.338 Lapua Mag load

Reloading equipment, methods, load data, powder and projectile information.

.338 Lapua Mag load

Post by Rlunardi » 05 Dec 2018, 2:12 pm

I am looking to move to a .338 Lapua Mag chambered Rifle and would like to ask if anyone has a good accurate long range target load using the Sierra Match King 250gn HPBT using Federal large pistol primers and using Lapua cases.

Thank you in advance.
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Re: .338 Lapua Mag load

Post by bladeracer » 05 Dec 2018, 2:49 pm

Rlunardi wrote:I am looking to move to a .338 Lapua Mag chambered Rifle and would like to ask if anyone has a good accurate long range target load using the Sierra Match King 250gn HPBT using Federal large pistol primers and using Lapua cases.

Thank you in advance.


Loading ammo doesn't work that way. You need to work up a load in the specific rifle.
If you tell us the action, barrel length, profile and twist rate it's possible somebody might have the same setup with a load you could try.
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Re: .338 Lapua Mag load

Post by SCJ429 » 05 Dec 2018, 5:28 pm

Why are you using 250s? I am using 300 grain SMK in an improved Lapua and get 3000 fps out of them. Are you using a factory rifle or a custom build?
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Re: .338 Lapua Mag load

Post by SCJ429 » 05 Dec 2018, 5:36 pm

Also why are you using Federal pistol primers? I am using ADI 2225 powder, what powder were you considering?
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Re: .338 Lapua Mag load

Post by Sergeant Hartman » 05 Dec 2018, 8:01 pm

He's likely just ordered a ruger precision rifle in 338. Hahaha jk
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Re: .338 Lapua Mag load

Post by Rlunardi » 06 Dec 2018, 3:06 pm

The Rifle is a Victrix Scorpio TCT 26" Barrel 1/10 twist.....I know my opening question was wide of the mark which is why I am reaching out for help since I'm going from .308 to the .338 Lapua?

I need to understand what's the best powder for the round? what brand s are you using? I always used Sierra Match Kings in the .308 and have heard they are just as good in the .338. Also who makes the best reloading dies for this cartridge? oh and I'll be using Lapua cases as well.

And I did mean Federal Large Rifle Primers too :-)
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Re: .338 Lapua Mag load

Post by bladeracer » 06 Dec 2018, 3:26 pm

Rlunardi wrote:The Rifle is a Victrix Scorpio TCT 26" Barrel 1/10 twist.....I know my opening question was wide of the mark which is why I am reaching out for help since I'm going from .308 to the .338 Lapua?

I need to understand what's the best powder for the round? what brand s are you using? I always used Sierra Match Kings in the .308 and have heard they are just as good in the .338. Also who makes the best reloading dies for this cartridge? oh and I'll be using Lapua cases as well.

And I did mean Federal Large Rifle Primers too :-)


Looking at ADI's load data online, they recommend three powders - AR2213SC, AR2225, AR2217, with AR2209 being an option for lighter bullets up to 250gn.
The three seem to give similar velocity-for-pressure. AR2213SC is more efficient using about 5% less powder, but AR2217 is usually compressed which might translate to better accuracy, although it might also mean hitting a volume limit (as I do in .30-06). AR2225 also gets compressed in some loadings. If you're chasing velocity try AR2217. If you want to be able to experiment with all bullet weights try AR2213SC. If you want to find the best powder try all three and do extensive testing.
Attachments
ADI 338LM a.JPG
ADI 338LM a.JPG (493.77 KiB) Viewed 5120 times
ADI 338LM b.JPG
ADI 338LM b.JPG (508 KiB) Viewed 5120 times
Last edited by bladeracer on 06 Dec 2018, 3:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: .338 Lapua Mag load

Post by bladeracer » 06 Dec 2018, 3:28 pm

SCJ429 wrote:Why are you using 250s? I am using 300 grain SMK in an improved Lapua and get 3000 fps out of them. Are you using a factory rifle or a custom build?


I'm impressed at the velocity. Moly-coated in a 30" barrel?
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Re: .338 Lapua Mag load

Post by Rlunardi » 06 Dec 2018, 4:50 pm

Thank you for your help, its a factory rifle but also a very accurate one and while I have been using its sibling the Gladius in .308 the step up to .338 Scorpio should give me the same performance from the Victrix and as you have stated I will be testing some loads until I find its sweet spot.
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Re: .338 Lapua Mag load

Post by SCJ429 » 06 Dec 2018, 8:26 pm

bladeracer wrote:I'm impressed at the velocity. Moly-coated in a 30" barrel?


Close 30" Benchmark barrel but the bullets are naked. Most guys use Retumbo, 2225. If you use Federal primer then 215M will do the job. I use CCI 250. It shoots .4s at 100 and three inches at 500. Longest shot I have made was 780. Very tiring to shoot off the bench, big step up from a 308. To be honest I think I would have been better off with a 30 cal using a wildcat Lapua like the 300 Allen Xpress. Once I shoot this barrel out I will consider my options.

Good luck with you Lapua, they are great fun and deliver a decent payload. They can be difficult to shoot well and don't be surprised if some bloke with a 223 gets better results at 1000.
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Re: .338 Lapua Mag load

Post by SCJ429 » 06 Dec 2018, 8:44 pm

I am using Redding dies, only because I needed custom dies for a wildcat. You must like Victrix, you could build a nice custom rifle for less than $11,000. I saw a Defiance actioned long range plinker in 300 RUM the other day, very capable and putting all the Accuracy Internations to shame.
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Re: .338 Lapua Mag load

Post by Sergeant Hartman » 06 Dec 2018, 8:52 pm

Ruger precision rifle is coming out in 338 lapua cost about 3300.
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Re: .338 Lapua Mag load

Post by SCJ429 » 06 Dec 2018, 9:02 pm

I am not sure that is what he is looking for. Do you have one and can vouch for their performance?
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