Load Specifications
Load data in caliber 8.5 x 63 with .338 | 200gr | Nosler Ballistic Tip bullet and 92 powders. The key underlying parameters are shown in the table above. The recommended powders for this cartridge and bullet combination are Alliant Power Pro 2000-MR, ReloadSwiss RS 52 and Hodgdon LEVERevolution.
Important Notice: DO NOT go below Minimum Charge or above Maximum Charge. Since we have no control over the equipment and components used, any responsibility and liability for the results achieved is rejected.
Only powders/loads that match the current filter criteria are displayed: max pressure of a load ≤ 90% of max. standardized pressure, fill rate ≥ 80% and propellant combustion ≥ 95%. Use the sliders above the tables to adjust these thresholds.
Charge: Powder weight in grains. Start with the minimum load and work up carefully.
FR (Fill Rate): Case fill as a percentage. Values above 100% mean compressed loads.
MaxP / %: Maximum chamber pressure in bar and as a percentage of the standardized maximum for this caliber.
V(0): Muzzle velocity in feet per second (fps) at the standardized barrel length.
z (Powder Burn): Estimated propellant combustion percentage at bullet exit.
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You can find more information in our FAQ: How can I use the Personalized Load Calculator?
Max Load - Barrel Length: 23.62"
| Powder | Charge | FR | MaxP | % | V(0) | z |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accurate 2015 | <<locked>> | 92% | 56,420 psi | 90% | 2651 fps | 100% |
| Accurate 2200 | <<locked>> | 82% | 53,388 psi | 86% | 2687 fps | 98.3% |
| Accurate 2230 | <<locked>> | 82% | 54,331 psi | 87% | 2700 fps | 98.7% |
| Accurate 2460 | <<locked>> | 88% | 55,100 psi | 88% | 2674 fps | 100% |
| Accurate 2495 | <<locked>> | 96% | 53,156 psi | 85% | 2661 fps | 100% |
| Accurate 2520 | <<locked>> | 90% | 52,547 psi | 84% | 2677 fps | 100% |
| Accurate 4064ᴾ | <<locked>> | 100% | 56,144 psi | 90% | 2740 fps | 100% |
| Accurate LT-30 | <<locked>> | 84% | 53,490 psi | 86% | 2559 fps | 100% |
| Accurate LT-32 | <<locked>> | 84% | 53,882 psi | 86% | 2579 fps | 100% |
| ADI AR 2206H | <<locked>> | 94% | 55,274 psi | 89% | 2726 fps | 99.1% |
| ADI AR 2207 | <<locked>> | 82% | 54,766 psi | 88% | 2575 fps | 100% |
| ADI AR 2208ᴾ | <<locked>> | 100% | 56,159 psi | 90% | 2720 fps | 98.7% |
| ADI AR 2219 | <<locked>> | 84% | 53,693 psi | 86% | 2671 fps | 100% |
| ADI Benchmark 8208 | <<locked>> | 92% | 54,665 psi | 88% | 2687 fps | 99.7% |
| Alliant AR-Comp | <<locked>> | 92% | 54,041 psi | 87% | 2677 fps | 100% |
| Alliant Power Pro 1200-R | <<locked>> | 88% | 56,231 psi | 90% | 2792 fps | 99.6% |
| Alliant Power Pro 2000-MR | <<locked>> | 96% | 54,853 psi | 88% | 2828 fps | 98.5% |
| Alliant Reloder- TS 15.5ᴾ | <<locked>> | 100% | 55,085 psi | 88% | 2740 fps | 99.6% |
