338 lapua or???

[jrebel]

Couple house keeping items first....

1.  I have searched and read a lot of post, most old....so that has been taken care of.
2.  I already know it isn't practical and will cost money, so lets avoid a ton of the nonsense on cost of brass / ammo / etc. 



Now that we have covered that stuff......I am looking at the 338 lapua to fill an itch.  The specific itch is not specific to the lapua, but more so the ability to push a 300 grain bullet at 2700+ fps.  Primary use would be moose hunting to 600 yards (most shots are well under 300), black bear (apparently not during the spring season any longer  ) and steel to maybe 1000 yards. 

I handload and would customize a load for any rifle I buy.  Not really interested in a full custom at this point as I'm not sure it's a cartridge I will keep in the rotation.  If I end up liking the cartridge and think a custom will fit the need better than production....I will fill the need then.  I have considered the 338 edge but don't see a ton of them on the market....so a custom or used rifle is the only way to get into one. 

Gonna top it with the Nightforce NX8 4-32....which should make for a great pairing. 

Any thoughts or suggestions.  Any other chamberings that will push a 300 grain bullet with similar velocities? 

I am a Savage fan so that is the obvious choice....but what other manufacturers would you consider? 

And....go!! 

[Magnum_Willys]

Just shot buddys new Savage 338 Lapua Long Range Hunter yesterday.  He picked it up for $1100 with a cheap scope on it.  It shot 1" groups with factory ammo right out of the box.  The factory break and pad worked great.  It has a mag and isn't light but with a Lapua a lil weight helps.   Would be a great way to see if you like the big boomers.

I have a custom 338 Lapua, 30" Carbon Barrel which cost about $4k before sticking a $2k Mark V scope on it.  Buddys $1100 rig can give it a run for the money. 

An older 338-378 Weatherby bedded and dialed in will shoot 300 gr at 2850 with accuracy.   So will the edge.

The 338 Norma will get you to 2750 also and is worth a look. 

Eventually if you stick with the boomers you will end up with a 338 Lapua Improved shooting 300 gr at 3000 fps. 

[Jason]

Have you thought about the 338-375 Ruger? Obviously it's not a factory round yet, but man what a cartridge. I'm getting just over 3000fps with 250gr Accubonds and only 76.7gr of H4350. I built mine off a Savage 116 action. I have not tried 300 grain bullets yet but I know a couple of other guys here have.

I have a buddy that has the Savage 110 long range hunter in 338 Lapua. He topped it with a nightforce. For a factory gun with hand loads that thing is crazy accurate. It's got a big old muzzle brake on it that takes it down to a 270 or so with the heavy bullets.

[huntnphool]

 Good choice, you may also consider the .375 Cheytac.

[b23]

Are you primarily looking for a factory gun you can just buy and start shooting or are you looking to build something?  Going the factory gun direction will leave you with considerably less options where as a build, even on a factory action, will give you nearly endless choices and depending on the level of accuracy you're looking for make you happier.

A straight 338 Lapua, IMO, is kind of a performance turd and I'd go with one of the variants of 338 Lapua Improved.  Same with the 338 Norma I would never do a straight 338 Norma but a 338 Norma Improved makes for a nice setup especially as a repeater because its OAL is a bit shorter.

I think the easy button definitely favors the 338RUM.  You can use a standard mag bolt face action the OAL isn't quite as long as the 338 Edge so in standard mag boxes they'll run nearly the same speed.  If you want more speed and you want it to be a repeater a properly built 338 Edge with a long mag box installed will definitely sling them faster.  If you want even more speed consider having Defensive Edge chamber it for you and go with their +P throat.  Shawn's 338 Edge +P is nipping on the heels of his 338 Terminator which is his version of a 338 Lap Imp.

ADG not only makes 338RUM and 338 Edge brass but it's also currently available.

[jjhunter]

I’ve got a DE Canyon rifle I have considered selling.   338 Edge.  Under 70 rounds fired at the bench.

