New 30/375 wildcat

[elkaholic]

Here is an update on forming the 30/375 SI. It is easier than before!
I have found now that I have the custom dies, I only have to push the shoulder back about .050" with a .338 RCM die and then simply run thru the 30/375 SI die set a couple of thou short. It is completely unneccessary to push the shoulder back first with a 375 Ruger die. I also did some testing on capacities. I started with a factory, unfired 375 Ruger and measured the capacity of H20. Full was 98.7 and base of neck was 84.9. I then necked the case down using the two step process mentioned above and remeasured the unfired 30/375. Full was 94.3 and base of neck was 88.7. Next I fire formed the case with 17 grains of Blue dot and cream of wheat and remeasured the volume. Full was 96.3 and base of neck was 89.5. As you can see, the useable volume is 4.6 grains greater in the SI case compared to the parent Ruger. Much of this is due to the larger Ruger neck diameter. The case length from the sized case to the fire formed case increased from 2.573" to 2.574". Below are some pics of the process which was very easy and I didn't lose one case.

 

[elkaholic]

I did my first long range shooting today at 1000 yards. I used the 215 Berger Hybrids today because I figured that is what a lot of you might use and I didn't have any SXR's made. My load was 79 grains of H1000 for 2970 fps. I zeroed the rifle at 100 yards and ran a printout from JBM using Bergers listed b.c. of .696. I was shooting from a saddle and the wind was gusty and variable so conditions were a bit tough (which is good practice)! I used a bypod and sandbag on top of a stump. It wasn't the most solid but worked ok. My first volley was on the right edge of the target and two of the four shots missed so I didn't know what I had? I noticed that the wind was quite different as you got closer to the target and was more left to right (about 9:00) and stronger than I thought. From my position, it was quartering from behind me, approx. 4 o'clock, and much lighter than the majority of the bullets path. I made a correction based on my first volley and sent 4 more downrange with 2 moa left windage. Three of the four shots were just left of the bull in a six inch group and the fourth centered the three inch bull. The four shot group was 9". What I was impressed with was the vertical on the four shot group was dead perfect by just dialing up what JBM gave me. I'm anxious to get back out in some good conditions as I know I can do much better......Rich

 

[Pdvdh]

Remove the horizontal wind-caused spread and it sounds like you were down to 6" or less for the four shots fired from a less than ideal field rest position. I'd be more than happy with that performance. Looking forward to some more performance reporting at these extended range targets. Thanks for sharing.

 

[elkaholic]

Remove the horizontal wind-caused spread and it sounds like you were down to 6" or less for the four shots fired from a less than ideal field rest position. I'd be more than happy with that performance. Looking forward to some more performance reporting at these extended range targets. Thanks for sharing.

Maybe if I had taken my Bipod instead of my "bypod" I would have faired better

 

[Pdvdh]

I wondered about that. Thought you might be marketing your own improved version of bipod.

I spell bipod 'backpack'. Because it typically serves as my 'bipod'.

 

[elkaholic]

I wondered about that. Thought you might be marketing your own improved version of bipod.

I spell bipod 'backpack'. Because it typically serves as my 'bipod'.

I cranked that one out in a hurry as my wife was ready to go. Know what I mean!

 

[beretzs]

Very cool. I have a 338/375 being built right now. Your tips on case forming are excellent.

Awesome results with your big 30!

 

[bigngreen]

Rich, is 2970fps with that 215 just a good accuracy spot or can you run them up a bit more?

 

[elkaholic]

Very cool. I have a 338/375 being built right now. Your tips on case forming are excellent.

Awesome results with your big 30!

Is yours a Ruger parent?.......Rich

 

[elkaholic]

Rich, is 2970fps with that 215 just a good accuracy spot or can you run them up a bit more?

That's about 2 grains under max with H1000 and Retumbo will produce even more. I can probably safely reach around 3070 with Retumbo and easily over 3000 with H1000. I've shot sub .1 moa with the 79 grain H1000 load so that is where I am currently. I really need to do a ladder test so I really don't know what the best load is for sure but I can live with sub .1 at 100 yards for now. I think with some calm conditions, this load shows tremendous potential.......Rich
p.s. I have reached 2950 with the 230 OTM's and can probably get close to 3000 safely but haven't done enough testing yet to determine accuracy. I plan on working with my SXR's asap to get a load ready for elk season.

 

[beretzs]

Is yours a Ruger parent?.......Rich

Yes sir, I am pretty sure it will just be a straight neck down to 338. It is kinda nice as QL actually lists the cartridge as well, so it should assist with load work. My whole life I have wanted 340 WBY ballistics in a M70. So, we are building the 338/375 Ruger and using a 3.6" box for the build. I am not really looking to set the world on fire, just wanna be able to run 250's around 2850 or so, in a 24-26" barrel. I ordered a Bartlein 1-10 #4 fluted for the rifle. I will drop it off at the smith's on my way to Idaho this Fall.

