Gunsmithing RPR in 338 lapua
- Thread starter Matthew488
- Start date
Yes.
My 338 Lapua RPR became a 300 Norma, but I set up a Savage 116 in 33XC. The 338 RPR is a much heavier action. The RPR has more lug surface area and a larger action diameter.
More case capacity might make for a bigger boom if things go sideways, but the 33XC case head diameter is the same as the 338 Lapua so the bolt thrust will be the same at the same pressure.
It'd be single feed. I checked and the RPR will eject a fired case, not sure about a loaded round.
I bored the 338 RPR handguard nut an additional .050" to allow using standard 1.25" shank barrel blanks in any profile.
My 338 Lapua RPR became a 300 Norma, but I set up a Savage 116 in 33XC. The 338 RPR is a much heavier action. The RPR has more lug surface area and a larger action diameter.
More case capacity might make for a bigger boom if things go sideways, but the 33XC case head diameter is the same as the 338 Lapua so the bolt thrust will be the same at the same pressure.
It'd be single feed. I checked and the RPR will eject a fired case, not sure about a loaded round.
I bored the 338 RPR handguard nut an additional .050" to allow using standard 1.25" shank barrel blanks in any profile.
Thank you for the feedback. I just purchased the RPR 338 and would like to do the 33XC in it. My smith indicated that he does not do the XC in the RPR. I didn't ask why at the time as we were texting and it was getting late.
How do you like the XC compared to the Lapua? Would recommend rechambering the factory barrel right from the start or wait till I shoot out the factory barrel? I typically shoot of the bench and single feed anyway so that part is not a big deal.
How do you like the XC compared to the Lapua? Would recommend rechambering the factory barrel right from the start or wait till I shoot out the factory barrel? I typically shoot of the bench and single feed anyway so that part is not a big deal.
I think using or not using the factory barrel on donor guns depends on your circumstances.
I didn't because I chamber my own barrels, had a 32" 30 cal barrel and a new 300 Norma reamer in hand for another project. The release of the 338 RPR blindsided me, but I was very happy to see it and divert those parts. I was also acquiring parts for a 33XC project, so in my case why bother with a 26" 338 Lapua? I've done three 338 lapua based wildcats in the last couple years, so load development from scratch for the 33XC wasn't that big a deal.
My impression of the 33XC so far is jacketed 338 caliber bullets just aren't all that. I'm waiting for the new 338 ATip to come out before I pull the 1:9.3 barrel that's on it and replace it with a 1:7 for solids. I think the 33XC is going to be at it's best with the solids. The 285 ELDms weren't very consistent at long ranges, and the 300 Hybrids are just too much work to get right. The 2 boxes of Hybrids I bought have lengths and meplat diameters that are all over the place. I know guys that have made them work, but sorting, trimming and tipping makes cheap bullets expensive fast. I've tested the 30 caliber Atips in the 300 Norma, and they were unbelievably consistent at 2300 yards. I'm hoping the 338 caliber ATips will be more of that, but think the solids will still be the way to go with the 33XC. I'm wondering if I'm damaging the jacketed bullets with all the pressure the 33XC brass will take and will test that idea when the ATips come in. If that's the case, then solids will be the only way forward.
If I were new to long range shooting and wanted a good starting point with lots of data, the factory 338 Lapua RPR would be all that.
I didn't because I chamber my own barrels, had a 32" 30 cal barrel and a new 300 Norma reamer in hand for another project. The release of the 338 RPR blindsided me, but I was very happy to see it and divert those parts. I was also acquiring parts for a 33XC project, so in my case why bother with a 26" 338 Lapua? I've done three 338 lapua based wildcats in the last couple years, so load development from scratch for the 33XC wasn't that big a deal.
My impression of the 33XC so far is jacketed 338 caliber bullets just aren't all that. I'm waiting for the new 338 ATip to come out before I pull the 1:9.3 barrel that's on it and replace it with a 1:7 for solids. I think the 33XC is going to be at it's best with the solids. The 285 ELDms weren't very consistent at long ranges, and the 300 Hybrids are just too much work to get right. The 2 boxes of Hybrids I bought have lengths and meplat diameters that are all over the place. I know guys that have made them work, but sorting, trimming and tipping makes cheap bullets expensive fast. I've tested the 30 caliber Atips in the 300 Norma, and they were unbelievably consistent at 2300 yards. I'm hoping the 338 caliber ATips will be more of that, but think the solids will still be the way to go with the 33XC. I'm wondering if I'm damaging the jacketed bullets with all the pressure the 33XC brass will take and will test that idea when the ATips come in. If that's the case, then solids will be the only way forward.
If I were new to long range shooting and wanted a good starting point with lots of data, the factory 338 Lapua RPR would be all that.
Sounds like would be better off waiting to see how the A-tips pan out first anyway since that would determine twist rate.
Been trying get more into ELR for a couple years now but it's been a difficult journey. The way my marriage was going I was lucky to make it out 4 times a year and I don't know anyone local to Phoenix AZ to learn from. In the middle of divorce now so once I get unpacked I'll get out there a lot more often.
I've been to 1100 yards with my 6.5CM, have an old 1000y benchrest rifle I dug out of the safe in 308 Bear. And just finished build my 375 BAS, should be fire forming some brass for that one this coming weekend.
Been trying get more into ELR for a couple years now but it's been a difficult journey. The way my marriage was going I was lucky to make it out 4 times a year and I don't know anyone local to Phoenix AZ to learn from. In the middle of divorce now so once I get unpacked I'll get out there a lot more often.
I've been to 1100 yards with my 6.5CM, have an old 1000y benchrest rifle I dug out of the safe in 308 Bear. And just finished build my 375 BAS, should be fire forming some brass for that one this coming weekend.