| Alliant Reloder-10x | <<locked>> | 86% | 53,229 psi | 85% | 2618 fps | 100% |
| Alliant Reloder-15 | <<locked>> | 98% | 56,275 psi | 90% | 2762 fps | 98.9% |
| Alliant Reloder-17ᴾ | <<locked>> | 100% | 48,834 psi | 78% | 2733 fps | 98.7% |
| Alliant Reloder-7 | <<locked>> | 82% | 55,854 psi | 90% | 2595 fps | 100% |
| Baschieri & Pellagri 106 | <<locked>> | 86% | 55,985 psi | 90% | 2602 fps | 100% |
| Baschieri & Pellagri 107 | <<locked>> | 94% | 54,984 psi | 88% | 2740 fps | 98.3% |
| Bofors RP3ᴾ | <<locked>> | 100% | 55,477 psi | 89% | 2753 fps | 99.7% |
| Hodgdon Benchmark | <<locked>> | 90% | 53,998 psi | 87% | 2635 fps | 99.8% |
| Hodgdon BL-C2 | <<locked>> | 92% | 53,388 psi | 86% | 2720 fps | 99.8% |
| Hodgdon CFE223 | <<locked>> | 90% | 54,955 psi | 88% | 2802 fps | 98.8% |
| Hodgdon H322 | <<locked>> | 88% | 55,477 psi | 89% | 2697 fps | 100% |
| Hodgdon H335 | <<locked>> | 86% | 53,171 psi | 85% | 2674 fps | 100% |
| Hodgdon H380 | <<locked>> | 98% | 53,708 psi | 86% | 2713 fps | 97.5% |
| Hodgdon H4198 | <<locked>> | 82% | 55,463 psi | 89% | 2602 fps | 100% |
| Hodgdon H4895 | <<locked>> | 94% | 55,738 psi | 89% | 2740 fps | 99.5% |
| Hodgdon Hybrid 100Vᴾ | <<locked>> | 100% | 38,696 psi | 62% | 2477 fps | 96.2% |
| Hodgdon LEVERevolution | <<locked>> | 96% | 54,070 psi | 87% | 2766 fps | 99.6% |
| Hodgdon TrailBossᴾ | <<locked>> | 100% | 34,403 psi | 55% | 1608 fps | 100% |
| Hodgdon VARGET | <<locked>> | 94% | 53,838 psi | 86% | 2694 fps | 99.3% |
| IMR 3031 | <<locked>> | 94% | 54,708 psi | 88% | 2733 fps | 100% |
| IMR 4064 | <<locked>> | 98% | 55,782 psi | 89% | 2707 fps | 98.9% |
| IMR 4198 | <<locked>> | 86% | 53,693 psi | 86% | 2579 fps | 100% |
| IMR 4895 | <<locked>> | 96% | 54,027 psi | 87% | 2743 fps | 99.1% |
| IMR 8208 XBR | <<locked>> | 92% | 54,665 psi | 88% | 2687 fps | 99.7% |
| Lovex D073.4 | <<locked>> | 82% | 54,839 psi | 88% | 2680 fps | 100% |
| Lovex D073.5 | <<locked>> | 88% | 55,114 psi | 88% | 2684 fps | 99.9% |
| Lovex D073.6 | <<locked>> | 94% | 54,099 psi | 87% | 2710 fps | 100% |
| Lovex S060 | <<locked>> | 94% | 55,825 psi | 90% | 2664 fps | 99.2% |
| Lovex S062 | <<locked>> | 98% | 54,882 psi | 88% | 2703 fps | 99.7% |
| Norma 200 | <<locked>> | 82% | 52,968 psi | 85% | 2589 fps | 100% |
| Norma 201 | <<locked>> | 94% | 53,954 psi | 87% | 2677 fps | 99.7% |
| Norma 202 | <<locked>> | 94% | 54,215 psi | 87% | 2687 fps | 100% |
| Norma 203B | <<locked>> | 98% | 55,259 psi | 89% | 2749 fps | 99.2% |
| Ramshot Big Game | <<locked>> | 98% | 55,680 psi | 89% | 2772 fps | 99.1% |
| Ramshot TAC | <<locked>> | 92% | 55,651 psi | 89% | 2700 fps | 97.1% |
| Ramshot Wild Boar | <<locked>> | 92% | 54,215 psi | 87% | 2720 fps | 99% |
| Ramshot X-Terminator | <<locked>> | 90% | 56,362 psi | 90% | 2694 fps | 99.1% |
| ReloadSwiss RS 14ᴾ | <<locked>> | 100% | 34,461 psi | 55% | 1640 fps | 100% |