It’s heavy with a 8-32x56 NXS.   Shoots the DE pet load (300 grain Matchkings) into bug holes.

[Dan-o]

My shoulder hurts from reading this thread.

[huntnphool]

My shoulder hurts from reading this thread.

375 Cheytac has less felt recoil than the Lapua.

[jasnt]

I got a savage 112 target magnum in 338 lapua I’d part with for a hell of a deal.  Single shot action.  Shoots great (see my 37xc build thread).  Still ton of life left in her.round count in my sig    If your at all interested hit me up before I shoot it again and change my mind

[Snakeriver]

I built a 338 edge off a rem 700 action. With a wyatts extended magazine.  I'm shooting 285m's at 2850 fps. 93.5 grains h1000.

[jrebel]

Thanks for all the replies.  At this point, looking for a factory rifle that I can mount a scope to and start loading for.  I'm not convinced I'm gonna be all in on the shoulder breaking big boomers..... , so would like to try it first.  My motto is "why not", so when I was looking at a new toy to load for.....well why not a 338 lapua.  We hunt moose in Canada and it would be a great pairing for such a large animal...even though our 300 wsm's have proven to be great plenty, butttttttt....WHY NOT!!   

Looking pretty hard at the Savage 110 Long range 338, but it is proving to be a hard rifle to find. 

Have found a few Weatherby mark V in 338....any thoughts on the Weatherby rifles and their out of box accuracy??  Never owned one. 

Christensen makes a couple....but I have not had the greatest experience with Christensen.  The one and only I owned was a kind of a downer and did not meet my expectations. 

[jrebel]

I’ve got a DE Canyon rifle I have considered selling.   338 Edge.  Under 70 rounds fired at the bench.

It’s heavy with a 8-32x56 NXS.   Shoots the DE pet load (300 grain Matchkings) into bug holes.
[/quote

Tempting...but likely more than I want to spend to explore the big bore world. 

[jrebel]

I got a savage 112 target magnum in 338 lapua I’d part with for a hell of a deal.  Single shot action.  Shoots great (see my 37xc build thread).  Still ton of life left in her.round count in my sig    If your at all interested hit me up before I shoot it again and change my mind

Looked hard at this rifle, but the single shot keeps me looking elsewhere.  Reality is it would be fine as it should be a one and done kind of rifle...LOL 

Haven't ruled it out, but still considering other options.  I'll pm you if I decide to go this route.   

[Magnum_Willys]

Thanks for all the replies.  At this point, looking for a factory rifle that I can mount a scope to and start loading for.  I'm not convinced I'm gonna be all in on the shoulder breaking big boomers..... , so would like to try it first.  My motto is "why not", so when I was looking at a new toy to load for.....well why not a 338 lapua.  We hunt moose in Canada and it would be a great pairing for such a large animal...even though our 300 wsm's have proven to be great plenty, butttttttt....WHY NOT!!   

Looking pretty hard at the Savage 110 Long range 338, but it is proving to be a hard rifle to find. 

Have found a few Weatherby mark V in 338....any thoughts on the Weatherby rifles and their out of box accuracy??  Never owned one. 

Christensen makes a couple....but I have not had the greatest experience with Christensen.  The one and only I owned was a kind of a downer and did not meet my expectations.

I have two older 338-378's that can shoot 6 inch groups at 1000 with 300 gr smk at 2850-2870.  Both bedded with FB muzzle breaks.   Seem to shoot better than any carbon barreled rifle I've shot - at least for first 3 shots until barrel heats up.  I'm not sure about the newer ones but the Savage I shot this week I expect matches or outshoots a new 338-378 weatherby.   

The savage is a milder shooter than a 7mm mag without a brake with factor 250's.

Loaded hot with 300 gr its not a problem to shoot a box of shells through these but takes some practice to spot your shots.   Advantage is you can see the splash at 1000 yards.

