Nothing wrong with it at all. Most out there that designed their own 338 wildcat on the 408 CT did so for one purpose, ultimate performance levels and yes that comes at a cost in barrel life.
Also, most that design their own rounds want somthing a bit different then the standard parent case necked down to a new caliber.
There are several 338 wildcats out there that are basically the 408 CT necked down to 338.
Some are mildly improved like the Sniper Tac while others like mine are more dramatic transformations of the case by actually moving the shoulder forward to increase case capacity even more. Is it needed, probably not but when your trying to build the highest performing 338 out there thats what you do.
Also, when I designed my round, I had 350 gr ULD RBBT bullets in mind. Now that has been upped to 375 gr ULD RBBTs which we are now starting to test so the more capacity the better with the ultra heavy bullet weight if your looking for pure performance.
As far as dies to take the 408 down to 338, you will need to make your own or have them made. I use heat treated aluminum and make simple neck bushing sizing dies and also include three step down bushings made out of 4140 steel.
The die does not need to be able to handle high stress loads, just strong enough to neck the case neck down a bit and the aluminum is very easy on my tooling and I can cut it FAST.
As far as a seating die, get a Forster Ultra BR seater or Redding Comp seater in 338 Lapua. These Lapua dies have larger sleeve diameters and can easily be reamed out to a 338-408 chamber for precision seating.
For a FL die, either have to have them made or make your own.
Say, were you the one that gave me load data for heavy bullets in the 17 cals? If so, could you be so kind as to remind me of what loads you were using. If it was not you, forget I mentioned it!!
Good Shooting
Kirby Allen(50)
