I'm thinking about following a whim and converting my Tikka T3 06 to a 308 Norma. I'm not overly interested on a debate on the ballistics on both cals as I have all that info I'll need. I've been told all there is to this converson is to ream out the the chamber is this true? Will these cartridges fit in my 30-06 magazines for my T3? And for the guys who run this cal for hunting what do you think about it?
Tell me about the 308 Norma Mag Cal
- Thread starter Hawkeye
- Start date
I have one in an FN Browning mauser.I FL size .300win mag brass and trim avoiding $$$$$$$$Norma brass.It shoots like a house on fire.Likely won't work in your present T-3 mags.At least 24" barrel for best effectiveness 26" would be ideal.I load 72gr of either H4831 or RE#19 and a 180gr bullet.Find a PH sporter on a 98 action in 30-06 or watch for a .308 NM to come up they are not all that uncommon...virtually identical to the wildcat 30-.338 mag If the ammo had been available at the same time as the guns the .300 win mag would have no reason to exist.Bad marketing killed this one....Harold
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The norma mag uses a magnum bolt face, so no it's not a ream and go kinda job. The case is a belted magnum case that is slightly shorter than a .300 Win Mag, but similar size to the other "standard" length magnums, it will not fit in the 06 detachable magazines. Brass is hard to find, handloading is definitely the way to go. Resized 300 win mag brass is an option if 308NM brass is unavailable.
Thanks guys I handload so that not a problem at all. I'll give the local gunsmiths a call tomorrow and see what I'm looking at for price and what they could do. I would prefer not to buy a new gun as I love this one would just prefer something different from its original calibre thats a little more off the wall so to speak. I have never run across this cal personaly so thats what interests me.
In the early 60's it was a popular conversion for bolt actions making a cheap magnum using 30-06 chambers opened up .Seen a lot of P17's redone.As well bolt face and feed rails.Norma actually supplied reamers to gunsmith for the job. You can also use .338 win mag brass it's just a tad short.Also has a big brother the .358 NM.......Harold
I have 2 - 308 Norma Mags. They are, hands down, my favorite "big" 30.
FWIW, I also have a 300 Win Mag and a 300 WSM.
The case has a bit longer neck than the 300 Win Mag.
Ballistically, it's a dead heat. Brass is easy to make, to avoid spendy 308NM brass.
You will need the magnum magazine for your Tikka, besides the machine work.
The bolt stop will be fine. COL is the same as the '06.
Expect 3000+ in that 24" barrel with the 180 grain pill with slower burning powders.
I like your reasoning, it's a shame to let this one languish.
Eagleye.
FWIW, I also have a 300 Win Mag and a 300 WSM.
The case has a bit longer neck than the 300 Win Mag.
Ballistically, it's a dead heat. Brass is easy to make, to avoid spendy 308NM brass.
You will need the magnum magazine for your Tikka, besides the machine work.
The bolt stop will be fine. COL is the same as the '06.
Expect 3000+ in that 24" barrel with the 180 grain pill with slower burning powders.
I like your reasoning, it's a shame to let this one languish.
Eagleye.
It's your rifle and money but it would be easier and cheaper to get a new T3 in .300 Win Mag or .300 WSM. As stated above the 3 cartridges are identical in performance.
Another option would be to place a WTB ad on the EE. There are lots of .308 NM rifles out there, many collecting dust because factory ammo is expensive and hard to find.
Another option would be to place a WTB ad on the EE. There are lots of .308 NM rifles out there, many collecting dust because factory ammo is expensive and hard to find.
That is very true but I`ve never taken the eaiest route and yes the other 300 mags duplicate performance and really don`t have any advantage over the 06 at ranges most people hunt at. Its unique and thats what appeals to me I have several rifles that are chambered in obsolete calibres or even in one of em a cal I can`t find any info for or that it even exists. As for money or a new firearm I make enough to follow up on these odd whims i tend to get and I would rather take the platform I know and love and tinker with it, take it a little ways away from the mainstream
- Location
- Eastern Edge of the Foothills
I have 2. One is a H. Dumoulin that was factory chambered in 308 NM, and the other is a nicely redone Brazilian mauser that I had rechambered from 30-06 to 308NM by Ron Smith out in Wimbourne, AB.
I send 180gr pills out at 3100+ fps.
When I'm elk hunting I usually carry my 300WSM X-bolt, though. It's way lighter, and carries so much better.
I had a Tikka T3 rechambered a few years ago. I went from 6.5x55 to 6.5-06. The smith complained that the steel was so hard that it dulled his reamer.
I send 180gr pills out at 3100+ fps.
When I'm elk hunting I usually carry my 300WSM X-bolt, though. It's way lighter, and carries so much better.
I had a Tikka T3 rechambered a few years ago. I went from 6.5x55 to 6.5-06. The smith complained that the steel was so hard that it dulled his reamer.
great thanks that was what i though but i couldn't find something on their website telling me for sure i was going to go do the same thing at my local gun shop today after work
Probably the best all around version of the 30 cal magnums, though ertainly not the most popular. I have a PH Safari in this cartridge, as well as numerous other 30 cal magnums, it is certainly one of my favorites. - dan
I reformed 50 brass last night from .300 win mag to .308 NM and found I got nicer cases by removing the expander button and stem along with light lubing to prevent oil dents.Then reassembling the die to neck size then trim to length.Little more work but free range brass and a lot cheaper than Norma brass.i hooked up my cordless drill to the manual case trimmer removing the crank handle. No more blisters.A 72gr charge of either H4831 or Re#19 and a 180 gr bullet puts 3 into 3/4" at a 100 yards off the bench.Harold
Johnn Peterson
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Chemainus B.C.
The 308NM is my favorite 30 magnum. My first was a Parker Hale but after seeing a Schultz & Larsen, I promised myself one day I'd have one and that's what I have now. A model 65DL and its last use was on Mule Deer on draw in AB.
Brass can be a little difficult to find but it is out there. Most of mine I've picked up at local gun shows. Henry at Budget Shooter Supply, a site sponsor, has come through in a number of occasions in obtaining hard to find brass such as 308NM, 7x61S&H and lately 358NM. I have fireformed brass when absolutely necessary, such as 219 Donaldson Wasp from 30-30, but I prefer to get the 'real thing' if at all possible.
Brass can be a little difficult to find but it is out there. Most of mine I've picked up at local gun shows. Henry at Budget Shooter Supply, a site sponsor, has come through in a number of occasions in obtaining hard to find brass such as 308NM, 7x61S&H and lately 358NM. I have fireformed brass when absolutely necessary, such as 219 Donaldson Wasp from 30-30, but I prefer to get the 'real thing' if at all possible.
