338 Lapua Rebarrel

[Shane Lindsey]

WITH HAMMER BULLETS. I have typically found descent groups (at least to continue with the bullet/powder combo) at .050" off the lands. Some folks jump them pretty far, but if they won't show potential at .050" jump, they just may not be liking that barrel.

 

[Tiny Tim]

Agree with Shane. Try closer to the lands. Maybe as close as .025-.035. Seating depth can have a great effect on precision. Even at over mag length, options are available to you.

 

[BAKPAKR]

Current barrel is 1-8" twist 27" stainless steel mounted to a Defiance R1 action.

What bullet were you intending to use when you chose a 1-8" twist and have you tried it? That just seems really fast for 250 or 300 gr Sierras, or even the 235 gr Hammer Hunter.

 

[FEENIX]

I think I might take a step back and go thru my loading records, apparently I did have some accurate loads at one time

This! Good luck!

I, too, have a 1:8" twist, except it is a .338 NMI. If you suspect it is your barrel twist, you might consider https://cuttingedgebullets.com/338-275gr-mth-match-tactical-hunting. It was designed for .338 LM/Magnums with 1:9.5" or faster.

 

[Hoss50]

Call Eric at Axisworks in Tempe, AZ. They do great work and he can help with whatever you need for long range.

 

[ajkellerusmc]

What bullet were you intending to use when you chose a 1-8" twist and have you tried it? That just seems really fast for 250 or 300 gr Sierras, or even the 235 gr Hammer Hunter.

Hill country rifles suggested the "NEW" 1-8 twist as being the new norm. I was green to long range shooting and precision reloading when I placed the order for this rifle. I went thru my old shooting record and found these. The rifle did shoot really well at .015 off the lands but I cannot use the magazine! My frustration for the last couple years is finding a good shooting load at Magazine length.

 

[BAKPAKR]

Hill country rifles suggested the "NEW" 1-8 twist as being the new norm. I was green to long range shooting and precision reloading when I placed the order for this rifle. I went thru my old shooting record and found these. The rifle did shoot really well at .015 off the lands but I cannot use the magazine! My frustration for the last couple years is finding a good shooting load at Magazine length. View attachment 448155

With those groups, I would just say I have a single shot and go with it.

 

[ajkellerusmc]

This! Good luck!

I, too, have a 1:8" twist, except it is a .338 NMI. If you suspect it is your barrel twist, you might consider https://cuttingedgebullets.com/338-275gr-mth-match-tactical-hunting. It was designed for .338 LM/Magnums with 1:9.5" or faster.

I checked those out online, might be a good option to try, what about having a shop set the barrel back to shorten the lead?

 

[FEENIX]

The rifle did shoot really well at .015 off the lands but I cannot use the magazine! My frustration for the last couple years is finding a good shooting load at Magazine length.

This is one of the reasons I went with the .338 NMI over the .338 LMI.

 

[FEENIX]

I checked those out online, might be a good option to try, what about having a shop set the barrel back to shorten the lead?

What's your COAL for your mag? Do you know if you have options to use Wyatt's or similar to allow a longer COAL mag?

 

[Shane Lindsey]

3.745" COAL with a 300 Berger gets me .030" off the lands. This fits in the Accurate Mag in my Savage for internal mag length of 3.750".

Surprised that Sierra doesn't shoot better with a jump though.

 

[ajkellerusmc]

What's your COAL for your mag? Do you know if you have options to use Wyatt's or similar to allow a longer COAL mag?

magazine inside dimension is 3.768" and I usually shorten COAL another .020"

 

[Shane Lindsey]

With that mag length. Try the 300 class bullets. I think it may get you there. Worth a shot.

If changing between bullets, clean the copper out before chaning. Especially if you have been trying the Hammers. Some play well with different metal make up, some do not.

 

[Coyotefool]

I'd talk with Hill Country first. If it doesn't shoot, they may be able to fix it before dropping +$1k on a new barrel.

As far as carbon wrapped barrels go, it's a good time to be alive as there are several manufacturers to choose from. You can run a Proof, Paradigm, Carbon Six & Bartlein to name the ones off the top of my head. I wouldn't have a problem with running any of them.



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Rock Creek Barrels makes a good carbon as well. Albany Wi