338 ARC

[45-90]

be more interested if it had the 1:3 twist and shooting solids. That 1:3 twist makes those solids do ridiculous things that you can’t with lead jacketed bullets

I took off the 1-3 twist on the 8.6 and replaced with a 1-6.5. It was much better in every respect, along with no bullet blow ups.
But if you insist you can get a 1--3 twist... Go to Mos-Tek for a custom barrel 338 ARC, or 1-5 or 1-6.5 or 1-8.
Plus a bunch of other calibers like 358, .375, .400, 458, for the caliber and twist, you desire in many cases.
I considered their 5 twist for the 338 ARC, because it's mostly a sub gun...
But I will run bullets as light as 100 grs for supers in experiments in 6.5 twist.

MOS-TEK has SS blanks in stock in 3 and 5 twist, for those who chamber their own...or special order ready to install.

 

[TxWelder35]

I took off the 1-3 twist on the 8.6 and replaced with a 1-6.5. It was much better in every respect, along with no bullet blow ups.
But if you insist you can get a 1--3 twist... Go to Mos-Tek for a custom barrel 338 ARC, or 1-5 or 1-6.5 or 1-8.
Plus a bunch of other calibers like 358, .375, .400, 458, for the caliber and twist, you desire in many cases.
I considered their 5 twist for the 338 ARC, because it's mostly a sub gun...
But I will run bullets as light as 100 grs for supers in experiments in 6.5 twist.

MOS-TEK has SS blanks in stock in 3 and 5 twist, for those who chamber their own...or special order ready to install.

Lead and jacketed bullets don’t intrest me much in subs. 300blk has been underwhelming on making pigs hit and stick to the ground. Especially subs.

Buddy of mine got a 8.6. Solid coppers and fast twist makes the bullet do ridiculous things. Some live animal testing has showing it to be very promising.

The fast twist rate adds a whole other method of holding and delivering energy on target.

 

[45-90]

Lead and jacketed bullets don’t intrest me much in subs. 300blk has been underwhelming on making pigs hit and stick to the ground. Especially subs.

Buddy of mine got a 8.6. Solid coppers and fast twist makes the bullet do ridiculous things. Some live animal testing has showing it to be very promising.

The fast twist rate adds a whole other method of holding and delivering energy on target.

I had both the 3 twist and chose the 6.5 twist. For my use the 6.5 twist is totally versatile, the 3 twist is limited in usefulness. The 3 twist and any twist are limited to the laws of physics. Energy in equals energy out, it can not be created or destroyed...the fast twist looses more energy to heat in the forward movement due to fast rifling and will loose a bit of velicity, but gain in centrifical force. So the end energy is the same....minus heat, and friction loss. So one has a tiny bit more forward velocity and one has the difference in rotational energy....about the energy less than a sub sonic 22 short.
So the big difference is the bullet is about to come apart on impact ...depending on speed. The slower twist will get the same result at slightly higher velocity....but then you begin to get super sonic ...if that's important. The guys who make these bullets can change them physically to match the twist. They already make bullets for 6.5 Twist and 3 twist and state they are not interchangeable.
If the 8 twist becomes popular in the 338 ARC they will make copper hollow points for it ...just like they do in their pistol bullets, and other rifle bullets, in the slower twists.
But you can have the twist that you like in most any of these calibers as stated...
I'm a fan of what works for me...I'm already machining bullets for supers the 132 gr bore rider and 2 150 gr bullets.
Barnes hollow pointed, and a cut down Hornady copper. Checking the jacket thickness & construction of several bullets. So one can make bullets to fit your particular needs including sliting saw to slot into segments. A semi high velocity 338 ARC varminter? Or a 800 fps 100 gr rat gun that probably won't operate the bolt in an auto loader, but it cam be made to expand...inquiring minds want to know.

 

[The_Wizard]

8.6 b/o and 338 ARC are different and share enough similarities to justify having both….

1. Murica
2. Subs
3. Murica

 

[st1650]

338 ARC with a 6.5 tw would be a good balance for the SubX and the maker/lehigh expanding coppers

 

[45-90]

338 ARC with a 6.5 tw would be a good balance for the SubX and the maker/lehigh expanding coppers

Yes those expanding bullets, are already available for the 6.5 twist, at sub velocities. They have proven accuracy in my 8.6, 6.5 twist, for 350 gr Maker and the 300 gr match bullets, with no speed limit like the 3 twist, with blowup problems.
The new 6.5 twist barrel arrives tue, for the 338 ARC, hopefully the finish chamber reamer & go gauge are not far behind.
Probably have to make the brass and dies just to shoot it... they are slow getting those things to market...dates have already been pushed back on dies being available.

