[Halwg]

I went to the range today with my 338 MX, a box of factory LE ammo and my handloads using AA2520. The weather finally straightened up around here and was perfect for a session with the Chrony. 55 degrees, cloudy with a very slight breeze.

I shot 5 shot strings through the Chrony with it set 12' from the muzzle. My target was set at 50 yards to facilitate me not shooting the Chrony by trying a target at 100 yards. here is what I found:

FACTORY LE:

Velocity:
2416
2374
2370
2386
2392

Average: 2390
SD - 18.2

HANDLOADS.

All handloads are Hornady brass, Rem 9 1/2 primers, AA2520 Powder

Handload 1 - 45.7 gr AA2520

Velocity:
2422
2425
2385
2415
2428

Average: 2415
SD - 17.4

Handload 2 - 46.0 gr AA2520

Velocity:
2445
2422
2412
2430
2435

Average: 2429
SD - 12.6

Handload 3 - 46.5 gr AA2520

Velocity:
2448
2413
2460
2435
2438

Average: 2437
SD - 18.1

The 46.5 gr load was too warm for my gun. I didn't gain much in velocity, but 3 of the 5 rounds experienced sticky extraction. I am settling on 46.0 gr as my hunting load.


All of the loads shot well. The factory was right in the center circle at 50 yards. All of the handloads shot 2" higher than the factory. Windage was right on, they were just 2" higher. After shooting 15 shots with the handloads I just had a big ragged hole 2" above the center.

It was also interesting to note that on the box the factory is listed at 2565 fps. It wasn't even close in my 22" barrel. If shot from a 24" barrel and we figure an additional 80 fps, that gives us 2470 fps, still lower than claimed. It was the slowest of the 4 loads that I shot.

I'm happy with the load I have worked up with AA2520, and I see no reason for me to mess with the LVR powder which doesn't seem especially suited to the 338.

 

[Nightfisher]

Halwg if you keep posting reports like this on the AA2520 powder you are going to force me to have to buy a keg and give it a try. All the reports you have given on it shows that it seems to be doing good for you. Especially in the 35 rem. Not only did you get better velocity, you also got better SD readings than the factory fodder. Good report and good reloading.

 

[thearborbarber]

Your number for the factory ammo aren't far off from mine. I have an average 2437fps and a sd of 16. It was about 80 degrees last summer and my chrono was at 25 yards.

It hasnt been warm enough to get out at try my last batch off reloads.

 

[2shotal]

Great report Hal. It gives me good data to compare to when I start reloading with AA2520 in the next 2-3 weeks.