.338 Win Mag Converted to .340 Wby Mag?

[TBASTIAN]

Can a Browning A-Bolt .338 Win Mag, be reamed out to a .340 Wby Mag or is the action length too small?

 

[FOTIS]

yes it can...you need a new magazine though.

 

[TBASTIAN]

Thanks, POP. All I would need then, is a .375 H&H magazine, and to ream the barrel to the .340 WBY? The bolt face wouldn't need any further adjustments? Sure appreciate the help.
Heading out for 7 days, to elk hunt in the morning...so needless to say I won't be sleeping much tonight.
-TB

 

[Big Squeeze]

Can a Browning A-Bolt .338 Win Mag, be reamed out to a .340 Wby Mag or is the action length too small?

...................Imo, the chamber can be reamed out. The real question is going to be the existing action length of the 338 and if any feeding, bolt cycling problems occur with the longer 340 Wby.

The difference of OAL listed in my Sierra manual is 0.222, nearly a 1/4" longer for the 340. Your 338`s magazine may be too short to feed the longer round into the chamber properly.

Personally, I wouldn`t touch it. Compared to the 338 and given the same 26" barrel length, the 340`s performance is 100-200 fps. greater.

Realistically, there would be little to no difference in the effectiveness in stopping power on any big game that you would hunt using either cartridge. However, you can expect more recoil, more powder and brass expense with the 340.

Quoting from my Sierra manual;;;;; "Based on the 300 Wby, the 340 case is left full length, as opposed to the abbreviated 338 Win. This extra length DICTATES the use of the LONGER magnum action."...Unquote

Based on that quote, I doubt it will work. The 338`s magazine is too short to feed a 340 Wby. properly.

 

[FOTIS]

Thanks, POP. All I would need then, is a .375 H&H magazine, and to ream the barrel to the .340 WBY? The bolt face wouldn't need any further adjustments? Sure appreciate the help.
Heading out for 7 days, to elk hunt in the morning...so needless to say I won't be sleeping much tonight.
-TB

correct. I believe that Browning uses the same action for their magnum cartridges. RUM's 338 WM 300 Win mag 375 HH.

 

[TBASTIAN]

Thanks again. Looking at the Browning catalog is shows the .375 H&H having the same length action as the .338 Win Mag.
-TB

 

[Big Squeeze]

Thanks again. Looking at the Browning catalog is shows the .375 H&H having the same length action as the .338 Win Mag.
-TB[/quote........................It may work then. Apparently the A/bolt 338 Win magazines have enough length.