Target FPS for 338 Lapua?

[bigdawg86]

I recently acquired Savage 110 FCP HS Precision in 338 Lapua and it is completely factory with the 26" barrel. I have finally had a chance to take it out to 1,0000 yards and had a great time. I was shooting steel and wasn't able to evaluate groups though. I loaded up some rounds for an OCW test using Lapua brass, WIN LR Mag primers, and Lapua 250g Lockbase projectiles.

Although not ideal, I did shoot these test loads at 100 yards on paper and 94g of H1000 netted me 2950FPS and grouped .600 MOA without pressure signs. I am not the best shooter, so I was pleased with those results. Hodgdon shows up to 98C as max load but my tests stopped at 95.6g which had me easily above 3000FPS but my groups were over 1MOA (which may have been shooter fatigue because 25 rounds of 338 Lapua is brutal!)

I have read that 250g bullets at or above 3000FPS will out perform a 300g at a lower speed.

So for the question...

1.) Should I do more OCW in pursuit of a 3000FPS + load for my 250 lockbase, or be happy with 2950FPS at about 1/2 MOA.

2.) What bullet should be next on my OCW list?

I have 300g SMK's, 250g and 300g Berger OTM Tactical AND hunters which I haven't done anything with yet as well as 285g Hornady ELD

[JMP]

If you aren't going to shoot solid projectiles, move over to the Hornady 285 or a 300gr bullet. The 250gr will be tougher at very long ranges, but don't sacrifice accuracy for anything.

[bigdawg86]

If you aren't going to shoot solid projectiles, move over to the Hornady 285 or a 300gr bullet. The 250gr will be tougher at very long ranges, but don't sacrifice accuracy for anything.

I am thinking about buying some solids... but kinda want more time behind the rifle before I go that route. My goal is to get a load with a very high hit ratio at 1000 so I can try and join the big boys at the 2000 yard socal shoots. Then again, maybe I should look at solids for that very reason.

[JMP]

For 1000 yards, any of the traditional bullets work. I find that 250 vs 300gr tends to be a wash near 1,000 yards in that the 300gr starts to take over in velocity. So, ultimately, for that purpose, simply shoot whatever is most accurate in your rifle. If you go for 2,000 yards, you'll want to shoot solids (255-270gr) and load them out to 4" to give the Lapua enough power to get through that much real estate.

[bigdawg86]

For 1000 yards, any of the traditional bullets work. I find that 250 vs 300gr tends to be a wash near 1,000 yards in that the 300gr starts to take over in velocity. So, ultimately, for that purpose, simply shoot whatever is most accurate in your rifle. If you go for 2,000 yards, you'll want to shoot solids (255-270gr) and load them out to 4" to give the Lapua enough power to get through that much real estate.

I will look at the solids...

I would assume these are the "Standard"

http://www.warner-tool.com/product-page/92c3825e-e0c4-5015-64dc-9490519fb531

But these appear "interesting", although not much is listed about them...

http://pure-precision.com/product/250gr-338-cal-solid/

And then there are these...

https://www.peregrinebullets.com/product/match-bullets/

And these...

http://www.lehighdefense.com/products/338-match-solid-245gr-bullet?variant=1073794468

And these...

https://cuttingedgebullets.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=MTAC_338_254_MAX

[LynnJr]

Get some 300 grain Sierras and load 3 rounds at 88 grains 3 rounds at 89 grains 3 rounds at 90 grains and 3 rounds at 91 grains.
Seat them as long as they will fit the chamber and the magazine.
It's just that simple.

[bigdawg86]

Get some 300 grain Sierras and load 3 rounds at 88 grains 3 rounds at 89 grains 3 rounds at 90 grains and 3 rounds at 91 grains.
Seat them as long as they will fit the chamber and the magazine.
It's just that simple.

LynnJr I always like your straight answers on this stuff... thanks.

FYI I also have #8 of Retumbo in addition to #8 of H1000... I could also care less to magazine feed them. So I will go as long as my chamber will let me and back off 20 thousandths

[JMP]

FYI I also have #8 of Retumbo in addition to #8 of H1000... I could also care less to magazine feed them. So I will go as long as my chamber will let me and back off 20 thousandths

Retumbo is perfect for the 300s; H1000 is perfect for the solids.

[bigdawg86]

Get some 300 grain Sierras and load 3 rounds at 88 grains 3 rounds at 89 grains 3 rounds at 90 grains and 3 rounds at 91 grains.
Seat them as long as they will fit the chamber and the magazine.
It's just that simple.

I forgot to ask... was this suggestion based off H1000 or Retumbo?

Also, I saw this video and it shows a guy loading up some cutting edge bullets after moly coating them... other than wicked cool looks moly coating that something worthwhile in doing?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xd_raiJxbg

[JMP]

I forgot to ask... was this suggestion based off H1000 or Retumbo?

For 300gr, it's close to both, but I am pretty sure he meant Retumbo. Retumbo seems to give the best velocity/accuracy trade off in 300gr bullets in a straight 338 Lapua magnum. Right around 90gr of Retumbo is where people typically find a very sweet spot.