338 Federal Over-all length

NorthForkRancher

I'm using a Kimber Montana in .338 Federal and using Redding dies and neck-sizing once-fired cases. Using both Hodgdon H-4895 powder and Reloader 15 powder with Nosler 200 grain AccuBond bullets. Not getting consistency and have worked up to within two tenths of a grain of maximum loads. In case-prep, I neck-size, case trim, de-burr, clean flash hole and ream the primer pocket. I target shoot at 100 yds. from dead rest and I clean the barrel thoroughly between 4 shot strings. Starting to think it could be my bullet seating depth. I've read the manuals and know about 2.810" as the minimum length. I haven't gone up from that. Does anyone have a recommended overall length that works for them in a Kimber (.338 Federal) Montana?

brickmaster1248

have you tried the maximum cartride lenghts?

skyfish

Two things I'd try. Get the bullet closer to the rifling, say .010 - .030 that may help a lot. Also try and not clean so well after each group. Just get the the big debris out, there was a really good post about cleaning and accuracy a few days ago.

rg666

I agree with skyfish.
Try this to get an idea of how far off you are from the grooves. Take a fired case & put a new bullet in it so it just barely stays in. Carefully chamber the case and then remove it to measure the OAL of your specific gun. Do this several times & see how consistent you get. Then back it off from that slightly to get your maximum OAL for this particular gun. Use these loads & lengths for this gun ONLY since its specific to that gun. Hope this helps.

CapnMidnight

The cleaning thing, if you just pull a rope (Bore Snake) through it you'll have better groups. After cleaning, your first shot or two will ALWAYS be flyers, thats what fouling shots are all about. Shoot your string, let your barrel cool,then shoot another string. Repeat as needed.
W.D.