338 Lapua Magnum 300 gr to 3000fps?

damadama said:
Can I get a bit more information on the AI please guys. I'm about to build a 338 Lapua and would like to go AI. I already have a 30.06, 25.06, 22/250 and 223 AI's. Who has the reamers and where can I get dies?
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I have built quite a number of 338LAIs now, so needless to say have the reamers, and have had dies made to match my reamer.
The case capacity increase we have experienced is 9%.
The barrel length we have determined to be optimal is 29" although most of us a running 30" tubes.
The particular chamber dimensions I came up with seem to be the most extreme of the assorted Improved versions being used from what I am finding in talking to other well known gun makers from several other countries.

I do not do any rechambering of standard 338 lapua to LAI due to the fact that there is nothing to pilot the reamer on. I know there are gunsmiths who will do this, I prefer not to take the chance of creating a less than perfect chamber.
In my experience the shorter barrels typically used in production rifles are not long enough to burn the additional powder that the LAI has to get the velocities we are experiencing.
Casing life is incredible with this chambering for any who wish to know.
 
alberta tactical rifle said:
I have built quite a number of 338LAIs now, so needless to say have the reamers, and have had dies made to match my reamer.
The case capacity increase we have experienced is 9%.
The barrel length we have determined to be optimal is 29" although most of us a running 30" tubes.
The particular chamber dimensions I came up with seem to be the most extreme of the assorted Improved versions being used from what I am finding in talking to other well known gun makers from several other countries.

I do not do any rechambering of standard 338 lapua to LAI due to the fact that there is nothing to pilot the reamer on. I know there are gunsmiths who will do this, I prefer not to take the chance of creating a less than perfect chamber.
In my experience the shorter barrels typically used in production rifles are not long enough to burn the additional powder that the LAI has to get the velocities we are experiencing.
Casing life is incredible with this chambering for any who wish to know.
Click to expand...

Can't you just set the barrel back a bit (providing there is enough meat in the chamber area)?

Just curious.
 
Dark-Angel said:
Dan,
How about a 34 inch barrel?
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Generally speaking, barrel length buys you velocity. 34" would probably get you close to 3000 fps with the right powders. Remember, the barrel is actually an extended part of your chamber as the bullet is pushed out, the powder is burning as it goes up the tube. You want to keep it on the boil the entire length of the barrel, so to speak. Be a lot of barrel to tote around though. - dan
 
Dark-Angel said:
Dan,
How about a 34 inch barrel?
Click to expand...

We found that 34" was actually costing velocity. You run into a point where the powder is fully burned, the pressures have maxed out and the barrel then is creating friction on the bullet thereby slowing it down.
On my 1st 338LAI I started longer then cut of 1/2 increments until there was a slight velocity loss then arrived at the 30.5" loength that gave the most velocity.
Each barrel maker will have a different "optimum" length as each makers barrel will have different internal dimensions within a slight amount, also the manner of rifling will make for a slightly different optimal length.
 
Something that ATRS didn't mention but should also be considered is the handiness of the weapon. While a 30" pipe will give you maximum velocity it is a pain to find a case that will hold such a long rifle and it will make the rifle really unwieldy. I have a 27" pipe + muzzlebrake which I find pretty long. A 30" pipe+ muzzlebrake could be a real pain...
 
Glock4ever said:
Something that ATRS didn't mention but should also be considered is the handiness of the weapon. While a 30" pipe will give you maximum velocity it is a pain to find a case that will hold such a long rifle and it will make the rifle really unwieldy. I have a 27" pipe + muzzlebrake which I find pretty long. A 30" pipe+ muzzlebrake could be a real pain...
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This can certainly be the case. Alot of how the rifle will balance will be determined by what stock you use.
A fully dressed A5 will balance better than a plain stock will as the aluminum butt on the A5 weighs a could of lbs so offsets the front heavy feeling that the same barrelled action would have in a non adjustable stock of the same type.

To say that any of these rigs with 26" plus long barrels is NOT a fast pointing handy in the bush type rifle would be an understatement
 
No disagreements here. I almost went with a 29" pipe but decided on a 27" based on what the military is going with. I know that in the LR game velocity is almost everything but I didn't like the idea of trying to hunt with such a big rifle...
 
Well gentleman,

I thank you for all your input.

I will try US 869 and 50 BMG powder and see how the powders differ if any from the H1000.

I have driven the 250gr to 3100fps out of this rifle.

When I have done the powder swap I'll let everyone know.

Thanks

PM me if you have any other options that I may try.
 
I dont think the long granules of the 50 bmg powder really fit in the case. You may end up having to break the granules or have a very compressed load. The us 869 is the way to go.
 
daniellybbert said:
I dont think the long granules of the 50 bmg powder really fit in the case. You may end up having to break the granules or have a very compressed load. The us 869 is the way to go.
Click to expand...

I agree I think that you may find 50BMG will be a very compressed load if you can get the full charge into the case in the 1st place.
Let us know how it works.
 
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