Hunting Washington Forum
Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: jasnt on March 31, 2018, 07:16:34 AM
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Figured I'd start a new thread on this build. Weatherby vanguard/howa 1500 long action currently a 300wm. Barrel is about toast and currently shooting 210 gr bergers with .140" of jump.
Talked to James at nss about getting a barrel nut barrel for this build. He says no problem. Few more choices to make before barrel is ordered. Will up date as things progress.
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Good luck with the build and can't wait for the updates.
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Keep it coming. Have a couple vanguards thinking of doing something with. Barrel length going with? Want to put one of those new Diamond trigger$ on something !
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Good luck with the build and can't wait for the updates.
thanks Jason looking forward to it aswell! Hoping to have it up and running by mid April.
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Keep it coming. Have a couple vanguards thinking of doing something with. Barrel length going with? Want to put one of those new Diamond trigger$ on something !
going with 28-30" I worked over my howa trigger and have it down to 2lbs. Very crisp. Don't want any lower as this is also a hunting rig. I have been wanting to try one of those trigger tech triggers.
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Great choice on the chambering. The .338-.375 Ruger aliviates the issue's concerning COAL with the heavier bullets.
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That's a great idea, I should build one! :chuckle:
The whole project is a no brainier though. Take your pick of any barrel manufacturer, buy some Hornady brass, a 338 RCM die set and a 375 Ruger FL die, some 250gr Bergers or SMKs for target shooting or 260gr Hammer Hunters for hunting, and a keg of either H4350 or H100-v. Throw in some Federal 215 primers just to be safe and you're good to go! For load data you can just pull either 340 Weatherby or 330 Dakota data.
Don't let the internet experts tell you that the 33 Nosler will outperform it either. The 33 Nosler cases I've measured were lucky to hit 90gr water capacity while my 338/375 Ruger cases are all around 99.0gr.
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Now I want one! :tree1:
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Now I want one! :tree1:
I half expected you to post up a pic of your latest AR in 338 375 Ruger.
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Now I want one! :tree1:
I half expected you to post up a pic of your latest AR in 338 375 Ruger.
hmmm maybe a nemo.
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That's a great idea, I should build one! :chuckle:
The whole project is a no brainier though. Take your pick of any barrel manufacturer, buy some Hornady brass, a 338 RCM die set and a 375 Ruger FL die, some 250gr Bergers or SMKs for target shooting or 260gr Hammer Hunters for hunting, and a keg of either H4350 or H100-v. Throw in some Federal 215 primers just to be safe and you're good to go! For load data you can just pull either 340 Weatherby or 330 Dakota data.
Don't let the internet experts tell you that the 33 Nosler will outperform it either. The 33 Nosler cases I've measured were lucky to hit 90gr water capacity while my 338/375 Ruger cases are all around 99.0gr.
lol I don't listen to Internet experts cause they all think my 243 is under powered lol
when ya going to do a .277-375 ruger?
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Tag! That's it, this is my next project. Now to find a left hand used action!
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when ya going to do a .277-375 ruger?
As soon as my ARC Nucleus action shows up. :tup:
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when ya going to do a .277-375 ruger?
As soon as my ARC Nucleus action shows up. :tup:
thats going to be a sweet setup!!! :drool:
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Have you decided who's doing your barrel yet? Maybe we should just to a group order on a couple of barrels.
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Have you decided who's doing your barrel yet? Maybe we should just to a group order on a couple of barrels.
yes I'm pretty sure I'm going with criterion. Talked to James at nss and he said he could get me a barrel nut barrel for howa. Group buy would be sweet! If cheap enough I'd get 2
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I would be up for a barrel.
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The 338 RCM pushes a factory 225 gr to 2750. How does the 338-375 compare? Is it like a 338 RCM Improved or a much longer coal ? I couldn't find much on the 338-375 googling. And there's not much on the 338 RCM either.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/650320/hornady-superformance-sst-ammunition-338-ruger-compact-magnum-rcm-225-grain-sst-box-of-20 (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/650320/hornady-superformance-sst-ammunition-338-ruger-compact-magnum-rcm-225-grain-sst-box-of-20)
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Case length on the RCM is 2.015" case length on the 375R is 2.580
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The 338 RCM pushes a factory 225 gr to 2750. How does the 338-375 compare? Is it like a 338 RCM Improved or a much longer coal ? I couldn't find much on the 338-375 googling. And there's not much on the 338 RCM either.
I didn't feel like digging out an RCM case, but here's a comparison from left to right: 338 Win mag, 300 Win mag, 338/375 Ruger
(https://i.imgur.com/5FJL8Ys.jpg?1)
The number written on the cases are case capacity in grains of water of each case. The full length 338/375 Ruger will beat the RCM by about 200fps with any given bullet weight in the same length barrel. I can get a 250gr bullet up over 2750 fps from an 18" barrel, which is faster than a 338 RCM will throw a lighter bullet from a longer barrel.
Maybe I need to check around and see if somebody is interested in cutting a couple prefit barrels. I'll check around and see who's familiar with cutting Howa, Savage and Remington prefits.
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Maybe I need to check around and see if somebody is interested in cutting a couple prefit barrels. I'll check around and see who's familiar with cutting Howa, Savage and Remington prefits"
👍🏻
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The 338 RCM pushes a factory 225 gr to 2750. How does the 338-375 compare? Is it like a 338 RCM Improved or a much longer coal ? I couldn't find much on the 338-375 googling. And there's not much on the 338 RCM either.
I didn't feel like digging out an RCM case, but here's a comparison from left to right: 338 Win mag, 300 Win mag, 338/375 Ruger
(https://i.imgur.com/5FJL8Ys.jpg?1)
The number written on the cases are case capacity in grains of water of each case. The full length 338/375 Ruger will beat the RCM by about 200fps with any given bullet weight in the same length barrel. I can get a 250gr bullet up over 2750 fps from an 18" barrel, which is faster than a 338 RCM will throw a lighter bullet from a longer barrel.
Maybe I need to check around and see if somebody is interested in cutting a couple prefit barrels. I'll check around and see who's familiar with cutting Howa, Savage and Remington prefits.
👍
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:tup: Yea I may be interested in a barrel also. Looks like a 338 wm on steroids in a handy package.
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Yea, I'm pretty intrigued with one built on a vanguard/howa
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:tup: Yea I may be interested in a barrel also. Looks like a 338 wm on steroids in a handy package.
