What Sherman Cartridge ?????

[elkaholic]

So with std bolt.... What's the best bang for the buck? Barrel specs to get the most of it? Twist, contour, etc

For the 300 Sherman, it depends on how heavy of bullets you plan to shoot, but if up to the 215 Berger, I would still probably go 9 twist. contour and length depend mostly on what your shooting intentions are.
I like 26" and 3b contour for all around with a good balance of accuracy and velocity without excessive weight
3b Bartlein is the same as a #5 in most other barrels. I like the 4 groove Kriegers a lot too in #5.

 

[CjC73]

How heavy could I go with 9 twist?

 

[elkaholic]

How heavy could I go with 9 twist?

You could shoot most bullets available now with a 9, and the 300, not being a super magnum, would perform best with bullets under 215 anyway.

 

[CjC73]

How does the 338 compare to the 300?

What bullets does the 338 perform best with? Again 9 twist?

 

[elkaholic]

How does the 338 compare to the 300?

What bullets does the 338 perform best with? Again 9 twist?

How does the 338 compare to the 300?

What bullets does the 338 perform best with? Again 9 twist?

The 338 was a pleasant surprise when I built the first one. Mine has a 10 twist 3b Bartlein and will run a 250 Berger at 2800+. It is extremely accurate and not at all finicky. Short barrels are very effective because velocity loss is only about 12'/inch. Muzzle energy is well over 4000 ft/lbs and only takes 25 moa at 1000 yards. There are lots of bullet options from 185 to 300 from target, bonded, monos, etc. If I had only one rifle with an '06 bolt face to hunt everything on the north American continent, this would be it! Basically 338 WM performance on a . 470" bolt with less recoil and thousands of rounds of barrel life, being so under bore capacity ratio. Super efficient!
270, 280, or A.I. brass form well.

 

[CjC73]

I'm leaning towards the 338. Especially if I can go a slightly shorter barrel. Would a 9.5 twist be ideal up to the 300 grainers?

Now the hunt for a barrel begins.

 

[bigngreen]

Of all the Shermans I've built the 338 Sherman really, really is one of my favorites and will build myself one some day, really it shines in that 225-250 gr range IMO though. The 6.5 Sherman has always been sweet too, my dad is on his second barrel and it's just money, it's wacked more meat than you can shake a stick at!

 

[elkaholic]

I'm leaning towards the 338. Especially if I can go a slightly shorter barrel. Would a 9.5 twist be ideal up to the 300 grainers?

Now the hunt for a barrel begins.

We are having good luck with 9.4" +- barrels with both the Sherman and SS.

 

[jpfrog]

The 338........Short barrels are very effective because velocity loss is only about 12'/inch. Muzzle energy is well over 4000 ft/lbs and only takes 25 moa at 1000 yards.

How short we talking? I have a TBAC Ultra 338 that is begging for a short barrel.

 

[elkaholic]

How short we talking? I have a TBAC Ultra 338 that is begging for a short barrel.

I have no doubt that you could run a 250 Berger at 2750+ with a 20" barrel

 

[CjC73]

Of all the Shermans I've built the 338 Sherman really, really is one of my favorites and will build myself one some day, really it shines in that 225-250 gr range IMO though. The 6.5 Sherman has always been sweet too, my dad is on his second barrel and it's just money, it's wacked more meat than you can shake a stick at!

What are some of the details of your 338 Sherman builds?

 

[bigngreen]

What are some of the details of your 338 Sherman builds?

See post #19, same basic concept on most.
When I build my personal one I'm planning on a Montana 1999 action, #4 contour 24 inches, in custom walnut stock, classic type build.

 

[bdlesh]

I too am intrigued with the Sherman lineup. Does the 338 Max require a magnum bolt face?

Please forgive my lack of knowledge on this. I am wanting to start my build and dont want to buy the wrong action.
Thanks!

 

[elkaholic]

I too am intrigued with the Sherman lineup. Does the 338 Max require a magnum bolt face?

Please forgive my lack of knowledge on this. I am wanting to start my build and dont want to buy the wrong action.
Thanks!

Yes, a std magnum
It works well on a mid or long action and would even do well with a short action with spitzer style bullets or most monos