338 Norma Review By Ward W. Brien

[trueblue]

dougm,
This question falls into the category as can a 338 Lapua be built on a Remington action, as the 338 Norma and 338 Lapua share the same parent case and rim diameter. The 338 Norma is a shorter case (2.50")with minimal body taper and 94gr of usable case capacity. You will get different answers on this question, but my answer is yes, the 338 Norma Mag can be built and is being built on a standard Remington action. There have been tens of thousands of rounds fired in this caliber on a standard Remington action. Design pressure is around 63817psi. You would however need to open up the boltface alittle, but the 338 Norma works perfectly in the standard 3.60 magbox. COAL of the 338 Norma with the 300gr SMK is 3.50" , As with all rifles you need to watch your pressures when developing your reloads. From what I am hearing the 338 Norma is yielding 2750-2800fps with the 300gr SMK out of a 26" barrel. My 300 JAZZ, which is an improved 30cal version of the 338 Norma, is built on a custom Remington clone action( Phoenix) .700 bolt, so I practice what I preach.

[WWB]

dougm: Absolutely. The Remington 700 Long Action and the 338 NORMA are a Perfect Match.

[436]

I've been hearing nothing but good stuff about the .338 Norma Magnum as a long range target/game cartridge..... in fact I really didn't have any real interest in building a long range .338 until I talk with a few guy's about this one. It seems to have "balance" for the lack of other word, and great case design; something the bigger .338's are lacking. Anyone can put a .338 on the end of a large charge and call it good, this one seem to be thought out a bit more.
436

[dougm]

Well I'm sold. I ordered a barrel (23", 1:9.4), and dies, and just ordered brass from Jamison International.
Thanks to all for the great information.



Doug

[WWB]

I'm not certain about my velocity, however after cutting my barrel down to 22.8" with a 1:9.1 twist rate, it shoots solid 1/4" at 100 meters. The powder charge I am using at this time is 83.5 grains of reloader 22. (Not my favorite powder and you don't want to leave a cartridge in a warm chamber. The powder is too temperature sensitive.

[trueblue]

dougm,
Personally, I would not go shorter than 26'', and would even concider 28". I don't think you need to go to 30" barrel to get 2825-2850fps with the 300gr SMK.

[WWB]

The lead picture in the article is of a member of the CADRE at Ft. Benning holding one with a 22" barrel. It sure worked there. The difference between 22", 24" 26" and 28" long barrels is that the 28" is scrubbing the velocity down a bit and the 22" pipe does not stabilize the bullet as well at 100 meters; but it kicks but down range! l know that some of our "Teams" have been using 24" barrels with GREAT SUCCESS and feel that the 24" barrel is optimum.