The whole reason I was initially drawn to this chambering was the ability to match or exceed the performance of a 24" 338 Win Mag from an 18" barrel. I still can't believe that Hornady never officially released this round. They did consider it at one time though, I have a copy of the original 338 Hornady Match reamer from 8-9 years ago. It's the same as the 338/375 but the shoulder is bumped back about .100".
I know McGowen will make unchambered, contoured and threaded barrels for Remington, Savage and Howa/Vanguard actions to use a barrel nut system. If everyone ordered their prefit barrel unchambered I might be able to find a local smith who would handle the chambering at a reduced price.
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:tup: Yea I may be interested in a barrel also. Looks like a 338 wm on steroids in a handy package.
The whole reason I was initially drawn to this chambering was the ability to match or exceed the performance of a 24" 338 Win Mag from an 18" barrel. I still can't believe that Hornady never officially released this round. They did consider it at one time though, I have a copy of the original 338 Hornady Match reamer from 8-9 years ago. It's the same as the 338/375 but the shoulder is bumped back about .100".
I know McGowen will make unchambered, contoured and threaded barrels for Remington, Savage and Howa/Vanguard actions to use a barrel nut system. If everyone ordered their prefit barrel unchambered I might be able to find a local smith who would handle the chambering at a reduced price.
This keeps getting more affordable!
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I still haven't heard back from McGowen but it was a holiday weekend.
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Just got an email back from McGowen
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Pac-Nor in Oregon also does great barrels. They do prefits and will chamber with a customer supplied reamer.
Just looked.. A prefit from Pac-Nor would run around $450.00
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Those prices are right in line with what I'd expect for a prefit. I'm going to check around in the next couple of days and see if I can get somebody to do a little better.
If I can find somebody who will thread and chamber a prefit barrel for about $100-125 it would be worth it. A contoured blank is usually around $250 for a mid priced blank. I just need to find somebody who's familiar with making non-Savage prefits. I know that the gauge protrusion on a Savage should be between .125-.130" but I'm not sure what it should be on something like a Howa or Remington.
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I do know howa is 26mm-1.5 mm thread pitch
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Looking closely at the rws 8x68s brass. Always been a fan of rws. Build won't be done as quickly as I was hoping. But I'm doing my research.
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I did a 338/375 build a few years back and have been absolutely as pleased as possible with it.
Bullet selection was a bit of a trial and error for me, but we settled in with the Barnes 225 line. The 225 Hornady blew apart like a berger on animals as small as coyotes almost blowing off the opposite shoulder!
Final loading puts a Barnes 225 at 3,050fps. I'm using the Hornady 375 Ruger cases with annealing before and after resizing and getting very good case life. It' currently my most accurate rifle, so long as I don't think about the recoil when I press the trigger!
IMHO, Hornady and Ruger are both missing an excellent opportunity in not standardizing that round and branding it as one of their own. It's a flat shooting dang accurate thumper that can stop anything in the America's and I'm sure a lot of African game.
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I'm still following this thread.
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Build is still a go, but I'm currently moving back to the farm which is eating up all my funds but will save me a ton of it in the long run. Plus my range will be in my back yard again. I'm going nuts since I packed up the reloading room. I got 43 rounds till I can get it all set back up. Going to be a rough month! Prob won't get much range time till May 1st
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I did a 338/375 build a few years back and have been absolutely as pleased as possible with it.
Bullet selection was a bit of a trial and error for me, but we settled in with the Barnes 225 line. The 225 Hornady blew apart like a berger on animals as small as coyotes almost blowing off the opposite shoulder!
Final loading puts a Barnes 225 at 3,050fps. I'm using the Hornady 375 Ruger cases with annealing before and after resizing and getting very good case life. It' currently my most accurate rifle, so long as I don't think about the recoil when I press the trigger!
IMHO, Hornady and Ruger are both missing an excellent opportunity in not standardizing that round and branding it as one of their own. It's a flat shooting dang accurate thumper that can stop anything in the America's and I'm sure a lot of African game.
I had really good luck with the Barnes 225 TTSX as well. What are the specs on your build?
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I'm courious as well @goshawk
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I'll try and download the pictures.
There was an old M77 sitting on the shelf at a local gunshop that I was helping out at once in a while that needed a new home. It was a 1976 in 30-06. I had bought a Krieger lapped stainless fluted barrel from a fellow gunshop that was going out of business a few years earlier and that barrel just had to have a new home.
The barrel is 27.5" long, with a Cerakote finish just to cover the bright stainless. It's seen a lot of use in load development. That extra length brings me into the same basic velocity as the 338 lapua and 338 RUM without all the coin attached. Since it was in the lathe anyways, I threaded it and blended it all together for a continuous finish.
The load I settled on are the 225 grain Barnes at 3,050 fps. Ironically, due to the difference in brass vs copper I can drive the 250 grain brass solid at the same speed.
The bullets shown are a before at 225gr and after 199.5gr. of a Barnes that took a 1,400lb+ blacktail head on. One of our Angus Steers had gotten real spooky and had taken to just jumping fences or blasting through. Well that got old in a hurry. So, come fall rather than try and get an angle on him, I took him head on in the field with the Ruger. It was as much a test for the bullet as it was for revenge for fixing fences. The bullet entered straight in between the eyes, and traveled out the back of the skull and straight down through the middle of the spine, completely vaporizing 20+ inches of Cattle size vertebra before stopping. When the farm slaughter was parting the carcass in half, the slug fell out at his feet. He was astounded at the damage and wanted to know "Just what the hell did you hit 'em with? I've seen a lot of 06 kills and nothing ever turned neck bone into pulp like this and still be in one piece!"
The scope is a VX6 3-18. I carried a Mark 6 on my duty rifle for a few years and was astounded by the clarity of the optics but did not like a front focal plain for hunting. It's a very good scope, but not quite the clarity of the Mark 6.
The 223 and 270win are there for size.
Yes it's old, a bit ugly on the wood between it's former owner, riding around in the trunk of my patrol car and my own hunting. It's also a bit heavier than I like compared to my M77 in 270 but it's the most accurate rifle I own, and the Good Lord willing, will be with me if I ever get the chance to hunt the big Alaskan bears before I get too old to do so.
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Thanks for sharing. Did you turn your necks? Hard to tell in the pic. Also what powder.
