Starting some load development on a new to me Ruger #1 in 338WM with a 26” barrel.
The first loads I fired were what is printed on the H4350 can of 69.5 grain with a 225 SP. Listed velocity for that load is 2785. I loaded 10 of these rounds to get the scope zeroed. Actual velocities averaged 2883 fps with a SD of 12.7 for 6 of the rounds I fired.
I also had a 10 round ladder test with 230 ELD-X and H4350 which gave these results:
68.3 - 2821
68.6 - 2860
68.9 - 2882
69.2 - 2873
69.5 - 2889
69.8 - 2913
70.1 - 2924
70.4 - error
70.7 - did not fire
71 - did not fire
Chronograph was set up right at 15' from muzzle.
That dip right at 69.2 – 2873 fps is the area where I plan on testing next.
All these velocities are right around 100 fps above what the book gives. I am liking these velocities, but need a sanity check before further testing. Published data lists 24” barrels, my Ruger has a 26” barrel so my thoughts are that I am good to go. Interested in hearing from those of you that load for and shoot a 338WM.
Not sure what to look for in terms of pressure signs with a single shot/falling block action other than velocities and maybe hard to extract?? With a bolt gun, I look for ejector marks, hard bolt lifts, pierced or popped primers, as well as velocities.
The first loads I fired were what is printed on the H4350 can of 69.5 grain with a 225 SP. Listed velocity for that load is 2785. I loaded 10 of these rounds to get the scope zeroed. Actual velocities averaged 2883 fps with a SD of 12.7 for 6 of the rounds I fired.
I also had a 10 round ladder test with 230 ELD-X and H4350 which gave these results:
68.3 - 2821
68.6 - 2860
68.9 - 2882
69.2 - 2873
69.5 - 2889
69.8 - 2913
70.1 - 2924
70.4 - error
70.7 - did not fire
71 - did not fire
Chronograph was set up right at 15' from muzzle.
That dip right at 69.2 – 2873 fps is the area where I plan on testing next.
All these velocities are right around 100 fps above what the book gives. I am liking these velocities, but need a sanity check before further testing. Published data lists 24” barrels, my Ruger has a 26” barrel so my thoughts are that I am good to go. Interested in hearing from those of you that load for and shoot a 338WM.
Not sure what to look for in terms of pressure signs with a single shot/falling block action other than velocities and maybe hard to extract?? With a bolt gun, I look for ejector marks, hard bolt lifts, pierced or popped primers, as well as velocities.