I finally got to try the .375/.338 Win Mag for accuracy. It's $2.50/shot for the custom loaded stuff from Safari Arms Ltd., and the scope was right on the money so I only wasted a few, but 6 rounds made two nice 3/4" groups at 100 yds. Not bad at all for Barnes XLC's, which aren't noted for their accuracy. I guess I'll be keeping this barrel...it's so nice being able to see the bullet holes through the scope.

Mark Dumais

[ 10-28-2002, 01:06: Message edited by: Mark Dumais ]

Aahhhhh, that is what I was looking for! Wait until you have time to work up some handloads for it.

My past experiences with this cartridge and the longer necked version called .375 Epstein have been absolutely superb. They shoot more like varmint rifles, and with the brake are extremely pleasant to shoot, especially considering the horsepower being released. Neat round, and one I think you will come to like even more with some use.

Mike

Mike -

It was especially gratifying to get groups like that with pure hunting ammo, particularly considering I was shooting off my hand instead of directly off the sandbag - since that's how I do it when I'm out Bambi whacking - so those groups were shot while watching my pulse in the scope; which was cranked up to 5X by the way. At that magnification, the crosshairs almost cover the bullseye at 100 yds, so the setup was far from optimum for accuracy.

I'll bet this thing will go 1/2 MOA easy with actual target loads off a solid bench rest. And it's doing it while putting out (according to one of them on-line muzzle energy calculators) right around 4000 ft lbs of whack.

Of course, with the brake it's reduced to kind of a wussy gun that even a little girl could shoot - I think the next barrel either needs to be way fast, or perhaps something a little more powerful. How 'bout a .470 Capstick maybe? That one's supposed to do around 5000 ft lbs. How big a bore diameter can I go before machining-in your brake becomes a problem? I'm still thinking octagon barrels, 0.7" across the flats...

Mark Dumais