Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters H-414 AND THE 225GR 338

I'm getting excellent accuracy in my 338 (MV 2850, 66gr H-414) with 225gr TTXS and F-210 primers. Any down side to spherical powder over extruded? I don't think extreme low temps will ever be an issue, prob 20-90 deg temp range.

Jorge, the only downside might be that they burn dirtier than an extruded powder like IMR4350, which has a similar burn rate. The upside is they meter beautifully through a powder measure, flow like water.

Yeah, the dirty angle is there and on a pre-64, it makes it all the worse. Maybe I should try VV powder equivalent, that is the cleanest powder I've ever used.

Or Ramshot Big Game, another spherical powder. The burn rate's very similar to H414, but it burns FAR cleaner, and is pretty temperature-resistant as well.

Thanks, MD. Thoughts on VV N-150? it seems to be next to 414 in burn rate and I know they burn clean/

The VV powders are very good in every way, but I haven't tried N-150 in that application. It would sure be worth a try if you have some on hand.

I could never guess how many pounds of this stuff I have burned since its introduction and it always delivered in terms of velocity and accuracy from the 22/250 through to the .460 Weatherby, but I did notice back in the 90's, a propensity to increase in pressures when hunting in hotter temperatures - meaning 85+ to over 100 degrees on occasion.

Because I previously never hunted in temperatures much under 40 degrees back then, there were no issues. In the US, I chronographed loads brought from Australia and the total of a half dozen loads and chamberings never varied more that normal deviation when checked at 7000 ft and about 20 degrees.

I still do not hunt much below 20 degrees and even 1 kill I made on a white tail at 5 degrees, demonstrated no noticeable difference in performance within the limited range I shot in timber. The temperature ranges you indicated Jorge, will be fine based on what I have experienced.
John

Thanks John. I've always used it in my 06 and 375, but it is dirty, but very consistent as you say. I took my 375 to Africa in September where temps were in the low 100s during the day with no issues.

I don’t want to hijack this thread, but can one of you quickly explain what temps Ball powders become iffy at? I kinda get the issues, and just emailed Alliant, but I’m still not as clear as I’d like to be.

It depends on the powder, primer, charge and how much it's compressed. So there is no easy answer.

I figured. Thank you for that much though. Alliant’s response was basically that with normal hunting loads, most of us wouldn’t notice the velocity difference. Especially if the weather wasn’t very extreme either way. I gave them specifics, but that was as detailed as they got. He mentioned that the temp stable propellants were geared towards shooting over 600 yds where the difference could matter. I’m just worried that a load developed in the winter at 40 degrees, could be dangerous in 100 degree heat and 95% humidity of my summer practice.

Jorge, since you stated that the accuracy is excellent, I would use the load you have as is. Why mess with a winner.

On the same note...my previous best load in my 338-06 was loaded w/the 180gr BT and BL-c2 powder. It burned very dirty but gave the best velocity by more than 50fps. It was also one of the most accurate. powdr

This rifle has always liked RL-19, as to why I haven't tried it, I can't say, but I've loaded some with it and will test tomorrow. Powder, reason being, 414 is a very dirty powder and pre-64s are notorious for fouling.

Have you used that load on game? I want a heavy bullet load for my 338 Fed and have considered the 210 and 225 TTSX. I know that it would have to be a long shot from your gun for the velocity to be the same. I’m just curious.

I’ve used the 210 TTSXs @2900 FPS on hogs. Great killer, but I’d like to try a bit more weight and the 225 shoots as flat

I can get close to 2600 out of the 210 in my shorter barrel. I think the 225 will be too slow in my caliber. I’m looking a big black bear load. And I think hogs will be in order this year. Thanks jorge.

The 210 TTSX will take down any hog or black bear on this planet. Interesting results yesterday with RL-19 (73gr). Not quite as accurate as the 66gr H-414 load but about the same speed (2780), but the 210TTSX continues to be "the bullet to beat" in my 338 (consistent .5 or less) when it comes to accuracy but they shoot to the same POI (at least to 100) as the 225 TTSXs

I'm a fan of H414. It seems I find good shooting loads in whatever cartridge I try it in. It may not be that absolute fastest or smallest groups, but seem to become a go to load.
I've used it in the 6.5 x 55 under Rem 140s, I love it in the 9.3 x 62 under 250 TSX. It's my powder for 200 Nos Partitions in my 8mm F Mag. Yeah, it burns a little dirty, but when do you shoot more than 20 at time out of the .338? Like me, your range visit involves 2-3 guns.

R19 is another powder that seems to work well every time I try it.

Jeff, I'l bring up the targets. Excellent accuracy. below is the 375's groups w 414: