Necking up doesn't seem to be as much of a problem as is necking down. Or at least that's my understanding.
I neck .284 Winchester brass up to .338, and don't have a problem. The case ends up being shorter than the original, but that's about it. I don't have any personal experience with necking down using nothing but dies, but I've heard from others that it's a bit more involved.
But, if were going to load for something smaller than .308, I'd try to find the appropriate brass, if available, or start with something smaller and neck up. Personally, I don't see any reason to neck .308 brass up or down if commercial brass is readily available. Brass just ain't that expensive.
Jerry
Gun control laws make about as much sense as taking ex-lax to cure a cough.
You pulled that sneaky stealthy sniper enabling! From a place I couldn't see came a sound I couldn't hear... Of enabling!
Actually, I have wanted a Ruger in .338 Federal since Dan first did an article the cartridge. That rifle is essentially what I want except I did want it in a compact model but that isn't a huge issue. Now is a good time to get one because it looks like the manufacturers are carrying them less and less, business has been very good to me this year, and that was a hella deal on the rifle. I texted a certain someone earlier today that can get stuff at an FFL price from darn near everywhere but Davidson's and he said about the best he could get that rifle for at wholesale would be about $600.
The Mrs. has nothing on me after I got her AMEX bill from last month.
Reason obeys itself; and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it.
Man, I can't wait to see your load development goes and how you get it to shoot and what it likes along with the velocities. That is a cool cartridge, it could end up being a real favorite of yours in the field.
But, if were going to load for something smaller than .308, I'd try to find the appropriate brass, if available, or start with something smaller and neck up. Personally, I don't see any reason to neck .308 brass up or down if commercial brass is readily available. Brass just ain't that expensive.
Jerry, gotta remember BP has access to literal barrels full of match grade 308 brass from work. Brass ain't that expensive, but even .01 is more expensive then free!
Freaking BP!!! Look what you made me do!!! I was just sitting here minding my own business and you come around and talk me into a new rifle.
Sale Finalized – please arrange to pick up your firearm from the retailer below and make your final payment.
Gun Genie
7127 RUG M77 HE BA 338FED SS SYN 1 $488.74 $488.74
7127
Sale Price: $488.74
Add'l Fees: $15.95
Tax: $29.32
Sub Total: $534.01
(Less Deposit:) $206.75
Balance due Retailer: $327.26
Sold To:
Jermanator
Flint, MI
You guys seen him talk me into this didn't you?
But seriously. That is a pretty darn good price! Just a heads up... That sale ends today! Once you accept an "offer" you have through the 29th to put your deposit down on it.
Man, I can't wait to see your load development goes and how you get it to shoot and what it likes along with the velocities. That is a cool cartridge, it could end up being a real favorite of yours in the field.
First, I have to finish up my reloading room at the other house! We are getting closer every day. Hopefully, we will be in there by Christmas. The first load I will need for it will be a good black bear short range (less than 100 yards) thump load. .225 gr bullets seem to work fine in that cartridge. I am wondering if going up to 250 is a bit much? Oh well, I have till this time next year before the bear hunt. It will be a hoot crafting the perfect load for my first ever bear!
Reason obeys itself; and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it.
Certain 225's work great, others might be too long to get decent velocity (Accubonds, TSX) I think 250's wouldn't be a real worth while proposition. Heck those bullets are going to be near half as long as the entire case lol. With 225's you are already down to 2400fps....250's I'd be surprised if you got much more then 2000-2100fps on a hot load. But, if you are talking under 100 yards, might work out. 225-300gr .338's are really the realm of the magnums, the 338 Federal isn't even close. You also have to take into account that many 338 bullets are very strong in the build, because they were meant to be pushed at magnum speeds at heavy game. When the Federal came out there were people griping because of the lack of suitable bullets for the intended game/FPS/distances. 210/200/185's are probably your best bet, and I know of a guy who is tickled pink with the 160gr Barnes bullets.
First, I have to finish up my reloading room at the other house! We are getting closer every day. Hopefully, we will be in there by Christmas. The first load I will need for it will be a good black bear short range (less than 100 yards) thump load. .225 gr bullets seem to work fine in that cartridge. I am wondering if going up to 250 is a bit much? Oh well, I have till this time next year before the bear hunt. It will be a hoot crafting the perfect load for my first ever bear!
