308 Norma Mag project

[Matt McKenzie]

Question about the shorter barrel - did you note a significant increase in muzzle blast?

I didn't notice any difference at all. I lost about 100 fps on the full power load and about 50 psi on the reduced load.

 

[Pheroze]

I received word from the gunsmith that we are getting closer to the end. The 30-06 donor rifle is now a 308 Norma

 

[Dr Ray]

I have a significant character flaw in that I tend to pursue temptations in an unbridled and spontaneous fashion. Sometimes, this lack of self-control results in unintended but very pleasant consequences such as children. In this case, I have been tempted with the idea that I wanted something with a bit more power than my 06 for distance. I also wanted something unique. My rational side always came back to the absolute suitability of the 06 for me. Fortunately, my rational side has not prevailed and I am building a 308 Norma Mag.

The donor rifle will be a BRNO ZKK-600 in 30-06. The rifle has a failed recoil pad job but is otherwise sound and with a good bore. cool pop up peep site btw. The work will be done by Lemieux Armurier in Quebec. I have sourced 50 pieces of Norma brass and Reddy FL dies from Prophet River Outfitters in BC.

And, get this, I found a Swarovski Z5 3.5-18 scope on sale for a couple hundred more than a vortex razor I was considering

Oh lordy what have I done....

Stay tuned sports fans and we shall see what I have wrought.

Keep going with your Character flaw!
The 398 Norma magnum is a great cartridge - much the same as a 300 win magnum.
Everyone should have a hobby and I envy you.
Congratulations on your project.

 

[Pheroze]

I am wondering whether I need to buy a Lee Factory crimp for this. If I crimp I like to use the Lee die. Does anyone crimp for this caliber? I ask because the neck is so long I am thinking of not bothering.

 

[Shootist43]

I pondered the same question. I elected not to purchase the Lee Factory Crimp die right off the bat. I want to see how my hand loads group compared to the Norma Factory fodder. If my loads shoot well and there is enough neck tension to prevent the bullets from moving under recoil I see no need to purchase the die. If testing shows that a crimp is necessary it will added to the process. I know that this approach may buck the old "saw" that says you need to crimp magnums or hard kicking calibers. Others may have different opinions. Depending on their experience, I may have to redirect.

 

[BC.Pat]

I have been shooting and hunting with old Parker Hale 308 Norma for a long long time , Ive been reloading for it for about twenty. I have never found it necessary to crimp.

Pat

 

[sambarhunter]

Great to see that some one else is a fan of the 308 NM,I have been using mine for 30 years..I also run a .358 Norma,what a grand cartridge that is too.

 

[Pheroze]

Great to see that some one else is a fan of the 308 NM,I have been using mine for 30 years..I also run a .358 Norma,what a grand cartridge that is too.

I loaded my first five rounds the other day. The cartridge has a very appealing balance to it, but maybe I am just smitten. My gunsmith is working on the stock , and I should have it soon. Very excited.

 

[Pheroze]

I also run a .358 Norma,what a grand cartridge that is

I seriously considered that one too. In the end I have decided to pair the 308 NM with a soon-to-be 400 H&H. Nothing like a battery of obscure H&H progeny!

 

[BC.Pat]

I also run a .358 Norma,what a grand cartridge that is too.

I'm a fan too, but it is a rare bird in these parts , I always keep my eyes open for dies & brass for the 358. Its on the todo list .

Here's to the "character flaw in all of us"

Pat

 

[sambarhunter]

I had no problems getting Dies/Brass etc in Australia. Also I have over the years seen them offered in the US too.
It really is an under rated hammer and you can run her at 375 H+H stats too.

 

[sambarhunter]

Got onto my reloader man and he advised that my loaded runs are as below.

67gn 2209, 180gn woodleigh hydro`s
72gn 2209 with the 150gn woodleigh hydro`s

 

[Pheroze]

Got this photo from Lemieux Armuiers (my gunsmith). The rifle is almost done! The original wood was not very nice, so it was stripped and oiled to improve its look. Christian is working on the magazine to sort out a feeding problem, but my hope is that soon it will be home!

 

[Shootist43]

Looks like it's getting there. Pretty wood never put anything in the salt, just hope she shoots good.

 

[Pheroze]

Pretty wood never put anything in the salt,

Hang on! There is absolutely no point in doing anything unless you look awesome!!

The smith also worked on the bedding etc, so I am anticipating good accuracy. We shall see.

 

[Shootist43]

Can we substitute "as good as you can" for "awesome?" Remember that old saying "beauty is in the eye of the beholder." I'm in total agreement on the "bedding, etc." pillar bedding might even be better. Has your smith given you a delivery date?

 

[Pheroze]

I was suppose to get it this week, but he is unhappy with the feeding issue. So, we wait...

 

[BC.Pat]

So, we wait...

Looks like it will be worth the wait.
Best of Luck with her!

Pat

 

[Pheroze]

Well, the rifle arrived today. I absolutely love the balance and lines of the Brno zkk-600. Really very nice. It is a pleasure to hold and carry.

I had it Arma-coated with a sand blasted finish, and I think it looks great. Stock was stripped and oiled. A new recoil pad was put on.

The rechamber, arma-coat, and stock work all came in at under $1000. The rifle was around that too if I recall correctly (less I am sure but just can't recall). So far, I think this project has been cheaper than I thought it would be.


I bought a set of rings from Alaska Arms which were also arma-coated. That would have been a great idea if the rings I bought weren't too low. Yep, I went to mount the Swarovski Z5 and the dang thing sits too low for the bolt. Arrgh. I head up for moose in less than four weeks....

By the way, the fellow at Alaskan Arms is the best. I emailed him and asked for his suggestions for replacement. He immediately gave me advice on how to measure the distance I need. Super guy.

The rifle seems quite light despite the robust action. I am anticipating a spirited recoil maybe it's a good thing the scope won't be on it for the first few shots. I am hoping to get out this weekend, and I will try the pop up peep. My eyes are not great for using irons, so no promises on the results

 

[ZG47]

I am hoping to get out this weekend, and I will try the pop up peep. My eyes are not great for using irons, so no promises on the results

Eat more carrots!