For Moose at 400 yards the 340 weatherby with 300 gr factory accubonds is an nice option and you don't have to have a muzzle brake and ear muffs.

[jrebel]

Thanks for all the replies.  At this point, looking for a factory rifle that I can mount a scope to and start loading for.  I'm not convinced I'm gonna be all in on the shoulder breaking big boomers..... , so would like to try it first.  My motto is "why not", so when I was looking at a new toy to load for.....well why not a 338 lapua.  We hunt moose in Canada and it would be a great pairing for such a large animal...even though our 300 wsm's have proven to be great plenty, butttttttt....WHY NOT!!   

Looking pretty hard at the Savage 110 Long range 338, but it is proving to be a hard rifle to find. 

Have found a few Weatherby mark V in 338....any thoughts on the Weatherby rifles and their out of box accuracy??  Never owned one. 

Christensen makes a couple....but I have not had the greatest experience with Christensen.  The one and only I owned was a kind of a downer and did not meet my expectations.

I have two older 338-378's that can shoot 6 inch groups at 1000 with 300 gr smk at 2850-2870.  Both bedded with FB muzzle breaks.   Seem to shoot better than any carbon barreled rifle I've shot - at least for first 3 shots until barrel heats up.  I'm not sure about the newer ones but the Savage I shot this week I expect matches or outshoots a new 338-378 weatherby.   

The savage is a milder shooter than a 7mm mag without a brake with factor 250's.

Loaded hot with 300 gr its not a problem to shoot a box of shells through these but takes some practice to spot your shots.   Advantage is you can see the splash at 1000 yards.

For Moose at 400 yards the 340 weatherby with 300 gr factory accubonds is an nice option and you don't have to have a muzzle brake and ear muffs.

I'm thinking moose could be pushed to 600 yards this next year.  There is a huge bull that is seen every year...but just out of reach of most shooters.  I will let my son shoot 500 yards with his 300 wsm on animals, though he is a capable shooter to 800 yards.  No one has shot this moose because it is out of their effective range. .....I'm gonna change that this year.  Our 300 wsm's will kill at 600, but I want a bullet / rifle combo that will buck wind better and take a moose with authority at said ranges. 

My son proved himself to the guides this year with a 500 yard kill shot on a black bear.  Next year the big moose is gonna go down given the chance. He will be 13 next year and with any luck kill this old masher.  We have seen him in the same area three years in a row.  After we kill it, the work will begin as it is in a nasty marsh / pond area that prevents effective spot and stalk hunting. 

[NW SURVEYOR]

Rebel,
Here's my two cents,

I have rebarreled my Sako Finnbear to 33 Nosler which is a standard-length cartridge.
It shoots 270 Grain ELDXs with a BC of .757 out the pipe at 2940 FPS.
I'm using 250 CCI Mag Primers with 81.5 grains of RL-19.
COAL is 3.510"
At the muzzle there is 5183 F/Ps of energy.
At 700 yards it's still a very respectable 3126 F/Ps which compares to my 7 mag with a 160 grain Hotcore at 3113 F/Ps at the muzzle.
This is an accurate rifle shooting sub 1-inch groups.
It's paired with a NightForce NX8 2.5-20x50 scope.
I had a brake put on it when the guy rebarreled it which makes it real easy to shoot.
The rifle's not light, no old Sakos are, but it shoots great with a total weight at exactly 11 #s with scope and sling.
This setup won't break the bank if you have a Finnbear with a worn-out barrel, which I did.
Also, the Finnbears have longer box which accommodates the longer COAL.
Have the guy mounting the barrel give you a little extra freebore to accommodate the extra COAL.
One other thing to consider, which may not be important to you is the new life that you will breath into your old Sako.
All for the cost of a barrel.
As for shooting 300 grains Sierra's, I could only get 2644 FPS with 80.0 grains of RL-19.
But, what the heck, I think the 270 ELDXs would be lights out for moose, as the elk I've shot have all been real clen kills up t0 560 yards, which is my furthest shot at game so far.
Sorry to get so long winded, but this 33 Nosler is the real deal.

