338 Federal Lefty Project...

[WV338]

Being left handed has its challenges especially when it comes to caliber selection from gun manufacturers. I’ve liked the idea of the 338 Federal when it first came out and several years ago I purchased a TC pistol barrel in 338 Federal and took a nice Muley at 170 yards in a driving rain. I became more impressed with the 338 after taking a less than desirable quartering away shot. The Nosler 180 grain Accubond bullet entered high on the left hip and exited his right front shoulder. He fell over backwards and was done.
At this point I decided that I wanted a 338 Federal in a rifle but didn’t want another TC barrel. By the time that I was ready to buy one I couldn’t find one in left hand without going to a manufacturer’s custom shop, even then I don’t consider them really custom unless you are willing to cough up some big bucks. I found a Savage 11 on GunBroker that was reasonable and then ordered a 22” McGowen 338 Federal barrel with a standard taper. I finished it off with a Boyd’s laminated thumbhole stock.
I’ve been working on a 200 grain loads but haven’t found one that meets my standards. I know I’ll find one but with the shortage of bullets it might take a little longer than I wish. One other note, I got a standard taper on the barrel but it does heat up fast but that is only a problem on the range.
She is a great handling rifle and light weight too.
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[bootsmcguire]

Looks good. Savage has definatley been a friend to the "Southpaw" community.

[BillPa]

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I’ve been working on a 200 grain loads but haven’t found one that meets my standards.

Use Lapua 308 brass, H4895, BR2 primer with your favorite bullet180- 225 grains. That combo works for most 338Fs.

This was the 215 Sierra GKs', 3 @100 out of a Shilen 22" #4, 10T on a Steve 200 SA. (the low one was the clean barrel round)



Bill

[WV338]

Bill,
Very nice! I've been using Lapua brass but I'll give the rest a try with the 215 Sierra. What kind of velocity are you getting with the 215 Sierra? I've tried PowerPro and they did okay with 200gr Hornaday.
Thanks...

[BillPa]

Bill,
What kind of velocity are you getting with the 215 Sierra?

The last time I shot it about two years ago IIRC it was in the low 25s. The 180NABs a little over 26.

Bill