338 ML suggestions

[rpcw]

Have put together a few 458’s from barrels and parts from Luke. Tremendous success.

Now looking to do a 338 with powder chamber in a lighter format.

Any pointers would be appreciated!

[jims]

High pressure could be an issue. I know my .375 is a world of difference than my .45s or even my .40. Maybe Luke has some suggestions.

[sw]

Do you use Quick Load? It helps in predicting pressures. For any unusual smokeless caliber, it’s virtually invaluable in load selection.

[rpcw]

Thanks for the replies.

Haven’t bought quick load yet.

I think I will invest in that.

[rpcw]

A kind fellow on this board has offered me an opportunity to purchase his 375 Brux Barrel.

Anyone have thoughts on this caliber for ML?

Successes and failures?

[sw]

Factors to consider when choosing a caliber for a smokeless MLer. These are just a few.

Purpose. Would an existing caliber fit your needs? Just want to experiment? If experimenting, Quick Load is virtually a necessity for an abnormal caliber.

Smaller caliber such as 375 or 338. Are there bullets available that can effectively obturate either smooth sized or full sized? Thick jacketed bullets or high sectional densities with long bearing surfaces may be impossible to effectively obturate. Can you get someone to construct sizing dies? If only longer, heavier bullets are available , full sizing will likely be better than smooth sizing. The ratio of base area verses bearing length is a major player in being able to effectively obturate bullets.

Not many people with 375s, continue to shoot 375s. Might query as to why. 338 would likely be even further down the road as far as reasons there are so few 375s.

Legality. Legal to use as you want to use it? For ML only season, not likely.

Referenced above. Are there available bullets that would or even could work?


40s and 45s have have an incredible selection of great bullets and accessories. For me, a 40 covers everything from extremely light loads to extreme range, very flat shooting bullets.

Good luck.

[ET]

SW

Nicely thought out and presented. This should help an SML shooter choice of caliber decision with unknowns exposed for consideration. In other words you now know what you are getting into.

[jims]

I have had a .375 SML for about 20 years. First with a PacNor barrel and now a Brux as I recall. Have not shot it in years. Not much load data when I started. Ended up shooting 9.6 mm bullets as I recall sabotless. It is deer effective but as mentioned by sw the other larger calibers offer so many other options on bullets and States that permit those sizes on deer.


It seems as I get older I am more time limited so have not spent the time on going back to it. I actually think I have two SMLs I have not even shot and one not more than 5 times. I have a ULA that I should shoot that just sits there also. Keep us posted on how it works out for you.

[rpcw]

Thanks Folks - I appreciate the feedback.

For me it’s experimental and possibly useful if it works very well. I have put together many 45’s using Luke’s barrels. Taken many deer.

In my province ml caliber is not restricted.

Some years ago I purchased a 358 from Carlos and really enjoyed it but found it shot too flat for the area that I hunted at the time.

Many years later, I am thinking of exploring this option. I’ve contacted swinglock and he will make me a full form die if I wanted to go that way.