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338 Edge bbl - how long?

garandman

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Minuteman
Nov 17, 2009
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Huntington WV
Starting a new 338 Edge build with Southern Precision Rifles (they did an excellent job on my 6.5CM)

I'm figgering to put a brake on it, but am wondering about the barrel length. Eventual plans to go to 1 mile.

I'm guessing no shorter than 28"?

Thx.
 
I am new to the 338 Edge, but not the 338s, this barrel sits at 27.5" plus the brake. You can get away with 26 or even 24, your just going to scrub some velocity, no way around that. Once you get over the 28" mark, velocity gains are minimal, I would say 26 would be a good place to be. BTW, this barrel (Benchmark) pushes the 300gr Burgers at just under 2800fps. My last 338LM wore a 26" Rock barrel, 300 SMKs were clocking around 2640.

P7120520_zps97351982.jpg

P7120522_zps9b431a98.jpg
 
I would go 30", You can cut it down to 28" if you think it's too long. I have mine at 30" and shoot out to 1400 yards.
 
I am new to the 338 Edge, but not the 338s, this barrel sits at 27.5" plus the brake. You can get away with 26 or even 24, your just going to scrub some velocity, no way around that. Once you get over the 28" mark, velocity gains are minimal, I would say 26 would be a good place to be. BTW, this barrel (Benchmark) pushes the 300gr Burgers at just under 2800fps. My last 338LM wore a 26" Rock barrel, 300 SMKs were clocking around 2640.

P7120520_zps97351982.jpg

P7120522_zps9b431a98.jpg


I shot this rifle out to 1830 yards with only 47.5 MOA need in elevation, with a moderate load. I'd say 27-28" is just about perfect.
 
I was planning on doing one next after I get my M2013 back from the smith, I was going to go long 30-31" AMU taper. Its a single shot Savage 110 older style target action, I want it heavy-tolerable recoil that way. And we have the Magnum match at the Wittington center and it has a target at 2200 yards, I want all the velocity I can.
 
I was planning on doing one next after I get my M2013 back from the smith, I was going to go long 30-31" AMU taper. Its a single shot Savage 110 older style target action, I want it heavy-tolerable recoil that way. And we have the Magnum match at the Wittington center and it has a target at 2200 yards, I want all the velocity I can.

A 338 edge +P would be a great choice for you.
 
Explanation?

+P is a throat design that lowers peak chamber pressure allowing 6-8 more grains of powder to be burned. In turn adding an additional 150-175 fps. But in turn a single shot is a must as 4.00" is required with 300smk..even more with berger. Shawn Carlock of Defensive Edge is the designer and man to speak with. Google 338 edge +P there is a lot more info about it over at LRH forum.