AJ Peacock
09-19-2009, 06:36 PM
I'm getting most of my casting equipment (beg/borrow/steal) together to start casting. For various reasons, I've chosen to start with my 338 Edge (300 RUM necked up to 338). I have a single cavity Lee 220gr mold. I will start with WW's+ 2% Tin air cooled. I intend on getting the LEE push through sizer in .339, I plan to pan lube after sizing. The bore is .338 exactly and the throat is just over .339. Rifling is .002" deep.
This is definitely NOT a high volume rifle and once I figure out an accurate load, 1000 rounds will probably last me a couple years. I have 1000 Hornady gas checks.
My big question/concern, is where to start with the powder? I've spent several hours trying to figure it out by using Quickload. Although I'd like a high velocity load, I don't believe my 1-10" twist barrel will allow a high velocity loading. I'd be happy with a 1800-2000fps load that is very accurate. I have 3 different powders that are 'probables', but I need some guidance from those with more CB/rifle experience. I have 700x, Solo 1000 and VV N320. I use the N320 for CB loads in my 357Mag's and it is clean and works great, it would be my preferred starting point.
Quickload shows that 25gr of VV N320 in my 28" barrel will give me about 1850fps with the 220gr boolit. The filling ratio is only about 42% fill. The pressure of that load is around 32,000psi. Upping the load to 30gr's ups the fill to around 50% and the pressure to 41000 and the velocity to nearly 2050fps.
So my question are,
1) Since VV N320 is similar from a burn perspective to Unique, is it an appropriate starting powder for me?
2) Would the 25gr load be a reasonable start?
3) What am I missing?
I'll be shooting all the load development loads over a chronograph, so will be able to keep an eye on what's happening.
Thanks guys,
AJ
This is definitely NOT a high volume rifle and once I figure out an accurate load, 1000 rounds will probably last me a couple years. I have 1000 Hornady gas checks.
My big question/concern, is where to start with the powder? I've spent several hours trying to figure it out by using Quickload. Although I'd like a high velocity load, I don't believe my 1-10" twist barrel will allow a high velocity loading. I'd be happy with a 1800-2000fps load that is very accurate. I have 3 different powders that are 'probables', but I need some guidance from those with more CB/rifle experience. I have 700x, Solo 1000 and VV N320. I use the N320 for CB loads in my 357Mag's and it is clean and works great, it would be my preferred starting point.
Quickload shows that 25gr of VV N320 in my 28" barrel will give me about 1850fps with the 220gr boolit. The filling ratio is only about 42% fill. The pressure of that load is around 32,000psi. Upping the load to 30gr's ups the fill to around 50% and the pressure to 41000 and the velocity to nearly 2050fps.
So my question are,
1) Since VV N320 is similar from a burn perspective to Unique, is it an appropriate starting powder for me?
2) Would the 25gr load be a reasonable start?
3) What am I missing?
I'll be shooting all the load development loads over a chronograph, so will be able to keep an eye on what's happening.
Thanks guys,
AJ