The .338 Edge is up and running

**BarrelBurner** · 10-13-2014, 11:10 PM

Finally getting around to posting the latest build.

Model 110 Flat Back - Large Shank Ultra Mag action
30 inch Shilen Select Match Varmint Contour barrel (Chambered in .338 Edge)
.250" Competition recoil lug
PTG Spiral Fluted bolt body (Lapped to fit)
Oversize Bolt Handle
Stainless Trigger Guard
Trigger Job on factory unit at a crisp 2.25 lbs (may go to Sav 2 upgrade still)
Boyd's Pro Varmint (AKA:Tacticool) Stock in Coyote Laminate with Limbsaver recoil pad
Stock is bedded with Devcon Steel epoxy and pillars installed
Burris Bases
Weaver 6 screw Tactical Xtra High Rings
Hawke Optics - 30mm Sidewinder 8-32 x56mm

Still doing Load development but its been pretty cooperative.
Largest 3 shot group so far at 100 yds has been .647" CTC and smallest .226" CTC.
The top target stuck me as very unusual, its a 4 shot group consisting of 4 different charge weights.

Still have not found max load yet, not showing any pressure sign at all so far. We'll see where it ends up.

**sixonetonoffun** · 10-13-2014, 11:31 PM

I sure like the stock. Really like the accuracy your getting. Think I oughta move somewhere could justify an extreme long range cartridge like this.

Very nice build there!

**BarrelBurner** · 10-13-2014, 11:40 PM

Thanks Six.
My justification was I didn't already have one. LOL
Almost took it on an Axis deer hunt last weekend just for grins, but it was a meat hunt so I went the sensible route and took something a bit smaller.

**upSLIDEdown** · 10-14-2014, 12:34 AM

Awesome looking stick, man. Can't wait to get my build started. Just need to figure out what to start with. Really think I might go with this 270 I found. Sounds like I'm gonna be single feeding it anyway since I plan on running 300gr hybrids, and if all the actions have the same size ejection port, it doesn't matter much... lol

**BarrelBurner** · 10-14-2014, 08:19 AM

Thanks Upslide. Seems I recall several guys have built them on small shank actions which is the same thing as the .270.
Go for it man!

**scope eye** · 10-25-2014, 09:11 AM

When the BA actions become more available, I am going to build a 338-378 Weatherby on that action, and with 125gr case capacity,
I am sure it will get those 160s north of 4500fps.

Dean

**BarrelBurner** · 10-25-2014, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by scope eye

When the BA actions become more available, I am going to build a 338-378 Weatherby on that action, and with 125gr case capacity,
I am sure it will get those 160s north of 4500fps.

Dean

I cant image the performance level you'll get from a 378 Wthby case and that 160 gr pill. I don't even want to run the Trajectory and Energy numbers, I think I already want one! LOL

**scope eye** · 10-26-2014, 06:02 PM

Hey Dennis not for nothing, but a Daisy Red Ryder could do that with one of those Nightforce 55X that I know you are sporting.LOL

Dean

**BarrelBurner** · 10-26-2014, 08:57 PM

Heck, I can't hold good enough to shoot a group like that at 300yds.

Our rifle season opens this coming weekend in Texas and the Edge is going with me, hopefully I get to test them out on a critter!

**Dennis** · 10-27-2014, 02:47 AM

Originally Posted by scope eye

Hey Dennis not for nothing, but a Daisy Red Ryder could do that with one of those Nightforce 55X that I know you are sporting.LOL

Dean

Dean, thanks for the reply on the primer pocket tool. I just saw a few comments stating the punch wouldn't hold up too long.

Anyway, when I was finding my load for my 338 Edge, I had and still have a Vortex (maybe 25 power) bolted on it. In fact it's still on the rifle. I have been temped to shoot it @ 600 yards, but the 7,000 grains of powder necessary to do so has kinda put a hold on that project. Who knows, maybe one day.

And "BarrelBurner", those shots were probably my 15th to 18th shots when I shot that group. My shoulder had about as much as it could take Using the Berger 300's. I feel lucky to have shot that group. I am glad Dean turned me on to the 160's as my shoulder doesn't feel nothing when shooting them.

I was about to give up tuning this thing in, and a person (I forget who) PM'd me and said Retumbo would be my best friend. That's all he said, no load info given. I tried it and have loved the rifle since.

As you can see, even with this rifle and 300's, a few grains of powder makes a difference. I would never have believed it unless I experienced it myself.

I also have the tuned stock accu-trigger on the rifle. I didn't do anything but bed the stock on this rifle. I plan on only using it for hunting.

Process: I bought a 7mm donor, changed the barrel to the 338 Edge, bedded the action/stock, mounted the Vortex scope, tweaked the trigger, and that's it folks. One of the most accurate cheapest rifles I have ever built. Kudo's to Mr. ScopeEye for making all the suggestions when I was building it and started trying out different loads.

