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338 Ruger Compact Magnum ?

10K views 9 replies 5 participants last post by  Tang 
#1 ·
Is anybody reloading for the 338 RCM yet or am I all alone in that respect ?
Starting info seems to be slim to nil at this time so any help/suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
 
#3 ·
Would you believe a technician from Hodgdon actually sent me a load data sheet....a couple companies replied to my query with a negative answer, a couple others said that they had never heard of it and I believe three others didn't reply at all.
At least now I have something to start with...
 
#4 ·
Let us know how it goes kevan; do you have a chronograph? I'd be interested in what the factory loads produce, and what you can get from reloads. What I have heard - but hope you prove it wrong - is that you'll have a tough time matching velocity from factory loadings since they use a non-cannister powder (unavailable to the public).

But, keep in mind, velocity shouldn't be the end goal. You can very likely get a very nice and accurate, and very acceptable performer from your reloads.
 
#5 ·
Factory loads went from a low of 2832 fps to 2870 and extraction was quite difficult. Also according to my case expansion measurements, I think the factory loads are close to max for pressure.
Pulling a bullet gave a powder weight of 63.6 gr. very heavily compressed and resembling a flattened ball powder much like US 869 or similar to H 414.
The factory loads ( 200gr.) when fired also had very flattened primers and a couple actually had the primer starting to back out of the pocket.
Best factory groups were about 1.1" and a couple would have passed for good shotgun patterns.
My first handloads put together without any thing to go by consisted of a 210 Nosler Partition over a case full of VV N560 went 2790 thru the chronograph, showed no sign of pressure at all and grouped 1.22".
I seriously think that with a bit of experimenting a handloader can come very close to factory speeds and maybe with less pressure.
My handload was very pleasant to shoot, unlike the factory loads which were bordering on nasty.
Bear in mind the rifle weighs 7 1/2 lbs. with a Leupold 1.5x5 on top.
I'm going to try some Barnes TTSX 160 gr next time out.
I think it will make a very nice rifle to pack and considering that I hunt quite a bit in grizzly country it should be dependable with the right load.
 
#6 ·
kevan, that load that you list with the partition at 2790fps is perfect. i have a 338/06AI and i love it my only thought is that if i were to build it again i would definately make it lighter. after reading your post it puts the compact magnums in a totally different light for me. i was kinda insensed and irritated that they had bypassed the 338/06 for the 338 federal as it could easily be loaded down to 338 fed levels and could crowd the 338 win mag. then the compact magnum comes along and it's no faster than what i already have.
anyhow, thats cool because that is exactly what you have there. as stated before, velocity isn't everything and if you are getting close to 2800 fps with the 210gr partition heck that will kill most anything that you point that rifle at.
i don't have any experience to share with you in regards to the compact magnum itself but i can tell you that you'll love those 338 bullets at the velocity where you'll be working them. the great thing is that all 338 bullets are tough, they've always had to be because for so long there was only the win mag and the weatherby... at the velocities that you and i push them they are all premium. i have a fair sized pile of 200gr ballistic tips. i'm not sure which direction i'm gonna go when those run out. then again i'm not too worried about it, i'll just pick up a box from each of the bullet makers and see what she likes.

good luck and let us know what you come up with!
 
#7 ·
Big Dan...I agree 100% with everything you said.
Since I already have a 338/06 and a couple 338 Win Mags curiosity got the better of me when I saw the little Ruger listed, and I thought that would be a good opportunity for comparison.
I'm 62 yrs. young and quite healthy but it seems as though my rifles get heavier as the years pass so a lighter rifle would be nice to carry.
I did make the mistake of buying a 338 WM that weighed 7 lbs scoped and nothing I did would reduce the beating I took every time I fired it so I sold it .
However the Ruger is quite comfortable to shoot and handles very well.
As for the 210 Nosler, that is one of my favorite bullets and regardless of the chambering anything I've shot with that bullet has dropped on the spot. I'm still hoarding some of the old original 210s.
Any one loading the 338 RCM should be very cautious when working up loads because of the limited capacity of the case and a powder that is too fast or too slow could show disappointing results.
I have a good variety of 338 bullets on hand....from 160 Barnes TTSX, up to 300 gr Sierra Matchkings, but I'm not going to try anything heavier than 250 gr.because that would be the practical limit to seat in the stubby case.
Will keep you posted....
 
#9 ·
Apparently now Hodgdon has some load info, but the only bullet company to answer my query was Hornady...they sent some info.
As for the other bullet companies...no response at all and considering the amount of money I've spent on their various products I must say I'm somewhat disappointed....I mean at least why not reply whether yeay or nay.
However the most info came from a kind fellow from "down under" who happens to be working with the same rifle.
Unfortunately the nasty weather here has prevented range trips, but when the snow melts we can play again...:)
 
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