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The bullets shown are a before at 225gr and after 199.5gr. of a Barnes that took a 1,400lb+ blacktail head on.
That’s a MONSTER Blacktail !!! :chuckle: :chuckle: Holy smokes! I thought I had shot some big Mulies. :chuckle:
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Haha, I think he meant Black Angus, if not I want his hunting spots.
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Technically black angus do have a black tail 🍻
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BINGO On the Blacktail / Angus joke!
I worked up a good load using Reloader 22. I'm hesitant to say how much since I'm no lawyer or ballistics expert. Since I did the work myself I set up the chamber very snug, so there's just about zero backlash, giving me a safe load. No idea how it would work in anyone else project.
The necks were not turned. When I measured the first few formed cases, I ordered the reamer sized accordingly.
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Charge weight isn't important to me. Just wondered which powder. I have a bunch of re22. I used to by a pound every chance I got. Burned up about half of it smoking the old 243 barrel and 300wm. Still plenty to play with and most in the same lot. I wish I had the equipment to chamber and thread my own barrels.....corse I'd need the know how to go with it lol. Some day
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I spent a fair time of my working life as a tool and die machinist, so when it comes to precision I have the training to make it happen.
What's the use being a master machinist if you don't build a few wildcats now and again....
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If I had a Pre-Fit barrel chambered in 338 RCM would it be possible to chamber it to the 338/375 Ruger?
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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 :rolleyes:) 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.
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We’ll barrel is ordered. Went with 30” McGowen 1:9 straight taper howage in 338 RCM
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We’ll barrel is ordered. Went with 30” McGowen 1:9 straight taper howage in 338 RCM
Excellent! Let the waiting begin!
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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!
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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!
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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
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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. :chuckle: 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. :tup:
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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
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I'll have a factory tikka 30 Cal barrel, wonder what I can do with that!
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I'll have a factory tikka 30 Cal barrel, wonder what I can do with that!
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have you looked in to the 30/375 ruger?
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“I've got a "go" gauge sitting here with the reamer whenever you need it. :tup:”
Awesome! Only 7 more weeks
Got my loading room just about setup Finally!
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I'll have a factory tikka 30 Cal barrel, wonder what I can do with that!
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have you looked in to the 30/375 ruger?
I have not. Sounds interesting. Couldn't I bore the barrel out for a 338 so I could have something of the 338 variety. 338-06
I have a factory 30-06 barrel and a factory tikka stock.
Just need to find a good deal on a tikka.
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I'll have a factory tikka 30 Cal barrel, wonder what I can do with that!
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have you looked in to the 30/375 ruger?
I have not. Sounds interesting. Couldn't I bore the barrel out for a 338 so I could have something of the 338 variety. 338-06
I have a factory 30-06 barrel and a factory tikka stock.
Just need to find a good deal on a tikka.
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I think having that barrel rebored would cost just about as much as ordering a new one. I do have 2 versions of a 30-375 Ruger drawn up. One that’s simply necked down and throated to run at 3.600” OAL and another one with the shoulder moved forward about .100” so that it cleans up a 300 Win Mag chamber. :tup:
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I'll have a factory tikka 30 Cal barrel, wonder what I can do with that!
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have you looked in to the 30/375 ruger?
I have not. Sounds interesting. Couldn't I bore the barrel out for a 338 so I could have something of the 338 variety. 338-06
I have a factory 30-06 barrel and a factory tikka stock.
Just need to find a good deal on a tikka.
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Sent you a PM on your question.
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I'll have a factory tikka 30 Cal barrel, wonder what I can do with that!
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have you looked in to the 30/375 ruger?
I have not. Sounds interesting. Couldn't I bore the barrel out for a 338 so I could have something of the 338 variety. 338-06
I have a factory 30-06 barrel and a factory tikka stock.
Just need to find a good deal on a tikka.
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I think having that barrel rebored would cost just about as much as ordering a new one. I do have 2 versions of a 30-375 Ruger drawn up. One that’s simply necked down and throated to run at 3.600” OAL and another one with the shoulder moved forward about .100” so that it cleans up a 300 Win Mag chamber. :tup:
I thought JES charged around 225.00 for boreing. Maybe I'm wrong, or maybe you can buy new barrels at that price.
Likely shouldn't use a tikka platform given the OAL limitations.
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You can get blanks around that price. Barrel I ordered from McGowen was $360 will still need to finish the chamber since it’s chambered in 338rcm. Will need reamed about 1/2” deeper
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I thought JES charged around 225.00 for boreing. Maybe I'm wrong, or maybe you can buy new barrels at that price.
Likely shouldn't use a tikka platform given the OAL limitations.
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That's less than I thought, I was thinking closer to $300-350.
You can get blanks around that price. Barrel I ordered from McGowen was $360 will still need to finish the chamber since it’s chambered in 338rcm. Will need reamed about 1/2” deeper
Or.... run the 338/375 Ruger reamer about .080" deeper and you can use the full length 8x68s case instead of having to trim nearly .100" off of it while forming the brass. You'd gain 4-5gr case capacity which would put you right between the 340 Weatherby and the 338 RUM. The down side is that you couldn't use a standard 375 Ruger die to full length size. I have an idea to resolve that issue without having a custom FL die made though. I'm working on that now..... :tup:
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You can get blanks around that price. Barrel I ordered from McGowen was $360 will still need to finish the chamber since it’s chambered in 338rcm. Will need reamed about 1/2” deeper
Or.... run the 338/375 Ruger reamer about .080" deeper and you can use the full length 8x68s case instead of having to trim nearly .100" off of it while forming the brass. You'd gain 4-5gr case capacity which would put you right between the 340 Weatherby and the 338 RUM. The down side is that you couldn't use a standard 375 Ruger die to full length size. I have an idea to resolve that issue without having a custom FL die made though. I'm working on that now..... :tup:
like running the reamer in your die deeper?
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You can get blanks around that price. Barrel I ordered from McGowen was $360 will still need to finish the chamber since it’s chambered in 338rcm. Will need reamed about 1/2” deeper
Or.... run the 338/375 Ruger reamer about .080" deeper and you can use the full length 8x68s case instead of having to trim nearly .100" off of it while forming the brass. You'd gain 4-5gr case capacity which would put you right between the 340 Weatherby and the 338 RUM. The down side is that you couldn't use a standard 375 Ruger die to full length size. I have an idea to resolve that issue without having a custom FL die made though. I'm working on that now..... :tup:
like running the reamer in your die deeper?