My hunting partner is building the same rifle. Looking forward to working with it in the Spring (6-8 months wait time on Bartlein). I think Redding already has the custom dies on the shelf as well. The goal is to keep the rifle weight about the same as the donor, which is my M70 338 Classic SS. Should be pretty close and should be an awesome elk rifle, which will be its main purpose in life.

 

[elkaholic]

Yes sir, I am pretty sure it will just be a straight neck down to 338. It is kinda nice as QL actually lists the cartridge as well, so it should assist with load work. My whole life I have wanted 340 WBY ballistics in a M70. So, we are building the 338/375 Ruger and using a 3.6" box for the build. I am not really looking to set the world on fire, just wanna be able to run 250's around 2850 or so, in a 24-26" barrel. I ordered a Bartlein 1-10 #4 fluted for the rifle. I will drop it off at the smith's on my way to Idaho this Fall.

My hunting partner is building the same rifle. Looking forward to working with it in the Spring (6-8 months wait time on Bartlein). I think Redding already has the custom dies on the shelf as well. The goal is to keep the rifle weight about the same as the donor, which is my M70 338 Classic SS. Should be pretty close and should be an awesome elk rifle, which will be its main purpose in life.

Great choice! I've had building a .338 based on my case in the back of my mind since I built the 30. I have a 5r Bartlein on another 30 wildcat that I built and it's a great barrel.......Rich

 

[beretzs]

Thanks Rich. I think it should be a good cartridge and I hope it stays portable enough for walking. I tend to do more hiking than shooting, so I wanna keep it portable. I am looking forward to working with it though. It looks pretty good from the data I see so far.

Cartridge : .338-375 Ruger
Bullet : .338, 250, Nosler AccuBond 57287
Useable Case Capaci: 81.511 grain H2O = 5.292 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.340 inch = 84.84 mm
Barrel Length : 26.0 inch = 660.4 mm

Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders.
Matching Maximum Pressure: 63000 psi, or 434 MPa
or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 110 %
These calculations refer to your specified settings in QuickLOAD 'Cartridge Dimensions' window.
C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand
that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet
and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations.
USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !

154 loads produced a Loading Ratio below user-defined minimum of 90%. These powders have been skipped.
Powder type Filling/Loading Ratio Charge Charge Vel. Prop.Burnt P max P muzz B_Time
% Grains Gramm fps % psi psi ms
--------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Norma MRP 102.8 80.6 5.22 2885 100.0 63000 10341 1.275 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N560 104.6 80.3 5.20 2882 99.2 63000 10717 1.271 ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Magnum 106.9 86.0 5.57 2881 99.7 63000 10497 1.261 ! Near Maximum !
PB Clermont PCL 517 107.3 86.1 5.58 2880 99.7 63000 10488 1.261 ! Near Maximum !
SNPE Vectan SP 12 107.2 86.0 5.57 2880 99.7 63000 10466 1.262 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate MAGPRO 104.9 83.8 5.43 2875 98.3 63000 10816 1.277 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7828 SSC 103.2 79.6 5.16 2865 99.4 63000 10327 1.262 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7828 109.1 79.6 5.16 2865 99.4 63000 10327 1.262 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-25 110.0 82.2 5.33 2858 100.0 61011 9897 1.282 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-22 104.8 79.6 5.16 2856 99.9 63000 10249 1.278 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP5/NP ~approximation 104.8 79.6 5.16 2856 99.9 63000 10249 1.278 ! Near Maximum !
Raufoss RA15 104.8 79.6 5.16 2856 99.9 63000 10249 1.278 ! Near Maximum !
Winchester WXR 107.6 80.0 5.18 2856 99.9 63000 10269 1.278 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2213 104.1 79.1 5.12 2851 99.4 63000 10262 1.262 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AP 2214 108.0 84.2 5.46 2843 99.5 63000 10096 1.260 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R905 106.0 79.1 5.12 2823 99.1 63000 10030 1.280 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP5 NT ~approximation 107.8 82.6 5.35 2819 98.0 63000 10191 1.268 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N570 110.0 87.1 5.65 2813 95.0 54212 11488 1.347
Alliant Reloder 33 110.0 90.8 5.89 2813 95.9 54920 11385 1.340
ADI AR 2209 100.9 75.4 4.89 2812 99.8 63000 9706 1.271 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-19 101.5 76.3 4.94 2811 99.8 63000 9766 1.279 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP14 ~approximation 102.2 76.8 4.98 2804 99.8 63000 9698 1.280 ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Hunter 97.0 75.3 4.88 2800 100.0 63000 9359 1.287 ! Near Maximum !

I have never had a 5R tube, but the 338 barrel is coming with them as well.

How do you find the Hornady cases to be for life, consistency, ect? My partner has already loaded up a few dummy rounds, but I am wondering how you like them?

 

[elkaholic]

So far I have no complaints with the Hornady case. They seem to be consistent and case life has been pretty good. I think they improved the case for this round. The old Hornady cases in '06 size were not so good....rich