.338 Winchester Magnum....

[Ambrose]

G'day Fellas,

I recently inherited my Fathers Deer rifle, a Model 70 Winchester, pre 64 action chambered in .338WM.

I think this rifle was modeled off the Alaskan, anyway a fine inheritance by any measure.

I would like to Accurise this rifle for 1000 yard Bench rest and have since began sourcing, rings etc-unfortunately I am having trouble acquiring a Mark IV Leupold Base.

I have since decided to experiment with this rifle and have began fine tuning a load utilising 71 grns of VV N560 with a 250 Sierra Match King and 68 grns of VV N560 for the 300 grn Sierra Match King.

I am receiving muzzle velocities of around 2610 with the 250 grn and 2450 with the 300 grn.

I am also about to trial a new 235 grn CNC machined projectile that is now being manufactured down under, I am hoping that I will gain a few extra fps.

I have also since fitted the rifle into a custom made thumb hole stock that was filled with lead ballast to absorb the recoil. The rifle is now as user friendly as my my Old Mauser chambered in 308.

Now, my father told me that he read an article where this caliber was trialled by an Agency of the US Government as a long range caliber, I think he said it was in one of my grandfathers 'American Rifleman' magazines.

Has anyone had any success with this caliber from 600 yards and beyond or is this cartridge lacking in boiler room capability?

Regards

Sean

 

[former naval person]

Re: .338 Winchester Magnum....

Killed many elk at 300 to 500 yards with the 210 Nosler at 2910 fps MZ velocity. Using H4831, a compressed load. Fine cartridge. The 210 would penetrate side to side, ribs and shoulder included, and would usually be found against the off side hide expanded to .365 to .465 inches and retaining 65% or so of weight. Just my experience. More modern powders will probably do better. I really wonder if miracle bullets are needed in this caliber.

 

[Ambrose]

Re: .338 Winchester Magnum....

G'day Naval Person,

Thanks for the reply. I recall as a teenager a hunting trip with my father when he took a Red Stag with it and through the haze of smoke I can still recall the expression on my fathers face as the beast was knocked from its feet and whilst trying to regain its balance it was driven into the ground as if it were struck down by the right hand of God.

I am really looking forward to fine tuning this rifle and hopefully next year will get a chance to fill the freezers with venison.

I am heading out to the Range tomorrow to have a big day on the Guns and develop a load using a CNC lathed projectile (235 grn) and some 200 grn Nosler Silver tips.

Regards

Sean