338 Federal Freebore

[yukonal]

I need to buy a reamer (or build) to shoot 185 TTSX...and possibly 210 Partitions. What feebore length do I need? (haven't built any dummy rounds)

 

[yukonal]

After all the research, there isn't much info on the 338Fed. But, if you look at the numbers, it is a heck of a cartridge.

I am setting up a cartridge for 185 and 210 Barnes TTSX as a dummy round to have a custom reamer built.

Seems every reamer available is a zero freebore reamer. Mine will be available for rent or purchase after the one use. I will have the numbers available shortly. Glad to help out, as this is a sleeper cartridge, and should be used more often.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I went down that road. Its a hammer but nothing near what the mags made it out to be as it came out. Too small of a case for the right bullet and the light ones give no advantage. A 338-06 is getting closer.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Ive had a 338-06ai and it was cool but still not enough for a good bc 338 bullet.

 

[Rdlningcltchdmpr]

I need to buy a reamer (or build) to shoot 185 TTSX...and possibly 210 Partitions. What feebore length do I need? (haven't built any dummy rounds)

I highly recommend the 160ttsx. Especially in the 338 federal. I shoot them in my 338 Lapua at 3900 fps/ R17 . they are awesome. 1/2"- 3/4" groups consistently.

 

[yukonal]

The intended use is strictly bear/moose. I'm having a custom reamer built for the 210 TTSX. That way everything will fit without seating below neck/shoulder.. Primary bullet will be 185TTSX. Magazine has room to spare.

Just want a good killer, 300 yards and in.

 

[Rdlningcltchdmpr]

The intended use is strictly bear/moose. I'm having a custom reamer built for the 210 TTSX. That way everything will fit without seating below neck/shoulder.. Primary bullet will be 185TTSX. Magazine has room to spare.

Just want a good killer, 300 yards and in.

160ttsx is your huckleberry, it is a mistake to go heavier because copper bullet's do not fragment with higher velocity. A light copper bullet is moving much faster than a heavier one , and because of the higher speed it will penetrate just as deep./ opposite of what lead-core bullet's do. Also copper bullet's depend on speed to create a bigger wound. More speed= bigger wound. Slower copper bullet = smaller wound. Also faster bullet= flatter trajectory, less recoil and great accuracy. I use an 85tsx bullet in a 270 win. At 3900+ fps. 1/2"- 3/4" groups and they always exit even at 300 yds. 30-06 a 110ttsx@ 3500 fps. 3/4" groups also. Copper bullet's don't work like lead-core bullet's at all.

 

[yukonal]

Built and sent the dummy round to JGS to have a custom reamer built. Setting it up for 185 TTSX. 210 Partition is only .005" longer, base to ogive. Freebore set up for .030" out from neck/shoulder junction to touch lands.

This reamer will be available to rent or purchase after chambering one barrel.

 

[Edd]

Built and sent the dummy round to JGS to have a custom reamer built. Setting it up for 185 TTSX. 210 Partition is only .005" longer, base to ogive. Freebore set up for .030" out from neck/shoulder junction to touch lands.

This reamer will be available to rent or purchase after chambering one barrel.

I might be interested in buying it. Post the print and price when you are finished with it. Who is doing the chamber cutting?

 

[yukonal]

I certainly will. A local gunsmith friend of mine will do the chambering.

There is a 8-10 week build time on the reamer.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

The one grizzly sells on the shelf is a perfect match to the 185ttsx and FC correct headstamp brass- like it was made for it

 

[yukonal]

That's a zero freebore reamer, I looked into it. I was told the zero freebore reamers are made for AR 10's, so that the bullet would be seated short enough to fit in an AR magazine, and still not be too far off the lands.

Mine will have the heel of the bearing surface sitting .030" (or slightly more) out from the neck/shoulder junction. No dreaded dognut to contend with.

It's my impression that the zero freebore reamers have the 185TTSX WAY into the case. At least that is what 3 different reamer makers have told me.

Thanks for the info tho, Dusty. If I had bought the Grizzly when I first found it, my rifle would already be done...lol

When I get my print back from JGS, for approval, I'll be able to see what the freebore will be. Then we'll know the the difference will be between the way I set up my chamber, and a zero freebore.

 

[338 dude]

Built and sent the dummy round to JGS to have a custom reamer built. Setting it up for 185 TTSX. 210 Partition is only .005" longer, base to ogive. Freebore set up for .030" out from neck/shoulder junction to touch lands.

This reamer will be available to rent or purchase after chambering one barrel.

I had the same thing done for me with a 338 Lapua magnum and the burger elite hunter 250 grain bullet everything worked out very well

 

[Edd]

That's a zero freebore reamer, I looked into it. I was told the zero freebore reamers are made for AR 10's, so that the bullet would be seated short enough to fit in an AR magazine, and still not be too far off the lands.

Mine will have the heel of the bearing surface sitting .030" (or slightly more) out from the neck/shoulder junction. No dreaded dognut to contend with.

It's my impression that the zero freebore reamers have the 185TTSX WAY into the case. At least that is what 3 different reamer makers have told me.

Thanks for the info tho, Dusty. If I had bought the Grizzly when I first found it, my rifle would already be done...lol

When I get my print back from JGS, for approval, I'll be able to see what the freebore will be. Then we'll know the the difference will be between the way I set up my chamber, and a zero freebore.

I wouldn't call that a zero freebore reamer, I would call it a tapered throat.

The bullet contact point in a chamber cut with that reamer will be at about 2.138".

If you compare that to a parallel freebore style throat, it will be equivalent to about .090" of freebore.

 

[yukonal]

Good info Edd. I was just quoting Grizzly's website...they list it as "zero freebore".

I'll check the other dummy round I still have, and see how close to 2.138 at ogive it it. You got me curious.


Using a Hornady Lock N Load #33 insert...2.235" at the ogive for bearing surface heel just above neck/shoulder junction. I added .030" on the dummy I sent JGS, to come to 2.265" at the ogive...is where I want it to contact lands.

I've never had a Barnes want to be seated out .030, .060, or .090 off like Barnes says their bullets like to be. But...just in case I need to seat the 185's off the lands .030", I'll have that room.

And...if I seat to touch there, almost the entire neck is holding the bullet. Win, win. This will be the 6th reamer I have had made for my personal rifles, so crossing my fingers that it turns out like I want it to.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Sending it to jgs there will be a very good chance itll be perfect. No need in crossing your fingers!

 

[yukonal]

JGS is in the process of building it. Amazing outfit to work with. Very professional, and excellent communication. 8 week build time...no matter, I have more time than money.

 

[338 dude]

JGS is in the process of building it. Amazing outfit to work with. Very professional, and excellent communication. 8 week build time...no matter, I have more time than money.

That’s who built my latest reamer for my 338 Lapua they matched up my dummy round and everything went exactly as planned