DTA SRS A1 Covert Muzzle Velocity/Realistic ELR Potential

[Gunslinger9416]

I've been digging through the DTA threads and Google for almost a week now with no luck, so I'm just gonna make my own thread...

I've been reading through a lot of discussion on shorter barrels' effects on MV and potential capability, and I was wondering for those who've used/do use the Covert in .338 Lapua what distances are you guys pushing this rifle to, and what muzzle velocities are you seeing from the 18" 1:9 twist barrel? The only numbers that I've been able to find were from a magazine's report from SHOT 3 years ago, where they mentioned a quick aside that DTA was getting 2250 out of 300gr loads, and 2500 out of 250grs. Is this matching up with what you guys are seeing, or are you all finding you can get faster loads? Has anybody that's into ELR tried this weapon at a mile? Thank you for any knowledge that you can provide.

 

[DetroitRearView]

I am running a 22.5" Bartlein and getting no pressure loads @ 2787 with the 250 scenars, so I think you are in the ballpark with the numbers you posted

 

[Dogtown]

I generally use the short 18" .338LM barrel when shooting inside of 1000m with lots of wind and/or when I need portability. It's still good to just shy of 1300m on IPSC steel, but it obviously doesn't have the velocity for ELR shooting. For that the 26" factory barrel has served me well, although I'm in the process of moving up to a 34" barrel with improved chamber, but would I lug that heavier long barrel on a hunt? Hell no. It's purely for ELR shooting. I shoot a 16" .308WIN and 18" 6.5x47L sometimes as well, though they too have velocity limitations but are extremely handy, especially with suppressors. If velocity is key, which in most cases is a matter of longer distance shooting, then the longer 26" barrels come out.

And that's the beauty of the SRS - one platform, many rifles.

 

[orkan]

Yup, Dogtown is correct on the shorty not being useful at ELR distances.

Dogtown, have you checked into magazine compatibility with an AI chamber? When you start messing with shoulder angle/location on the DTA's we've encountered magazine fitment/feeding issues. With regular 338LM we've had GREAT success with our 30" custom barrels at ELR distances.

 

[Dogtown]

Nah, I find that I tend to single-load when I'm shooting beyond a mile as the time between shots tends to be longer.

 

[orkan]

Nah, I find that I tend to single-load when I'm shooting beyond a mile as the time between shots tends to be longer.

Single loading opens up all kinds of possibilities with the DTA's doesn't it!!!

 

[Dogtown]

Well, it's unrealistic to expect any factory rifle to feed non-SAAMI or wildcat cartridges, so the way I see it is that it's just the price you pay for deviating from the standard. Still, there are some folks who've done light mods on their mags to better feed non-standard cartridges. The main problem is the shoulder retention feature, which is actually a very nice advantage with the DTA mags, but as you mentioned is often the source of feeding problems with non-standard cartridges. I've run into this with my 12.7x48mm conversion as it's based on a .338LM case and feeds just fine from the magnum magazine, but only if I use short bullets (ie cast lead). The standard 647gr FMJ bullet and especially the A-MAX are blocked by the front of the mag where the shoulder retention kicks in. Modifying the lips at the top of the mags is no biggie, but expanding the shoulder area to make it more box-like is highly problematic. But I knew this going into it, so it's no big deal.