Building A ELR Rifle

[moondog]

Pretty sure Jackie is a better shooter than I'll ever be.

 

[SKWERLZ]

I may need an oil change after shooting this thing tomorrow.

I really do not know what to expect.

How heavy is it?

 

[SKWERLZ]

I fireformed with just 80 grains of H1000, then fired them a second time before starting load work up.
I treated it just like a 6BRA.
The cases are fully formed and sharp after the second firing.
One thing that I noticed was even at 2950 fps, which I assume from research is a good velocity for this chambering, the primers were still round on the corners with no other signs of any “high” pressure. The bolt opened with no resistance what so ever.
From what I have read, pushing the 300 Berger over 3000 fps leads to problems. So I avoided it, working with seating depth and velocities between 2900 and 2975 fps. Nothing seemed to tighten it up.

And as I said, at an average 2950, the velocity spreads were 10fps or less.

This all points to either I am way out of the tune window, or something mechanically is wrong that I cannot pin point at the moment.

My 338 shooting loves 3000 or 2850, different bullets but that’s been with two barrels so far.
In between is kinda meh


a new barrel, I just fire form brass and hit steel with them.
After about a 100 shots I get serious with load but I already have some decent dope to run with.

 

[jackieschmidt]

I am shooting with my standard Benchrest equipment. This is a Benchrest Rifle, abiat a very loud one

I guess you will just have to take my word that I know what I am doing as far as the handling of the rifle.

What I am not good at doing is tuning cartridges with 100 grains of powder and bullets that weigh more than the entire loaded round I usually shoot.

That’s why I ask questions.

 

[SKWERLZ]

I am shooting with my standard Benchrest equipment. This is a Benchrest Rifle, abiat a very loud one

I guess you will just have to take my word that I know what I am doing as far as the handling of the rifle.

What I am not good at doing is tuning cartridges with 100 grains of powder and bullets that weigh more than the entire loaded round I usually shoot.

That’s why I ask questions.

If you can find some N570

 

[PhilKeil]

If you can find some N570

What he said. Mine woke up with 570. Also had to increase neck tension. I did so by using smaller bushings. I am using sorted Berger 300's as well

 

[X Count]

I know you know how to shoot BUT I've seen some very good shooters left scratching their head when shooting higher recoiling guns from a bipod. If your shooting it as a BR gun then no question that your in your element.

Going to be interesting to see what the gremlin is in this setup.

 

[boltfluter]

My guess is that it just does not like this powder. Seen this in several different calibers, as I am sure you have. Find the right one and all is good. It is still early. Good luck.
Paul

 

[SKWERLZ]

My guess is that it just does not like this powder. Seen this in several different calibers, as I am sure you have. Find the right one and all is good. It is still early. Good luck.
Paul

I concur
H1000 is better for the smaller 338’s like 338NM

Retumbo is about the fastest I would go with a lapua improved.
It might have enough capacity to make 24n41 viable.
R30 and N570 are definitely where I’d start.
N570 is really good stuff and surprisingly decent temp stability as long as you’re not getting silly with it.

 

[Evan]

I am shooting with my standard Benchrest equipment. This is a Benchrest Rifle, abiat a very loud one

I guess you will just have to take my word that I know what I am doing as far as the handling of the rifle.

What I am not good at doing is tuning cartridges with 100 grains of powder and bullets that weigh more than the entire loaded round I usually shoot.

That’s why I ask questions.

Jackie, Whiddens has N570 again:

Vihtavuori N570 Smokeless Powder 8 lb. - Whidden Gunworks

Due to safety considerations and legal/regulatory reasons Smokeless Powder may not be returned.

www.whiddengunworks.com

 

[Turkeytider]

Just to scratch the itch I would get a factory savage long range 338LM and see if you're going to enjoy it before to much investment. Great factory ammo offerings and minimal up front cost to determine if you'd stick with it. Then if you like it built a purpose built ELR gun.

The Savage long range target rifles are levels above the budget lower tier guns that most people think of when they hear “ Savage “ . I have one, a Model 12 LRPV in .223 . An absolute tank of a gun, typical Savage accuracy, and functionally flawless through 2,000+ rounds.

 

[ebb]

RL33 if you had a bloodhound to track some down. The best group I ever shoot with my 338 was with surplus WC 872, everyone shamed me into Retumbo.

 

[Dgd6mm]

I'm holding some WC872 still. I don't have anything to shoot it in.

 

[jackieschmidt]

Jackie, Whiddens has N570 again:

Vihtavuori N570 Smokeless Powder 8 lb. - Whidden Gunworks

Due to safety considerations and legal/regulatory reasons Smokeless Powder may not be returned.

www.whiddengunworks.com

Thanks