| ReloadSwiss RS 40 | <<locked>> | 88% | 54,708 psi | 88% | 2680 fps | 100% |
| ReloadSwiss RS 50 | <<locked>> | 98% | 54,650 psi | 88% | 2694 fps | 95.9% |
| ReloadSwiss RS 52 | <<locked>> | 96% | 55,738 psi | 89% | 2822 fps | 98.9% |
| ReloadSwiss RS 60ᴾ | <<locked>> | 100% | 52,214 psi | 84% | 2802 fps | 100% |
| Rottweil R 901 | <<locked>> | 92% | 55,056 psi | 88% | 2667 fps | 100% |
| Rottweil R 902 | <<locked>> | 96% | 54,375 psi | 87% | 2674 fps | 99.7% |
| Rottweil R 903ᴾ | <<locked>> | 100% | 51,416 psi | 82% | 2687 fps | 99.2% |
| Shooters World AR Plus | <<locked>> | 82% | 54,839 psi | 88% | 2680 fps | 100% |
| Shooters World Match Rifle | <<locked>> | 94% | 54,099 psi | 87% | 2710 fps | 100% |
| Shooters World Precision | <<locked>> | 98% | 54,882 psi | 88% | 2703 fps | 99.7% |
| Shooters World Tactical Rifle | <<locked>> | 86% | 54,824 psi | 88% | 2651 fps | 99.5% |
| SNPE Vectan BA6 1/2 | <<locked>> | 82% | 54,563 psi | 87% | 2336 fps | 100% |
| SNPE Vectan SP 10 | <<locked>> | 84% | 53,824 psi | 86% | 2677 fps | 100% |
| SNPE Vectan SP 11ᴾ | <<locked>> | 100% | 53,388 psi | 86% | 2746 fps | 98.9% |
| SNPE Vectan SP 3 | <<locked>> | 86% | 54,128 psi | 87% | 2635 fps | 100% |
| SNPE Vectan SP 7 | <<locked>> | 92% | 53,417 psi | 86% | 2674 fps | 97.3% |
| SNPE Vectan SP 9 | <<locked>> | 94% | 53,635 psi | 86% | 2700 fps | 98.9% |
| SNPE Vectan Tubal 3000 | <<locked>> | 92% | 53,200 psi | 85% | 2589 fps | 100% |
| SNPE Vectan Tubal 5000ᴾ | <<locked>> | 100% | 55,680 psi | 89% | 2625 fps | 100% |
| Somchem S321 | <<locked>> | 90% | 56,217 psi | 90% | 2730 fps | 99.9% |
| Somchem S335 | <<locked>> | 94% | 55,274 psi | 89% | 2631 fps | 100% |
| Somchem S341 | <<locked>> | 94% | 56,318 psi | 90% | 2720 fps | 99.1% |
| Somchem S355ᴾ | <<locked>> | 100% | 52,417 psi | 84% | 2694 fps | 99.1% |
| Somchem S365ᴾ | <<locked>> | 100% | 37,550 psi | 60% | 2520 fps | 97.5% |
| Vihtavuori N120 | <<locked>> | 82% | 54,665 psi | 88% | 2530 fps | 100% |
| Vihtavuori N130 | <<locked>> | 90% | 56,420 psi | 90% | 2608 fps | 100% |
| Vihtavuori N133 | <<locked>> | 94% | 56,246 psi | 90% | 2621 fps | 100% |
| Vihtavuori N135 | <<locked>> | 98% | 56,376 psi | 90% | 2690 fps | 100% |
| Vihtavuori N140 | <<locked>> | 96% | 54,824 psi | 88% | 2667 fps | 100% |
| Vihtavuori N150ᴾ | <<locked>> | 100% | 50,604 psi | 81% | 2631 fps | 99.6% |
| Vihtavuori N160ᴾ | <<locked>> | 100% | 44,585 psi | 71% | 2579 fps | 95.8% |
| Vihtavuori N530 | <<locked>> | 92% | 55,361 psi | 89% | 2690 fps | 99.7% |
| Vihtavuori N540 | <<locked>> | 98% | 56,376 psi | 90% | 2710 fps | 100% |
| Winchester 6.5 StaBALLᴾ | <<locked>> | 100% | 46,122 psi | 74% | 2572 fps | 98.1% |
| Winchester 748 | <<locked>> | 92% | 54,375 psi | 87% | 2736 fps | 99.9% |
| Winchester StaBALL Match | <<locked>> | 94% | 53,156 psi | 85% | 2707 fps | 99.3% |
Recommended = one of the top powders for this cartridge and bullet combination.
