338/375 Ruger?

[amu_shooter]

I'm in the early stages of testing a 338/375 Ruger. Weapon is an unmodified Sendero in 300WM rebarreled with a 27 inch, 1-9.0 twist, 1.250-.825 taper Satern barrel.

Here is a current list of data fired, I'll update every few days as I shoot.

All initial 225 Accubond loads use 215M primers and OAL set at 3.510 to use magazine.

nosler 225 accubond

RL-22, 85.5gr, 3146 fps (close to max in my weapon)

IMR 7828, 83.5gr, 3067 fps (low pressure compared to RL22 load)

H4831SC, 82.5gr, 3021 fps (primers slightly flat)

Still have Hybrid100V and few others to test.

300 sierra matchking OAL changed to 3.650, still 215M primer

IMR 7828, 75.0gr, 2623 fps (initial 300 gr load, would like to make 2700 fps before overpressure)


I've used BR-2 primers with similar charges under 90gr in similar cases so I'll try those next along with 250 AB's and MK's.

 

[BigUglyMan]

I'll be watching with interest as well. Could be an interesting creature.

 

[Bigred]

hey what happend to your build kind of curious

 

[Idahank]

I too have built a 338-375 Ruger. Dave Manson made the reamer and has the print on file. I built it on a long action 700 and a Shilen select match 1:10 twist barrel, but haven't put it in a stock yet. It's one of my favorite projects though, so as soon as I have the cash I'll buy a stock and get back to work. I'll try to keep everyone informed as I don't think Rick Bin is ever going to write part II of his article on the ".338 Campfire".

 

[Pinzgauer]

Still working on getting time to load up my first batch of rounds using 200 gr Hot Cores.

I'll get back to you.

Mike

 

[rigmaster10]

I'm in the early stages of testing a 338/375 Ruger. Weapon is an unmodified Sendero in 300WM rebarreled with a 27 inch, 1-9.0 twist, 1.250-.825 taper Satern barrel.

Here is a current list of data fired, I'll update every few days as I shoot.

All initial 225 Accubond loads use 215M primers and OAL set at 3.510 to use magazine.

nosler 225 accubond

RL-22, 85.5gr, 3146 fps (close to max in my weapon)

IMR 7828, 83.5gr, 3067 fps (low pressure compared to RL22 load)

H4831SC, 82.5gr, 3021 fps (primers slightly flat)

Still have Hybrid100V and few others to test.

300 sierra matchking OAL changed to 3.650, still 215M primer

IMR 7828, 75.0gr, 2623 fps (initial 300 gr load, would like to make 2700 fps before overpressure)


I've used BR-2 primers with similar charges under 90gr in similar cases so I'll try those next along with 250 AB's and MK's.

I just finished my 338-375 ruger rifle. And have been quite impressed. Using a Howa 1500 action with a 26" 1:8 twist lawton barrel. My load work up is 93 gr. Vihta Vouri N570. Horandy 250 hollow point boat tail. Its chrono speed was 3120. Minimal pressure signs were seen

 

[beretzs]

Great info, thanks for sharing it.

 

[rbTanzan]

I just finished my 338-375 ruger rifle. And have been quite impressed. Using a Howa 1500 action with a 26" 1:8 twist lawton barrel. My load work up is 93 gr. Vihta Vouri N570. Horandy 250 hollow point boat tail. Its chrono speed was 3120. Minimal pressure signs were seen

Just reading an older thread.

On the load and velocity above, that should not be taken as representative and perhaps the chrono reading was not reliable.

Why?

A 338/375 Ruger is in the approximate class/capacity as the 340 Weatherby. The 340 cannot safely send a 250 grain downrange at 3100fps. The 340 is more of a 2850-2900fps round. In fact, the 338 Lapua, with its much increased capacity, should not be expected to send 250 grains at 3100fps. The Lapua is normally rated at 2950-3000 fps with 250 grainers. Bore-riding bullets or long parallel throats could extend these expectations, of course.

Anyway, even though I love 416Rigby-based cartridges, I think that a 338 "Ruger" is probably about ideal for a 338 calibre and could have been the initial Winchester offering 50 years ago if it weren't for the silly belts that gave up all of the capacity in the case body.

 

[rigmaster10]

I Have Heard This All Before And Im Sure I Load Over Saami PressUres. But The Chrono Is correct And It Shoots What I Say It Does. Talk To Elk Taxi He Has Made Several Of These Ruger Case Wildcats. Also Im About To Build A Modified 375 Verson Of This Im Gambling On It Pushing A 350 Gr Smk @ 2700 Fps. Argue It All You Will But That Isnt Going To Make Me Wrong. Going To try

 

[rbTanzan]

A 338 Ruger full magnum would cover about 98% of the hunting that a 338 Lapua would cover.

Of course, everything is a sliding cline: a 300 WM would cover 98% of a 338 Ruger with proper bullets and shot placement, and one can go down the ladder a bit more, the 270 Win will cover 98% of the 300WM given good bullets.

But I'd much rather have a 338 WM (or bigger) if I faced an unexpected lion or buffalo.

So bang for the buck, ie., safety and killing punch for the dollar, a 338 WinMag gives maximum huntability for commonly priced rifles (under $800-900). And if someone did an inexpensive, commercial 338 Ruger, it would overtake the 338WM for all-around huntability on a budget rifle rig. In the meantime, Ruger and Howa have the 375Ruger for that niche. Sweet little rifles.

Just saying.

 

[rbTanzan]

I Have Heard This All Before And Im Sure I Load Over Saami PressUres. But The Chrono Is correct And It Shoots What I Say It Does. Talk To Elk Taxi He Has Made Several Of These Ruger Case Wildcats. Also Im About To Build A Modified 375 Verson Of This Im Gambling On It Pushing A 350 Gr Smk @ 2700 Fps. Argue It All You Will But That Isnt Going To Make Me Wrong. Going To try

Go for it.
I'm not against trying, but I tend to lower my expectations to similar muzzle energies per cartridge. 2700fps may be pushing that 350 grainer a bit out of my safety zone, but I would probably expect the 250 TTSX to do 2900fps. I think of the 375 Ruger as an '4500-5000ftlbs' sort of cartridge.

 

[rigmaster10]

I Also Have Advantage Of Being At 5,000' Elevation. I'm Not Sure About Pressure. I Will Just Keep Working Up The Load Till There Are Warnings Then Back Off. I Don't Know Any Better Way. Due To Books Under Rating Loads

 

[rigmaster10]

If You Ever Get The Chance To Do A Wild Cat. This Case Will Amaze You. Check Out The 7Mm Lrm By Gun Werks.

 

[jskmtd]

Has anyone tried 300 grain bergers in the 338/375. If so I would be interested in the velocity and load data including coal.
Thanks,
Jon