338 Win and 338 Win Mag

[abunaitoo]

So I'm not a big caliber shooter.
I mostly shoot military.
Have two sets of dies.
.338 Win and .338 Win Mag.
I think they are both the same thing.
Am I correct????

[elk hunter]

The only 338 that Winchester makes, or ever made that I'm aware of, is the magnum.

[rbuck351]

Yes, there is only one 338Win/338Win Mag. Some dies are marked with mag, some are not.

[TimD]

I am not a belted magnum shooter, but am curious about sizing.

Is there a step inside the sizing die for the belt?

[thxmrgarand]

I really like the Wilson adjustable case gauge for belted magnums. I use it for .264 win, .338 win, .300 Weath, .257 Weath, .300 Win, and .458 Win, but most of the time just load the two Weatherby cartridges. There is even a more sophisticated tool, can't remember what it is, that is probably better. But this simple tool I find very helpful for belted cases.

[Texas by God]

The only 338 that Winchester makes, or ever made that I'm aware of, is the magnum.The obsolete .33 WCF was the first .338" - but not a magnum.

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[abunaitoo]

Thanks guys.

[elk hunter]

The obsolete .33 WCF was the first .338" - but not a magnum.

Sent from my SM-A716U using Tapatalk


33 Winchester dies are marked 33 Winchester. At least mine are.

[elk hunter]

I am not a belted magnum shooter, but am curious about sizing.

Is there a step inside the sizing die for the belt?

All my belted magnum sizing dies have a step for the belt. Since most belted case chambers seem to be a tad long I'm careful to size just enough for an easy fit. Generally speaking continued full length sizing of belted cases means short case life, at least that has been my experience. Of course your mileage may vary.

[Ickisrulz]

I am one of those weirdos that shoot nothing but cast from my 338 Win Mag. I am able to re-size only the neck on most reloadings. I have not cracked a case after many, many times reloading the cases.

There is a re-sizing die that uses a collet which is supposed to eliminate a bulge above the belt that some say can form from full length sizing:

https://www.larrywillis.com/

[TimD]

All my belted magnum sizing dies have a step for the belt. Since most belted case chambers seem to be a tad long I'm careful to size just enough for an easy fit. Generally speaking continued full length sizing of belted cases means short case life, at least that has been my experience. Of course your mileage may vary.

It makes sense not to work the brass more than needed.
Thanks!
Tim