I'm curious if anyone is shooting this caliber that was once popular w/ long range target guys? If you have one have you ACTUALLY chronographed what you are shooting? How does it compare to some of the .30-06 improved rounds (.30 Gibbs, .300 Hawk, etc.)?

I shoot my version of the 30/338 in 1000 yard benchrest. Instead of using 338 brass I use Lapua 300WM which is a lot better brass. I push the shoulder back and trim off the extra .010 then fire form. I shoot the 210 grain Berger VLD at 2950 fps but can get 3000 fps. The 2950 fps load is very accurate. Another version of this cartridge is the 8x68 RWS brass reformed which gives the same ballistics in a rimless case (for those who don't like belts). There is nothing wrong with the plain old 300WM except for the fact that it doesn't have the glitz and glamor of a new cartridge. The shorter versions, (30/338, 308 Norma, and the two wildcats I mentioned), may be a little more efficient.

A friend of mine built one on a Springfield, and I did a .308 Norma on a Springfield at the same time. I saw no difference at all in the performance of these two rounds in the standard 4-groove GI 24" barrels. I liked them both, and I still consider either of these rounds to be superior to the standard .300 Win. Mag. If I were given a choice between a commercial or custom .308 Norma/.30/.338 vs a .300 Win. Mag., I'd opt for the .308 Norma/.30/.338!!

hey another thing to remember with this cartridge is you dont have to seat the bullets so deap as the 300 win. i dont own one of these but theyve been on my mind for some time, im curious what other people have to say. -manny

I have a 308 Norma Magnum, which I understand is very similar (but not identical) to the 30/338.

My current big game load is 180gr Hornady SPBT (stock # 3072) and 75 grs AR2213SC (Australian equiv to H4831) standard (not mag) LR primers. Chronographed at 3,100 fps. This is a powerful load and rifle. Rifle is a classic custom FN M98 with 24" Douglas premium barrel. See http://www.reloadersnest.com/detail.asp?CaliberID=64&BulletWeight=180&LoadID=9558

Magnum

I have two rifles chamber for the round. Velocities are quite similar to the .300 Win. Mag. 3100fps from a 180gr bullet in a 26" barrel is easy. I use 73gr R22 w/180gr Sierras for 3130fps. I also use the same powder charge with Berger 185's and 190's.