That would work if you had a resizing die reamer. If you run a chamber reamer in there you'd have an oversized die that wouldn't size the case. Since a resize reamer is typically .002" under sized compared to a finish reamer, that's what you need in order to actually reduce the brass dimensions.
My thought is to bore out the neck/shoulder portion of a 375 Ruger die so that portion of the case isn't resized. That way you can size the case web when necessary without touching the shoulder. It would be a universal die which would work on any case with the same head dimensions as the 375 Ruger regardless of case length. I've wanted to try this for years but I've just never gotten around to it.
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You can get blanks around that price. Barrel I ordered from McGowen was $360 will still need to finish the chamber since it’s chambered in 338rcm. Will need reamed about 1/2” deeper
Or.... run the 338/375 Ruger reamer about .080" deeper and you can use the full length 8x68s case instead of having to trim nearly .100" off of it while forming the brass. You'd gain 4-5gr case capacity which would put you right between the 340 Weatherby and the 338 RUM. The down side is that you couldn't use a standard 375 Ruger die to full length size. I have an idea to resolve that issue without having a custom FL die made though. I'm working on that now..... :tup:
like running the reamer in your die deeper?
That would work if you had a resizing die reamer. If you run a chamber reamer in there you'd have an oversized die that wouldn't size the case. Since a resize reamer is typically .002" under sized compared to a finish reamer, that's what you need in order to actually reduce the brass dimensions.
My thought is to bore out the neck/shoulder portion of a 375 Ruger die so that portion of the case isn't resized. That way you can size the case web when necessary without touching the shoulder. It would be a universal die which would work on any case with the same head dimensions as the 375 Ruger regardless of case length. I've wanted to try this for years but I've just never gotten around to it.
That makes sense. I was forgetting about spring back. Extra case capacity would be nice with the 30” barrel. What coal fits your mags in the rifles? If I remember correctly mine is 3.5” on my vanguard
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That makes sense. I was forgetting about spring back. Extra case capacity would be nice with the 30” barrel. What coal fits your mags in the rifles? If I remember correctly mine is 3.5” on my vanguard
Just checked and I'm at 3.480" OAL with a 225 Accubond and 3.505" OAL with a 225 TTSX, both seated just off the lands.
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Sure is a big difference between the bullets I’m used to loading!
Left:115gr h-vld (6mm)
Right: 250gr elite hunter (.338)
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Gonna go lil 250 might as well stay w 30 cal 230. 300 or at least 285 to run with the big dogs :-)
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Gonna go lil 250 might as well stay w 30 cal 230. 300 or at least 285 to run with the big dogs :-)
:chuckle: :chuckle:
Did someone say .338 300gr? :tup:
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi90.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk269%2Flandonmoses%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2Fphoto_zps683858c9.jpg&hash=b6592af28632dc19a4be7fcad4e1983bcd41d7b6) (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/landonmoses/media/Mobile%20Uploads/photo_zps683858c9.jpg.html)
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I am definitely going to play with the 300’s but I’m limited on mag length at the moment. Rifle has factory dump latch style mag. 3.500 is the longest that will feed from the mag. If I had more room I’d probably build a rum or Lapua. Also why I’m rebarreling so early. No more room to chase the lands. And I’m getting bored of 300wm. Wanted something new to play with
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I had a 338 edge put together and it's shipping Monday. I am pretty excited and will be running the 300 EH. First 338 cal.
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Retumbo 👍
The 285gr .338 Hornady Match are pure death 💀 on Mule deer!
Recovered from a shot on a Muley just a hair shy of 400 yards. Just under the hide on the off side, unzipped him and poured him out. I have shot 40 plus deer and this bullet and cartridge combo (.338 Edge) was by far the loudest impact to date.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi90.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk269%2Flandonmoses%2Fphoto1_zps05d30fc0.jpg&hash=de640063df1d62520527fd1bf1993eb59a332e13) (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/landonmoses/media/photo1_zps05d30fc0.jpg.html)
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I had a 338 edge put together and it's shipping Monday. I am pretty excited and will be running the 300 EH. First 338 cal.
Those edges are amazing. Ton of load data out there too. Tack drivers with h1000, up to 3000 fps with Rl33 / n570. True 1100 yard option.
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Ask BH he's posted some impressive results with his.
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Don’t tell me that now. Just bought a boat load of 300 grain elite hunters and H1000. 28” Broughton. EldM are quite a bit cheaper. Sorry for the thread jack.
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Don’t tell me that now. Just bought a boat load of 300 grain elite hunters and H1000. 28” Broughton. EldM are quite a bit cheaper. Sorry for the thread jack.
no prob. Gotta do something to pass the time. Knocked my 735 yard plate down today and I’m too lazy to walk back out there and put it back up.
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Don’t tell me that now. Just bought a boat load of 300 grain elite hunters and H1000. 28” Broughton. EldM are quite a bit cheaper. Sorry for the thread jack.
no prob. Gotta do something to pass the time. Knocked my 735 yard plate down today and I’m too lazy to walk back out there and put it back up.
That took the fun right out of that shooting session!
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Gonna go lil 250 might as well stay w 30 cal 230. 300 or at least 285 to run with the big dogs :-)
With this case, the 250 is typically a better option. The 250s should be going about 150+ fps faster than the 300s in the same length barrel with the same 3.500" OAL and the 300s won't beat the 250 in drop, or retained velocity until well beyond 2000 yards. In my 18" pistol I shoot the 250 Berger at 2775 fps and the 300gr OTM at 2620 fps. At 1745 yards my adjustment from a 100 yard zero is 77.8 MOA with the 250s and 84.2 MOA with the 300s. Retained velocity between the two should be pretty similar but they've both gone subsonic at that point.
There's no point in dealing the extra recoil of the 300gr bullets in a case this size. Once you get into a capacity of 110gr and up (338 RUM and bigger) they make more sense. Then when you're all grown up you'll get a case that's capable of throwing 300gr bullets over 3400fps, only to realized that they just shoot better at around 3200 fps. :chuckle:
Don’t tell me that now. Just bought a boat load of 300 grain elite hunters and H1000. 28” Broughton. EldM are quite a bit cheaper. Sorry for the thread jack.
no prob. Gotta do something to pass the time. Knocked my 735 yard plate down today and I’m too lazy to walk back out there and put it back up.