Good Luck to oyu and the boy next year.
Rob.

[mountainman]

Go 338 Edge+ as mentioned. Great round and will handle that bull if the range gets a little longer then expected👍
Good luck buddy!

[NWShooter]

Take a good look at the .375 Ultra Magnum and a 260gr Accubond. 3050 FPS easy out of a 26” barrel with hand loads. Can be run on a standard magnum bolt face long action. Where as the Lapua requires a custom action with a larger bolt face. If you are purchasing a factory rifle, then the action doesn’t matter, you get what you get in a factory offering. Can also run a 300gr Accubond @ 2750 plus with hand loads. 600 yards is child's play for either cartridge and the .375 makes a great big bear rifle.

[jasnt]

I got a savage 112 target magnum in 338 lapua I’d part with for a hell of a deal.  Single shot action.  Shoots great (see my 37xc build thread).  Still ton of life left in her.round count in my sig    If your at all interested hit me up before I shoot it again and change my mind

Looked hard at this rifle, but the single shot keeps me looking elsewhere.  Reality is it would be fine as it should be a one and done kind of rifle...LOL 

Haven't ruled it out, but still considering other options.  I'll pm you if I decide to go this route.   

you won’t find a better deal on a 338lm.  And with the money ya save you could have the action milled for magazine.   $600

[idaho guy]

Thanks for all the replies.  At this point, looking for a factory rifle that I can mount a scope to and start loading for.  I'm not convinced I'm gonna be all in on the shoulder breaking big boomers..... , so would like to try it first.  My motto is "why not", so when I was looking at a new toy to load for.....well why not a 338 lapua.  We hunt moose in Canada and it would be a great pairing for such a large animal...even though our 300 wsm's have proven to be great plenty, butttttttt....WHY NOT!!   

Looking pretty hard at the Savage 110 Long range 338, but it is proving to be a hard rifle to find. 

Have found a few Weatherby mark V in 338....any thoughts on the Weatherby rifles and their out of box accuracy??  Never owned one. 

Christensen makes a couple....but I have not had the greatest experience with Christensen.  The one and only I owned was a kind of a downer and did not meet my expectations.

 

My buddy has the 338-378 weatherby it was super accurate right out of the box. I bought the 30-378 weatherby at same time and it was my most accurate rifle. Both Mark v I also bought same weatherby in 270 wby mag and 257 wby mag all tack shooters. I watched my buddy shoot a huge black bear (se Alaska diy hunt) at long range with 338-378 and it looked liked something picked it up and threw it on its side 😂

[slm9s]

When I was looking for a big LR rig I ended up with a switch barrel 338RUM and 7mm Rem Mag on an Underground Skunkworks action.  The reason I say this is that as others have said the 338 Lapua uses a bigger case head.  That really limits your cartridge options for that action.  Just something to think about.
If you're just scratching an itch, whatever used rifle in 338rum, 338edge, 340wby, 338/378wby, 338Lapua, 375h&h, 375wby, 378wby etc would work for your goals.
Good luck.

[Alchase]

My shoulder hurts from reading this thread.

375 Cheytac has less felt recoil than the Lapua.

 

You can buy 338 Lapua’s off the rack that shoot 1 MOA or less.

I have never seen a 375 Cheytac on any rack (box store) for sale.

There is an old saying (that I just made up, but I am old) 
Great rifles are not bought, they are made!

338 Lapua is a great round. But I think I would do a 300 WSM, much more pleasant to shoot.
 
Still the 375 Cheytac would be pretty awesome!

[jrebel]

My shoulder hurts from reading this thread.

375 Cheytac has less felt recoil than the Lapua.

 

You can buy 338 Lapua’s off the rack that shoot 1 MOA or less.

I have never seen a 375 Cheytac on any rack (box store) for sale.