 

[st1650]

Anyone has the 8.6 BLK h20 case capacity? How close is it to 338 Fed ? Just trying to run some numbers off quickload

 

[45-90]

Anyone has the 8.6 BLK h20 case capacity? How close is it to 338 Fed ? Just trying to run some numbers off quickload

Use the 338 whisper 7 BR page , adjust case length, COAL, capacity, and bullet parameters. Those will be different, but not far off. Your H2O case capacity depends on the cases one selects or the brass they are formed out of. The 30-06, 308, 6.5 CM, or brand of new 8.6 Blkout cases.
3 twist loads in my experience topped out long before the 6.5 twist, like 3 grains of powder...but my early Faxon barrel was very rough rifling, which didn't help, and had to be lapped to be useful.
H20 capacity will very 46.4 gr for my CM cases, 47.3 gr for hybrid cases, less capacity for 30-06 cases.
H20 capacity of the 338 Federal is listed as 56.7 gr.
But the 338 Federal velocity can be equaled in a bolt gun and even surpassed in long heavy bullets with long barrel and hybrid cases, by using some of the extra pressure needed from the hybrid cases.
There are always compromises, and choices need to be made. What is your main purpose for the gun.
You can't get these velocities in a 3 twist and ya can't get them in a short barrel.
I play with subs but never intend to use them on a game animal.
A 200 gr bullet at 2570 fps or a 160 gr Barnes at 2800 fps out of my 8.6 bolt gun, would kill very well, and lots cheaper than Maker, but I play with Maker bullets, and Lehigh Defense bullets subs, & Close Quarters, 300 blkout over 2600 fps.
Plus make my own, like 30 Mauser 86 gr pistol bullets hollow pointed for small game.
I just relate what I do, those who can barrow from it, modify it, report on it, are welcome to do so.
The subs are limited, but supers are wide open to velocity and better accuracy if one chooses a slower twist, and a longer barrel.
If you want a short barrel and subs, you will not get full supper sonic potential, you'll be way behind on velocity, energy, & trajectory, especially with the lighter bullets.
But who cares about that at 75 yds or less if your sub bullets are performing.
Choices, and compromise, what do you want to accomplish.

 

[st1650]

Use the 338 whisper 7 BR page , adjust case length, COAL, capacity, and bullet parameters. Those will be different, but not far off. Your H2O case capacity depends on the cases one selects or the brass they are formed out of. The 30-06, 308, 6.5 CM, or brand of new 8.6 Blkout cases.
3 twist loads in my experience topped out long before the 6.5 twist, like 3 grains of powder...but my early Faxon barrel was very rough rifling, which didn't help, and had to be lapped to be useful.
H20 capacity will very 46.4 gr for my CM cases, 47.3 gr for hybrid cases, less capacity for 30-06 cases.
H20 capacity of the 338 Federal is listed as 56.7 gr.
But the 338 Federal velocity can be equaled in a bolt gun and even surpassed in long heavy bullets with long barrel and hybrid cases, by using some of the extra pressure needed from the hybrid cases.
There are always compromises, and choices need to be made. What is your main purpose for the gun.
You can't get these velocities in a 3 twist and ya can't get them in a short barrel.
I play with subs but never intend to use them on a game animal.
A 200 gr bullet at 2570 fps or a 160 gr Barnes at 2800 fps out of my 8.6 bolt gun, would kill very well, and lots cheaper than Maker, but I play with Maker bullets, and Lehigh Defense bullets subs, & Close Quarters, 300 blkout over 2600 fps.
Plus make my own, like 30 Mauser 86 gr pistol bullets hollow pointed for small game.
I just relate what I do, those who can barrow from it, modify it, report on it, are welcome to do so.
The subs are limited, but supers are wide open to velocity and better accuracy if one chooses a slower twist, and a longer barrel.
If you want a short barrel and subs, you will not get full supper sonic potential, you'll be way behind on velocity, energy, & trajectory, especially with the lighter bullets.
But who cares about that at 75 yds or less if your sub bullets are performing.
Choices, and compromise, what do you want to accomplish.

High IQ post, thanks mate.
Just about to pull the trigger on a ARC CDG prefit 12.5in 6.5 tw from MOS-TEK
I can find the Alpha brass semi locally
It'll be a dedicated subsonic to replace my 12.5in 300BLK anTI that I will be semi retiring.
I already got the 450BM for hunting but it's a heavy beast (DTA Gen2, 16in full 1.25in contour) and I'd like something a notch higher than 300BLK that the wife and kid can handle and I already have a spare ARC CDG SA with a 308 bolt face without a barrel.
I've had really good success with N32c for all my subs (300blk, 308win and 450BM) and that's what I'm planning to use for heavy subs 300-350 gr and I wanted to make sure I won't pressure out or bulk out. Seems like even a 350gr full copper should be able to reach 1000FPS out of a 12.5in according to Quickload (12.5gr N32c, 53K psi, 93% case fill)

 

[45-90]

High IQ post, thanks mate.
Just about to pull the trigger on a ARC CDG prefit 12.5in 6.5 tw from MOS-TEK
I can find the Alpha brass semi locally
It'll be a dedicated subsonic to replace my 12.5in 300BLK anTI that I will be semi retiring.
I already got the 450BM for hunting but it's a heavy beast (DTA Gen2, 16in full 1.25in contour) and I'd like something a notch higher than 300BLK that the wife and kid can handle and I already have a spare ARC CDG SA with a 308 bolt face without a barrel.
I've had really good success with N32c for all my subs (300blk, 308win and 450BM) and that's what I'm planning to use for heavy subs 300-350 gr and I wanted to make sure I won't pressure out or bulk out. Seems like even a 350gr full copper should be able to reach 1000FPS out of a 12.5in according to Quickload (12.5gr N32c, 53K psi, 93% case fill)

Those look like some sound choices for sucess. I didn't have any Tin Star bulky powder to try, but Red Dot is bulky.
Using QL as above I tested these powders, they may helpful as a backup plan.
Also the Lee Factory crimp die can be employed to help with velocity spreads...this will have to be checked with the powder you use.