The 250 is not the best for the 338 Fed but the 225grs are really good and the one that has been outstanding and would really work well with the 338 Fed is the 210gr Nosler Partition, it is a real killer and so is the 215gr SBT Sierra Game king and the 200gr Accubond is one that could be considered along with the 180gr Accubond on deer. So many good bullets and weights, you are going to have a ball.
After I am done with it, I think I will set it up as Mrs. Jerm's elk rifle. The .260 Remington she has just ain't going to get it if she draws a tag. The .338 Win mag I got back when I was a kid is my elk rifle, and she dislikes any more recoil than necessary so that would be perfect for her. Then of course, I will have to work up a whitetail load for it just because.
Reason obeys itself; and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it.
After I am done with it, I think I will set it up as Mrs. Jerm's elk rifle. The .260 Remington she has just ain't going to get it if she draws a tag. The .338 Win mag I got back when I was a kid is my elk rifle, and she dislikes any more recoil than necessary so that would be perfect for her. Then of course, I will have to work up a whitetail load for it just because.
The 260 is what my wife uses and she loves it, she's a good shot. I think the 260 is perfect for big game and those who do not like a lot of recoil.
the one that has been outstanding and would really work well with the 338 Fed is the 210gr Nosler Partition, it is a real killer and so is the 215gr SBT Sierra Game king and the 200gr Accubond is one that could be considered along with the 180gr Accubond on deer.
Excellent suggestions! Like MHS said, most of the bullets in .338 are made for magnum velocities. A good conventional like the Gameking or ole' reliable Nosler Partitions would be great choices.
Reason obeys itself; and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it.
This is just brain play and to make Jerm buy another rifle.
Note how it transformed from being my black bear rifle into Mrs. Jerm's elk rifle. Pretty sneaky eh? I am doing it all for her. I love her that much!!!
Reason obeys itself; and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it.
Note how it transformed from being my black bear rifle into Mrs. Jerm's elk rifle. Pretty sneaky eh? I am doing it all for her. I love her that much!!!
But wait... There's more!
Since I got her a new rifle, she won't mind so much that I get one for myself.
Reason obeys itself; and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it.
...And BP... Since your wife don't hunt... You know what you gotta do!!! Man up soldier and get to work!!! You got about 12 hours to make a baby before this sale is over.
Reason obeys itself; and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it.
The 250 is not the best for the 338 Fed but the 225grs are really good and the one that has been outstanding and would really work well with the 338 Fed is the 210gr Nosler Partition, it is a real killer and so is the 215gr SBT Sierra Game king and the 200gr Accubond is one that could be considered along with the 180gr Accubond on deer. So many good bullets and weights, you are going to have a ball.
Don't overlook the 225 grain Speer Grand Slam. Seem like Wild Gene and I are the only ones in this forum who appreciate this really great bullet.
FWIW, I've tried the 210 grain NPs in my 338x284. I killed a bison cow with one. It worked ok, but I'm getting better accuracy and a higher MV with the 225 GS. It probably has as much or more to do with my particular rifle than anything else, though. If all goes well, I'll be posting a review on how the GS load works on elk in a little over a month from now.
I also tried the 215 grain Sierra Game King in the same rifle, and never really found a load that gave me the accuracy I wanted. Sometimes it's just a matter of finding out what works best in your rifle and going with it.
Jerry
Gun control laws make about as much sense as taking ex-lax to cure a cough.
I have been necking .308 brass down to .243 Winchester with narry a problem. At least, with Hornady Match brass it does.
I recall reading (PO Ackley's Handbook for Shooters and Reloaders?) where a handloader used some 7.62 NATO brass and necked them down to .243 Win. These were fired in a rifle (Winchester 88 IIRC) with a rather tight neck. Some makes/lots of NATO brass just might have thicker necks. Shooter recalled having some chambering issues. Several rounds produced greatly enlarged primer pockets. Another round had total head seperation.
Point being if ya use 7.62 NATO brass and neck it down , ream those necks if you have a rifle with a tight throat.
I checked the neck thickness of the Hornady brass after loading to make sure. It was perfect. I know, if I change brass, to check and make sure again. But I lucked out with this stuff and don't have to neck trim.
