In an earlier post I spoke about a 300 Ultra mag that I have that needs a new barrel.
I like the idea of the 338 edge, so I did some research on it only to hit a snag.
Every 338 edge shooter I read about is loading COAL from 3.85 to 4 inches.
Their velocity with 300 grain bullets were around 2800 fps.
My rifle is equipped with a DBM with an inside measurement of 3.7 inches. The ejection port is only slightly larger.
The advantage to the 338 edge , from what I understand, is the ability to put lots of powder behind a large bullet.
I did run some comparison ballistics between the 300 with 210 gr berger and the 338 with both a 250 and 300 gr berger. Using a bullet speed of 2600 with the 300gr in the 338, the only measurable benefit out to 1000 yards really was energy. Wind drift difference was only minimal. Not sure if I can get proper seating depth with a berger due to my earlier listed restrictions, so it doesn't seem worth it, but I don't know....( hence the reason I am here)
I then ran some comparisons with my second choice bullet. Barnes 200gr LRX in the 300 and the 280 gr LRX in the 338. Again , only minimal benefit.
These were all using fictitious 338 numbers because I have really no knowledge of what to expect, but figured 2600 fps with a 300 gr bullet was a safe assumption, but if I can realistically expect 2800 from a 300 gr or 2900 gr from a 250 gr, then there are benefits. However , then comes the seating depth question. Bergers are finicky and I wouldn't have much room to play so maybe it won't shoot them at all. That was the reason I looked at the Barnes 280 gr. LRX.
However , without some concrete information, I can not make an educated decision.
Does anyone have any experience or information about this? Am I wasting my time with the 338 edge idea, or would adding 2" barrel length to a 300 be a better benefit? (current length is 26")
Any information will be greatly appreciated.
I like the idea of the 338 edge, so I did some research on it only to hit a snag.
Every 338 edge shooter I read about is loading COAL from 3.85 to 4 inches.
Their velocity with 300 grain bullets were around 2800 fps.
My rifle is equipped with a DBM with an inside measurement of 3.7 inches. The ejection port is only slightly larger.
The advantage to the 338 edge , from what I understand, is the ability to put lots of powder behind a large bullet.
I did run some comparison ballistics between the 300 with 210 gr berger and the 338 with both a 250 and 300 gr berger. Using a bullet speed of 2600 with the 300gr in the 338, the only measurable benefit out to 1000 yards really was energy. Wind drift difference was only minimal. Not sure if I can get proper seating depth with a berger due to my earlier listed restrictions, so it doesn't seem worth it, but I don't know....( hence the reason I am here)
I then ran some comparisons with my second choice bullet. Barnes 200gr LRX in the 300 and the 280 gr LRX in the 338. Again , only minimal benefit.
These were all using fictitious 338 numbers because I have really no knowledge of what to expect, but figured 2600 fps with a 300 gr bullet was a safe assumption, but if I can realistically expect 2800 from a 300 gr or 2900 gr from a 250 gr, then there are benefits. However , then comes the seating depth question. Bergers are finicky and I wouldn't have much room to play so maybe it won't shoot them at all. That was the reason I looked at the Barnes 280 gr. LRX.
However , without some concrete information, I can not make an educated decision.
Does anyone have any experience or information about this? Am I wasting my time with the 338 edge idea, or would adding 2" barrel length to a 300 be a better benefit? (current length is 26")
Any information will be greatly appreciated.