These are 350 Maker loads for my 8.6 blkout 6.5 twist that may be helpful to your new barrel.
9 different powders fired at the same target from 51 yds lazered the 350 Maker was very accurate they tend to go through the same hole...If velocity is similar.

Also found some cheap 35 cent 272 gr fmj for accurate sub plinking, and post the pictures and loads.
For family fun with subs the 35 cent 272 gr bullets shipped to your door.
I fired 100 of em the first time out, and they can be used to get you into the sub velocity ball park instead of the expensive 350 Maker.

 

[LRRPF52]

For those wondering about hunting with subs, here’s a guy who shoots 570gr Lehighs from a 458 SOCOM bolt gun out to distances that are way beyond what I would have expected. Look at the blood mist from the deer upon impact-absolutely brutal:

 

[st1650]

Those look like some sound choices for sucess. I didn't have any Tin Star bulky powder to try, but Red Dot is bulky.
Using QL as above I tested these powders, they may helpful as a backup plan.
Also the Lee Factory crimp die can be employed to help with velocity spreads...this will have to be checked with the powder you use.

These are 350 Maker loads for my 8.6 blkout 6.5 twist that may be helpful to your new barrel.
9 different powders fired at the same target from 51 yds lazered the 350 Maker was very accurate they tend to go through the same hole...If velocity is similar.

Also found some cheap 35 cent 272 gr fmj for accurate sub plinking, and post the pictures and loads.
For family fun with subs the 35 cent 272 gr bullets shipped to your door.
I fired 100 of em the first time out, and they can be used to get you into the sub velocity ball park instead of the expensive 350 Maker.

Red dot is good, burns fast and quiet. Blue dot is good as well. I used blue dot in my 500gr cast 450bm with very low SDs and good accuracy.
Am I correct presuming that your experience was less than great with the 1/3 tw and that you have no problem stabilizing the 350 with the 1:6.5tw even though 1/3 is the “recommended” ?
I’ve heard light crimp helps with the Lehigh/maker bullets but I haven’t personally tried it yet.

 

[LRRPF52]

Looking through the different .338 cal cartridge performance classes, 338 ARC seems to be a 338 Marlin Express that fits in an AR-15. It should be a hammer both with supers and subs.

Could get interesting with purpose-built lower expansion threshold monoliths.

The other thing I like is you have high mag capacity with heavy-hitting loads. It will be interesting to see if mags need stronger springs like 300 Whisper does for the significantly-heavier cartridge stack once you start talking about 25-30rd mags.

@45-90 do you have any 25rd ASC Grendel or 30rd Geissele 6mm ARC/Grendel mags?

@Ledzep what capacity magazines did you guys test with the AR-15s? I know in the podcast that there was discussion about how well they fed and cycled, which surprised some of the people who shot them in ARs.

 

[hseII]

Red dot is good, burns fast and quiet. Blue dot is good as well. I used blue dot in my 500gr cast 450bm with very low SDs and good accuracy.
Am I correct presuming that your experience was less than great with the 1/3 tw and that you have no problem stabilizing the 350 with the 1:6.5tw even though 1/3 is the “recommended” ?
I’ve heard light crimp helps with the Lehigh/maker bullets but I haven’t personally tried it yet.

Our only hand load subs experience has been with Red dot in a .308 bolt gun.

It’s good enough for our plinking use.
I want to try it in the .338 ARC when components become available.

 

[45-90]

Red dot is good, burns fast and quiet. Blue dot is good as well. I used blue dot in my 500gr cast 450bm with very low SDs and good accuracy.
Am I correct presuming that your experience was less than great with the 1/3 tw and that you have no problem stabilizing the 350 with the 1:6.5tw even though 1/3 is the “recommended” ?
I’ve heard light crimp helps with the Lehigh/maker bullets but I haven’t personally tried it yet.

Yes the 1-6 twist stabilized the 350 Maker.
The 3 twist is not for me, I have scrapped mine for the 6.5 twist and will never return to a 3 twist for anything. It's too radical IMO, and leaves alot to be desired and unsafe. Get it a bit too fast and the bullets blow up inside your muzzle device as I have experienced, destroying hundreds of dollars worth of muzzle device and magneto speed bayonet.
Besides lead bullet blowup, copper petals blow off before they reach the target.
Early on guys running cans and 3 twist kept their muzzle velocities at 900 fps for best results.
Too limiting for me.

 

[45-90]

Looking through the different .338 cal cartridge performance classes, 338 ARC seems to be a 338 Marlin Express that fits in an AR-15. It should be a hammer both with supers and subs.

Could get interesting with purpose-built lower expansion threshold monoliths.

The other thing I like is you have high mag capacity with heavy-hitting loads. It will be interesting to see if mags need stronger springs like 300 Whisper does for the significantly-heavier cartridge stack once you start talking about 25-30rd mags.

@45-90 do you have any 25rd ASC Grendel or 30rd Geissele 6mm ARC/Grendel mags?

