30-378 Wby Mag

[NORZ]

Hello. I have been lurking around here for a few years and finally I have a question to ask.

I am really fascinated by this particular caliber, and I have been so for quite awhile. Mostly because of its intended ability to send those heavy 30 cal bullets fast down range that are less affected be the wind we have here.

I now have a 30 cal blank measuring 36" and a sturdy action to go with it. I was in the process of getting a reamer, making one also came to mind, when I started wondering if all the bad things I have heard about this caliber might be true.

I would really appreciate any advice, good or bad.

Thanks in advance.

 

[AndyW]

Check out longrangehunting.com It is loaded with info about the big 30's and 338 calibres.

 

[jb1000br]

What bad things have you heard...if you burn that much powder. you will pay the price, period.

expect ~1000 good rounds I would guess.

300RUM is a better solution to 240's at 3000fps IMO.

Not sure what answeres you are really looking for.

JB

 

[NORZ]

It was designed for 1000 yd bench-rest shooting and therefore I thought someone here might have some experience with it or any other info. I have not found any real info on the net so far.
1.I heard that it was never really accurate because of problems with the chamber dimensions.
2.I have also heard that when loaded with 220gr or 240gr bullets it beats 300Rum by a wide margin on all aspects.

There were more stories, but those above were the most common. Was the barrel life the only real factor that lead to its failure in 1000yd bench-rest?

30 cal is the limit for me, nothing bigger.

 

[jb1000br]

Well, the only "success" with it in 1KBR that I know of is Howard Wolfe's shortened version...which is being used by our resident old-fart, Earl Chronister...with pretty decent groups this year I must say. But in general, the trend is to smaller cases.

I DEFINITELY would not even consider one of these in a full length version for 1KBR...

It is shortened a good bit, and all resemblance to a weatherby removed,common 30-35 deg shoulder and normal length neck IIRC). He also shoots the old 250gn 30 cal SMK...

JB

 

[Pan]

I know in person the guy who was in charge of developing loads for it at Norma - Sweden. He said it was the hardest cartridge to load for ever. Near max loads, preassure builded very fast, without increasing velosity.
The shortened version mentioned above, or the RUM, seems to be a better choise.