That took the fun right out of that shooting session!
A while back I was lobbing shots at my 10" gong at 975 yards with the 284 Striker and I decided to hit it with the 338 SnipeTac pistol just for fun to watch the plate really swing. I intentionally hit it low just to see how much I could swing the plate. The gong flip up and landed just right so that it hooked on the top piece of my stand with the chains holding it vertically. I thought I'd be clever and just hit it again and flip the gong back over the stand. Nope. One more solid hit from the 338 knocked the whole stand down. That's why i shoot at rocks. they usually don't fall over. :chuckle:
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I walked back out and hung it Up. This is what a few 1000 rounds will do to 1/2” mild steel. I keep flipping it over and pounding it back the other way one round at a time
I’m always picking up targets. The cows love knocking down my 400 yard setup :bash:
Today I had a first round hit at 735. Left edge center. Then round 2 hits high and left and takes out my chain. With the 400 yard set up in the dirt I just shot the rest so I could load the whole lot. I need to trim out some saplings so I can hang a 1500 yard plate.
Ordering RWS brass Monday from Huntington’s unless someone knows a cheaper place
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Any update on the Universal FL Ruger body die @yorketransport
I’ve been contemplating buying a sizing reamer from ptg. Cheaper than a custom die set
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Any update on the Universal FL body die @yorketransport
I’ve been contemplating buying a sizing reamer from ptg. Cheaper than a custom die set
I just need to get around to doing it. I'm pretty sure I can pull this off in my garage sale drill press. :chuckle:
For a straight 338/375 I wouldn't bother with custom dies. I've been using a 375 Ruger FL sizer with the expander removed and 38 RCM dies to seat and neck size since day one. In a lengthened chamber I'd consider ordering the proper headspace gauge, chamber and resize reamer.
I'm a tinker at heart and I don't really worry about using odd parts or weird methods to get results, that's part of the fun for me. Sometimes it's hard to explain to a gunsmith though that you want to cut a chamber to zero headspace, then cut it .080" deeper with no gauge to actually check that dimension with.
For the RWS brass, I think Huntington's may be the only importer.
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I’m going to order the ptg bottom metal kit which will stretch out my oal some. Measuring my action I get 3.630” (AICS mags I believe are 3.625”) but I’ll have take a few thousandths off my bolt stop to take advantage of the whole opening because the bolt stops just short of the back of the feed gap. The bolt stop has plenty of meat to Accommodate this task and then some.
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Bottom metal and mag are ordered. One peace 20 mos rail on its way. Rifle is coming together. Now if the barrel would hurry up I’d be a kid in a candy store
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I had a 338 edge put together and it's shipping Monday. I am pretty excited and will be running the 300 EH. First 338 cal.
have you gotten to shoot the edge yet @hogslayer
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Right on :tup:
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You might be ready to roll by bear season!
I saw a SS Vanguard in 30-06 that I almost picked up as a donor action. The more I look at the Howa/Vanguards the more I like them. All the one's I've handled felt every bit as good as the Remingtons I've looked at.
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You might be ready to roll by bear season!
I saw a SS Vanguard in 30-06 that I almost picked up as a donor action. The more I look at the Howa/Vanguards the more I like them. All the one's I've handled felt every bit as good as the Remingtons I've looked at.
you can buy barreled actions from Brownells
I would love to be ready for bear season! But I’m not worried about it either. My 243 is shooting very well.
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You might be ready to roll by bear season!
I saw a SS Vanguard in 30-06 that I almost picked up as a donor action. The more I look at the Howa/Vanguards the more I like them. All the one's I've handled felt every bit as good as the Remingtons I've looked at.
👍
I had never owned a Howa until I picked up one of their “Alpine” rifles in 6.5 CM. I really liked the rifle and action. A friend has been shooting a Vanguard in .300 Weatherby for quite a few years and it’s been a great rifle.
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They have pretty good triggers too. I modified mine and have a crisp 2-2.3lb pull
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Imho howa's are built much better then current'ish Remingtons. You can still find them used for good prices too.
The aftermarket is starting to come around for them, if stock selection was better I think you'd see a lot more builds on them.
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Imho howa's are built much better then current'ish Remingtons. You can still find them used for good prices too.
The aftermarket is starting to come around for them, if stock selection was better I think you'd see a lot more builds on them.
For the price the Weatherby stock is not bad. Its $139 when available.
"Synthetic gun stock with raised comb Monte Carlo design and right side palm swell. Features special pistol grip and forend inserts for firm, nonslip grip. Available for magnum and standard action rifles. Fits all Vanguard models with a serial number prefix of VX, VS, or VB and a #1 or #2 contour barrel."
http://www.weatherby.com/vanguardr-griptoniter-stock.html (http://www.weatherby.com/vanguardr-griptoniter-stock.html)
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https://www.opticsplanet.com/promag-archangel-howa-1500-hogue-long-action-precision-stock-w-5-round-follower.html?_iv_code=KA0-RM-AH1500LS5MM-AA1500MLA-DT-6RD
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Took a little off the bolt stop tonight. I can now easily eject loaded case at 3.620” coal.
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Everything is ordered. Pretty much just waiting now
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I have a Manners T2 for a Howa LA if anyone is looking.
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I have a Manners T2 for a Howa LA if anyone is looking.
pm sent
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I have a Manners T2 for a Howa LA if anyone is looking.
pm sent
If you sent something to me I didn't get it and there is nothing in my messages.
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Re sent
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Re sent
PM replied If you don't receive it let me know and I'll resend.
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Turns out I was incorrect about my headspace protrusion. Playing around with my old barrel today and notice a case sits flush and bolt face goes into the barrel .130”. Glad I noticed that before hand.
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Picked up some cheap bullets today for fire forming. <$20 for Speer hot cor 200gr. And another box of bergers. Rifle is ready to go other than the barrel. Waiting sucks! I may just order another blank to save time next go round
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Been there, done that with the barrel. I'm really cheap, but I'm also really impatient!
Where'd you find the bullets that cheap? The 200gr HotCor was one of my favorite bullets in my 338/06. They were a great practice bullet in the 338/375 pistol while I was getting used to it too.
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Been there, done that with the barrel. I'm really cheap, but I'm also really impatient!
