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Patrik BjörklundI have been hunting and shooting for a good 25 years but until I read Nathan's books (particularly "Long range shooting" and the article "Hold that Forend") I had not been able to shoot groups under 0.5" at 100 m. During this summer (Europe/Sweden) I have shot several groups under 0.35" with my 223 barrel (Blaser rifle), under 0.5" with my 8x57 barrel and today I went under 0.5" for the first time with my new 338 WM barrel (285 gr ELD-M). Happy like a kid on Christmas :-) If anyone reading this is thinking of buying the books I can assure you - they are worth every penny! I now there are other posts on this note but can't help echoing them after seeing for myself how well it works. Hands down (hat off or whatever you say in English) for Nathan. There is a lot left for me to do to be consistent around or under 0.5" with the 338 but now I know that it is possible. Looking forward to moving further out in due time to see how far I can take it. Thank you Nathan! |
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Ben LawRe: "Hold that Forend" - it worksThat's good to hear Patrik.Do you know what velocity your getting in the 338wm with your 285gr eld-m's? I have tested a few loads with the 285 amax, 62gr ar2209 is giving me around 2350fps. |
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Patrik BjörklundRe: "Hold that Forend" - it worksI get 2475 fps using Norma MRP with a 25" barrel. The load is within min/max recommendations and no signs of high pressure (could probably go a bit higher but found a sweet spot here). The coal is adjusted to my rifle (1 mm to lands) and longer than SAAMI spec. Do not get compressed loads (though it is close). I do not have experience with the powder you mentioned |
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Patrik BjörklundRe: "Hold that Forend" - it worksBen, just wanted to add that this velocity is seen at a temperature of 20 C. Soon it will be below zero here and then I will have a velocity closer to yours |
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Paul LevermanRe: "Hold that Forend" - it worksThanks for those numbers, gents. I was going to start loading the 285gr for the next trip to the range. Wasn't sure where it was going to end up, but that sounds like a reasonable speed. Gives me a good starting point. |
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Nathan FosterRe: "Hold that Forend" - it worksHi Patrik, thank you very much for your kind words. I really do appreciate this. Some days it can be a slog, I pour myself into the work to the point of complete exhaustion. A few kind words are greatly appreciated when the going gets tough.As a note to others. Lately I have had a few hunters wanting to use the T3 .338 WM on Moose, cross valley shots (extended ranges). I have advised these hand loaders to "play" with the 285gr A-MAX / ELD-M with the tip removed, seated to 84 or 84.5mm. Superformance is the ideal powder- the burn rate is similar to MRP and H4831sc but with a higher bulk density. Failing this, MRP or H4831sc are fine. Goal velocity 2400fps, higher if the rifle allows. Set the BC at .720 and work from there. |
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Patrik BjörklundRe: "Hold that Forend" - it worksI am planning to use my 338 WM for Moose at extended ranges. Are there any other reasons to remove the tip then short magasin length? Will the effect of the bullet be better/different? My rifle allows a maximum COAL of 90 mm and I am loading to 89 mm right now (magasin allows 92 mm).Kepp up the good work Nathan and hopefully the rest of us can contribute in one way or the other! |
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Ben LawRe: "Hold that Forend" - it worksNathan, i'm also intetested in your thoughts on removing the tips.Patrik, i have also loaded to 89mm coal, 0.7mm off the lands in my rifle. I had no load data for this bullet but i guestimated 63gr to be book max judging by other loads in my manuals. Adi ar2209 is i believe same as h4350. I have loaded upto 64.5gr, no compression but close. |
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Nathan FosterRe: "Hold that Forend" - it worksHi Patrik, it has no effect on Terminal Performance. The tip removal pertains to T3 magazine length only. |