348 Range day. Interesting results

[TedH]

Using the recently aquired data with RL19 and the 250 gr. Barnes Original, I had loaded a few rounds to test at 58.0 gr up to 61.0 gr.
The first thing I noticed with these 250's was the recoil. They will get your attention! Shooting was done at 50 yards, and these hit about 6" lower than the 200 gr Hornady my sights were zerod for.
I shot the 58 gr load first and it was almost 1 ragged hole, with velocity of 2165 fps.
As the powder charge went up, velocity didn't really track as expected, and groups opened up slightly, but still very acceptable. At the 61.0 gr charge average velocity was 2248. Not even 100 fps gain with 3.0 gr more powder. I see no reason to use anything more than the 58.0 gr load. Easier on brass, and still plenty of get r' done for anything I'll encounter.

[44shooter]

Got to love it when it’s easy. I would do the same thing

[Bill in Oregon]

Sounds pretty wise to me, Ted. I'm sure I speak for the whole gang when I say we are looking forward to your hunt!

[TedH]

Sounds pretty wise to me, Ted. I'm sure I speak for the whole gang when I say we are looking forward to your hunt!

I'm pretty excited about it. I've got a buddy that's been going to hunt with this same outfitter for the last 20+ years, and has brought back some really nice color phase bears and one Boone and Crockett boar.

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[FLINT]

Seems to me that when you are dealing with that much slow burning powder, 3 grains isn't as much of a difference. maybe I'm wrong.

also, what would you compare the kick to? I have everything needed to start loading for the 348 myself except for primers. I'm wondering what kind of punishment awaits me.

[TedH]

Seems to me that when you are dealing with that much slow burning powder, 3 grains isn't as much of a difference. maybe I'm wrong.

also, what would you compare the kick to? I have everything needed to start loading for the 348 myself except for primers. I'm wondering what kind of punishment awaits me.

Honestly, it's stouter than I'd expect. The hard butt plate has a lot to do with perceived recoil too. I did a quick comparison of another rifle of the same weight, my Remington 700, chambered in 270 Win. With my usual 130 gr load it generates 18.33 ft lb of recoil energy, where the 348 with these loads generate 30.01 ft lb.
One more comparison is my Marlin 444. With the scope it weighs a half pound more, and generates 22.29 ft lb recoil energy with a 265 gr bullet at 2050 fps.

[FLINT]

can't wait......

[Rimfire McNutjob]

Nice. Glad you settled on the lower load. Seems like 2150-ish with the 250 will handle anything you're likely to run into. I have some of the Grizzly ammo loaded with Hawk 250's that just beat the tar out of me. I've got 16 of them left and it's likely to stay that way. I don't know how fast they're going but the box says 2300. I'm not sure I want to chronograph them.

[TedH]

Nice. Glad you settled on the lower load. Seems like 2150-ish with the 250 will handle anything you're likely to run into. I have some of the Grizzly ammo loaded with Hawk 250's that just beat the tar out of me. I've got 16 of them left and it's likely to stay that way. I don't know how fast they're going but the box says 2300. I'm not sure I want to chronograph them.

Your right, these things kick the snot out of you. There was no discernable difference in the recoil from the lower loads to the max load. I think they are worse than my 375 H&H.