There is an old saying (that I just made up, but I am old) 
Great rifles are not bought, they are made!

338 Lapua is a great round. But I think I would do a 300 WSM, much more pleasant to shoot.
 
Still the 375 Cheytac would be pretty awesome!

We have two 300 wsm's and love them.  They shoot better than we can with the handloads.  My son's shot a 5 shot group at 300 yards cutting the same cloverleaf hole. 

This is more of an itch that I want to scratch and will be purpose driven for a moose hunt.  The Lapua is easily purchased of the shelf and has components for reloading readily available.  If I like it and want to keep moving in the big bore direction.....then building will definitely be the better option. 

Another question...

I'm not overly concerned about weight as this rifle won't be packed very far from any vehicle.  I will be tying my loads with H1000 pushing a 300 grain accubond.  I have read that the 26" barrel is not the best for H1000 due to the burn rate.  Would I be better off with a 30" barrel for said powder / bullet combo.  The FPS is negligible in my mind but finding other powders or burning through powders I have in stock is a major concern.  H1000 is in good supply and I'm currently not loading any other rounds with it. 

Thoughts?? 

[jasnt]

30” will definitely help that h1000 out.  I was getting 2830 with my 26” and 300gr Berger’s and h1000.  Got to a point where more powder wasnt given more speed.  Re33 had better speed but dirty stuff.  Never got to try retumbo

[jrebel]

30” will definitely help that h1000 out.  I was getting 2830 with my 26” and 300gr Berger’s and h1000.  Got to a point where more powder wasnt given more speed.  Re33 had better speed but dirty stuff.  Never got to try retumbo

Did you find the H1000 worked well in a 26" barrel?  I can't figure out why it wouldn't but some sites said it would work better in a longer barrel.  US869 is a lot faster burning powder so I would believe that to be true....but H1000 seamed to me to be a fine powder in a 26" barrel. 

The barrel length is the difference in about 3 lbs of gun between the two I'm looking at.  Not sure the weight will matter when we are only talking 3lbs...

[jasnt]

30” will definitely help that h1000 out.  I was getting 2830 with my 26” and 300gr Berger’s and h1000.  Got to a point where more powder wasnt given more speed.  Re33 had better speed but dirty stuff.  Never got to try retumbo

Did you find the H1000 worked well in a 26" barrel?  I can't figure out why it wouldn't but some sites said it would work better in a longer barrel.  US869 is a lot faster burning powder so I would believe that to be true....but H1000 seamed to me to be a fine powder in a 26" barrel. 

The barrel length is the difference in about 3 lbs of gun between the two I'm looking at.  Not sure the weight will matter when we are only talking 3lbs...

I love h1000.  It works great and pretty clean compared to some other options.  It worked very well for me. Yes a longer barrel will give you more performance and efficiency imo.  If I didn’t sell mine to fund another project I would have eventually went with 30-32” barrel.   My Ed was in the low teens for 10 round.  I do think that with the 26” the 250gr bullets was better for wind out to 1500. Then the heavy 300’s took over

[idaho guy]

It’s refreshing to read a thread about larger calibers for a change 👍 6.5 created a weird race to the smallest caliber you could hunt with IMO. not wanting to discuss caliber preferences AT ALL. Just a fan of the bigger guns myself will be following along for updates on what you go with jrebel

[Magnum_Willys]

26-27” barrel H-1000 would be my choice - faster powder for shorter barrel.  At 30” try n570 and RL33 for greater speed.

With 28” barrel I got 2800-2820 with H1000 and 300 gr
With Rl33 got 2850-2870

With 30” barrel got 2880-2930 with rl33.   Havent tried h1000 yet.

The 30” carbon barrel can be VERY end heavy with a light stock.   

[hunter399]

I like all the discussion.
I'm just not sure what the end goal is,seems most of the goals can be achieved with a 7 mag or a 300 win mag.
With a lot better packing weight. For hunting that is.

Prove me wrong?
Or tell me what the end game is.

