[Halwg]

Ok, we have had a lot of discussion over the 2 lots of 338 ME. 3091331 vs 3110213.

3091331 - 49.0 gr powder

3110213 - 51.2 gr powder.

Here are my results shooting the 2 lots through the Chrony vs my handload of 46.0 gr of AA2520. The temperature was 28 F and winds were calm. Slightly overcast. I was shooting the 338 MX with 22" barrel.

3091331:
2416
2392
2405
2412
2386
This gives an average velocity of 2402 with a standard deviation of 12.9

3110213
2485
2482
2504
2496
2502
This gives an average velocity of 2494 with a standard deviation of 9.9

Handload - 46.0 gr AA2520
2445
2422
2412
2430
2435
This gives an average velocity of 2429 with a standard deviation of 12.6.

So lot 3110213 was not only the fastest it had the lowest standard deviation. If I correct my Chrony reading back to muzzle velocity gives me 2502 fps at the muzzle. My handload gives me 2437 fps, and Lot 3091331 gives 2410. Not a significant difference between my handload and Lot 3091331, but there is 92 fps difference between the 2 lots.

Also, interestingly, my handload shot nearly 2" higher at 100 yards than either of the 2 Hornady lots. There was approximately 1/2" difference at 100 yards with lot 3110213 being slightly higher as would be expected. 3 shot groups at 100 yards were all less than 1.5" with Lot 3110213 turning in the best 3 shot group of 0.90". My handload was 1.22" and Lot 3091331 was 1.27".

Here is a pic of the Lot 3110213 group:

I had my rifle zeroed in with my handload for 2" high at 100 yards. This group was about 1.25" lower. My conclusions are that the 2.2 gr difference in powder definitely made a measurable difference. I did not notice any difference in recoil with the 338 ME being a moderately recoiling round, not much different than a 200 gr 35 Remington. I also cannot duplicate the velocities obtained by 2shotal, either he has a fast gun, or a fast Chrony, or my Chrony is slow.

I saw no pressure signs from either lot of factory ammo, and both were very consistent. I think my handload measures up well against the factory loads, falling basically in the middle of the 2 Hornady Lots. I like the factory ammo and may use it for hunting, while I continue to shoot my handloads at the range.

 

[jeepster360mag]

Good shooting. Thanks for taking the time to post all this great info. I do not have a 338 but very interesting, thank you.

So if it was 28 deg.F for this test, do you have any plans to re-shoot the same test at a warmer temp? Say 75-80 degs. ? It would be alot more work for you ofcouse but could be very telling. As i said..........interesting

Your handload more than stacks up to the factory stuff. Where did that load data come from? Your 338 is a shooter for sure & it is nice to hear a good report.

Thanks again

John

 

[CalvinMD]

Super report Halwg...regardless of the load you've got a great shooter of a rifle...the extra 100fps is nothing to sneeze at...especially if the factory accomplished it with less pressure...at least you know they are giving you every pennys worth of your performance buck...I ordered ammo for my 338 last night ..we'll just have to see what batch I get

 

[Rachethead]

Calvin
I hated to hear that your deal for the 336ER fell thru; but you will not be the least bit disappointed with your 338MX. I'm fortunate in that I also have 336ER, and it is a really sweet little rifle, but my 338MX is head and shoulders my favorite over the 336ER; the 338ME is just an awesome lever gun round! Tom

 

[Halwg]

If they would have had the 338 ME back in 1966 when I bought my 336 in 35 Remington, I probably would not have bought another deer rifle. It's that good.

 

[1895Gunner]

Nice shooting Hal, looks like the deer in your neighborhood will be in some real trouble later this year!

 

[2shotal]

Hal: The difference between us is down to 153 FPS using the same lot 3110213. Given that in past test comparison with our 35 Rem you usually were higher than I was, I'm inclined to think that the difference is not so much the Chrony as it is in the rifle barrel. Mine may be just a touch faster than your. We also have to consider that I only have 40 rounds through mine, so a better comparison can be made latter on when I have 150-200 rounds through it. BTW I must be getting soft in my old days, because I did feel the kick. Good shooting today

 

[CalvinMD]

Calvin
I hated to hear that your deal for the 336ER fell thru; but you will not be the least bit disappointed with your 338MX. I'm fortunate in that I also have 336ER, and it is a really sweet little rifle, but my 338MX is head and shoulders my favorite over the 336ER; the 338ME is just an awesome lever gun round! Tom

Thanks Tom...actually I'm sorta glad because it saved me enough money to buy a bunch of factory ammo , reloading dies and gummy bullets for the 338, 308MX and 30-30 plus a very very nice scope...so once the weather starts staying nice and I'm healed up from my surgeries ...it will be playtime at the range for me for days on end!!

 

[HowdyC]

I may be all wet here but I have to think that you may have a generous chamber more so than a slow barrel. Your remark of no pressure signs and the consistant speeds out of your rifle lead me to think this. I think if you do a measure of your chamber this is what you will find and btw its not a bad thing just different. Have you measured your brass after being shot? Making a chamber cast isn't hard and will also tell you the amount of leade you have, that could make a difference also. jm2c

 

[Halwg]

I was just thinking...I could be 3shothal, to Al's 2shotal. ;D

 

[1895Gunner]

I was just thinking...I could be 3shothal, to Al's 2shotal. ;D

;D ;D ;D

 

[2shotal]

I was just thinking...I could be 3shothal, to Al's 2shotal. ;D

Go for it ! We'll drive everyone nuts ;D ;D

 

[CalvinMD]

My 1st box of new ammo came for the 338MX...got a familiar looking lot#....will chrono mine too once i'm back on my feet after my surgery ;D

 

[Halwg]

My 1st box of new ammo came for the 338MX...got a familiar looking lot#....will chrono mine too once i'm back on my feet after my surgery ;D

Good luck with your surgery. I got 2 more boxes of the 3110213 lot.

 

[2shotal]

once i'm back on my feet after my surgery ;D

Wishing a fast recovery and I'll keep you in my prayes.

 

[stykbow57]

Hey Calvin! We will be Praying for You. Get better for that Montana trip! Dennis

 

[CalvinMD]

Thanks guys...I'm so dang ready to finally be getting fixed...I've lost a lot of good shooting and hunting time and y'all have been my closest company and appreciate the well wishes more than you know