backyardsniper
Well-Known Member
Thought I would start a running thread on this project in case anyone is interested in one in the future. I have a West Texas Ordnance switch lug built on a Lone Peak Fusion TI with Manners EH1 I have a 338 lapua improved 40° and a 300 norma barrel, both carbon. I have been wanting to try the short 338 thing for a while so I picked up a sendero contour Brux blank from a fellow member here and had Clayton finish it at 21". I feel this makes for a very versatile and useful hunting rifle. I got to test fire it today with loads that I have had really good luck with in several different rifles. 300gr nosler Custom Comp, lapua brass, fed 215 and 98gr of RL33. This load averages around 2750 in all of my longer, 26"/27" 338 lapuas. I was doing the shoot and clean for.about 9 rounds so no real accuracy data yet but the velocity is right on about what I had figured. I was getting 2600fps with no pressure signs whatsoever. My plan is to switch to the 285eld most likely as it is 15gr lighter but still a .8 BC. I expect after break in and about 100rds or so when the barrel speeds up I should be able to achieve 2650fps and possibly a little better. This allows me to have a handier more maneuverable rifle of a reasonable weight with enough energy and accuracy to handle long range work but also be able to pull the muzzle break and scope and go to say a 1-4x scope or even a red dot for up close bear hunts or work in thick woods. With the option to run lighter bullets or go to a heavy round nose bonded bullet like a woodleigh for up close work on larger critters. I'm only one day into development but so far I am impressed with the balance and general handiness of the rifle. Accuracy is looking very promising with basically a 100fps trade off for the shorter barrel.
