Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Good 338 Federal loads

In case anyone is interested...Shooters Pro has both 180 and 200gr Accubonds in stock right now. If you want to try them, or restock, it's Now, or wait another year.

338 Fed newbie numb-nut here. I've got 200 gr Speers & Nosler AB's, 180 AB's and 210 PT's on hand.

Varget and RL-15 powder left over from my 7mm/08 explorations.

Tac and 8208 seem to be favored, from what I've read so far. Anyone tried Win 748, or LVR?

All good bullets, no doubt. I've only tried LVR with the 210s. Works well. Be interested to see if it worked well with 200s though.

Anyone used 8208 or 2230 with the 210 PT? Nosler load data list the 200 and 210 in the same category and I see people have had good luck with 8208 and 200 grain bullets

^^ I have not.

On a related note, I was able to shoot some 'new' AA2230 yesterday. I loaded three 160 TTSXs with the same load and they shot 3015/3015/3020 through the Magnetospeed. Previously they were more like 3050. Accuracy was still good though.

I also shot some Cutting Edge 175 MTH bullets.

https://cuttingedgebullets.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=MTH_338_175

With an advertised BC of .500-.520, they are worth trying. I ended up with decent accuracy with loads at velocities of 2889/2887 and 2889/2905. With a higher load at 2940 the bolt was a tiny bit stiff, primer was a bit flatter than usual, but not really flat, and there were no ejector marks. I decided to just stick to the lighter loads. Not much I can't kill with a 175gn bullet at 2889. Accuracy was only sort of tested. I had to shoot at 50yds and two different groups were .6. My shooting left something to be desired. I think there's potential here.

Like to hear of anyone has tried MTH bullets on game.

Shot some 160 ttsx with 52.5 of new 2230 yesterday too, 1st time shooting the gun and getting under well under an 1", shot 180AB with 48.5 of IMR 8208 and shot close to .75", still need to figure out what powder to use with the 210PT I have 2230, 8208, 4064 and TAC on hand might have to see if LVR and 2000MR are available in town.

Did you get any velocities measured? For the 210, I would think 2230 is too fast. Although Barnes lists a load of 46gn for 2570 with a 210 TTSX. I don't really know how the TTSX and Partition cmopare for pressure. My guess is Partition is higher, but I may be wrong.

Shot some 210 partitions with 8208, IMR has a load of 43.3 for the 210 Scirocco for 2508 fps and 47 for 200 acubond so I started at 43 and worked up to 46 with no pressure signs. I haven't got velocities yet but I'm hoping its around 2600 I'll be happy with that if it shoots good.

Shot 210 NP with 45.5 gn 8208 and 49 LVL. The LVL had some pressure signs primers flatning and bolt got sticky on the last shot, velocities varied a lot too.

45.5 8208
1)2503
2)2497
3)2501

49gn LVL
1)2637
2)2737
3)2695

I'll bet they showed pressure! Whew, That's too fast, at least the last two.

Many,Many years ago I literally flipped a 7'3" B&C black bear 270 degrees completely off his feet with a reduced load out of a 338WM. The load was a 200gr Hornady FP at 2550fps.

A 210 @ 2600 Has to be Death on Wheels !

2630 is serious velocity for the 210 NPT. I shot the 210 swift sirocco with 47gr HLVR and had good accuracy the groups started to open up at 48. Never shot game with the 210 I would imagine it would be a serious game stopper.

I have been shooting the TSX and TTSX for game their performance has been great. I was finally able to find some AA2230 yesterday going to try it with the 160 TTSX this fall if it works out at the range.

I have noticed some inconsistency with 8208 been wondering if it was the rifle and stock contact so I replaced the Tupperware stock on my Sako 85 stainless synthetic. Hope that changes the inconsistency we'll see.

PRM I have shot the 160 and 185 barnes to max loads with 8208 do you think I should start at 50 and work up to 52 with 2230/br2 and the 160 TTSX. Have you seen any pressure signs with that combo and where?

Shoot straight all

Bob

My best loads for the 338 Federal (range pic-up cases) I have has involved a 358 Winchester die to make "338 Improved" from them, then seating 225 grain (.358) Partitions on top of 49 grains of IMR 4895. Alternatively, 15.0 - 17.0 grains of Blue Dot with a Lyman "204" grain (358315) cast, gas-check bullet shows plenty of good stuff.

Good to see a spark of life on this old thread!
My do-it-all load for the Fed is still the 200g Woodleigh with 44 grains of Benchmark ( Benchmark 2 here ) with 210M in Fed 338 cases. These bullets are designed especially for .338-06 and Fed velocities and are very reliable killers. particularly when a bit of bone is involved.

ScottishKat, can I ask what stock you went for with your Sako 85? I have a similar problem with mine, and am awaiting a price on a McMillan Hunter. My Sako 85 (a 7RM) shoots .5 to 3/4" groups consistently, but the POI shifts regularly between shooting sessions.Not good for confidence! Sorry if this is a bit "off-topic".

John

John, I put a Mcmillan hunter on it the feel is much better. Cost was about 500.00 but I have another Sako 85S if I decide to go another route. I noticed the same thing with mine it would shoot stellar probably better than .500 like 4 or 5 touching but then shift high.

I have seen several postings regarding the 200gr and 4895 with the Sako 85S maybe the magic number. Its a very big bullet for most of my shooting at 100 pound average whitetails.

Shoot straight all

Bob

I'd definitely work up to 52. That's pretty much a max in my rifle. The new AA2230 seems a tick slower, at least the lot I have, so I may try a little more.

Thanks Bob.
I'd be interested to hear how your rifle shoots with the McMillan stock. The quote here is AUS.$1180! and 4~5 month wait.
Cheers, John

Got 180 Nosler AB to shoot real well had to switch to CCI 250 mag primers and the groups closed right up. 48.5 gn IMR8208 and 250 primers and just a smidgen over 2800fps

Just a follow up to my previous posts. I got to shoot the AA2230 BR2 160TTSX combo started at 50 and worked up to 52 in .5gr increments I actually skipped 51 as there was no pressure signs at all. The 52 grain load turned in a 5 shot .520 vertical and .430 horizontal group. Best I have seen from my Sako 85 to date and its been shot plenty.

Thanks PRM for all the advice. I also shot the 185 GMAX for the first time. Accuracy was not great.

338F I note that the Barnes data indicates 46gr of 2230 with their 210gr TSX for 2570 I would give it a try with the 210NPT.

Jack the Mcmillan stock seems to be working out really well on the Sako 85 I will let you know if the impact shift goes away when I get a chance to shoot it next couple of weeks. I also shot my old 160 TTSX and 49.5gr of 8208 210m combo and it shot very well as well. That 1180 price tag really sux a whole lot of duty, shipping, taxes and exchange I'm guessing.

Good luck and shoot straight all.

Hope youall have a great season

Bob

I'll have to see if ive tried mag primer loads with the 180BTs/ABs. Worth a try.

Glad to see the load worked. Not much you can't kill with that.