@Ledzep what capacity magazines did you guys test with the AR-15s? I know in the podcast that there was discussion about how well they fed and cycled, which surprised some of the people who shot them in ARs.

The tiny 338 ARC supers will not even be close to the velocity of the 338 Marlin as the 338 Marlin is a full sized but rimmed 6.5 CM, compared to a shortened 6 mm ARC. The Marlin express can stuff 40 to 50 grs of powdet in the case.
To complete with the 338 Marlin you'd need the 8.6 blk and hybrid cases, preferably a bolt gun.
I'm not a high capacity mag guy....I have a few but almost never use them.
Mine in common use, is where I prefer 10 rd mags.
I ain't in combat, or gaming and I don't do many mag dumps, much anymore, even with 223...but I'm capable just in case, it can run at 1085 rds per minute. Plus it can be changed to 9mm, 300 blk, for putting ammo down range.
Even in the 9mm I prefer my 17 round Glock to the 32 rd Glock mags, in the AR 15
Others want all the capacity they can get.
But 10 rounders are reliable and get it done for me.

 

[45-90]

For those wondering about hunting with subs, here’s a guy who shoots 570gr Lehighs from a 458 SOCOM bolt gun out to distances that are way beyond what I would have expected. Look at the blood mist from the deer upon impact-absolutely brutal:

Nothing brings energy like the 510 Whisper, for subs 750 gr Maker...1002 gr solid, 2600 ft / lbs at the muzzle at 1100 fps.
Military bullets that explode in impact begin to penetrate 3/8" armor plate if ya push the velocity or supers or subs for hunting elephant if your into that with 5000 ft/ lbs of energy on light supers. Bullets from 300 gr to 1002 gr.
I have a 16 twist bushmaster that I shoot 500 gr resized .458" subs, but some require faster twist in expanding copper to stablize or open at low velocity.
The 458 SOCOM sub is a good tool for sub hunting, but I personally an not into LR with it, or deer plinking.

 

[CaptNemo]

I think with subs, it's like drag racing engines. There's no replacement for displacement.
Electric nonsense excluded.

In Drag Racing, the only replacement for Cubic Inches is Rectangular Dollars.

 

[LRRPF52]

The tiny 338 ARC supers will not even be close to the velocity of the 338 Marlin as the 338 Marlin is a full sized but rimmed 6.5 CM, compared to a shortened 6 mm ARC. The Marlin express can stuff 40 to 50 grs of powdet in the case.
To complete with the 338 Marlin you'd need the 8.6 blk and hybrid cases, preferably a bolt gun.
I'm not a high capacity mag guy....I have a few but almost never use them.
Mine in common use, is where I prefer 10 rd mags.
I ain't in combat, or gaming and I don't do many mag dumps, much anymore, even with 223...but I'm capable just in case, it can run at 1085 rds per minute. Plus it can be changed to 9mm, 300 blk, for putting ammo down range.
Even in the 9mm I prefer my 17 round Glock to the 32 rd Glock mags, in the AR 15
Others want all the capacity they can get.
But 10 rounders are reliable and get it done for me.

I was looking at Hornady’s data for the .338 Marlin Express, and they’re showing a 200gr FTX at 2400fps from a 24” barrel out of a lever gun.

Hornady is saying 2075fps from a 16” barrel for the 175gr in 338 ARC.

When I drop the barrel length for that 200gr .338 Marlin down to 16”, it gives me 2232fps.

This is the closest of the legacy .338s I could find to 338 ARC performance, comparing Lever gun pressure to AR-15.

 

[45-90]

I was looking at Hornady’s data for the .338 Marlin Express, and they’re showing a 200gr FTX at 2400fps from a 24” barrel out of a lever gun.

Hornady is saying 2075fps from a 16” barrel for the 175gr in 338 ARC.

When I drop the barrel length for that 200gr .338 Marlin down to 16”, it gives me 2232fps.

This is the closest of the legacy .338s I could find to 338 ARC performance, comparing Lever gun pressure to AR-15.

It would be nice if that was the case....but your comparison is totally flawed.
Comparing a 200 gr to a short 175 gr you instantly gain back the 150 fps you lost in the Marlin cartridge by going from 24" to 16" barrel. So you're still 350 to 400 fps down in velocity.
Hornady produced light 338 bullets cause regular 338 bullets would be too long and intrude in the tiny powder space, for supers to even be effective at their designed velocity for hunting.
The 338 ARC is primarily just a subsonic cartridge.
I'm building a 338 ARC, the 6.5 twist barrel should arrive tomorrow, but the chamber reamer hasn't shipped.
Mocked up case, and machined some Hornady & Barnes copper bullets down to 150 gr and 132 gr bore riders to gain some velocity.
I do have some Hornady 200 gr flex tips for 338 Marlin that preform down to 1800 fps, but 1800 fps is probably about max at the muzzle for the 338 ARC and 200 gr...it may be as slow as 1600 fps, for the 16" barrel.
The 350 gr Maker may not even be able to be used....have to see if max velocities top out before expansion maybe as low as 600 to 800 fps. Soon we will know....

 

[Ledzep]

Looking through the different .338 cal cartridge performance classes, 338 ARC seems to be a 338 Marlin Express that fits in an AR-15. It should be a hammer both with supers and subs.

Could get interesting with purpose-built lower expansion threshold monoliths.

