338 CheyTac Improved rifle is done!

[b23]

I'm interested in seeing this progress along.  I know someone that had one of Kirby's 338 Allen Magnum, which is just another version of the same thing, and the throat was toasted at around 600 rounds.  There, also, seems to be a BIG variance in the brass quality that's been available for these things with some of it being pretty good stuff and some of it not so good but if you've been in contact with Joel you're in good hands because he's probably spent as much time as anyone with this particular cartridge.  Another that would be a good source for information is Kevin Cram w/MCR.  Kevin is a top notch guy and excellent rifle builder as well as a big fan of the the 338 CheyTac Improved in fact one of his main go to hunting guns is the BIG 338.

[yorketransport]

3200 is a pretty mild load in these.  I run my 338 Lapua Imp at 3146 with a 300gr OTM.  Just have to get up higher in elevation to make the long shot with a OTM.  Keep in mind the BC is a little higher than published when we push them at this speed.  They are fun toys!

I've had a few people tell me that they're pushing 3400fps + with the OTM but their brass is done after 2 loads. I'm too cheap to burn up brass that fast! I'd like get 4-5 firings at least.

I hadn't really considered that the BC would be higher on the OTM at those speeds. That combined with some higher elevations could really help stretch this gun out. Fortunately most of the good spots beyond 2000 yards are at 2500' elevation or higher. Every little bit helps!

[Reidus]

What dies are you getting? Custom made for your rifle/chamber?

[yorketransport]

There, also, seems to be a BIG variance in the brass quality that's been available for these things with some of it being pretty good stuff and some of it not so good but if you've been in contact with Joel you're in good hands because he's probably spent as much time as anyone with this particular cartridge.

I found a good source for Bertram Brass which is what everyone recommended that I try. I'm only paying about $2.25 per case!

What dies are you getting? Custom made for your rifle/chamber?

I'm having a set custom made using the reamers that I have. The resizer will be cut with the rougher and the seating die will be cut with the finish reamer. This seems like the best way since every version of the CheyTac Improved seems to be slightly different.

[Reidus]

What dies are you getting? Custom made for your rifle/chamber?

I'm having a set custom made using the reamers that I have. The resizer will be cut with the rougher and the seating die will be cut with the finish reamer. This seems like the best way since every version of the CheyTac Improved seems to be slightly different.
[/quote]

Sounds like you got it dialed Matching the die to the chamber will drastically improve brass life. Resize just enough to slip back in the chamber.