Accuracy International Super-Magnum AWSM 338 (PICS)

[Zak Smith]

FINALLY got out and did some break-in this morning. Shot ahout 30 rounds over a 2 hour period.

Recoil was so mild with the 2-chamber brake, I wondered if I was really shooting 338 after the first shot. Subjectively, it feels pretty close to 308. It's a pussycat. (Without the brake, it is a little brutal.)

Accuracy is excellent (1 hole @ 100), however the barrel fouls a lot more than my 308.

Most accurate load shot was 95.0gr H1000 with the Scenar, at 2910fps. 96-97gr got me up to 3000fps, but started to develop some pressure signs around 2950. Might have to try a slower powder-- maybe N170.

Plan to stretch its legs this weekend..

 

[chickenfried]

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[cz75bdneos22]

i like...

 

[Mute]

Recoil was so mild with the 2-chamber brake, I wondered if I was really shooting 338 after the first shot. Subjectively, it feels pretty close to 308. It's a pussycat. (Without the brake, it is a little brutal.)

You actually tried shooting that thing without the muzzle brake!?

 

[Zak Smith]

I had to do it once...

 

[Mute]

I had to do it once...

Heh. Must be a guy thing. I shot a .460 Weatherby Magnum without brakes, once. Everything turned out ok after they re-attached my retinas.

 

[brandyspaw]

Zak,
For the long range shooting you've been practicing lately, do you use the 338 as a supplement to the 50 BMG? Or have you given up on the 50 for any of your long range shooting? Thanks in advance for your opinion.
Bill

 

[Zak Smith]

Hi Bill,

The main difference I see is that the 338 is practical as a regular field rifle - something you can actually carry around. The rifles are the same size as a 300WM. Typical long-range setup 338's weigh between 13 and 18 lbs and are the same length as the regular magnums-- about 44-50". For a 50BMG, you have a rifle that is typically 55" or longer and 30 lbs or heavier.

The second difference is recoil and blast. A 338 with a brake is much more less punishing and the it has a regular "report" instead of the brutal concussion of 50BMG. 338 with a good brake feels like a light 308 or 3006. A 30# 50BMG with a good brake still has a lot of recoil.

The third difference is the cost to reload. Ignoring the special equipment needed to reload 50BMG, match bullets for 338LM are in the 0.30 - 0.44 range, while 50BMG match bullets are about $1.20 each (750gr AMAX).

The trajectories of 338LM and 50BMG are similar. Drop and wind are within 1/2 mil out to 1400 yards.

The advantage of 50BMG is the surplus "fun" bullets available, which are peerless in their terminal effects.



I've just got another scope to test out on this rifle-- see the thread over in the optics forum for its review.

[ link to LARGER image ]


As an update, I now have just over 200 rounds through the rifle, only 35 of those factory. I have two loads that give 2950fps with no pressure issues with the 250 Scenar (H1000 and H4831SC), and one with the 300SMK @ 2725fps (RL25).

 

[brandyspaw]

Thanks for the reply, Zak.
The biggest reason I asked the question was quite some time back I had contacted you about buying the Barrett 50 that you were selling.
I wasn't sure if you were upgrading to different 50 at the time or if
you found the 338s a better alternative.

I didn't get the 50 from you at the time because I wound up buying an Armalite AR-30 in 338 LM instead. I have been impressed with the cartridge but not with the gun. The AR-30s quality was lacking in several areas (accuracy, trigger,and poor ergonomics for me) so I sold it off.

I'm looking for another 338 and while your recent pick is over my budget it is
not much worse than a lot of 50s. Good food for thought!

I appreciate this and all your reviews,
Bill

 

[Zak Smith]

Thanks for the reply, Zak.
I have been impressed with the cartridge but not with the gun. The AR-30s quality was lacking in several areas (accuracy, trigger,and poor ergonomics for me) so I sold it off.

I know several people with AR-30's who have got them to shoot well, granted most of them do not use factory ammunition. I have seen consistent hits on a 12" plate at 1000 yards. It is a good rifle.

 

[Zak Smith]

In the last couple weeks, I've shot it to 1000 yards several times (along with my buddy shooting a TRG42), and done a lot of load development.

Depending on load and env conditions, it's between 5.9 and 6.8 mils elevation to 1000, from a 100 yard zero. There are multiple loads that give good 100 yard accuracy, but 91.0gr H4831SC is giving SD's under 5fps (!!!), around 1/4 MOA 3-shot groups at 100, and consistent 1000 yard performance.

[ link to LARGER image ]