The other thing I like is you have high mag capacity with heavy-hitting loads. It will be interesting to see if mags need stronger springs like 300 Whisper does for the significantly-heavier cartridge stack once you start talking about 25-30rd mags.

@45-90 do you have any 25rd ASC Grendel or 30rd Geissele 6mm ARC/Grendel mags?

@Ledzep what capacity magazines did you guys test with the AR-15s? I know in the podcast that there was discussion about how well they fed and cycled, which surprised some of the people who shot them in ARs.

Let me touch base with some folks about that. I have been loosely involved with the bullet (307 sub-x) but haven't done much with weapons systems. I know that MDT 6mm ARC AICS pattern magazines work well with it in a bolt gun, but I'll double check on the AR-15 front. I'd imagine mostly 10-17 rounders, and I think I heard the E-landers' guide rib pokes inside too far but we're talking with them and several other companies at this point to make compatibility as good as possible.

 

[45-90]

I was looking at Hornady’s data for the .338 Marlin Express, and they’re showing a 200gr FTX at 2400fps from a 24” barrel out of a lever gun.

Hornady is saying 2075fps from a 16” barrel for the 175gr in 338 ARC.

When I drop the barrel length for that 200gr .338 Marlin down to 16”, it gives me 2232fps.

This is the closest of the legacy .338s I could find to 338 ARC performance, comparing Lever gun pressure to AR-15.

The 338 ARCs closest competitor is the 300 blackout....the 175 gr sectional density is equal to about 143 gr in 30 cal.
So at this point the 300 Blackout is a better supersonic round than 338 ARC.
The 300 Blk about 4 grs less powder capacity 26 gr to 30 gr but 10,000 psi advantage.
As a result my 300 blkout 16" barrel runs 175 gr Nosler RDF at 1922 fps out of a factory barrel. The 338 ARC runs 2075 out of a factory test barrel... but in reality is probably 100 fps less in your auto loader.
Which puts them at the same enery level, but the 30 cal 300 blackout 175 gr has a much higher BC and sectional density than the 338 175 gr Hornady. So it will over take the 338 in energy and penetration with such a light supersonic bullets in the 338 ARC.
Just the facts....So why bother with the 338 ARC?
It's its subsonic potential with 300 gr bullets, for superior accuracy. Cause small capacity and good case fill should be clean powder burns at higher pressures and more consistent velocities than other subs.
For hunters the 300 gr expanding billets offers more energy and larger diameter for the possibility of larger wound channel capability, than the 300 blackout.

 

[45-90]

You better not post anything that didn't kill an animal

I ain't gonna kill any game animal with it, (maybe an unlucky rabbit) ....that will be up to you.
But I'll test it for velocity to even see if it falls within the narrow expansion specifications of the maker.
My personal concern is excellent accuracy with the 300 gr match bullets, and possibly others, when tested. Mostly targets and a few short range rabbits tests.

 

[clcustom1911]

I'm waiting to see what all the hornady haters will say because its always fun to see people spaz out. When I saw the podcast title at first I thought it was going to be some type of short action magnum for AR10's. When I saw it was just a subsonic primary AR15 round with more kinetic energy I was a little disappointed but I look forward to seeing how it does against Pigs.

It'll be the same people who 10-12 years ago clowned on the 6.5 Creedmoor and said it would die after a year or two.

 

[Gtscotty]

That makes things a little more interesting for us poors, I could see myself getting a daily deal upper to play with at some point, especially with some cheap AAC fodder to run.

Palmetto State Armory on Instagram: "338 ARC WHEN?? We’re proud to announce that we’ll be partnering with @hornadymfg to bring you 338 ARC options👀From new developments in the JAKL and Sabre lines to ammo from AAC, this project is going to be big! S

3,670 likes, 291 comments - palmettostatearmoryofficial on October 28, 2024: "338 ARC WHEN?? We’re proud to announce that we’ll be partnering with @hornadymfg to bring you 338 ARC options👀From new developments in the JAKL and Sabre lines to ammo from AAC, this project is going to be big! Stay...

www.instagram.com

 

[rlsmith1]

TELL THE MARKETING PEOPLE WE WANT 6ARC FIRST!!!!!

I'll probably get a 338 ARC if PSA is making ammo for it (after I get 1k of their 6 arc)

 

[rlsmith1]

..teach a man to fish....

XL750

The Dillon XL750 is a high-speed progressive reloading machine designed to load common rifle and handgun cartridges from .17 Hornet though the common belted magnum cartridges in rifle and .32 ACP through .500 S&W in handgun.The XL750 comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects...

www.dillonprecision.com

Looked into that and then looked at what I would spend on an autodrive and autotricklers and it just got to be more of a hassle than I wanted to deal with. But I hear you, reloading at scale is a superpower!

 

[45-90]

So I've been waiting on 338 ARC just to try it. Still waiting on reamer, brass, dies etc.

So after looking into the 338 Spectre and finding they are almost identical in performance.

I looked on line, and behold everything is available for it, barrels with bolt included, dies, brass, etc.
So I ordered the components needed, and in a few days it's together.
Dies and 600 rds of brass will be here on 2 days. Brass is much cheaper than Hornaday, and available now.
So one can have the 338 ARC in the form of the 338 Spectre today... if interested.