Start Load - Barrel Length: 23.62"
| Powder | Charge | FR | MaxP | % | V(0) | z |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accurate 2015 | <<locked>> | 80% | 39,030 psi | 63% | 2392 fps | 100% |
| Accurate 2200 | <<locked>> | 80% | 49,980 psi | 80% | 2631 fps | 97.7% |
| Accurate 2230 | <<locked>> | 80% | 50,531 psi | 81% | 2644 fps | 98.1% |
| Accurate 2460 | <<locked>> | 80% | 42,235 psi | 68% | 2480 fps | 99.5% |
| Accurate 2495 | <<locked>> | 80% | 31,415 psi | 50% | 2293 fps | 99.7% |
| Accurate 2520 | <<locked>> | 80% | 37,449 psi | 60% | 2428 fps | 98.6% |
| Accurate 4064 | <<locked>> | 80% | 29,718 psi | 48% | 2270 fps | 97.5% |
| Accurate LT-30 | <<locked>> | 80% | 47,529 psi | 76% | 2474 fps | 100% |
| Accurate LT-32 | <<locked>> | 80% | 47,906 psi | 77% | 2490 fps | 99.8% |
| ADI AR 2206H | <<locked>> | 82% | 38,101 psi | 61% | 2431 fps | 95.8% |
| ADI AR 2207 | <<locked>> | 80% | 51,547 psi | 83% | 2536 fps | 100% |
| ADI AR 2208 | <<locked>> | 88% | 39,073 psi | 63% | 2431 fps | 95.2% |
| ADI AR 2219 | <<locked>> | 80% | 46,731 psi | 75% | 2569 fps | 100% |
| ADI Benchmark 8208 | <<locked>> | 80% | 37,681 psi | 60% | 2398 fps | 97% |
| Alliant AR-Comp | <<locked>> | 80% | 36,274 psi | 58% | 2411 fps | 100% |
| Alliant Power Pro 1200-R | <<locked>> | 80% | 43,265 psi | 69% | 2579 fps | 97.8% |
| Alliant Power Pro 2000-MR | 55 gr | 88% | 41,974 psi | 67% | 2595 fps | 95.5% |
| Alliant Reloder- TS 15.5 | <<locked>> | 84% | 33,185 psi | 53% | 2349 fps | 95.2% |
| Alliant Reloder-10x | <<locked>> | 80% | 44,367 psi | 71% | 2487 fps | 100% |
| Alliant Reloder-15 | <<locked>> | 86% | 38,406 psi | 62% | 2457 fps | 95.2% |
| Alliant Reloder-17 | <<locked>> | 92% | 37,608 psi | 60% | 2510 fps | 95.7% |
| Alliant Reloder-7 | <<locked>> | 80% | 52,663 psi | 84% | 2552 fps | 100% |
| Baschieri & Pellagri 106 | <<locked>> | 80% | 46,253 psi | 74% | 2467 fps | 100% |
| Baschieri & Pellagri 107 | <<locked>> | 86% | 42,235 psi | 68% | 2530 fps | 95.7% |
| Bofors RP3 | <<locked>> | 84% | 32,503 psi | 52% | 2346 fps | 95.1% |
| Hodgdon Benchmark | <<locked>> | 80% | 39,885 psi | 64% | 2402 fps | 98.1% |
| Hodgdon BL-C2 | <<locked>> | 80% | 35,549 psi | 57% | 2405 fps | 97.1% |
| Hodgdon CFE223 | <<locked>> | 80% | 38,928 psi | 62% | 2516 fps | 95.3% |
| Hodgdon H322 | <<locked>> | 80% | 42,946 psi | 69% | 2507 fps | 100% |
| Hodgdon H335 | <<locked>> | 80% | 43,395 psi | 70% | 2523 fps | 99.7% |
| Hodgdon H380 | <<locked>> | 92% | 44,005 psi | 71% | 2552 fps | 95.3% |
| Hodgdon H4198 | <<locked>> | 80% | 52,257 psi | 84% | 2559 fps | 100% |
| Hodgdon H4895 | <<locked>> | 80% | 35,897 psi | 58% | 2388 fps | 95.7% |
| Hodgdon Hybrid 100V | <<locked>> | 98% | 36,506 psi | 59% | 2431 fps | 95.4% |
| Hodgdon LEVERevolution | 50.2 gr | 82% | 34,142 psi | 55% | 2395 fps | 95.5% |
