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Posted: 3/10/2017 12:48:30 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Congressman]
First time reloading .338 Lapua.. I bought 100 pieces of Lapua brass, but I am wondering which powder is best for a) the caliber b) warm Texas weather

Additionally I will be shooting this rifle from 300-1000 yards.. which bullets have you seen the best results from? From my understanding the only benefits (other than easier seating) of boat tails is very long distance shooting.  It seems like everything comes in packages of 100 so I want to make sure I am making the best decision as its not particularly cheap.

Edit: these look pretty solid, but its a box of 100 http://rd.bizrate.com/rd?t=http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/468308/lapua-lock-base-bullets-338-caliber-339-diameter-250-grain-full-metal-jacket-boat-tail-box-of-100?cm_mmc=pf_ci_connexity-_-Reloading+-+Bullets+-+Match+%26+Target-_-Lapua-_-468308&mid=77064&cat_id=12150125&atom=10468&prod_id=&oid=6621723856&pos=1&b_id=18&bid_type=8&bamt=9a2afb930702cd49&cobrand=1&ppr=997063808cd71e6c&rf=af1&af_assettype_id=12&af_creative_id=2973&af_id=26865&af_placement_id=1659178&dv=10cdf7ce8f5a7f2e7f336af31e223cf2&af_campaign_id=j042bo0uw900zk8a03b2f

Thanks for the help
Congressman
Link Posted: 3/26/2017 11:12:21 AM EDT
[#1]
I like US869 for big arse cases with great success but it's temp sensitivity may not play well in texas heat waves so I won't recommend that route. Instead, H1000 or Retumbo or even better the new IMR 7977 would be the powders I'd go to. I'd probably do the 7977 if you can find it, and buy it in kegs if you can. No sense bothering with single pounds. You'll only get like 75 rounds to a pound of powder with that $5 bill shooter.

Lapua bullets are always great quality. I would look at 225-250gn since you're shooting so close.

Good luck!
Link Posted: 3/26/2017 4:11:36 PM EDT
[#2]
Originally Posted By Congressman:
First time reloading .338 Lapua.. I bought 100 pieces of Lapua brass, but I am wondering which powder is best for a) the caliber b) warm Texas weather
View Quote
H1000 and Retumbo

Additionally I will be shooting this rifle from 300-1000 yards..
View Quote
Why so short?

which bullets have you seen the best results from?
View Quote
300 SMK or Lapua Scenar or Berger.

From my understanding the only benefits (other than easier seating) of boat tails is very long distance shooting.
View Quote
the boat tail reduces drag, and reduces barrel friction, but allows a tiny amount of yaw* to develop in the barrel under firing.
(*)compared to flat base bullets.

It seems like everything comes in packages of 100 so I want to make sure I am making the best decision as its not particularly cheap.
View Quote


For reloading purposed, everything but cases comes in units of 1,000 (bullets) or 5,000 (bullets, primers), or 56,000 (as in 8 pounds of powder)
Link Posted: 3/26/2017 4:40:55 PM EDT
[#3]
I tested 250gr and 300gr Berger Match Hybrid OTM Tacticals (boy, that's a mouthful lol) using IMR7977 and VV N570.

The 250s shot very well with IMR7977, but not with N570. The 300s much preferred N570. The 250s shot slightly better from the bench, but that may just be due to me and/or less recoil.

All-in-all, that's just what me and my barrel liked so nothing more than anecdotal. So I sent you a PM with the best tip I have to offer atm :)
Link Posted: 3/26/2017 7:38:03 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Bearcat24] [#4]
Just got off the range working up loads for my Savage 10/110 338 FCP with 285 gr ELD-M. Using H-1000 and retumbo. Good ballistics with the ELD bullets. Suggest you try H-1000 or retumbo. What rifle and barrel length do you have? Go check out snipers hide to look at loads. Consensus seems to be either H-1000 or Retumbo.
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