Checked the thickness of the brass, to see where to run the pressure, it will be 55,000 psi in this case.

 

[45-90]

338 Spectre is rated for 46K PSI
Will 338 ARC have similar pressure rating as 6 ARC (62K bolt and 55K AR) ?

I just finished a 338 Spectre today everything was available on line, barrel with bolt, dies, brass, I ordered and the rifle is already together.
Still waiting on the 338 ARC reamer.
I milled a 224 Valkyrie in half at the cartridge head to compare with the Starline 10 mm Mag pistol brass, they are the same...the 6.8 SPC cartridges in the AR are rated at 55,000 psi the AR 338 ARC is 52,000 psi.
You can get SR cases or Pistol primed cases. I got some of each, They are much cheaper than Hornady 338 ARC cases.
So I already ran the load data to 55,000 psi on my 338 Spectre...so we'll see.

 

[45-90]

I don't understand the mystery. Load 8-9gr of Lil Gun for 300gr subs. That's it. This has already been stated in this thread.

Unless you're trying to figure out supersonic speeds. And that's why you're worried about chamber pressure. But that's a losing battle in this case. It's not the cartridge for supers. The 8.6BO is going to beat it all day. And the 8.6 isn't impressive either. It'll take a normal person about 20 mins of analysis to land on 375 Raptor for supersonic performance...in a subsonic capable cartridge.

I'm try to "figure out" supersonic, as well as what's possible with different powders in subs.
Same as I do for all the mostly subsonic cartridges, some times considered dual purpose, but they are not impressive in high velocity for the most part, compared to high velocity hunting cartridges.
Depends on the platform, AR 15, AR 10, or bolt gun.
I have the 300 blk, 8.6 blk, 338 Spectre, 450 Bushmaster 16 twist for 500 gr subs I consider pretty good for a sub gun just resize the 458 bullets.
I run 200 gr bullets to 2600 fps in 8.6 BLk in 6.5 twist & 2800 fps for 160 Barnes, 225 gr 2407 fps, 250 gr Speer GS 2200 fps. 300 gr Berger 1970 fps, 350 gr Maker 1675 fps.
Plus run them subsonic.
But my 510 Whisper takes the prize for pure energy, subs can have 2600 ft/lbs of muzzle energy, with bullets at over 1000 grains in subsonic mode. 750gr and 900 gr Maker for hunting subs, or 4700 ft/ lbs to over 5000 ft/lbs for lighter supers.
It all depends on what one wants and what platform you intend to use, and if one tends to explore all the possibilities of a tiny sub cartridge or any cartridge for that matter...that's what I do, cause I want to know...others may only be interested in subs.

 

[LRRPF52]

I just finished a 338 Spectre today everything was available on line, barrel with bolt, dies, brass, I ordered and the rifle is already together.
Still waiting on the 338 ARC reamer.
I milled a 224 Valkyrie in half at the cartridge head to compare with the Starline 10 mm Mag pistol brass, they are the same...the 6.8 SPC cartridges in the AR are rated at 55,000 psi the AR 338 ARC is 52,000 psi.
You can get SR cases or Pistol primed cases. I got some of each, They are much cheaper than Hornady 338 ARC cases.
So I already ran the load data to 55,000 psi on my 338 Spectre...so we'll see.

I have a New Frontier Armory 6.8 Receiver set and Magpul Six8 PMAGs that might be interesting to try in that.

I don’t have any interest in doing a 6.8 or .224 Valkyrie, but a .338 Spectre might make sense. Mags might need to be modified.

The mag well is quite a bit larger on the Six8 receiver sets, as are the mags. They are wider and longer (COL).

 

[KCode]

What do you guys think about the Nosler Accubond 180gr 338 for some good 300 yard and in AR15 hitting power in this new cartridge?

 

[st1650]

What do you guys think about the Nosler Accubond 180gr 338 for some good 300 yard and in AR15 hitting power in this new cartridge?

I highly highly doubt it'll go fast enough for expansion at 300 yards
This isn't the right cartridge for hunting at 300 yards.

 

[LRRPF52]

What do you guys think about the Nosler Accubond 180gr 338 for some good 300 yard and in AR15 hitting power in this new cartridge?

Accubonds typically require 1800-2000fps impact velocities to expand.

At 2075fps from a 16”, I doubt it will have any expansion threshold in it. Expensive ice-pick at that point.

 

[M4guru]

I have a New Frontier Armory 6.8 Receiver set and Magpul Six8 PMAGs that might be interesting to try in that.

I don’t have any interest in doing a 6.8 or .224 Valkyrie, but a .338 Spectre might make sense. Mags might need to be modified.

The mag well is quite a bit larger on the Six8 receiver sets, as are the mags. They are wider and longer (COL).

You will need to trim the neck guide ribs down, but they will work otherwise.

 

[45-90]

Maker has expanding bullets already for the 338 Spectre 6.5 twist 165 gr that are supposed to work in the 2100 fps to 900 fps range, plus a 215, 225, 275, 300 gr.
but they are not for the 3 twist or the 8 twist barrels...they are 6.5 twist specific.
All bullets would have to be tested for velocity versus expansion.
I do not plan to hunt with it.
For me these subs are fun plinkers.
I just put together an AR 15 on 338 Spectre, brass, dies, & cartridge gauge arrive tomorrow.
It's a balistic twin of the 338 ARC but components, dies, brass, and barrels and uppers are available now, and a lot cheaper than Hornaday 338 ARC brass, for those interested.

