Thread: Howa Mini 338 ARC

My barrel is 18” long at the moment.
With the factory 175 gr I get about 2130 fps.
What I suspect is that the 161 cutting edge, despite being molycoated , might still need a significant higher peak pressure to start engraving in the rifling compared to a more traditional jacketed bullet of similar weight. When observing the load data from hornady between their 185 copper projectile and the next one up which is a standard cup and core , one can clearly see that difference.
The 1680 powder which was supposed to be the magical powder for that cartridge is not performing as it should in my barrel.
Anyway vitahvuori and little gun seems the most promising. Although I ve been warned that the little gun can reach over pressure very quickly.
For reference:

Friwi what's the width of these cutting edge ? What's the bore and groove on your rifle, barrel?

My local gunsmith got my reprofiled barrel back this week, throat got lengthened so I can now run a 2.320 coal for my preferred projectile. Have probably gained only another 1.2-1.3gr but pressure should also be dropped with a 50-60 thou bullet jump.

Anyway 4.0lbs neat for the rifle sans a stock so about 6lbs neat with a factory Hogue stock, quick range session tmw with some stiffer loads with the thermal and hopefully some Fri nite piggies to blood this thing......

Got the 338 back to the range for 2 sessions and despite losing 1lb from the barrel it shot even better, playing with 275gr Speers atm working on a sub and hunting load.

Got that bad boy from a deer shot the other night. Projectile clipped a brush before entering sideway, still punched through the top of the heart and came resting under the skin on the opposite side.

Good result Friwi, what was the range of the shot ?

78m.