Which 338 and why?

[barnesuser28]

Im kinda surprised you can hit 3100 with rl33, like the post above, what length barrel? What was the max you could get with rl33?

 

[dkhunt14]

I didn't go to max with the Re33 because I have first generation Bergers and didn't want to go over 3000. So I ended up at 103 grains about 10 in. Goes 2993 and shot 5 shots off of bench at 1000 yards in 4 inches flat. At 105 grains I was a whisker under 3100 and had absolutely no pressure. My Barrel is a 1.450 Diameter Krieger 36 inches long. We also shot an 338 ultra and got 3000 with the 300 Berger and Re33. Our velocities are right because my drops are dead on all the way to 2000. The ultra had a 30 inch shilen. If you look up the thread under Longrange hunting and shooting I did a post on load and how the gun shot. The thread is 338 Lapua IMP with Reloader 33. Then on the same forum you can see my hunting setup and gun under pictures of my hunting rig.

 

[dkhunt14]

The thread (Pictures of my hunting rig) is on page 8 of the longerange shooting and hunting forum. The (338 Lapua IMP with Reloader 33) thread is on page 18 of the same forum. I would make a link but I am not good on the computer. This was actual testing done at Pa Original 1000 yard club off concrete bench. Matt

 

[JeffVN]

In my 338 LM Improved (124+ gr. H2O) I saw 3,100+ in load testing without pressure (108. gr. RL-33), but I backed down to 3,000+ node (105.5 gr) because I was nervous the summer in Vegas would run it over pressure. My tube is long (32"), which didn't hurt the quest to find a higher node.

But if you want 3,200+ fps for a 300 gr. 338 projectile, I suspect you are looking at something using a CheyTac case, regardless of the variant you are using.

JeffVN

 

[barnesuser28]

I am trying to decide between the standard and improved lapua. I figure, out of a 30" tube and a 3.914" oal with rl33 i can hit 2950 with the standard lapua (300grain bergers). Right now, with a factory 26" barrel loaded to the mag i am getting 2832 fps with the standard lapua with the 300 grain bergers. And i am trying to figure out if the improved is worth it, and for my purposes its starting to look like it isnt. Thanks for your input and info.

 

[tom m.]

With my LIMP I settled at 105 gr 33, and shoot the otm at 2990. I didn't see pressure at 107, but saw the groups opening up. Mine is a 30" plus brake, 1.350 to 1.125 no flutes... I can haul it from the back seat to the tailgate or bench. If you are looking at a mile and in and want to stay under 15 pounds, maybe look at 30 cals around the 215 and 230 also.

Tom

 

[specweldtom]

Slaysesh, If Autorotate sees this thread, he is an authority on the Excalibur, both pro's and con's.

I like the cartridge's balance of performance and weight. An accurate rifle can be built to come in at 13 -14 lbs scoped and shoot 3000fps with 300gr bullets.

My homemade .338 x .378 with 300gr Smk's @ 2780fps is still supersonic at 1 mile and just under 1000 ft/lbs of energy. It weighs 12.5 lbs scoped.

Tough decision, but some great choices available.

Enjoy, Tom

 

[264WM]

This 338-408 should be a good one also.

Ultra-Long Range — 0.44 MOA at 1,680 Yards with a .338 « Daily Bulletin