Again, Thanks to everyone

**scope eye** · 10-25-2014, 03:01 AM

I run 105gr plus of RL17 for my loads, there is nothing like a 160gr 4200 fps, I am going to rename it to a 338 swift,LOL. I really wish I could find a 12 or 14 twist I would run that
and see a couple hundred more FPS.

Dean

**BarrelBurner** · 10-25-2014, 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by scope eye

I run 105gr plus of RL17 for my loads, there is nothing like a 160gr 4200 fps, I am going to rename it to a 338 swift,LOL. I really wish I could find a 12 or 14 twist I would run that
and see a couple hundred more FPS.

Dean

338 Swift, now that's a classic! You have my vote.
I would think a 12 twist with a slightly shorter throat would probably be the best of both worlds (accuracy and speed).
i am already thinking rolling around the idea of a sporter version, lighter barrel, etc.

**drybean** · 10-14-2014, 10:00 AM

WOW! very nice

**BarrelBurner** · 10-14-2014, 10:34 AM

Thanks Drybean.

**scope eye** · 10-25-2014, 05:28 PM

That's what I would do is buy a box of loaded 300 RUM, then pull the bullets and use the brass and powder, 20 cases round robin 5 X is 100 shots, that is enough to get you going, and better than just staring at the thing.

Dean

**mattri** · 10-14-2014, 08:11 PM

Looks like you aren't running a brake- how's the recoil?

**BarrelBurner** · 10-14-2014, 08:48 PM

Not nearly as bad as what I was expecting but it definitely jumps when you squeeze off a round. I'm guessing the combination of the Limbsaver pad and the heft are what makes it tolerable on the shoulder. The most I've run through it in one session was 15 rounds and no shoulder discomfort so far. I decided to give it a whirl without the brake to see if it was tolerable or not and so far unless i switch to the 300gr heavies i doubt i'll put a brake on it.

**scope eye** · 10-25-2014, 05:36 PM

Hey Spanky, I just sent you a pm with a link, on where to get some 300 RUM Brass.

Dean

D.ID · 10-15-2014, 09:20 AM

Nice and Shiny.
I was thinking as I scrolled threw the load work that there was a lot of 250 grain going on..........never even noticed it was brakeless. I never had the nerve (or need) to try mine without it, I think that would probably have made me nervous.
My first edge work ups required me to move load development out to 400 yards because Nine 1/2 grain increments made one group, similar to the four round your sharing. I had to move it out just to tell the difference in loads.

**BarrelBurner** · 10-15-2014, 06:06 PM

I was abit nervous about squeezing off that first round and was hanging on tight for sure. Ive become pretty relaxed now when I shoot it. So it is probably going to bite me before long.

The four round group had me stumped, so its good to hear you already crossed that bridge. I see a slight vertical with the 94gr load at 200yds but the group is still sub moa. I havent been anywhere I can shoot further yet. So I havent really been able to put it thru the paces.

**Dennis** · 10-16-2014, 05:13 AM

Mine is super accurate with 300grn Bergers.

Using 160 grain Barnes Triple shock bullets traveling @ 4,200 plus, UNBELIEVEABLE is all I can say. You might want to try this. NO recoil, fun to shoot, and very destructive. It's a 22-250 on super steroids.

**scope eye** · 10-25-2014, 06:19 PM

I shoot 3 times then I use this tool every time after that, http://www.midwayusa.com/product/911...primer-pockets,
if I do that I can get 7 firings maybe 8, if you wait until it is to loose then you can only get 5, I use that tool a lot on other calibers also.

Dean

**Dennis** · 10-26-2014, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by scope eye

I shoot 3 times then I use this tool every time after that, http://www.midwayusa.com/product/911...primer-pockets,
if I do that I can get 7 firings maybe 8, if you wait until it is to loose then you can only get 5, I use that tool a lot on other calibers also.

Dean

Dean, how long does the punch last? This works on all Large Pocket Primer holes?

Dennis

**scope eye** · 10-26-2014, 04:15 PM

[QUOTE=Dennis;286451]Dean, how long does the punch last? This works on all Large Pocket Primer holes?

Hey Dennis, yes it is for large primer pockets, I have used it 100s of time and it's never broke, and I am the proverbial Bull in the China Shop.LOL

Dean

**BarrelBurner** · 10-16-2014, 08:48 AM

Dennis, my ears just perked up and you have my full attention sir. 160grs at 4200 I have to try this out. If you wouldn't mind pointing me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it if you could let me know what powder you used and maybe a starting charge to work up from. We were jist discussing the destruction a 58gr 6mm is capable of at 4000fps so I cant image a 160 grainer.