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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.
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.