338 lapua improved

[jeepcj6]

I want to build a 338 lapua for ELR shooting
I wold like to know you thoughts on 338 lapua imp
Is it just 40deg shoulder or is it also bodytaper
How much more case capacity and speed
What about case life
My favorit imp case is my 6mm dasher
thanks

 

[Desert Fox]

338 Lapua Improved is superb long range cartridge. With almost no taper and a 40 degrees shoulder, case stretching is almost non-existent. I'm into 12 firings on my first 100 brass and it's still going strong. I do however anneal the neck every 2-3 firings.

I use my my 338 Lapua Ackley on our bi-monthly 1K Long range shoot. I'm about 1200 rounds on my 5-C Broughton 9.3 twist barrel. The rifle still shoot superbly and able to maintain a half MOA accuracy to 1K.

I just now readjust my seating depth from 2.934" to 2.954" (measuring at the ogive ot the 300 SMK) losing just about .020" due to erosion. Not bad considering the amount of powder I burned in competition. With 96 grains of Retumbo, I can easily attained 2900fps+.

You'll going to love the 338 Ackley. Not sure about your shoulder though.

 

[jeepcj6]

Thanks for sharing Desert Fox where do I get reloading dies

 

[Desert Fox]

Thanks for sharing Desert Fox where do I get reloading dies

I have the Hornady Custom Dimension full length die with bushing. You can call and order them.

 

[its only light]

Desert fox,

How long is your barrel? I've heard the ackley cartridges may be easier on throats. Do you think the ackley version would actually have better barrel life? I shoot a 338 lapua and I've been wanting somebody to put a ballpark number of how many rounds can be expected on a barrel. You read about some of the rum cartridges getting under 1000 rounds. I know the 338 bore helps but I figured it would be right there with the amount of powder being burned.

Has anybody out there documented rounds and actually burnt up a barrel on a lapua or ackley version?

 

[clatarar]

Pretty hard to get longer barrel life when you`re burning more powder...

 

[Desert Fox]

Pretty hard to get longer barrel life when you`re burning more powder...

I have 30" barrel. I have about 1200 round in mine. This is just approximate though since I'm almost down to 200 rounds of the 2nd box of 500 Sierra 300 grain SMK. I bought my rifle from Nate at SSG Gunsmithing and it has about 300 rounds on it already according to him.

The rifle will still shoot half MOA all day if I do my part. Here's the 20 shot group I shot with this rifle at our 1K shoot last November.

 

[its only light]

Yes it would go against common thought. I've heard people say that somehow the steeper shoulder will help with barrel life even if it is minimally. Don't know that's why I asked somebody that owns one. Thanks desert fox for giving me a number for round count. That's more than I expected.

 

[Desert Fox]

It' is my understanding that button rifled barrel won't last as long as cut rifled. Well, the Broughton on this rifle pass the test so far. Maybe it has something to do with the powder. I settled on Retumbo, going against the recommendation of the smith to use H-1000.

 

[its only light]

There could be truth to that. I haven't heard any definite yes or no answers. I did read a book where they interviewed some top smiths. I forget what book it was now. Anyway some said cut barrels didn't last as long as cut others said it one isn't better than the other. Nobody has any tangible evidence.

 

[broncman]

Can you tell me where you got that plot sheet? Or is it a score card? I like that one.
Good shooting.

 

[Ing. Michael W. Mayerl]

I have 30" barrel. I have about 1200 round in mine. This is just approximate though since I'm almost down to 200 rounds of the 2nd box of 500 Sierra 300 grain SMK. I bought my rifle from Nate at SSG Gunsmithing and it has about 300 rounds on it already according to him.

Do you know how much bullet drop you have from 100 to 1000 yards ?
Which muzzle velocity do you reach ?

And very nice groups

 

[Desert Fox]

Do you know how much bullet drop you have from 100 to 1000 yards ?
Which muzzle velocity do you reach ?

Velocity is a tad over 2900 fps. I zeroed the rifle at 110 yards. My dial up is around 22MOA at 1K. This is at 4000 ft. elevation.