Looking at getting my first custom rifle/barrel chambered and want to make sure I get it done correctly. I'm getting a 308 chambered for hunting with a maximum magazine length of 2.862 inches. When the magazine is seated in the action, the feed ramp cuts down the length to 2.843. Given this, I'm...
Has anyone looked at the Howa mini actions? Theyre claiming the mini action is 10.2oz, short action is 13.1oz and long action is 15.2oz? Or is this just the bolt...
Excellent points! 6mm/243 is the minimum caliber size I can hunt with in Alberta but the minimum size I'd feel comfortable going after elk with is probably 6.5cm. The ELDMs expand sufficiently and retain their weight well despite being more target shooting oriented?
That actually sounds pretty great, possibly achieving standard 308 velocities out of the shortened barrel if that 200fps increase remains consistent. If I can find a die set, this might be the way to go.
Im in Calgary but yes it seems like the 30cal AI reamers arent super common. I'm also not sure about finding dies for them, do you have any ideas where I could find them?
I am a beginner hand loader and have looked at the ai variants of the 708 and 308. From what I understand they offer pretty minimal performance increases in the short action platforms. Between that and the difficulty finding a smith that can chamber the 308ai, I havent given it much more thought.
This is fair but to be safe I usually keep it above both values. I'll likely be using Hornady CX 165 or Bergers Elite Hunter 168. From what I've read, the CX minimum expansion velocity is 2000fps.
Thats actually a great reference point for me as I also have a Tikka in 3006 that I find uncomfortable but manageable to shoot. I also admittedly have the 358 dies because of a hyped up impulse buy, lol. Whats the max range that youve taken an animal with?
Looking good! Do you happen to know how the weight of your stock? I cant seem to find a ton of info about the Browns. Also whats the recoil like? A few people here have said the 338 Fed is bad in sub 5lb rigs, Id expect the 358 to on par or worse?
Hodgedon has some "pistol" length reloading data for 6.5, 708 and 308 that utilize a 15" barrel. Thats what Ive been checking out for reference ballistics. Seems like after 18" 6.5cm and 708 start suffering at that barrel length
Sadly I live in the Communist Republic of Canada and AR 15s are banned...
Although a straight pull copium platform could be a possibility, I find it unlikely that I could get one below the 3.5lb mark that Im anticipating with the bolt action.
Id like to maximize the effective range. I agree, 308 from what Ive seen is effective up to about 300 in this barrel length but if a 708 or 6.5 can push an extra 50yds or more Id probably go with that. If theyre all relatively similar efdective range wise, Ill start going down in caliber for...