338-300 PRC... Sherman Improved!

[KH_Outdoors]

That sounds like THE plan. I could deal with that weight for sure but I don't blame you for wanting to go with less weight!

I'm a big fan of 9-10 lb scoped rifles!!

 

[haisardao]

I'm a big fan of 9-10 lb scoped rifles!!

That's the sweet spot for me, I'm kind of over 6 pound rifles although I still have a couple. I like to spot my impacts and not feel my fillings rattle every time I squeeze the trigger.

 

[KH_Outdoors]

That's the sweet spot for me, I'm kind of over 6 pound rifles although I still have a couple. I like to spot my impacts and not feel my fillings rattle every time I squeeze the trigger.

With a good brake and a balanced rifle that's where everything comes together for me.

 

[dustbag]

Good looking rifle for sure!!

Following…

 

[Bghunter338]

Excited as a kid on x-mas! Figured I would get the dialog going right from the get go on this build.

We've had great success with the 27 and 28 Sherman mags, I don't see why the 33 would be any different.

 

[KH_Outdoors]

Making brass & some initial forming loads.

I'm using Lapua Brass for this project. It's very abundant and on sale even in many places. Plus, hey its Lapua!

Necked up from 30 cal to 338 using a .307" mandrel then a .337" (dont forget the lube!). Quick hand chamfer & debur, they are ready to get primed/charged/seated!

For fire forming, I'm going to try and use up some old lot H1000 with 230 ELDX's. After talking to Rich, he felt that 80-82 gr H1000 with 230/225's jammed should be plenty safe. So after scrubbing the barrel & figuring out my OAL at the lands etc... built a few rounds to go test from 78-82 gr H1000.

 

[TVPTA7]

I am very angry interested . to see how this does. I have been really toying with the idea of a 20-22". For the same reasons. I am running a 30 SM with Berger 245 but it takes a lot more barrel to reach a good velocity. This short handy rifle is something I have really been toying with. Best of luck and can't wait to see the results.

 

[Ftothfadd]

I am developing a serious rifle envy here. I am looking forward to see how she will sing...

 

[KH_Outdoors]

I am very angry interested . to see how this does. I have been really toying with the idea of a 20-22". For the same reasons. I am running a 30 SM with Berger 245 but it takes a lot more barrel to reach a good velocity. This short handy rifle is something I have really been toying with. Best of luck and can't wait to see the results.

The BC on those 245's are impressive!

Emphasis on the "short handy rifle" part. I'm setting this up to be very effective inside 300-400 tops, yet still capable to reach out when needed, all in a handy carry OAL/weight.

 

[KH_Outdoors]

I am developing a serious rifle envy here. I am looking forward to how she will sing...

Pinch me! I'm stoked

 

[KH_Outdoors]

It's pretty clear this cartridge is going to like faster burning powders with the bullet weight class I'm targeting. H1000 is on the far safe end of pressure.

Charge weights - Velocities

78/F - 2515
78 - 2444
79 - 2492
80 - 2553
81 - 2603
82 - 2661

Going to go ahead and run the rest at 82 gr H1000 with the 230 ELDX's jammed .030" into the lands. Lapua Brass & CCI250 primers too. Very mild forming load that appears to be working well.

 

[Reemty J]

Very interesting Kyle!

 

[KH_Outdoors]

Making progress!

Fired the last 50 rounds of fire forming loads today. (3 shots/cool 5-10 min, repeat!)

Gun is ready for its final cleaning and calling the break-in good to go. Barrel has sped up just a little bit. Ready for some load work!

A few 3 shot groups from today's session. It's actually grouping better than expected with the forming loads. Lots of little clover shaped groups, many around 1 moa, not many much worse!

 

[KH_Outdoors]

Couple notes:

Bore Scoped after final 50 forming rds, and 100 rds total on the barrel. All with H1000, very mild!

Completely broke down, scrubbed, re-assembled, torqued and checked (scope, stock, brake and all)...

Couldn't help but show off this bedding job a little bit too!