 

[KCode]

Accubonds typically require 1800-2000fps impact velocities to expand.

At 2075fps from a 16”, I doubt it will have any expansion threshold in it. Expensive ice-pick at that point.

Do we know muzzle velocities yet? I haven't seen. 2075fps out of a 16" seem very low for 180gr.

 

[LRRPF52]

Do we know muzzle velocities yet? I haven't seen. 2075fps out of a 16" seem very low for 180gr.

Hornady lists a 175gr supersonic load in the Black line that does 2075fps from a 16” barrel.

I’m only interested in the shorter barrels since there is no reason to go longer than needed for subs, and this is really a subsonic design intent cartridge.

 

[45-90]

I ordered all the stuff for the 338 Spectre and most everything arrived in 7 days.
The rifle is done, about 7 days to ship the barrel.
Received 600 pcs of brass, dies, Wilson cartridge gauge, and 6.8 PRI magazines.
The 338 ARC is very similar to the 338 Spectre...almost identical. A side by side, but not exactly....as I do not know where the neck shoulder junction is for the 338 ARC, but a mockup of the ARC compared to a factry 338 Spectre.
I have both pistol and SM primer cases.
Brass is cheap 100 for $46 Spectre cases, 10mm Mag pistol cases by 500 or 1000 quantities, anneal and run through die really cheap no trimming necessary
Half to one third the price of the unavailable Hornady brass....you can afford to loose a few with an autoloader.
Also have some Maker bullets coming.
My 338 ARC reamer is still on order...but everything is available for 338 Spectre ...now. For what it's worth.
I'm gonna run the Spectre for awhile, see if I like it. Since the performance is basically the same...

 

[KCode]

So this will basically ONLY be a subsonic round?

 

[45-90]

The pistol primer pocketed brass won't tolerate much pressure. I wouldn't advise anyone to buy any. If the 338 ARC is made with rifle brass, that alone is enough reason to wait for the ARC and go with that.

You haven't been paying attention, the 338 Spectre Has SR primers, and run at 55,000 psi same as the 6.8 SPC.
If you make them out of 10 mag they will obviously have pistol primes...I have both!
The pistol brass is 46,000 psi but starline has increased the case web to the same as the SPC rifle brass...I milled one into to confirm.
Do not spread misinformation...
Make an informed choice.
The Spectre SR brass is sold by the 100ps bag and 1/2 price of the Hornady brass.
Plus on most sub loads ya won't use the high psi on any of the brass, depending on the powder.
Just the facts, plus I'm gonna run the pistol brass to 55000 psi to see how it stands up with the pistol primers. I run them to 65,000 psi in 454 Casull running heavy bullets in 45Colt brass.....45 Colt brass has a thicker webb than 44 mag, on Win brass when milled and measured.

Here are the SR primed 338 Spectre brass for those interested. All the components are available now

 

[45-90]

I also have both brass from SBR Munitions. I bought the pistol brass first and then the SR brass because I was losing primer pockets loading subs. I was just trying to be nice to you once and let you know not to waste your time with the pistol brass. I guess fuck that.

You're posting long diatribes about buying barrels and dies like you're the first person pioneering the Spectre trying to maintain your tinker extraordinare/ maven status. I've been shooting it for over a year. Go ahead and post your results with the large primer brass like it's news but I already told you. I bet you will lose the primer pockets on the large primer brass experimenting with subs. And the people on the 338 Spectre FB group already know it as well. It's only going to be news to you.

So why not say, use the SR brass instead of the of LP brass, in the 338 Spectre, in your experience.
You said, LP brass won't hold the pressure, for that reason alone, you would wait for the 338 ARC.
Not saying anything about SR brass being available for the 338 Spectre.
Misleading folks who might consider the 338 Spectre, telling them to wait for the 338 ARC because of SR primer.
I do not care which one people choose, just what's available for them to make the right choice for them.
I have s 338 ARC reamer ordered, but the 338 Spectre is almost identical. So I'll shoot it and see what I think, with both SR and LP primers.

 

[Ledzep]

So this will basically ONLY be a subsonic round?

I wouldn't say that. Won't be the biggest baddest .338 supersonic cartridge ever but I'd imagine there will be expanding supersonic options for it in the future...

 

[45-90]

Because I'm not convinced of SBRs SR brass either. I think their brass may be soft but I haven't gotten through multiple firings on the 300 pieces I've bought to really see. And I think it remains to be seen how long SBR supplies it. They may have bought a huge batch from a brass manufacturer and it could be a one time availability. So If your option is to form it from also extinct 10mm Mag brass vs buying brass that you know is made from rifle brass a person should probably choose between the near identical cartridges based on brass quality and long term supply.