Where'd you find the bullets that cheap? The 200gr HotCor was one of my favorite bullets in my 338/06. They were a great practice bullet in the 338/375 pistol while I was getting used to it too.
north 40 has great prices on bullets in my neck of the woods. $79 for my bergers(250gr elite hunters)
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Finally
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Picked up another 50ct of Hornady brass from sportsman’s and it just happens to be the same lot number as the batch I got from midway.
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Picked up another 50ct of Hornady brass from sportsman’s and it just happens to be the same lot number as the batch I got from midway.
lottery winner :tup:
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Picked up another 50ct of Hornady brass from sportsman’s and it just happens to be the same lot number as the batch I got from midway.
lottery winner :tup:
that was my thoughts at first. Then after I thought about it......how often do they produce 375 brass :dunno: but :IBCOOL:
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That’s a good score!
When I bought my 375 Ruger brass was impossible to find. I stumbled onto a place that was selling once fired range brass for about $1 each so I bought 250 of them. I’m still using that same brass in my 375 minus 50 that I used for my initial 338/375 project. Whatever other folks say, I’ve always been happy with the quality of Hornadys brass.
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So far I’ve paid just a hair over $1 a peace for new. I’ve had good results with Hornady brass as well, it’s all I used in my first 243
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Well I have everything ready but the barrel. Today makes 7 weeks do it should be done soon. I got a killer deal ($300 tmd) on a used viper pst 6.5x20x50 for now and I’ll continue to watch for a good deal on a nf. May throw the viper on my ar and do another tall target test to check click value. Guessing it will end up the same as my other viper on the 243 since they are the same model.
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So, any updates yet?
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Hornady brass is great!
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Still no barrel. Monday will be 10 weeks
On the bright side my new scope tracks perfectly at 1/4 moa. Got 100 rounds loaded up ready to play. Been checking my email about 10 times a day
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Still no word from McGowan 😢
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Still no word from McGowan 😢
I’d say it’s time to make a call. They’ve always been dead on with the estimated delivery times on my barrels.
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I’m thinking your right. They said 8 weeks +/- Today is 10 weeks
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Barrel is finished and should ship today. Just made my week!!!!
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Funny stuff always gets done the day you call - :tung: Now assembly time !
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Funny stuff always gets done the day you call - :tung: Now assembly time !
funny how that works. I have to ream the chamber deeper then assembly
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Ordered a Hart barrel couple months ago for a new build I'm having done, gal on the phone told me about 4 weeks, it arrived just shy of 4 weeks by a few days. Hart is the fastest of any barrel company I've ever dealt with when it comes to getting you your barrel.
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I have to ream the chamber deeper then assembly
Looking forward to hearing how that goes. You doing it yourself ?
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I have to ream the chamber deeper then assembly
Looking forward to hearing how that goes. You doing it yourself ?
yes sir. Looking forward to it as well. I enjoy working with metal. It’s another addiction I have. Unfortunately it’s not something my forge can speed up.
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Ordered a Hart barrel couple months ago for a new build I'm having done, gal on the phone told me about 4 weeks, it arrived just shy of 4 weeks by a few days. Hart is the fastest of any barrel company I've ever dealt with when it comes to getting you your barrel.
I don't think I've ever had a Hart barrel, but now I kind of want one!
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Ordered a Hart barrel couple months ago for a new build I'm having done, gal on the phone told me about 4 weeks, it arrived just shy of 4 weeks by a few days. Hart is the fastest of any barrel company I've ever dealt with when it comes to getting you your barrel.
I don't think I've ever had a Hart barrel, but now I kind of want one!
I believe they'll do custom contours at no extra charge as well.
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Yorke, FWIW, I've yet to have a Hart barrel that didn't shoot exceptionally well. Before all the BR shooters got on the single point cut barrel craze Hart barrels were one of the most popular barrels used.
Generally Hart's wait time is right around 4 weeks, if you want it fluted, it'll take a little longer. My last three Krieger barrels, two of them were 9 months and the other one was a little over 6 months.
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My barreled shipped today. May have it by the week end
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So it's short chambered and you have to finish reaming and headspace?
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So it's short chambered and you have to finish reaming and headspace?
i bought a Pre-Fit howage barrel. Came in 338 rcm which has it identical shoulder. Just needs reamed deeper to be 338/375 ruger.
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Right on. how much deeper do you have to go?
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About 1/2”
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So it's short chambered and you have to finish reaming and headspace?
i bought a Pre-Fit howage barrel. Came in 338 rcm which has it identical shoulder. Just needs reamed deeper to be 338/375 ruger.
Oh I wondered why do you have to ream a new barrel?
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If I remember correctly I just need the go .480” deeper.
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If I remember correctly I just need the go .480” deeper.
You just going to throw it in a barrel vise and spin the reamer by hand?
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Yes
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If I remember correctly I just need the go .480” deeper.
You just going to throw it in a barrel vise and spin the reamer by hand?
It’s super easy, should be done in less than 15 minutes if he just chucks the reamer up in a cordless drill. :tup:
I’m just waiting for you to finish up so I have another person to share loads with. I’m sick of doing all the load work around here. :chuckle:
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If I remember correctly I just need the go .480” deeper.
You just going to throw it in a barrel vise and spin the reamer by hand?
It’s super easy, should be done in less than 15 minutes if he just chucks the reamer up in a cordless drill. :tup:
I’m just waiting for you to finish up so I have another person to share loads with. I’m sick of doing all the load work around here. :chuckle:
im ready to start load development. Been pack ratting bullets every chance I get.
Yorke have you tested the 236 gr hammer hunters in media yet?
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im ready to start load development. Been pack ratting bullets every chance I get.
Yorker have you tested the 236 gr hammer hunters in media yet?
I haven't tried the 236 yet, that one's fairly new. I use the 260 Hammer Hunter in my 338/375 pistol and I've tested all of the .338 Sledge Hammers and the 304 Hammer Hunter. They've all performed the same though; Sledge Hammers penetrate 3-4" then shed the petals while the shank retains about 80% of the original weight. The Hammer Hunters expand the same and retain around 70% of their weight.
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interesting. seems like itd be easy to wallow out the rear of the chamber.
Yorke, you ever done a full chamber like that?
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interesting. seems like itd be easy to wallow out the rear of the chamber.
Yorke, you ever done a full chamber like that?