Replies
I neck .284 Winchester brass up to .338, and don't have a problem. The case ends up being shorter than the original, but that's about it. I don't have any personal experience with necking down using nothing but dies, but I've heard from others that it's a bit more involved.
But, if were going to load for something smaller than .308, I'd try to find the appropriate brass, if available, or start with something smaller and neck up. Personally, I don't see any reason to neck .308 brass up or down if commercial brass is readily available. Brass just ain't that expensive.
Gun control laws make about as much sense as taking ex-lax to cure a cough.
You know what you did. :nono:
You pulled that sneaky stealthy sniper enabling! From a place I couldn't see came a sound I couldn't hear... Of enabling!
Actually, I have wanted a Ruger in .338 Federal since Dan first did an article the cartridge. That rifle is essentially what I want except I did want it in a compact model but that isn't a huge issue. Now is a good time to get one because it looks like the manufacturers are carrying them less and less, business has been very good to me this year, and that was a hella deal on the rifle. I texted a certain someone earlier today that can get stuff at an FFL price from darn near everywhere but Davidson's and he said about the best he could get that rifle for at wholesale would be about $600.
The Mrs. has nothing on me after I got her AMEX bill from last month.
Jerry, gotta remember BP has access to literal barrels full of match grade 308 brass from work. Brass ain't that expensive, but even .01 is more expensive then free!
Man if I hadn't bought that Vanguard.......
First, I have to finish up my reloading room at the other house! We are getting closer every day. Hopefully, we will be in there by Christmas. The first load I will need for it will be a good black bear short range (less than 100 yards) thump load. .225 gr bullets seem to work fine in that cartridge. I am wondering if going up to 250 is a bit much? Oh well, I have till this time next year before the bear hunt. It will be a hoot crafting the perfect load for my first ever bear!
The 250 is not the best for the 338 Fed but the 225grs are really good and the one that has been outstanding and would really work well with the 338 Fed is the 210gr Nosler Partition, it is a real killer and so is the 215gr SBT Sierra Game king and the 200gr Accubond is one that could be considered along with the 180gr Accubond on deer. So many good bullets and weights, you are going to have a ball.
The 260 is what my wife uses and she loves it, she's a good shot. I think the 260 is perfect for big game and those who do not like a lot of recoil.
Well neck it down one more step ... .224-08 a :tooth:
Okay serious now, what does the Mentor suggest?
- George Orwell
Excellent suggestions! Like MHS said, most of the bullets in .338 are made for magnum velocities. A good conventional like the Gameking or ole' reliable Nosler Partitions would be great choices.
Note how it transformed from being my black bear rifle into Mrs. Jerm's elk rifle. Pretty sneaky eh? I am doing it all for her. I love her that much!!!
But wait... There's more!
Since I got her a new rifle, she won't mind so much that I get one for myself.
You are a man of great and deep thought (or something). Very impressive move, I see that you can think on your feet. :tooth:
That would be pretty sweet!
Don't overlook the 225 grain Speer Grand Slam. Seem like Wild Gene and I are the only ones in this forum who appreciate this really great bullet.
FWIW, I've tried the 210 grain NPs in my 338x284. I killed a bison cow with one. It worked ok, but I'm getting better accuracy and a higher MV with the 225 GS. It probably has as much or more to do with my particular rifle than anything else, though. If all goes well, I'll be posting a review on how the GS load works on elk in a little over a month from now.
I also tried the 215 grain Sierra Game King in the same rifle, and never really found a load that gave me the accuracy I wanted. Sometimes it's just a matter of finding out what works best in your rifle and going with it.
Gun control laws make about as much sense as taking ex-lax to cure a cough.
I recall reading (PO Ackley's Handbook for Shooters and Reloaders?) where a handloader used some 7.62 NATO brass and necked them down to .243 Win. These were fired in a rifle (Winchester 88 IIRC) with a rather tight neck. Some makes/lots of NATO brass just might have thicker necks. Shooter recalled having some chambering issues. Several rounds produced greatly enlarged primer pockets. Another round had total head seperation.
Point being if ya use 7.62 NATO brass and neck it down , ream those necks if you have a rifle with a tight throat.