Question for Savage 110 LR Hunter 338 LP owners

**leadtag101** · 09-20-2018, 11:38 AM

I'm looking to use the 300 grain SMK out of my new gun, any of you gentlemen have a pet load that I might start out with that my gun might like for starters? Thanks in advance for any help.

**mudpig** · 09-20-2018, 12:06 PM

I personally use the Hornady 285gr with 94gr Retumbo (work to your own safe maximums).

I've heard that 89.3gr Retumbo is a sweet spot for the 300gr SMK

**leadtag101** · 09-20-2018, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by mudpig

I personally use the Hornady 285gr with 94gr Retumbo (work to your own safe maximums).

I've heard that 89.3gr Retumbo is a sweet spot for the 300gr SMK

Thank you sir for your input!
Should I hold out until I can get some lapua brass, or is there a second best?
Is your pet Hornady load in fact shot through a Savage rifle then? What kind of groupings are you getting with that load? Okay I'm done interrogating you! Thanks for your patience.

**mudpig** · 09-20-2018, 02:33 PM

1) I would say hold out for Lapua brass, it's truly the only way to go. Stay away from Hornady brass as it tends to be too soft. I can't speak for any other brass as any factory ammo I have shot all used Lapua brass (Black Hills and Corbon).
2) Yes, These are shot thru a 110BA and on a good day these loads are well under 1/2MOA at 100yds. Best 3rnd group of .202 @ 100yds.

**leadtag101** · 09-25-2018, 08:24 AM

I've been out of the loop for a little while but want to thank you all for your input!
You guys know if Savages tend to have a favorite powder such as H1000 or Retumbo with the 300 grain bullets? Which would you start with first? Thanks

**yobuck** · 09-25-2018, 12:00 PM

We use 338s for the shots we sometimes take that are over 1000 yds when hunting. We don't use Savage rifles or the Lapua cartridge, so I wont comment on load data, but I will comment on bullets. Most of the hunters I know who use 338s having velocities in the 3000 fps or less area are using 250 gr bullets, and not 300s for hunting. And the reason is that the velocity difference will offset the higher BC until about 1500 yds.
I would use the ones that shoot best in your gun, but don't rule out trying lighter bullets just because of the printed BC numbers.

**leadtag101** · 09-30-2018, 02:01 PM

Well, took a chance with Retumbo and found the sweet spot I think for my new Savage 110 338 Lapua LRH. Started with 3 loadings and as it turned out the very first loading turned out the best. 300 gr SMK 83.3 grn of Retumbo .01 off the lands C.O.A.L 3.715 lapua brass and Federal 215 M primers for a average velocity of 2650 fps.