A new barrel burner is created

alberta tactical rifle

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Spent some time last week putting together a new rifle, in a wildcat caliber.
The 338LAI that I started 6 years ago was a great success, so in thinking what next decided to neck it down to 308 caliber just to see how fast I can drive a 240 gr SMK.
Early testing is showing great promise.
To date with very basic SWEG loads got good accuracy and pretty good velocity. Any time you can get a 240 gr SMK to 3300 FPS it is a good thing in my mind, I am hoping the weather is good this coming weekend so I can work up loads that will with luck get it up to the 3500 FPS area.

From left to right, standard 338 Lapua, new 30 cal wildcat as yet unnamed and 338 LAI

AI308-1.jpg


1st loads showing promise but NO pressure in any way:cool:

AI308005.jpg


AI308004.jpg


And finally the rifle

AI308001.jpg


AI308003.jpg


A Defiance right bolt left port single shot, Rock Creek AMU barrel, McMillan A5 stock, Jewell trigger, ATRS bottom metal and brake and ofcourse a NF 8x32 scope.


A bit of fooling around with Exbal shows that at the current 3300 FPS the SMKs will need only 16.5 MOA to get on target at 1000 yards, hopefully this weekend I can get the velocities up to the near 3500 FPS which will then only require 14.5 MOA to make the 1000 yard trip.:cool:

I don't expect great barrel life but for as long as it lasts it should be fun
 
Thats an awesome looking unit Rick !
Are you using similar powders and quantities to the 338 LAI ?
In the event that your workload is too heavy, I hear BC is good country for load testing.... ( hint hint ) :)
 
hmmmmm im not sure who this makes more excited me or you....

did you mess yourself too? cuz i did.. from the front of course

but really, this seems like a rround that could possibly become a big player, especially if you can get up to the goal of 3500fps. ill deffinatly be keeping on eye on this thread to see where it goes. even from your primary 1st load testing it seems like off the bat your going to be contending with the accuracy of well knowen and proven rounds.

nice work!
 
Ahh that isn't a barrel burner, wait until you see the 6.5mm Sin (330 Dakota improved necked to 6.5mm)
 
Thats an awesome looking unit Rick !
Are you using similar powders and quantities to the 338 LAI ?
In the event that your workload is too heavy, I hear BC is good country for load testing.... ( hint hint ) :)

Given the success of the US869 in the 338, that IS where I started but at 115 grains.
I have some Vit 50 cal powders I want to try as they are slightly slower, have better temperture stability and are claimed to be easier on throats.

You have not been east for a while I think you should come this way to do load development, somehow I doubt if this rig ever got to BC it may never come home again:p:p
 
hmmmmm im not sure who this makes more excited me or you....

did you mess yourself too? cuz i did.. from the front of course

but really, this seems like a rround that could possibly become a big player, especially if you can get up to the goal of 3500fps. ill deffinatly be keeping on eye on this thread to see where it goes. even from your primary 1st load testing it seems like off the bat your going to be contending with the accuracy of well knowen and proven rounds.

nice work!

I am very hopeful of getting up to or exceeding the 3500 FPS. Being a little afraid of blowing up something, Ie me, I started with what I felt to be pretty safe and conservative loads given the parent cartridge. Better to err on the side of safety I think, so I will keep upping the loads in 1 gr increments until I hit pressure then back down and start to look for an accuracy node.
I got lucky with those groups as I paid no attention to how far off the lands the bullets were, so once I get closer to the velocity I would like to see with some accuracy promise, then will start the OAL game.
Breaking new ground is always so much fun:HR:
 
Nice cartridge. Your targets speak for themselves.
Now for the name....338 ATR (Alberta Tactical Rifle), 338 Tactical,
308 ATR, 308 Tactical,

Only possible problem with ATR being used, is Mossberg has their "All Terrain Rifle", (by no means making a comparison, just thinking of copyright). Your rifle is a gem.
 
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I am pretty sure Kirby Allen has been widcatting 338 Lapua cases for awhile, even a 7mm Lapua. Looks like a shooter though.
 
Looks like a great cartridge. Love the velocities you're getting.

On a side note, I think a great name would be the 30 LATR. Lapua Alberta Tactical Rifle.
Pronounce it "The 30 later" LOL Ok it ain't that great of a name.
 
You have not been east for a while I think you should come this way to do load development, somehow I doubt if this rig ever got to BC it may never come home again:p:p[/QUOTE]

That is really tempting !!
Trouble is, I would end up making more space in the safe..... and the dog-house.
 
As usual a very nice rifle from ATRS:sniper:
I love a RBLP it seems more natural for me, especially prone. 3500fps would be make for a very impressive 300, a very solid 1200-1300m performer for sure.

As for a name how about 300 A-Tac? It even sounds fast, although kinda corny.
 
Didnt you guys at ATRS design and build your own custom action ?

so call it whatever your action is name
.300 [insert name of action here]
and sell it as a package action + dies

or just go with something awesome..
.300 Asskick
.300 Throat punch
.300 DoubleRainbow
i dunno :rolleyes:
 
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