[Magnum_Willys]

I like all the discussion.
I'm just not sure what the end goal is,seems most of the goals can be achieved with a 7 mag or a 300 win mag.
With a lot better packing weight. For hunting that is.

Prove me wrong?
Or tell me what the end game is.

For critters handoaded 215 bergers in 300 wm can get it done to 1000 yards so yea, why go bigger?  Because if you are crazy enough to shoot that far you want all the help you can get.  You lose a critter with a 300 or 7mm then you go up to a 300 gr at 2850 plus fps.   I have 300 wm and Lapua.   Have not lost any game yet with the Lapua.  For most people I would suggest the 7mm.

[jasnt]

The big 30’s and 7’s will do just about anything the 338 will do till energy is factored in.   I’ve taken my 300wm out past 2000 yards.  There’s no denying the 338 energy out there.  Double the splash for spotting impacts.  Also there is less wind drift with the 338. 

And finally the op said it was just to scratch an itch.  Can’t argue with that as I’ve been there myself

[jrebel]

[/quote]

I'm thinking moose could be pushed to 600 yards this next year.  There is a huge bull that is seen every year...but just out of reach of most shooters.  I will let my son shoot 500 yards with his 300 wsm on animals, though he is a capable shooter to 800 yards.  No one has shot this moose because it is out of their effective range. .....I'm gonna change that this year.  Our 300 wsm's will kill at 600, but I want a bullet / rifle combo that will buck wind better and take a moose with authority at said ranges. 

My son proved himself to the guides this year with a 500 yard kill shot on a black bear.  Next year the big moose is gonna go down given the chance. He will be 13 next year and with any luck kill this old masher.  We have seen him in the same area three years in a row.  After we kill it, the work will begin as it is in a nasty marsh / pond area that prevents effective spot and stalk hunting.
[/quote]

Yes....the itch is real!!  This is not a rifle I will be packing or hunting with on the regular.  The two hunting applications I can see right now are moose and black bear at range.  Even with this .338 Lapua, I am not very interested at hunting at it's effective range.  I would without a doubt take a moose at 700-800 yards but thats about it.  Our 300 wsm's (multiple) are our everyday hunting rifles and they are quite accurate and capable at that range....but the energy just isn't what I want on target.  My son and I both shoot (non competition...recreationally to 1000 yards).  I would put money on his 600 yard ability over most others 300 yard ability.  I watch him consistently stack rounds on top of each other at 5 hundred yards. 

I have plenty of rifles for packing and hunting with....I don't have a big .338 yet. 

Lastly.....show me one time during the pandemic that .338 rounds / brass / loaded ammo....couldn't be found.  This was an eye opener for me.....why not add a couple .338's to my collection??  Just sounds fun too.   

[hunter399]

Just to play around and put big holes in stuff.
No problem with that.
Sounds awesome.👍
I'm a little jealous ,my shooting ability just falls apart after I go above 7mag . And I had to work a lot on that ,just the flinch,and holding that basterd still with the follow through.

[jrebel]

Well, I'm getting a little closer.  Scope has been purchased.....Nightforce NX8 4-32x50 SFP. 

Now...I'm struggling mightily with a decision.  I keep looking at the Christensen ELR which is sexy as all get out.     My hesitation....I've owned one other Christensen in a 300 WM and it was one of the most finicky rifles I have ever had to reload with.  It really put a bad flavor in my mouth.  I love the ELR and the integrated scope rail, carbon fiber barrel and muzzle brake. 

I'm torn....What do you guys say??  I can't find the weatherby accumark V which is another contender.  I'm considering the Savage 110 precision as well, but it is a little bit heavier.....with scope would weigh in at 15 lbs. 

Ohhhhh the decisions. 

[NRA4LIFE]

This moose thing sounds personal.

[jrebel]

This moose thing sounds personal.

