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Just slightly off topic- when people are discussing load development-this obviously requires you to do a bit of research when looking into suitable powders and bullets. However I imagine there is an element of trial and error, in that you need to try different bullets and powders to see what actually works.

So my question is-does this not get really expensive or can you buy small batches of bullets and powders? When I've bought reloading components in the past it's been a 100 bullets at a time and 1kg of powder. granted I'm not massively into my reloading so I've never needed to develop a load for serious target shooting- I've merely followed the load data in my book.

thanks

My load development went with me going with a known powder (Since I load for .223 and .308 I chose Varget, which can be used for both so I only need one type of powder for all my reloading) and then decided on a bullet (since it had to be 155gr for TR competitions in .308, I went with the latest Sierra Matchkings as they had won a lot of competitions) and then it was a case of starting from a safe load (as determined by finding the OAL by distance to the lands, and using quickload to find a safe combination of these components), doing 3 shot groups in .3gr increments until I found a load that worked well.

You could do it another way, but that's how I worked for both my .308 and .223 round development. I could try and hone it slightly more, but it's more than accurate enough for the level I shoot at... I need more practice at reading wind before honing my bullets now! haha.

Thank you guys, when I started this thread I wondered about it's value but you have been most helpful and informative.

I currently have an enquiry lodged with AI but I must say, having seen the cost of .338 Lapua Magnum at around £7 (GBP) per round it worried me somewhat. Then I saw other .338 rounds at sub £1 so all was well again.

All the best
Bob

BobSki wrote:Then I saw other .338 rounds at sub £1 so all was well again.

Where please? I'll have 1,000 right now at that price!!!

Good quality long range factory .338 LapMag rounds are expensive, no way around it I'm afraid.
Reloading lessens the blow, but mine still work out at £2.50+ each - with barrel wear it's more like £3.50 to £4 a shot.

Well Tiff, I have spent bloody ages scouring the internet again and I'm buggered if I can find it...I did, somewhere....honestly I didn't save the page and now I can't find it. I know i saw it because I felt so relieved that the ammo wasn't going to cost me £7 a round after all.

or

Perhaps it was just wishful thinking!! aaarggh

I did a search of the world market when we were first investigating .338 Lapua Magnum as a new sniper ammo, and even at government rates for large bulk purchases, we were looking at six or seven dollars per round. There ain't no such thing as cheap .338 LM as far as I can tell.

I can load my .308 win using new brass for less than just the bullet in my 338LM. But, smiles per pound, the 338 wins every time :)
Thankfully, I don't pay for my brass in the 338 so that knocks the running costs down a touch, but it's no 'plinking gun' by any means

HALODIN wrote:I bought my AI-AT .260 with 26" barrel off the shelf, it was delivered to my local RFD in 2 days...

How long ago?
They don't seem to offer rifle in 260 now

Ordered 15th Aug 2014 and collected from my local RFD 20th Aug 2014.

What makes you say that? Have you spoken with them? I'd be very surprised if they didn't offer it anymore...

I have been e-mailing Adam at Sporting Services re the 338/308 AXMC. He sent me their price list for their current rifles. None of their sales literature, brochures,price lists include a .260Rem option, which is why I thought they didn't supply them. I'll e-mail and ask.

correct that, I HAVE just e-mailed to ask