michiganmike
08-05-2016, 03:35 PM
I went to the range today for the first time in awhile with my Savage Model 11 in 338 Federal. I was trying various powders to help me narrow down the candidates for further load development. Here are the results.
Alloy: wheel weights + tin to bring tin content up to an approximate 2%. (Everything is an approximation with ww imo.
Bullet: Lee 220 gr.
Lube: BLL (Ben's Liquid Lube, 2 coats)
Brass: resized 7.61X51 military brass, all the same headstamp, FC (Federal Cartridge)
OAL: 2.8"
Distance: 50 yards (Wanted 100, but did not want to walk the 100 yards repeatedly in the heat and humidity.)
Weather Conditions: Hot, humid, overcast, with wind gusts from my 10 o'clock
Firing sequence: let the barrel cool down for several minutes between each five round set.
Powder Charge Est. Velocity* Group Comments
RL 15 35 gr. 1925 1" diameter Fired a second set of five and started to string vertically and left of center. Has promise though.
H4895 30 gr. 1800 1/2" " Group was 2" left of center, but very tight group. H4895 has become a favorite of mine for my 7mm-08 and may be for the 338.
Would like to work up a 2000 accurate load.
SR4759 26 gr. 2000 1" " First group fired. First group fired were 2" low. After correction all of 5 rounds in the 1" bull.
IMR 4227 30 gr. 2100 X The Savage did not like this powder with this charge. Was last set fired. Heat, fatigue and several trips back and forth to the target
may be contributing factors.
H4198 28 gr. 1950 2" " Again, Savage did not especially care for this powder in this charge. But it did group. This was my second to the last set fired and
fatigue, etc. may have played a role.
So, I accomplished my goal. I will be working further with RL 15, H4895 and SR4759. But the H4895 really stands out and will receive my closest attention.
I've only owned the Savage 11 for a year. I love it. Affordable, good looking. The trigger is amazing. It's accurate.
I want to praise the Fowler Conservation Club range. The land was donated by a member with a farm nearby. It has 25, 50, 75 and 100 yard rifle and pistol ranges. There is also an archery and a shotgun range. All built and maintained by members. Membership is $20 a year. That's not a type: $20 per year. No range master, open for use from sunup do sundown. It's in a beautiful location, out in farming country. It is a 45 minute drive, but it is worth every mile for the enjoyable conditions.
Questions and comments welcome.
* Based on the reduced load calculator available on this site.
MichiganMike
Alloy: wheel weights + tin to bring tin content up to an approximate 2%. (Everything is an approximation with ww imo.
Bullet: Lee 220 gr.
Lube: BLL (Ben's Liquid Lube, 2 coats)
Brass: resized 7.61X51 military brass, all the same headstamp, FC (Federal Cartridge)
OAL: 2.8"
Distance: 50 yards (Wanted 100, but did not want to walk the 100 yards repeatedly in the heat and humidity.)
Weather Conditions: Hot, humid, overcast, with wind gusts from my 10 o'clock
Firing sequence: let the barrel cool down for several minutes between each five round set.
Powder Charge Est. Velocity* Group Comments
RL 15 35 gr. 1925 1" diameter Fired a second set of five and started to string vertically and left of center. Has promise though.
H4895 30 gr. 1800 1/2" " Group was 2" left of center, but very tight group. H4895 has become a favorite of mine for my 7mm-08 and may be for the 338.
Would like to work up a 2000 accurate load.
SR4759 26 gr. 2000 1" " First group fired. First group fired were 2" low. After correction all of 5 rounds in the 1" bull.
IMR 4227 30 gr. 2100 X The Savage did not like this powder with this charge. Was last set fired. Heat, fatigue and several trips back and forth to the target
may be contributing factors.
H4198 28 gr. 1950 2" " Again, Savage did not especially care for this powder in this charge. But it did group. This was my second to the last set fired and
fatigue, etc. may have played a role.
So, I accomplished my goal. I will be working further with RL 15, H4895 and SR4759. But the H4895 really stands out and will receive my closest attention.
I've only owned the Savage 11 for a year. I love it. Affordable, good looking. The trigger is amazing. It's accurate.
I want to praise the Fowler Conservation Club range. The land was donated by a member with a farm nearby. It has 25, 50, 75 and 100 yard rifle and pistol ranges. There is also an archery and a shotgun range. All built and maintained by members. Membership is $20 a year. That's not a type: $20 per year. No range master, open for use from sunup do sundown. It's in a beautiful location, out in farming country. It is a 45 minute drive, but it is worth every mile for the enjoyable conditions.
Questions and comments welcome.
* Based on the reduced load calculator available on this site.
MichiganMike