[mascott]

I have a 30-338 rifle built on a springfield action. I bought this gun about 12 years ago and have not shot it. At the time I was told you had to reload the shells for it, and it came with dies.My question is are all 30-338 the same. I have seen norma, lapua, magnum, winchester magnum and possibly others. My die box has (written in ink) 30-338 imp I have looked online and cannot find any info on imp.My speer manual(1993) list only 30-338 norma Can someone help as to whether this is the load or other suggestions. Thanks in advance.

 

[Ed Hunter]

Re: 30-338

I don’t know if this will be any help but seeing the reference to the 30-338 caused an immediate reaction of high degree nostalgia.

When I lived out west (Wyoming to be specific) I had a 30-338 Win Mag built for me by E A Craven, Bend Oregon - Douglas barrel, FN action, French walnut rollover comb hand checkered stock. Was really nice. My grandson has it now.

This is the only picture I could find. It’s the one with the sling.

At that time (we’re talking 40 years, give or take) commercial loads were not available. I would buy 338 Win Mag brass and neck it down to 30 cal. As I recall my load was a boat-tailed 180gr (can not recall the brand). I used 4831 but, sorry, I don’t have any of those records. I have also loaded a 220gr Nosler partition for my bear hunt.

If we’re talking about the same 30-338 and you need some more specific data I can ask my grandson. He’s got my dies and all my records. If you’re interested send me your email address and I’ll pass it on to him.

Can’t promise you anything

 

[mascott]

thanks for the response pm sent

 

[mascott]

maybe this is the wrong area to put this.

 

[Ed Hunter]

maybe this is the wrong area to put this.

Did fine as far as I’m concerned.

Have set things in motion (we hope) with an email off to my g’son and one off to you.

 

[mascott]

thanks, I did find out it is a magnum.Now I need to know why the dies say 30-338 imp. internet does not have anything about imp on a 30-338. Maybe they are just marked wrong.

 

[Ed Hunter]

thanks, I did find out it is a magnum.Now I need to know why the dies say 30-338 imp. internet does not have anything about imp on a 30-338. Maybe they are just marked wrong.

Wish I could help you on that.

May be someone blew-out the shoulder or something on the 338mag brass.

As I recall, all I did was neck down the 338 Win Mag brass.

Maybe my grandson will get with you.

 

[Ed Hunter]

Re: More Nostalgia


Bear with me on this. With all this back-and-forth on the 30-338, Wyoming, and all that stuff I’m really tripping on Nostalgia.

Sometime in the late 60’s my mom came up for a visit. It was antelope season and I talked her into going out for an antelope; I’d guide her onto an easy shot. Now, keep in mind my mom was born in 1899. You can do the math.

You see the results. Please excuse the low quality. These are scans of some aging prints.

She got herself a nice doe. We both we elated. By the way, that’s a custom 7mm Rem Mag built by E A Craven in Bend Oregon. Same one who did my 30-338. I’ve still got the mounted head from that shoot.



And while we’re at it…Were we ever really this young?

 

[Xd357]

Great story Ed.

 

[mascott]

thanks for the reply ed. I find that the older I get the my I enjoy the nostalgia,even from others.I'm sure no amount of money could buy that mount. That pic of you(I guess that's you) looks exactly like my older brother at that time period.

 

[Ed Hunter]

thanks for the reply ed. I find that the older I get the my I enjoy the nostalgia,even from others.I'm sure no amount of money could buy that mount. That pic of you(I guess that's you) looks exactly like my older brother at that time period.

Yep, that's me and my 4-wheel drive Chevy Suburban Carryall.

 

[mascott]

while ms is home and I do love it, my wife and I travel to co. mt. and wy. every year.we would move out there if it were possible. I LOVE it out west.

 

[Bobo]

Could it be possible that it is Ackley Improved . I guess one way to find out iss to get some 30-338 and shoot them. It would not hurt it ,it would just blow the neck out which is what ackley design does. you fire form your cases and it can shoot the standard loads as well.

 

[mascott]

Mr. Ed Hunter helped me find out that I had a simple 30-338 necked down from a 338 magnum. He also helped on loads. I had the 30-338 dies so it was no problem after I found out where to start with a load. Also was able to go by a 338 norma. Have shot it many times since and while it does have a kick, it is fun to shoot.

 

[Bobo]

Well now that your problem is solved happy shooting.