The answer was a resounding YES!
Initially, I ordered two SV’s and a HR Lap boltface action. I was then asked if I wanted to order a Cheytac action, BAT machines their actions in runs of different models, they were doing a run of CT actions that could be included with my order, who am my to argue!
After a few years of stuffing around with the getting the actions they finally turned up.
I built one of the SV’s into my 20PPC, the other SV is in the safe, still procrastinating, it's a 223 botlface.
The HR Lap boltface action will be my Longrange hunting rifle in 338HCM, a long Lap improved case.
It was going to be 300 Norma Magnum Improved but I have started using 215 grain Berger's in my 300WM
that work very well for hunting to medium range.
The 300NM with 230’s would definitely be better but not by much.
The 338HCM with 300 grain Berger's is a much better choice.
The CT action was always going to be a 375 Snipetac, or so I thought, its a improved Cheytac case.
I did toss up doing a 338 Snipetac but I always had a thing for 375.
My Gunsmith, Aaron Jones at Precision Ordnance ordered a 375 barrel and T5 Terminator brake
and the wait began.
I also happen to have a 338 barrel with the correct knox size for the action.
During the wait we talked about what caliber I was going to do, I went backwards and forwards
between 338 and 375.
I always thought the 375ST was just to “close” for a better word to the 338ST, that is mainly due
to the 300gr Berger having a very good BC compared to the 350 SMK.
We talked about our options and said “why don’t we make a bigger 375 case”!
The first thing was the name!
After a lot of throwing ideas backwards and forwards between Aaron and I, we came up with,
375 Hellfire
Bertram had the head stamp made and started drawing the brass.
Once Aaron had the brass in hand he measured it up we worked out all the dimensions he ordered the reamer.
The case is a quarter inch longer than the CT-ST case, which does not sound like much but every other dimension a completely different!
Once the reamer turned up Aaron chambered the gun and test fried it before he set it to me.
I received the barrelled action and bedded it into a stock that was actually made by a AV member,thanks Alan!
I have done load development for my other guns but this was all new to me!
Bertram sent me some cases I loaded after talking to Aaron where to start and worked up.
We had a few issues, killed a few cases, had some more made, they were ok handled pressure better,
then tried the latest batch and they are awesome!
For a comparison, a Snipetac load is around 140grs of 2218 the 375 Hellfire load is 172grs 2218
so there is a fair bit more capacity!
I have loaded,
350 SMK’s Jacketed projectile
350CE MTH Monolithic projectile
375CE Laser Plastic tipped Monolithic projectile
400CE MTH Monolithic projectile
All the information for loads and speeds are on the Precision Ordnance Facebook page plus a few videos
of me shooting it!
https://www.facebook.com/precisionordnance/
As most here know I own a 375 Cheytac, some have shot it, the Hellfire is a lot more gun!
It took me a bit to get used to the recoil but after 20 shots I was ok with it!
You certainly know your shooting it!
All this did not happen in a hurry, nothing dose in the gun industry.
It has been 2 years in the making!
Was it worth it?
With a 32” barrel I get 3520 fps with a 350SMK!
You bet it was worth it!
We still have a few things to sort out, reamer for dies to come and I definitely need more
barrel length, as you can see by the photo below, the next one will be 36”.
I do have a McMillan stock on order to replace the big BR stock because it will be used as a long
range Sambar gun but the BR stock was perfect for testing!
We are working on the 338 Hellfire now!
I will be ordering a new action, barrel and stock for the 338HF.
Glenn