| Hodgdon TrailBoss | <<locked>> | 80% | 25,425 psi | 41% | 1430 fps | 100% |
| Hodgdon VARGET | <<locked>> | 80% | 34,780 psi | 56% | 2349 fps | 95.2% |
| IMR 3031 | <<locked>> | 80% | 34,490 psi | 55% | 2398 fps | 99.6% |
| IMR 4064 | <<locked>> | 86% | 38,377 psi | 62% | 2411 fps | 95.3% |
| IMR 4198 | <<locked>> | 80% | 45,179 psi | 72% | 2461 fps | 100% |
| IMR 4895 | <<locked>> | 84% | 36,985 psi | 59% | 2441 fps | 95.5% |
| IMR 8208 XBR | <<locked>> | 80% | 37,681 psi | 60% | 2398 fps | 97% |
| Lovex D073.4 | <<locked>> | 80% | 51,285 psi | 82% | 2631 fps | 99.9% |
| Lovex D073.5 | <<locked>> | 80% | 41,800 psi | 67% | 2477 fps | 98.8% |
| Lovex D073.6 | <<locked>> | 80% | 33,663 psi | 54% | 2356 fps | 97.6% |
| Lovex S060 | <<locked>> | 80% | 36,680 psi | 59% | 2333 fps | 95.3% |
| Lovex S062 | <<locked>> | 80% | 31,459 psi | 50% | 2274 fps | 95% |
| Norma 200 | <<locked>> | 80% | 49,922 psi | 80% | 2546 fps | 100% |
| Norma 201 | <<locked>> | 80% | 35,085 psi | 56% | 2343 fps | 96.3% |
| Norma 202 | <<locked>> | 80% | 34,867 psi | 56% | 2356 fps | 98.5% |
| Norma 203B | <<locked>> | 86% | 37,695 psi | 60% | 2448 fps | 95.7% |
| Ramshot Big Game | <<locked>> | 86% | 37,391 psi | 60% | 2454 fps | 95.2% |
| Ramshot TAC | <<locked>> | 86% | 45,759 psi | 73% | 2543 fps | 95% |
| Ramshot Wild Boar | <<locked>> | 80% | 36,448 psi | 58% | 2405 fps | 95.1% |
| Ramshot X-Terminator | <<locked>> | 80% | 40,973 psi | 66% | 2441 fps | 96.4% |
| ReloadSwiss RS 14 | <<locked>> | 80% | 25,570 psi | 41% | 1467 fps | 100% |
| ReloadSwiss RS 40 | <<locked>> | 80% | 42,279 psi | 68% | 2484 fps | 99.1% |
| ReloadSwiss RS 50 | <<locked>> | 96% | 51,300 psi | 82% | 2644 fps | 95.2% |
| ReloadSwiss RS 52 | 52.1 gr | 86% | 39,856 psi | 64% | 2549 fps | 95.7% |
| ReloadSwiss RS 60 | <<locked>> | 84% | 31,038 psi | 50% | 2356 fps | 95.6% |
| Rottweil R 901 | <<locked>> | 80% | 38,798 psi | 62% | 2402 fps | 99.1% |
| Rottweil R 902 | <<locked>> | 80% | 33,301 psi | 53% | 2297 fps | 95.7% |
| Rottweil R 903 | <<locked>> | 88% | 34,708 psi | 56% | 2388 fps | 95.5% |
| Shooters World AR Plus | <<locked>> | 80% | 51,285 psi | 82% | 2631 fps | 99.9% |
| Shooters World Match Rifle | <<locked>> | 80% | 33,663 psi | 54% | 2356 fps | 97.6% |
| Shooters World Precision | <<locked>> | 80% | 31,459 psi | 50% | 2274 fps | 95% |
| Shooters World Tactical Rifle | <<locked>> | 80% | 44,817 psi | 72% | 2497 fps | 98.3% |
| SNPE Vectan BA6 1/2 | <<locked>> | 80% | 51,735 psi | 83% | 2300 fps | 100% |
| SNPE Vectan SP 10 | <<locked>> | 80% | 47,210 psi | 76% | 2579 fps | 99.9% |
| SNPE Vectan SP 11 | <<locked>> | 90% | 38,841 psi | 62% | 2493 fps | 95.8% |
| SNPE Vectan SP 3 | <<locked>> | 80% | 44,991 psi | 72% | 2503 fps | 100% |
| SNPE Vectan SP 7 | <<locked>> | 86% | 43,395 psi | 70% | 2513 fps | 95% |
| SNPE Vectan SP 9 | <<locked>> | 82% | 36,506 psi | 59% | 2395 fps | 95.2% |