We have had great luck with our moose hunts and have gone 3/3.....but I really want my son to drop the hammer on the big one that stays just out of reach.      I have told him numerous times he will never outdo my moose..... , though as a dad, I secretly hope he does.  I think the moose we are targeting may just do it. 

So yes....it has gotten personal.      In a fun way.   

The picture is what he has to better.  Good Luck Junior!!   

[jrebel]

Pic

[idaho guy]

Pic

 

That will be a tough one to too but I hope he does 👍

[jrebel]

Rifle inbound.  Should be here next week.   

[jrebel]

Rifle made it here and is pretty amazing...if I do say so myself.  Scope will be here tomorrow.  Bipod (Atlas) hopefully here by end of the week.  I have to mount up the seekins psr picatinny rail so the bipod will work....but then its just a matter of working the load. 

Already have a couple loads worked up....one with 285 grain hammer hunters and the other with 300 grain accubonds. 

The hammer hunters, in order to fit in the mag, have to be seated 0.2" off the lands....not overly happy with that but we will see how it shoots.  I may have to drop down to the 260 grain hammers to remedy this.  I really don't want a single feed rifle so it will be a deal breaker if they don't shoot well that far of the lands.  After doing some rough calculations....it looks like I could push the 260's at darn near 3000 fps which would still provide plenty of down range knock down power.  I'm not sure why I'm stuck on the heavies....it may be an illness.  The KE of the 300gr bullets really gets me excited.   

Already have first loads worked up and waiting.  I'll report back the results.....and add pics of the setup when it is all put together. 

[Magnum_Willys]

I’ve loaded two 338-378’s that can shoot 6” groups (zero wind) at a 1000 yards seated .300 off the lands and they aren’t finicky like my lapua is at .010 off.   Try the berger seating test and hope it shoots well at a big jump which will be more stable.  When lands wear it makes a big difference at .010 jump but nothing at .200 jump. 

[jrebel]

I’ve loaded two 338-378’s that can shoot 6” groups (zero wind) at a 1000 yards seated .300 off the lands and they aren’t finicky like my lapua is at .010 off.   Try the berger seating test and hope it shoots well at a big jump which will be more stable.  When lands wear it makes a big difference at .010 jump but nothing at .200 jump.

This is great to hear.   I had a 300 WM that liked a big jump with 212 gr ELD-X's.  Fingers crossed this gun likes that jump.....can't go much deeper or they bullet will be seated to deep in the case.  The forward most bearing surface is at the very end of the brass as it is now.....deeper than I would like, but still stable in the brass. 

[jrebel]

Made it to range today.....Two different load work ups, one shows amazing promise and the other not so much.  Came home to make a few adjustments and will be back at it next week.  Here is the readers digest version of the two: 

1.  300 grain accubonds with H1000...from the lowest powder charge to the highest, was a difference in 5 grains.  Velocities ranged from 2650 to 2810.  All rounds grouped at 1.25" at 100 yards.  I usually don't shoot at 100 yards when working a load, but the range was fairly busy and the 200 yard target was packed.  Regardless....I was super pleased with the velocities and the grouping given a 5 grain difference.  Next range day will be at 300 yards for three shot groups.

2.  285 grain hammer hunters with H1000...Not really having a great starting point, I used load data for the Barnes 285 gr TTSX.  I loaded in 1 grain increments looking for velocity and pressure signs.  The lowest powder charge only produced 2580 FPS and the bullet was keyholing.  The upper most powder charge produced 2750 and still did not show pressure signs.  I will be moving the powder charge up as I would fully expect this bullet to bush 2900 fps.  It didn't look as if any of the hammer hunters cut clean holes which is very concerning.  I suspect it is due to the velocity being low and will report back after the next range day. 

The next range day will also have 260 grain hammer hunters loaded which I feel will be superior to the 285 in this rifle.  I'm pretty sure I can also push the 260's at close to 3000 fps which will make it a toss up between the 300 accubonds and the 260 hammer hunters.  It will ultimately come down to accuracy.