Not a full chamber, just a couple rechamber jobs going from 338 Win Mag to 338/375 Ruger. If you start with either a Win Mag or RCM chamber it's pretty easy to keep everything centered. I probably wouldn't try and chamber a barrel for a BR gun this way but the barrels I've hand reamed have all shot in the .75 MOA range which is about what I expect from Savage factory barrels.
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Barrel will be on my porch when I get home today:tup:
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Well it shoots great. Took maybe 45 min to ream it. Put 20 rounds threw it tonight. Recoil is not bad with the 200gr hotcores. With no load development I shot a 3/4 moa group once I got it zeroed not bad for forgetting my rear bag back at the house and too lazy to go grab it till the last few rounds. Loving it so far.
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Well it shoots great. Took maybe 45 min to ream it. Put 20 rounds threw it tonight. Recoil is not bad with the 200gr hotcores. With no load development I shot a 3/4 moa group once I got it zeroed not bad for forgetting my rear bag back at the house and too lazy to go grab it till the last few rounds. Loving it so far.
Awesome! Now what’s the next project? This one’s boring now. :chuckle:
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Next project will be a 6x45 for my daughter. She passed hunters ed last month :tup:
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Nice work :tup:
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Did you screw barrel on then ream it with some type of a chamber pilot ? or reamer just pilots off front in barrel?
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Did you screw barrel on then ream it with some type of a chamber pilot ? or reamer just pilots off front in barrel?
reamer has a floating pilot
Was super easy. The 338rcm is identical to the 338/375 ruger in every way Except length. Reamer slid right in tight as can be and it was very easy to keep it nice and square. Very surprised how fast the reamer removes material. I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.
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reamer has a floating pilot
Was super easy. The 338rcm is identical to the 338/375 ruger in every way Except length. Reamer slid right in tight as can be and it was very easy to keep it nice and square. Very surprised how fast the reamer removes material. I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.
Now you need to order up a 270 Weatherby prefit and you can use my 270 Boondoggle reamer too. That would make for the perfect matched pair.
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That would be nice. Could run both barrels on this action. Could load them out long.
Idk I’m still dreaming of the Chey tac. You know I’m a sucker for barrel burners
Tell me more about the boondoggle yorke. Case capacity? You got one up and running yet?
I’ve been thinking about the 416 Barrett
I do want to give a big thank you to yorke for all his help with this build and the use of his reamer! Idk how I’ll repay your kindness but I’ll think of something
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Little load work this morning.
Berger 250gr elite hunters & h4350
77gr seems to be a good node at 2990
9 shot group and 1 pull. Point of aim was single shot below group
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Little load work this morning.
Berger 250gr elite hunters & h4350
77gr seems to be a good node at 2990
9 shot group and 1 pull. Point of aim was single shot below group
That's perfect! I use 76.5gr H4350 with the 250gr bullets in my 18" Striker with identical results on target. :tup:
The Boondoggle is just a 375 Ruger taken all the way down to 270; die formed cases hold 98.6gr H20. I haven't had a barrel chambered yet because I really wanted to wait and build it on the ARC Nucleus action whenever that shows up. I do have a couple of Savage take off barrels in 270 Win sitting around that I think I'll have chambered to form brass and start testing powders. I'll get that done as soon as I get the headspace gauge back from you.
You know, if you wanted to go 338 CT I can help with that too. :chuckle:
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Your reamer, go gage and T handle will ship out in the am. I am interested in they chey tac. But I need a bigger action and the bells to go with it. Wish I could go shoot today but the smoke is so bad I can’t see my 400 yard plates.
I still have more load work to do because last night I swapped back to my original bottom metal and that gives me more room to load them out closer to the lands but I’m very happy with the build as is.
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Your reamer, go gage and T handle will ship out in the am. I am interested in they chey tac. But I need a bigger action and the bells to go with it. Wish I could go shoot today but the smoke is so bad I can’t see my 400 yard plates.
I still have more load work to do because last night I swapped back to my original bottom metal and that gives me more room to load them out closer to the lands but I’m very happy with the build as is.
If your mag box will let you run a longer OAL than the freebore in the chamber will just let me know and I'll send out the .338 throating reamer. :tup:
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Gained .040” with the bdl but did not get a good test. This Blackhawk stock it just way to flexible in the forgrip to use properly with a bi pod. I can shoot it very well off my bench rest but put the bipod on it’s a 1/2” tall by 2” wide group. Hate this stock more and more each day. Loving the rifle other than the stock issues. If I shoot off my rest or front and rear bags I shoot well. Bipod is a no go at this point.
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Well I think I’m going to need to replace my 735 yard target. Shots are a day apart. Almost punched threw 1/2 mild steel
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Vanguard is getting a make over today. Picked up a manners t2. Got a little work to do to get my barrel in the stock.
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Updated
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Updated
Looks good! :tup:
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Nice!
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It shoots great. 40 rounds threw it today. Much better than the Blackhawk stock!!!!
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That looks great!
Have you had a chance to try any of the 8x68 brass yet? I finished testing both the Norma and RWS cases in my 338/375 pistol and decided that there's no practical difference between the two. Since the Norma brass is so cheap right now I'd just stick with that instead of using the Hornady as long as you can extract and eject it in your action. It works in my Savage since the pistol is a single shot. I wouldn't trust it to work in a repeater though since the extractor lets go of the case before it clears the chamber.
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That looks great!
Have you had a chance to try any of the 8x68 brass yet? I finished testing both the Norma and RWS cases in my 338/375 pistol and decided that there's no practical difference between the two. Since the Norma brass is so cheap right now I'd just stick with that instead of using the Hornady as long as you can extract and eject it in your action. It works in my Savage since the pistol is a single shot. I wouldn't trust it to work in a repeater though since the extractor lets go of the case before it clears the chamber.
waiting on a shell holder. Formed 10 peace’s but trying to prime with my rcbs #4 is a nightmare! They extract just fine from the action. Hornady brass is getting a touch loose in the pockets. Noticed to day priming was a bit easier than last batch.
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A 44 Mag shell holder works perfect.
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A 44 Mag shell holder works perfect.
i sure wish I had figured that out sooner lol. I have 2 of those
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Jasen, Any update on this project? How’s the load development?
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Jasen, Any update on this project? How’s the load development?
it went great. I’m running the fire formed Norma brass, h1000, 250gr berger at 3025 fps. Got almost 600 rounds through it now. Im single feeding. Shoots .2-.4 depending on me mainly. I’ve taken it out to 2200 yards with hits on moa-1 1/2 moa size rocks. It has quickly become my favorite rifle.
