 and N570. Probably fill it right up.

 

[fseaman.js]

I'd try N565 and N570. Probably fill it right up.

I'm not sure that would work as intended Those are both in a very very slow a range. Yes, they would fill the case.

QuickLOAD is not a perfect replacement for actual load work but it's never been that far off. Says with N570 the FPS would only be 2100, PSI not even 30k and burn woulnd not be even make %75.

 

[Taylorbok]

I'm not sure that would work as intended Those are both in a very very slow a range. Yes, they would fill the case.

QuickLOAD is not a perfect replacement for actual load work but it's never been that far off. Says with N570 the FPS would only be 2100, PSI not even 30k and burn woulnd not be even make %75.

I thought N570 might be on the slow side but didn't think it'd be that far off, How much of a charge of N570 will that thing take?

565 might be closer but may even have to back off to 560.

 

[huntinfool18]

Those powders are way too slow. You're gonna wanna be in the varget-h4350 range. Might be able to work with h4831 but you won't get the speed you want.
I shoot h4350 in the ones I've had. I was able to get 2850 with a 230eld fairly easy with single digit es and sub half moa group. If your looking for the most speed rl17 is gonna be your best bet. H100v is pretty impressive on speeds as well

 

[wvbearhunter]

Have you tried H1000?

 

[Quintus]

Superperformance or 4831 along with the RL17 FEENIX suggested should probably get you there N560 would maybe be the ticket as well. Superform and N560 have been pretty easy to find at a decent price. at least around here.