338 Fed, NOE 340320, 4759, reduced... first runs...

[cainttype]

The NOE 340320 201 gr (211 for my alloy in this case) 4 cavity mould had 2 out of 50+ weighed bullets that didn't fit within + or - 1/2 grain... A testament to the quality of Al's products.
The 338 Federal chambered Ruger Hawkeye is new-to-me, so today was our first outing together. Throat and groove slugs taken, bore measured with pin guages...22" stainless version.
Casings were PMC (military style) formed in a single pass through Hornady dies. Primer pockets were swaged to remove crimp lip.
Hornady gas checks were seated during nose-first sizing through a Star using a .340 die. Lube was 50/50 Beeswax/Alox from LEE.
After prepping and sighting in, 30 rounds were fired. 5 shot groups with IMR 4759 consisted of charges ranging from 18.5 to 21.5, in half grain increments...none weighed, thrown from a B&M measure and dumped into primed case.
All groups measured very near 1.5" at 100 yds. No group was above 1.5". No cleaning was done during the trial. Bore remained clean throughout.
All-in-all, a pleasant range trip that achieved it's goal.

[MarkP]

Sounds Great --- My FIL's M85 SAKO shoots the Lee 220 and RD 200 real well with all powder tested to date.

[cainttype]

MarkP, this is a first outing with cast in this rifle. Any load data info that you've seen success with would be greatly appreciated.
I have casts from the LEE 220 and a heavy-weight 275 from Hoch waiting. The recently run .338 from NOE designed by frankenore is waiting to be broken in.
I plan to post any results as time allows in an effort to help fill the void. It appears that there is very little cast info dealing with the 338 Federal. Maybe we can help change that.

[RickinTN]

I always thought that would be a good cartridge to work with but I have yet to own one. Sounds like very consistent results. Any idea on the approximate velocity? Were you able to shoot them on your new range?
Take care,
Rick

[cainttype]

Yes, Rick. the new place has finally been used.
We're basically shooting in a heavily wooded area, but it continues to get better and better. Areas for camping are almost ready and temporary lanes for 50, 100, & 150 yds are functional.
The tables are free-standing now, but will eventually be concreted once we open more area and decide where to build roofs.
The abundance of trees has kept me from using the chronograph. I'd guess the reduced loads today ran in the upper mid-teens, maybe a little higher.
Everything went very well, considering. Both rifle and ammo were well-behaved, no surprises what-so-ever... Now, if only time was as easy to find as a good reduced load. :)

[cainttype]

Chronographed 21.5 gr load today, average velocity was 1650 fps.

[MarkP]

Cainttype, I loaded his 338 Federal rounds with 40 - 42 gr of IMR 4320, about the same charge of IMR 4064 with the Lee 339-220's also tried some RL-15. Used the same powders with Ranch Dog 200 gr FN's I did load some with Alliant 2000-MR do not recall the charge. I wrote the data on the boxes and they are at his house. The 2000-MR loads were 2,450 fps and others were around 2,200 ish. All loads tested shot well not much difference.

[cainttype]

Thanks, Mark... Have never used any 2000MR, I might need to remedy that.
I have several mould choices to work with but have been unable to do any recent load development. It appears that situation has just been remedied.
Having just aquired the Hawkeye, there's also a Tikka T3 here that I can resume playing with. My range time has been extremely limited for a while, so your suggestions are much appreciated.