338 Allen Xpress vs 338 Lapua Improved/AI...

[Despotes]

I want to have my 30-378 Weatherby rebarreled to 338 AX, but can't find anyone with a reamer to do it. Does the 338 Lapua AI use the same reamer as the 338 AX? Lapua Improved vs Ackley Improved?
I found a smith that has reamers for the AI and the [FONT=arial, verdana][FONT=arial, verdana]338 lapua improved 40 degree, I just don't know the differences between the 3.

I'm pretty sure Kirby only does complete builds so it seems unlikely I can get anybody to chamber a barrel for me in 338 AX unless someone here knows somebody.
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[Despotes]

It would appear Hart can do a barrel chambered for "338 Lapua Ackley". I assume that's the same as an Ackley Improved.
Factory 338 Lapua, if in a pinch, can be shot through the Lapua Ackley without problems yes? (The cases do have to be fireformed)
Anybody have any load data for this round?

 

[BountyHunter]

Go buy your own reamer so you do not run into this next time.

Dave Kiff at PTG has several reamers. I went with his recommendation on the "338 AI Speedy" reamer and loved it.

 

[Despotes]

I checked out PTG, but didn't see the "338 AI Speedy" reamer. .310 Cal - .348 Cal : Pacific Tool and Gauge, The largest Global manufacturer of custom chamber reamers for the firearms industry
Would it be easier to just have a barrel made and take it to a recommended smith to chamber, thread and install? Can you recommend someone who would have a matching reamer and dies?

 

[Despotes]

Couldn't find the "338 AI Speedy" reamer. Everything but.
Would it be easier if I simply have the barrel made and later take it to a recommended smith to be chambered, threaded, installed and have matching dies? Do you recommend someone who can do this? Too bad Kirby only does complete rifles now.

 

[RockyMtnMT]

Send Kirby an email. He will tell you what to do.

Steve

 

[Despotes]

I shot Kirby an email.
I've been trying to resist placing an order for the Raptor LRSS in 338AE. hehe

 

[BountyHunter]

I checked out PTG, but didn't see the "338 AI Speedy" reamer. .310 Cal - .348 Cal : Pacific Tool and Gauge, The largest Global manufacturer of custom chamber reamers for the firearms industry
Would it be easier to just have a barrel made and take it to a recommended smith to chamber, thread and install? Can you recommend someone who would have a matching reamer and dies?

Call Dave Kiff, it is reamer print # 15933

 

[Despotes]

I'm considering the 338-378 to avoid all the hassle. Has anybody approached 3000fps with the 300gr or the 285gr A-Max and a 30" barrel w/o loose primer pockets? If Norma only had the quality brass Lapua has.
Is the belt really a problem with Weatherby brass?

 

[Despotes]

Call Dave Kiff, it is reamer print # 15933

Which type of reamer would I need? Just a Finisher or would I also need a Rougher?

 

[Despotes]

I'm about to order the reamer. It looks like Bartlein 5R barrel and possibly have Accurate Ordnance do the install work. Are they a decent quality shop or should I let Bartlein do the install work as well?

 

[stonehands1]

Personally I would have the barrel maker do the install if possible and feasible.

 

[Despotes]

Personally I would have the barrel maker do the install if possible and feasible.

It turns out Bartlein is doing it all. Reamer and Terminator T3 are ordered.

 

[stonehands1]

Excellent