338 Lapua Accuracy problems

**rotts4u** · 06-30-2013, 08:15 PM

I have a 100HS in 338 Lapua that is spraying my handloads all over the place. I was thinking about swaping the barrel to see if that helps. Though I am not sure its the barrel or the action/bedding.

I have loaded 3 different powders behind the 300G bullet that I want to shoot and so far no really good groups. Thoughts?

bodywerks · 06-30-2013, 09:18 PM

Its your barrel. Or its you. If you've shot tiny groups with a 338 lapua before then I'd lean toward the barrel. They've been known to be hit or miss on the 338s.

**Jamie** · 07-01-2013, 08:58 AM

I would say try a different bullet first. Your barrel may not care for the bullet that you want to shoot.

**CharlieNC** · 07-01-2013, 02:02 PM

Originally Posted by Jamie

I would say try a different bullet first. Your barrel may not care for the bullet that you want to shoot.

Yes, yes yes. Bullet is probably more important than the brand of powder.

Ozzy · 07-01-2013, 04:03 PM

300gr smks or berger hybrids? the bergers are still sensitive to seating depth like the vlds it seems. Id try out the 285 hornadys or the smks (if your shooting the bergers) before doing anything drastic like buying a new barrel
And it cant hurt to bed the rifle, might not be your problem but again, it cant hurt. Thats probably my next step.
Good luck with it! Hope your having as much fun with it as i am with mine, love that gun! 110fcp

**Alleycat72** · 07-01-2013, 08:14 PM

Berger?

Ozzy · 07-01-2013, 08:24 PM

Berger bullets, very high quality bullets, and they make a mess of things, they are designed to pemetrate i think 3" and then expend all of their energy(shrapnel). But they are sensetive to seating depth. The hybrids are supposed to be better about that but it hasnt been my experience.

**eddiesindian** · 07-01-2013, 09:49 PM

Originally Posted by CharlieNC

Yes, yes yes. Bullet is probably more important than the brand of powder.

+1
Some of my barrels didnt care what "I" thought would work as far weight of projectile....it made me go find it. And find it i did. IMO...heavier doesnt always equal better.

**sharpshooter** · 07-02-2013, 01:29 AM

Before you change the barrel, try changing scopes.

**rotts4u** · 09-10-2013, 09:49 PM

What did you ever do on this project? I am running down the same road as you thinking about an upgrade

bodywerks · 09-11-2013, 07:07 AM

He probably did the same thing i did and sold the rifle.
I thought it was me not being used to a heavy hitting round. But my new custom 338 has been shooting bughole groups since round one down the tube. And no heavy bolt lift/extraction issues.

PCR/XLR/TAC338 http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps1b498f0d.jpg http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps290ebdd0.jpg

**rotts4u** · 09-15-2013, 11:14 PM

tell me more about the custom. Maker? Barrel? groups etc etc. Cost too

bodywerks · 09-15-2013, 11:55 PM

Phoenix custom rifles, stiller TAC338 action, bartlein barrel, apa fat ba$+ard brake, XLR evolution tactical folding chassis, LRA bipod, custom digi cammo.
You can look up the pricing of components to get pricing idea, gunsmithing and cerakote was $900.
It shoots, 100 yds:

Three shots at 542 yards:

And i just shot an 8 inch 5 shot group at 1k this weekend.
PCR/XLR/TAC338 http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps1b498f0d.jpg http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps290ebdd0.jpg

Jawalker61 · 06-22-2014, 09:27 PM

Ran into the same problem. Bought the gun used with dies, 100 - 300 gr. Berger OTM Hybrids, 1 pound Ramshot Magnum and 75 once fired S&B cases. I loaded them to fit the. Box mag and ended up spraying them all over. Thought I got screwed badly because the guy said he had only shot ~80 rounds though it. Started reading this thread and worked back towards the lands and things started to come together. I slowed it down as I worked in and here are the photos of the results. The Berger 300s look to be very seating dependent. I guess I will have to single feed these to shoot any kind of group.

kaiser552 · 07-11-2014, 05:02 AM

Gbh

**earl39** · 07-11-2014, 08:37 AM

Originally Posted by kaiser552

Your using smk 300 grain bullets ? You have a 110 fcp hs right? If so the 300 grain smk's says only to be used in 1in 10 twist barrels. Our rifles havev1 in 9 twist barrels. Im wondering if we could be getting better accuracy with different bullets.

1 in 10 or faster.

**mudpig** · 07-11-2014, 02:30 PM

I've got the 110BA and have had wonderful luck with Hornady 285gr HPBT over 93 to 94gr of Retumbo in Lapua cases with Federal 215M GMM .010 off the lands. Velocity runs 2830-2870fps and accuracy has been sub 1/2 MOA. Other than that. I would do the usuals of double checking scope mounting screws and check the torque on the action screws, making sure the action is seated properly.