Dedicated Subsonic .338

Wheres-Waldo

Gunny Sergeant
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Minuteman
Nov 2, 2008
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Im kicking around the idea of a dedicated short action .338 in .338 Federal for my rifle.

Ive read a few instances of SSK being a bit of a pain to work with, along with availability of reamers being thin would either have me buying/renting a reamer or restricted to a smith SSK has suplied a reamer to.

I like the idea of the .338 Federal because quality Lapua brass is easy enough to neck up and fire-form. Whispers take a few more steps and LOTS of trimming to form. Dies and reamers should be much more wide-spread.
Case capacity seems to be of concern to .338 Federal shooters, but for subsonic only work, I dont think this will be an issue.

The barrel will most likely be a 16" or 18" using 300 Gr. SMK's

Any advice on this? Im waiting to call back Greg at Bugholes SPR right now on a 9.5" twist Obermeyer.

 
Re: Dedicated Subsonic .338

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wheres-Waldo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Im waiting to call back Greg at Bugholes SPR right now on a 9.5" twist Obermeyer.
</div></div>

It seems like many 338 Federal guns that are purpose built for subsonic loads with 250 and 300 grain bullets have faster twist rates than 1:9.5".

http://www.silencertalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=68&t=38976
http://www.quarterbore.net/forums/showthread.php?t=5117
 
Re: Dedicated Subsonic .338

Entelodont, thanks for that heads up, Ill see if I can get a faster twist...

ETA, seems the consensus is a 1-7" or 1-8" with 300SMK's is whats needed, based on the links provided above. Im thinking maybe the faster the better, I couldnt imagine even coming close spinning them apart.
 
Re: Dedicated Subsonic .338

I have owned .375 JDJ T/C. JD Jones is a great guy who is very inovative. However I have also done several wildcats and they are way to much work for what you can getth over the counter products. Custom things are most of the time always better. I just dont think it is worth it when it comes to wildcat cartridges, especially when you go to sell it. so go for the .338 Federal.
 
Re: Dedicated Subsonic .338

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BachelorJack</div><div class="ubbcode-body">.338 Spectre.
9mm can
7.5 twist

No trimming. Run a 10mm mag case through the FL die. Done.

Will also run in an ar15 with a 6.8spc bolt.

Supersonic performance sucks. But for subs it's hard to beat. </div></div>

Another vote for the .338 SPECTRE, easy to make cases, easy to load, works great with just a 9mm can.

You can easily get 1000 fps with a 300 grain bullet.
 
Re: Dedicated Subsonic .338

The .338 Spectre doesnt run off the .473" boltface does it?

.338 is the maximum caliber I can support with my current brake/QD supressor set-up. Furthermore, this outfit isnt going to function for anything in the real world other than somewhat of a novelty and a fun little venture.

762, your build was actualy one of the main inspirations behind this idea on my rifle. It looks great. Those Lehigh's look like they would be a killer round, but man are they pricey!
 
Re: Dedicated Subsonic .338

Reconsider the 338 BR (aka Whisper) Necked up Rem 7mmBR brass, no changes and more appropriate case capacity. Will feed from rem's as well. Use no slower than 1-8 twist.