| SNPE Vectan Tubal 3000 | <<locked>> | 80% | 36,912 psi | 59% | 2323 fps | 98.9% |
| SNPE Vectan Tubal 5000 | <<locked>> | 80% | 30,124 psi | 48% | 2192 fps | 98.2% |
| Somchem S321 | <<locked>> | 80% | 40,219 psi | 64% | 2470 fps | 98% |
| Somchem S335 | <<locked>> | 80% | 36,260 psi | 58% | 2326 fps | 99.3% |
| Somchem S341 | <<locked>> | 82% | 37,492 psi | 60% | 2408 fps | 95.4% |
| Somchem S355 | <<locked>> | 88% | 36,071 psi | 58% | 2402 fps | 95.7% |
| Somchem S365 | <<locked>> | 96% | 33,214 psi | 53% | 2418 fps | 95.8% |
| Vihtavuori N120 | <<locked>> | 80% | 51,474 psi | 83% | 2487 fps | 100% |
| Vihtavuori N130 | <<locked>> | 80% | 41,916 psi | 67% | 2402 fps | 100% |
| Vihtavuori N133 | <<locked>> | 80% | 36,927 psi | 59% | 2329 fps | 100% |
| Vihtavuori N135 | <<locked>> | 80% | 32,053 psi | 51% | 2300 fps | 99.7% |
| Vihtavuori N140 | <<locked>> | 80% | 33,011 psi | 53% | 2300 fps | 98.4% |
| Vihtavuori N150 | <<locked>> | 84% | 30,153 psi | 48% | 2247 fps | 95.1% |
| Vihtavuori N160 | <<locked>> | 98% | 42,003 psi | 67% | 2530 fps | 95.1% |
| Vihtavuori N530 | <<locked>> | 80% | 37,449 psi | 60% | 2392 fps | 97.1% |
| Vihtavuori N540 | <<locked>> | 80% | 31,662 psi | 51% | 2280 fps | 97.5% |
| Winchester 6.5 StaBALL | <<locked>> | 94% | 37,840 psi | 61% | 2418 fps | 95.9% |
| Winchester 748 | <<locked>> | 80% | 36,216 psi | 58% | 2425 fps | 97.6% |
| Winchester StaBALL Match | <<locked>> | 82% | 35,621 psi | 57% | 2398 fps | 95.6% |
Recommended = one of the top powders for this cartridge and bullet combination.
ᴾ possible press load - work up slowly to this load while watching for signs of excessive pressure.
This overview compares 92 powders for 8.5 x 63 loaded with the .338 | 200gr | Nosler Ballistic Tip. Alliant Power Pro 2000-MR delivers the highest muzzle velocity at 2,828 fps; across all powders the maximum-charge window runs from 1,608 fps to 2,828 fps. Accurate 4064 gives the best case fill at 100 %, and 92 of the 92 powders fall inside the usable 80–100 % fill window.
Relative to the caliber's maximum pressure (430 MPa), the top charges use 55–90 %, leaving at least 10 % headroom. The 200.0 gr projectile in 0.338" calls for a 1:14.5 twist; slower twists will usually not stabilise this weight. Accurate 4064, ADI AR 2208, Alliant Reloder- TS 15.5 reach 100 % fill or more at maximum charge, so these are compressed loads: they need a long drop tube to seat cleanly and react sensitively to the case capacity of your own brass lot. Alliant Power Pro 2000-MR, ReloadSwiss RS 52, Hodgdon LEVERevolution rank at the top here: for 8.5 x 63 with the .338 | 200gr | Nosler Ballistic Tip they combine a high case fill with complete burn and sit in the upper velocity band. Always begin at the start load and work up in small increments while checking case and primer for pressure signs.