338 375 ruger build

[jasnt]

If I had a Pre-Fit barrel chambered in 338 RCM would it be possible to chamber it to the 338/375 Ruger?

[yorketransport]

If I had a Pre-Fit barrel chambered in 338 RCM would it be possible to chamber it to the 338/375 Ruger?

Yes, it's a pretty easy rechamber job. I've hand reamed the chambers on 2 separate 338 Win Mag barrels with excellent results. It would take anybody with a lathe less than 1 hour to rechamber it for you.

[jasnt]

If I had a Pre-Fit barrel chambered in 338 RCM would it be possible to chamber it to the 338/375 Ruger?

Yes, it's a pretty easy rechamber job. I've hand reamed the chambers on 2 separate 338 Win Mag barrels with excellent results. It would take anybody with a lathe less than 1 hour to rechamber it for you.

was that hand reamed with SS or crome mollie

[yorketransport]

If I had a Pre-Fit barrel chambered in 338 RCM would it be possible to chamber it to the 338/375 Ruger?

Yes, it's a pretty easy rechamber job. I've hand reamed the chambers on 2 separate 338 Win Mag barrels with excellent results. It would take anybody with a lathe less than 1 hour to rechamber it for you.

was that hand reamed with SS or crome mollie

One of each. First one was a C/M barrel from Adams & Bennett and the second was a SS Savage factory take off barrel. I don't remember noticing a difference between the two.

[jasnt]

Could you explain how you hand ream?  I’m picturing using a T handle from a tap set.

I need to get my lathe back together. It wouldn’t handle chambering a barrel I don’t think but would handle a custom die set or break.   

[yorketransport]

Could you explain how you hand ream?  I’m picturing using a T handle from a tap set.

I need to get my lathe back together. It wouldn’t handle chambering a barrel I don’t think but would handle a custom die set or break.

That's exactly how I do it, with a T handle. I just lock the barrel vertically in a bench vise with a set of barrel blocks and go for it. I have to stand on a step stool (because I'm short ) so that I can apply even downward pressure while turning the T handle. I treat a reamer like a chainsaw; don't force it, just let the blades do their job while you give a little gentle pressure.  Go slow, use plenty of cutting oil, clean the chips often and measure often. On a Savage barrel I ream the chamber until a Go-gauge projects .125-.130".

If you started with something like a 338 RCM it would be really easy. You'd be cutting for a while but the reamer would naturally center itself in the chamber since the shoulder dimensions are identical. All you're doing is lengthening the chamber. Rechambering a 338 Win Mag barrel is faster since you're not removing as much material, but you have to be more careful to keep the reamer centered in the chamber until the pilot reaches the bore.

Once the chamber is cut, I'll lengthen the throat using a PTG Uni-throater to match the OAL that I want to use. I used a different freebore on the rifles since they needed to feed from a magazine. On my 338/375 Ruger Striker pistol I use a longer freebore since it's a single shot. Using the throating tool is great practice for hand reaming a chamber since it helps you get a feel for how quickly you remove material.

[jasnt]

We’ll barrel is ordered. Went with 30” McGowen 1:9 straight taper howage in 338 RCM

[yorketransport]

We’ll barrel is ordered. Went with 30” McGowen 1:9 straight taper howage in 338 RCM

Excellent! Let the waiting begin!

[jasnt]

We’ll barrel is ordered. Went with 30” McGowen 1:9 straight taper howage in 338 RCM

Excellent! Let the waiting begin!

i hate the wait! 

[mountainman]

We’ll barrel is ordered. Went with 30” McGowen 1:9 straight taper howage in 338 RCM

Excellent! Let the waiting begin!

Like waiting for Christmas!

[jasnt]

Action wrench showed up yesterday. Ordered the wheeler #1 wrench. Bolts where too short! With the action in the wrench the bolts wouldn’t even touch the base?!?!?  Quick trip to millers one stop fixed that.
I’ve read tons of threads talking about how difficult it is to remove a vanguard barrel.  With a 3’ cheater and a good load of table muscle it popped loose no problem.  I think my rem 700 was way worse! Took me an hour and I had to cut a relief in the barrel. Vanguard was like 2 mins and no cutting.

 
Things left on my list:
Die’s
Brass
Projectiles
Go/no go gauges

At some point I’m going to upgrade my stock. I don’t like this black hawk anymore. Looking at the mdt lss XL chassis

[yorketransport]

Action wrench showed up yesterday. Ordered the wheeler #1 wrench. Bolts where too short! With the action in the wrench the bolts wouldn’t even touch the base?!?!?  Quick trip to millers one stop fixed that.
I’ve read tons of threads talking about how difficult it is to remove a vanguard barrel.  With a 3’ cheater and a good load of table muscle it popped loose no problem.  I think my rem 700 was way worse! Took me an hour and I had to cut a relief in the barrel. Vanguard was like 2 mins and no cutting.

 
Things left on my list:
Die’s
Brass
Projectiles
Go/no go gauges

At some point I’m going to upgrade my stock. I don’t like this black hawk anymore. Looking at the mdt lss XL chassis

Dies are easy and brass is anything you'd like, as long as it's Hornady. For projectiles you can't go wrong with anything in the 200-250gr class. The 200gr Ballistic Silver Tip would make a great coyote bullet, almost as good as the old 180 Ballistic Tip. Get some 250gr target bullets from either Berger or Sierra for target work and you're good out to at least 1500 yards. For hunting I'd go Accubonds if you're shooting lead core and Hammers if you go lead free.

I've got a "go" gauge sitting here with the reamer whenever you need it.

[jasnt]

Picked up some 250 gr bergers today. I’m thinking I’m going to go with the RWS brass. If your extraction is fine with the savage I should have no troubles with the vanguard bolt

[CLARKTAR]

I'll have a factory tikka 30 Cal barrel, wonder what I can do with that!

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[jasnt]

I'll have a factory tikka 30 Cal barrel, wonder what I can do with that!

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

have you looked in to the 30/375 ruger?