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upgrade to my Mark V 30-378 to a 338-378

biggamehunter430

upgrade to my Mark V 30-378 to a 338-378
« on: November 10, 2011, 11:00:07 PM »
I would like to upgrade my 30-378 to a 338-378 and more of a match grade or better barrel. What are my options. My goal is to best  a 338 lapua since after all the ballistics prove it to be a better weapon, at least on paper thoughts or comments

Re: upgrade to my Mark V 30-378 to a 338-378
« Reply #1 on: November 10, 2011, 11:16:35 PM »
For hunting? or long range target shooting? ie 300gr SMK?

Is the barrel shot out?

I would suspect the 30-378 is much more popular than the 338-378, not that ammo/brass would cost that much differently though.

I love the 338's, ie 340wby, for hunting, tough to beat the 340wby.

If for hunting though I would lean towards the 30-378 over the 338-378, for target shooting I could see some benefit to the 338-378

Re: upgrade to my Mark V 30-378 to a 338-378
« Reply #2 on: November 11, 2011, 07:43:38 AM »
As Husky Musky asked, how will you be using the gun? I have a friend who bought a 30-378 for long range big game hunting. He shot the barrel out in his back 40 before ever taking the rifle into the field. The gun was drilled to 338-378, & is used as an elk rifle. He has said many times that, given the chance, he would opt for a .340. The 338-378 is almost too much rifle for practical field use in normal hunting situations.
                                                                                 Jim

Re: upgrade to my Mark V 30-378 to a 338-378
« Reply #3 on: November 11, 2011, 09:38:13 AM »
I agree.

Also I believe the 338-378 requires a muzzle brake, my 340wby gets by just fine without one.

biggamehunter430

Re: upgrade to my Mark V 30-378 to a 338-378
« Reply #4 on: November 11, 2011, 10:54:52 PM »
well after some additional research i see that, as i had previously heard weatherby has started productiion on the 338 lapua. same question still applies can i get a new barrel in the 338-378 or the 338 lapua custom made with reduced head space to tighten up overall performance. Also the post by NMARKANITE, the 30-3787 And the 338-378 have the same weight they both come with a muzzle brake and thread protectors so bad info sorry                                     

biggamehunter430

Re: upgrade to my Mark V 30-378 to a 338-378
« Reply #5 on: November 11, 2011, 11:02:43 PM »
PS My intended use for the rifle is long range shooting (not 4-500 yards either) deer dont stand a chance and elk will cry for mercy. the grey squirrels will be decimated. the  thrill of long range shooting is addictive, I'm just waiting to here from our beloved President as I'm sure he'll love to I know that another long ranger is out there.

Re: upgrade to my Mark V 30-378 to a 338-378
« Reply #6 on: November 14, 2011, 10:39:20 AM »
I shoot and reload the big 338/378 Weatherby.  It along with the 375H&H is the do anything and everything gun.  Some folks like the 340 Weatherby mag, me I like the extra stopping power that gives me the slight edge in the northern interior of British Columbia.  We have large apex predators up here.  My rifle is braked of course and I hunt with the brake in place. I handle the loud rifle report with Pro Ears electronic ear muffs.  They muffle any sound above 85db and amplify quiet sounds. I am able to hear normal speech and deer crunching on acorns 50 yards away.  The rifle kicks fairly stout and is heavy, I do not mind as I have gotten use to it.  I am 67 years old and I still hunt with it all day.  To those that complain about the weight and kick the big Weatherby ante for you.
Now as for a different barrel. If you want to approach 2900-3000 FPS you will need to go to a custom 30inch barrel.  Me if I were going to go that rout, It would be a heavy bull barrel and I would be shooting off a Harris Bipod with 300gr Burger or 300 gr smk out to 1000 meters. I would keep the Weatherby jump to the lands to keep the MV up  For a scope I would go with a Leupold MK IV   tactical in the 6.5 to 20 power range with a 50mm front objective. For a scope mount I would look at the Near MFG mounts with the pictanney rail and 3 ring mount with the rigid one piece bolt on to the pictanney rail.  None of this stuff comes cheap. The Near scope mounts alone are over $500.00 US..
eaglesnester

biggamehunter430

Re: upgrade to my Mark V 30-378 to a 338-378
« Reply #7 on: November 14, 2011, 10:13:24 PM »
I shoot and reload the big 338/378 Weatherby.  It along with the 375H&H is the do anything and everything gun.  Some folks like the 340 Weatherby mag, me I like the extra stopping power that gives me the slight edge in the northern interior of British Columbia.  We have large apex predators up here.  My rifle is braked of course and I hunt with the brake in place. I handle the loud rifle report with Pro Ears electronic ear muffs.  They muffle any sound above 85db and amplify quiet sounds. I am able to hear normal speech and deer crunching on acorns 50 yards away.  The rifle kicks fairly stout and is heavy, I do not mind as I have gotten use to it.  I am 67 years old and I still hunt with it all day.  To those that complain about the weight and kick the big Weatherby ante for you.
Now as for a different barrel. If you want to approach 2900-3000 FPS you will need to go to a custom 30inch barrel.  Me if I were going to go that rout, It would be a heavy bull barrel and I would be shooting off a Harris Bipod with 300gr Burger or 300 gr smk out to 1000 meters. I would keep the Weatherby jump to the lands to keep the MV up  For a scope I would go with a Leupold MK IV   tactical in the 6.5 to 20 power range with a 50mm front objective. For a scope mount I would look at the Near MFG mounts with the pictanney rail and 3 ring mount with the rigid one piece bolt on to the pictanney rail.  None of this stuff comes cheap. The Near scope mounts alone are over $500.00 US..
thanks for some very good info, keep up the hunt its what keeps you young. biggamehunter430