So, SBR SR brass may be soft, but you're not really sure.
Let me know when you find out.
I will never run out of SR brass for the 338 Spectre, as I have a bunch of new 224 Valkyrie brass to make 338 Spectre cases out of, if I want... plus many others with that head diameter.
I have 1200 6mm ARC cases none have a 6mm ARC headstamp, 250 have no head stamp, just Starline grendel basic. Because it took forever for Hornady to get 6 mm ARC cases to the reloaders.
I never shoot a factory load in any rifle.
Example grindel basic annealed will become 6mm ARC, and 250 6mm ARC no headstamp.
Never out of brass ... serious brass making, milling to length, neck turning 900 pcs, 510 whisper cases.
The 338 Spectre or 338 ARC are easy, there are always cases available, but they may have to be modified. Head turning and extractor grooves recut, even 308 to 6mm ARC is possible but alot of work.
I make quite alot of brass for obsolute calibers. If ya depend on others, many times ya have a long wait.

 

[ohnomrbillk]

Hmmmmm......what about a 175 gr projectile out of a 338 Lapua Improved...maybe 4000 fps?

Old school 338 cal 160 nosler ballistic tip.

338 Lapua Ackley 40 degree

30 inch barrel

Load for 300 gr SMK in formed brass was 100 gr retumbo, IIRC

Same load on the 160 gr went 3600 fps ish. Room for more, but those little bullets didn’t love the 9.3” twist barrel, so never went more.

Tested on white tail deer with chronic wasting disease.

There was ZERO suffering.

 

[45-90]

So purchased the 338 Spectre barrel & cheap brass waiting on 338 ARC reamer.
Went out and shot it, after waiting for the weather to clear, it was cold.
Tried both SR & LP primed cases.
Pushed the Speer 200 gr bullet to 1900 fps in the LP primed cases...need to back off to 1800 fps for this bullet, and pistol cases.
It was very accurate with subs 200 gr and 300 gr SMK with pistol primed cases.
Ran the 160 gr 338 Barnes to 2141 fps with the SR cases, which is too warm, 2080 fps might work out well for this combo, it's accurate.
Also ran the 350 gr Maker at 880 fps in SR cases as the pressure moves up fast in tiny volume cases with heavy bullets. This was an accurate combination.
350 gr Maker turned the bullet point 9° angle and cut .060" off the hollow point to fit mag lenght in AR15...So the orginial 350 gr Maker was actually weighed 346 gr and modified it was 340 gr. fit snugly into the AR 15. With no cutout magazine
Bulk of the reloading was done on a Dillon progressive with thrown charges. H110 and LilGun were the powders used.
Fired brass SR cases 29 4 gr. H20.
Fired brass LP cases 29.5 gr. H20.
This 338 Spectre barrel has a 6.5 twist Hornady 338 ARC an 8 twist barrel.
This 338 Spectre shot everything well I tried 160 gr Barnes to 350 gr Maker, I was impressed for the first time out.
The 338 ARC may have a grain or two more powder, but these are basically the same.

 

[putput30]

So purchased the 338 Spectre barrel & cheap brass waiting on 338 ARC reamer.
Went out and shot it, after waiting for the weather to clear, it was cold.
Tried both SR & LP primed cases.
Pushed the Speer 200 gr bullet to 1900 fps in the LP primed cases...need to back off to 1800 fps for this bullet, and pistol cases.
It was very accurate with subs 200 gr and 300 gr SMK with pistol primed cases.
Ran the 160 gr 338 Barnes to 2141 fps with the SR cases, which is too warm, 2080 fps might work out well for this combo, it's accurate.
Also ran the 350 gr Maker at 880 fps in SR cases as the pressure moves up fast in tiny volume cases with heavy bullets. This was an accurate combination.
350 gr Maker turned the bullet point 9° angle and cut .060" off the hollow point to fit mag lenght in AR15...So the orginial 350 gr Maker was actually weighed 346 gr and modified it was 340 gr. fit snugly into the AR 15. With no cutout magazine
Bulk of the reloading was done on a Dillon progressive with thrown charges. H110 and LilGun were the powders used.
Fired brass SR cases 29 4 gr. H20.
Fired brass LP cases 29.5 gr. H20.
This 338 Spectre barrel has a 6.5 twist Hornady 338 ARC an 8 twist barrel.
This 338 Spectre shot everything well I tried 160 gr Barnes to 350 gr Maker, I was impressed for the first time out.
The 338 ARC may have a grain or two more powder, but these are basically the same.

Looks like a good performer with that twist rate. Is that with a 16inch barrel or did you go shorter?

 

[45-90]

Looks like a good performer with that twist rate. Is that with a 16inch barrel or did you go shorter?

It's a 16" barrel.

 

[david walter]

In the 338 ARC just 10mm pistol brass necked down? Or do I misunderstand?

I just finished a 338 Spectre today everything was available on line, barrel with bolt, dies, brass, I ordered and the rifle is already together.
Still waiting on the 338 ARC reamer.
I milled a 224 Valkyrie in half at the cartridge head to compare with the Starline 10 mm Mag pistol brass, they are the same...the 6.8 SPC cartridges in the AR are rated at 55,000 psi the AR 338 ARC is 52,000 psi.
You can get SR cases or Pistol primed cases. I got some of each, They are much cheaper than Hornady 338 ARC cases.
So I already ran the load data to 55,000 psi on my 338 Spectre...so we'll see.

 

[hseII]

In the 338 ARC just 10mm pistol brass necked down? Or do I misunderstand?

Based on a 10mm Magnum &/or 6.8 spc.
You can use either.