338 Lapua Imp. ammo case/shellholder issues...

[jmden]

Guys,

Just got my new 338 AX from Kirby. Will get pics out soon, right now just trying to get swimming with this new project.

Can't get ahold of Kirby and was wondering a couple of things from those of you that shoot the improved Lapua:

1. I'd like to find an MTM style hinged w/ handle 50 rd. ammo box, but even Sinclair didn't have anything big enough to accept the blown out shoulder on the Lap. Imp. What are you guys using?

2. What shellholder are you using? Might seem like a stupid question, but I've tried the Redding 18 that Kirby sent and, although the chart that came with it says it's the right one, I can't even slide the 338 Lap case into it. In addition, the case head cannot make contact with the shellholder as the shellholder dimensions does not allow the casehead to sit down on the shellholder surface as it is. As it stands now the web/lower case body area would be taking the force of case forming operations--not good. Tried RCBS 14--the case slides in, but still the casehead won't contact the shell holder surface as it should. I just went to work with my dremel to change the lip dimension so that the casehead will sit down flush as it should. So, I've got a working arrangment, but I'm not sure what the big mystery is with getting a working shellholder. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Jon

 

[jmden]

Alright...on number 1 above, after getting on the MTM site, I noticed that the MTM XL box I had, purchased several years ago, had the round holes for each ind. case that the 338 Lap Imp won't fit in. The new boxes have square holes that are much bigger. Local sport shop had them and the Lap Imp fits fine.

On number 2 above, I just tried an RCBS #37 shellholder--the other size reccomended by RCBS for the 338 Lap. It's just like the Redding #18--the case will not even slide into the shellholder AND the case head would not sit flat on the shellholder surface for that purpose. Still looking for ideas...

 

[Broz]

I use a Redding #35 shell holder for my standard .338 Lapua. May as well get the set of stepped shell holders for easier shoulder bump when you get to that point.

Hope this info helps.

Jeff

 

[jmden]

I use a Redding #35 shell holder for my standard .338 Lapua. May as well get the set of stepped shell holders for easier shoulder bump when you get to that point.

Hope this info helps.

Jeff

Hi Jeff,

I shoulda just thought to pm you to begin with. 35, huh? And that shellholder allows the casehead to sit down flush on the shellholder during case forming operations, right? Yeah, I've got the Redding Comp. shellholder set for my RUM, should just get 'em for the 338 Lap as well--they sure make life more simple. Thank you!

 

[RockZ]

Berrys makes an ultra mag box that works well for the lapua.
You can use a Lee #8 shellholder

 

[Broz]

Hi Jeff,

I shoulda just thought to pm you to begin with. 35, huh? And that shellholder allows the casehead to sit down flush on the shellholder during case forming operations, right? Yeah, I've got the Redding Comp. shellholder set for my RUM, should just get 'em for the 338 Lap as well--they sure make life more simple. Thank you!

If it didn't, the stepping process would not work and runout would be scary. I get .0005" TIR on average. In fact, the stepped ones are Black and mine have had so many cases through them there is a brass track on the floor of the holder.

Jeff

 

[jmden]

If it didn't, the stepping process would not work and runout would be scary. I get .005" TIR on average. In fact, the stepped ones are Black and mine have had so many cases through them there is a brass track on the floor of the holder.

Jeff

Thanks, Jeff. Just making sure as after trying 3 different shellholder that are supposed to be sized for the 338 Lap, I'm a little leery.

 

[Broz]

Thanks, Jeff. Just making sure as after trying 3 different shellholder that are supposed to be sized for the 338 Lap, I'm a little leery.

OOOps... I needed another 0 there... I corrected it to read 1/2 thousands not 5 thou.



Jeff