.338 Black Mesa Express Ammunition

[1cH6Q79DYYbmnB1gSvjY]

I recently purchased a rifle chambered in .338 Black Mesa Express at what I thought was a bargain. However, I have not been able to find any commercially available ammunition for this rifle. I am wondering if it is possible and safe to use any more readily available ammunition (.338 Lapua, .338 RUM, etc) in this rifle? Or if anyone knows where I might be able to find some ammunition in bespoke production.

 

[eldon519]

You could try to call Black Mesa and ask them. My suspicion is that there is no factory ammo for this caliber, though sometimes there are small shops that custom handload ammo. I also would not try loading a different cartridge into it, even if someone says it's ok, unless it comes from a very reliable source.

I am guessing from your question that you don't reload?

 

[Davek1977]

I've never seen facotry ammo in that caliber, and in all honesty, have never even HEARD of it...

 

[The Big D]

Black Mesa's website lists the brass for their wacko wildcats as out of stock.

Now I have a feeling we know why that gun was so cheap....

 

[1cH6Q79DYYbmnB1gSvjY]

@eldon519

You are correct -- I don't reload.

Do you have any links to these small shops you reference?

 

[eldon519]

I think Colorado Custom Cartridge might do it. I believe but am not positive that it might be based off a .404 Jeffrey. I have a feeling if you ever find some ammo for it, it'll be quite a cannon!

 

[tactikel]

if the black mesa ammo if off the market and you don't want to learn reloading
(it really is rewarding, and fun). consider having it rechambered to a .338 cal with more ammo available.

 

[eldon519]

That's a good idea. I can't find any case drawings of it but maybe something like a .338 RUM or Weatherby would work.

 

[Goosey]

That's a good idea. I can't find any case drawings of it but maybe something like a .338 RUM or Weatherby would work.

Here's a drawing I found in a scan of the International Ammunition Association Journal, Issue 455 (May/June 2007).



One load shown, 250 gr Sierra SBT over 85 gr RL-22 / Fed 215 primer.

 

[rcmodel]

Apparently based on the .404 Jeffery case.

Close to a .338 Remington Ultra Mag, but not close enough.

Your best bet is to re-barrel it to something you can get ammo for if you don't reload.

And even if you do reload?

Speciality dies for that will cost big bucks.

RCBS speciality dies run about $150 a set.

rc

 

[Sharpsteal]

I have a .338 Black Mesa Express and I have never found ammo for it..I bought a set of dies and load for it. You can use 375 REM Ultra Mag cases and neck them down. These cases are hard to find also. RCBS makes dies for it but they are special order and about $140. So with that being said if I had it to do it over I would just rebarrell to another caliber... I have reloading data if you get to the point of needing it . They are well built rifles and are tack drivers. They did have a website just do a search for Black Mesa Rifle Co..

 

[Sharpsteal]

What action is it built on mine is on a Winchester Model 70.

 

[WardenWolf]

When the cartridge manufacturer's name comes directly out of a video game series (Half-Life), it's a good bet they're not particularly legit. It's honestly one of the cheesiest references I've ever seen.

Sorry you got screwed. Your only option is to rebarrel. Head on over to ER Shaw Barrels and decide what you want to do. If you send them your action, they will fit any barrel you purchase from them for a modest fee.

 

[Goosey]

When the cartridge manufacturer's name comes directly out of a video game series (Half-Life), it's a good bet they're not particularly legit. It's honestly one of the cheesiest references I've ever seen.

According to the internet the Black Mesa Rifle Company was founded in 1992—the first Half-Life game came out in 1998.

 

[Davek1977]

According to the internet the Black Mesa Rifle Company was founded in 1992—the first Half-Life game came out in 1998.

Don't let mere facts get in the way of a good rant/opinion LOL

 

[eldon519]

Or maybe, just maybe, it's named after the highest point in Oklahoma (where they are based).

 

[1cH6Q79DYYbmnB1gSvjY]

What action is it built on mine is on a Winchester Model 70.

The action is built on a Remington 700.