anything between the 338 Edge and the 338 AM?

[JeffVN]

I'm in need of some help and input.

I'm looking for something to consistently launch a .338 300 grain SMK (or other high BC .338 pill like the LM-105) to roughly 2,950fps. I've been told that the 338 Lapua Mag can't get there (quickload confirms this result), and I've been given the impression in my reading on several forums that the 338 Edge will potentially get there but it is puching the pressure envelope and is likely to be over pressure doing so in Las Vegas during the summer months - so that is a no go since I live in sin city. I know the 338AM gets there and beyond. Is there something between the 338 Edge and the 338AM that I don't know about? I'm not looking to personally wildcat anything too exotic...

If the answer is "no" to the question, then I gues I'll be looking at the various .375 chamberings.

JeffVN

[James Jones]

The Edge is a 300 RUM mag case and the 338 Allen is a 408 case necked blown and blown out , Kirby has a 338AX I think he calls it and unless I'm mistaken its a 338 lapua case improved and blown out for more capacity.

The lapua brass will last alot longer if you plan to load to max pressures , I have been told that 3000fps with a 300gr bullet in a 338 ackley improved lapua is doable.

PS on the rest , I'll likely be choking sombody at the UPS store tomorrow if I can't find out where my boxes are. I'll ship you my rest if their not still at the store , not as pretty but just as functional.

[WAMBO]

What about the 338/378 or the 338/416 Rigby?
With all the wildcatting Kirby has done he should know if it's possible.
Hopefully he'll see this and give some of his information.

Wayne aka WAMBO

[long ranger]

Originally Posted by JeffVN

I'm in need of some help and input.

I'm looking for something to consistently launch a .338 300 grain SMK (or other high BC .338 pill like the LM-105) to roughly 2,950fps. I've been told that the 338 Lapua Mag can't get there (quickload confirms this result), and I've been given the impression in my reading on several forums that the 338 Edge will potentially get there but it is puching the pressure envelope and is likely to be over pressure doing so in Las Vegas during the summer months - so that is a no go since I live in sin city. I know the 338AM gets there and beyond. Is there something between the 338 Edge and the 338AM that I don't know about? I'm not looking to personally wildcat anything too exotic...

If the answer is "no" to the question, then I gues I'll be looking at the various .375 chamberings.

JeffVN

YES there IS!! I have built and own several 338 Lapua Ackley Improved versions that spit 300 gr SMKs at 3000 fps. Also have built several 338 Edge AIs that will also do this.
I took my 338LAI to Africa last (their summer) and had no issues at all in the plus 100 degrees we encountered while on the hunt.
I have built a 408 necked to 338 but found barrel life was short, so far I have well over 1000 rnds through my 338LAI and no signs of firecracking or throat erosion yet.

WAMBO 338/416 Rigby is the same as 338 Lapua, the only difference is that the Lapua has a thicker web in brass. The 416 Rigby was initially the parent cartridge for the 338 Lapua but being designed for a lower pressure round case head seperations were high until Lapua altered the internal dimensions of the case thickening the web area.

[JeffVN]

Thanks for the input.

Now we are talking! While I'm not a cheapo by any stretch, I would prefer to get something between 900 - 1,000 rounds of useful life from a barrel if that is possible with one of these ELR cartridges. If not, I guess I'll need two barrels when I take delivery of the rifle.

What is the water capacity of the 338LAI ? Is it obtaining the performance because it is that much more efficient and capable of withstanding the pressure (as in new 6.5x47 Lapua) or is the case capacity that much greater then the 338/300/Edge? How much capacity is gained in the EdgeAI?

If memory serves (lately that is a big if), the capacity for the 338 Edge is running about 118 grains.

JeffVN

[JeffVN]

James

No problem on the rest; I can wait to find out what is going on.

I'm happy to choke UPS with you - they have destroyed two of my rifles while in transit.
Including this rifle:





If we need to consider replacement, lets talk about the dimensions and weight. PM me at 6mmbr.com.

JeffVN

[long ranger]

Originally Posted by JeffVN

Thanks for the input.

Now we are talking! While I'm not a cheapo by any stretch, I would prefer to get something between 900 - 1,000 rounds of useful life from a barrel if that is possible with one of these ELR cartridges. If not, I guess I'll need two barrels when I take delivery of the rifle.

What is the water capacity of the 338LAI ? Is it obtaining the performance because it is that much more efficient and capable of withstanding the pressure (as in new 6.5x47 Lapua) or is the case capacity that much greater then the 338/300/Edge? How much capacity is gained in the EdgeAI?

If memory serves (lately that is a big if), the capacity for the 338 Edge is running about 118 grains.

JeffVN

338LAI has 126 gr water capacity, I have found 111.5 gr of US869 works REALLY well and no pressure.
Not sure why it works but it truly does. So far in 1 of my own rifles the original brass has 11 reloading and is still not showing any signs of growth or weakening.
The Edge if memory serves has 115 grains of water capacity and the Edge AI has 127.