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Jasen, Any update on this project? How’s the load development?
it went great. I’m running the fire formed Norma brass, h1000, 250gr berger at 3025 fps. Got almost 600 rounds through it now. Im single feeding. Shoots .2-.4 depending on me mainly. I’ve taken it out to 2200 yards with hits on moa-1 1/2 moa size rocks. It has quickly become my favorite rifle.
That is grouping great! Velocity is better than I expected. What’s your coal with the 250gr Berger’s? Single feeding, must be to long for your mag?
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3.750 if I remember correctly. Yes too long for mag though I do have a good repeater load I can use for hunting if I choose to. This McGowen barrel is very fast
Not half bad for a hand reamed barrel
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3.750 if I remember correctly. Yes too long for mag though I do have a good repeater load I can use for hunting if I choose to. This McGowen barrel is very fast
Not half bad for a hand reamed barrel
I’m working on building a Savage for the same cartridge. I just picked up a HS Precision 129 stock for it. I also just recently (yesterday) bought a new stainless X-caliber factory contoured barrel blank, 1-9 twist .800 at muzzle, should finish at 27”. Not sure if I’ll use this barrel for this build or not, but I picked it up for $140 shipped, to good of price to pass up. Depending on how I like this cartridge I may use this barrel to build a lighter setup for hunting.
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3.750 if I remember correctly. Yes too long for mag though I do have a good repeater load I can use for hunting if I choose to. This McGowen barrel is very fast
Not half bad for a hand reamed barrel
I’m working on building a Savage for the same cartridge. I just picked up a HS Precision 129 stock for it. I also just recently (yesterday) bought a new stainless X-caliber factory contoured barrel blank, 1-9 twist .800 at muzzle, should finish at 27”. Not sure if I’ll use this barrel for this build or not, but I picked it up for $140 shipped, to good of price to pass up. Depending on how I like this cartridge I may use this barrel to build a lighter setup for hunting.
i reamed my chamber .025” deeper than standard. I gained about 4% capacity but also I don’t need to trim the Norma or RWS brass to fire form. I can trim afterwards and loose as little brass as possible. I’m trimming my brass at 2.605”
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3.750 if I remember correctly. Yes too long for mag though I do have a good repeater load I can use for hunting if I choose to. This McGowen barrel is very fast
Not half bad for a hand reamed barrel
I’m working on building a Savage for the same cartridge. I just picked up a HS Precision 129 stock for it. I also just recently (yesterday) bought a new stainless X-caliber factory contoured barrel blank, 1-9 twist .800 at muzzle, should finish at 27”. Not sure if I’ll use this barrel for this build or not, but I picked it up for $140 shipped, to good of price to pass up. Depending on how I like this cartridge I may use this barrel to build a lighter setup for hunting.
i reamed my chamber .025” deeper than standard. I gained about 4% capacity but also I don’t need to trim the Norma or RWS brass to fire form. I can trim afterwards and loose as little brass as possible. I’m trimming my brass at 2.605”
Do you always trim when you get to max length and trim to book spec min?
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How was the Hornady brass?
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3.750 if I remember correctly. Yes too long for mag though I do have a good repeater load I can use for hunting if I choose to. This McGowen barrel is very fast
Not half bad for a hand reamed barrel
I’m working on building a Savage for the same cartridge. I just picked up a HS Precision 129 stock for it. I also just recently (yesterday) bought a new stainless X-caliber factory contoured barrel blank, 1-9 twist .800 at muzzle, should finish at 27”. Not sure if I’ll use this barrel for this build or not, but I picked it up for $140 shipped, to good of price to pass up. Depending on how I like this cartridge I may use this barrel to build a lighter setup for hunting.
i reamed my chamber .025” deeper than standard. I gained about 4% capacity but also I don’t need to trim the Norma or RWS brass to fire form. I can trim afterwards and loose as little brass as possible. I’m trimming my brass at 2.605”
Do you always trim when you get to max length and trim to book spec min?
no I trim to .010” short of maximum brass length of my chamber if possible or as short as needed to get them all the same
The hornady brass was ok but no where as strong as the Norma. If your not pushing it hard trying to reach out as far as you can dial the hornady brass would be fine imo. It’s soft but wasn’t horrible. My repeater load is with hornady brass at 2990 with the 250gr elite hunters.
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Rumor has it that ADG is planning to make 300PRC brass. If so you could run that and neck up to 338 in one pass and load with no fire forming needed. With my long chamber I would still need to fire form and would end up with a shorter neck.
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How was the Hornady brass?
I like the Hornady brass just because there's no forming necessary, just run the 375 Ruger brass into a 338 RCM die and you're good to go. I've spent so much time forming brass lately that I'm starting to get lazy. :chuckle: My cases have all held up for at least 6 loads so I feel like I'm getting my money's worth out of them.
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Jasen, Any update on this project? How’s the load development?
it went great. I’m running the fire formed Norma brass, h1000, 250gr berger at 3025 fps. Got almost 600 rounds through it now. Im single feeding. Shoots .2-.4 depending on me mainly. I’ve taken it out to 2200 yards with hits on moa-1 1/2 moa size rocks. It has quickly become my favorite rifle.
Wow..... That is truly impressive!
:tup: :tup: :tup:
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I finally had some time on the bench today with the new-to-me Barnes 225ttsx. Same Reloader 22 powder but I was able to push a full 2 grains more than the other load. My Chrono is showing 3245fps. Weather permitting, I'll do some more work as the week goes by. Time for some cleaning tonight.
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Hoping it goes well for you. I never have shot a Barnes bullet yet. Idk why
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Hoping it goes well for you. I never have shot a Barnes bullet yet. Idk why
I've been slowly converting my hunting rounds to them after getting tired of other bullets blowing up on heavy bones and destroying meat. A well placed lung shot is great right up to where the target gets covered by a leg bone when walking, or in one case a straight down into the spine on a mule deer exploded like a varmint round. I also have a buddy who carefully processed some elk into sausage only to find a small speck of lead in it while his grandson was eating. I've never seen Barns not expand, or come apart being all copper. I also have had very good accuracy with them once the right load and velocity is ironed out.
I'll still run lead through my 308 and 44mag but over 3,000fps I've gone to all copper.