Home | Ezine | Forums | Links | Contact
NitroExpress.com: 308 Norma Magnum?

View recent messages : 24 hours | 48 hours | 7 days | 14 days | 30 days | 60 days | More Smilies


*** Enjoy NitroExpress.com? Participate and join in. ***
You are not logged in. [Login] Main Index · Search · Active Topics
New user · Who's Online · FAQ · Calendar

Shooting & Reloading - Mausers, Big Bores and others >> Rifles
Previous topic Previous   Search Results   Next topic Next   Threaded Mode Threaded  

Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | >> (show all)
Woodbeef
.275 member


Reged: 30/12/06
Posts: 82
Loc: Badlands of Alberta
308 Norma Magnum?
      #116968 - 15/10/08 10:09 AM

Anyone have one of these? I'm toying with the idea of building one on a HVA 4100 if it's not too hard of a job. What would it be like with a 21" barrel?

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
DoubleD
.400 member


Reged: 23/11/03
Posts: 2399
Loc: Retired in Oklahoma
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: Woodbeef]
      #116978 - 15/10/08 01:56 PM

I have one and it's one of the most accurate rifles I own. Mine is a KDF K-15 and has a 26 inch barrel. It passed the 5 shoots under an inch test when it left KDF.

Why a 21 inch barrel?

--------------------
DD, Ret.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Paul
.400 member


Reged: 28/08/07
Posts: 1031
Loc: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: DoubleD]
      #116983 - 15/10/08 02:36 PM

No, but I understand it to be one of the best .300 magnums. I bet Winchester wish they had necked down the 338WM and named it first.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
shinz
.300 member


Reged: 11/05/08
Posts: 135
Loc: New Zealand
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: Woodbeef]
      #116985 - 15/10/08 03:06 PM

Yes, I have one on a Zastava action with a Tony Hawkins barrel. It happily shoots 3 x 186 gr Lapuas into 5/8 " at 100 yds if I'm up to speed on the day. Easy to load for, likes IMR4831. It doesn't do anything that a 300 Win won't but I reckon it does it "nicer". By the same token, the 300 Win, or Wby too, doesn't do anything that the Norma round can't. Mine is built with a 24 " barrel. Although you won't loose as much velocity as some will tell you according to recent theories, you will gain blast by the bucket load. I would seriously recommend a 23 or 24" barrel as minimums.
Steve

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Schauckis
.300 member


Reged: 17/07/07
Posts: 151
Loc: Finland
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: shinz]
      #116999 - 15/10/08 07:21 PM

Hi,

No real experience but the Swedes from where this comes do like it a lot.
Their main game for the magnum is elk - I don't really think they use it a lot on roe, as it would be overkill for sure!
Check Norma's website for info on available ammo. Apparently, they only have 2 loads for this so I'd be inclined to say it's not awfully popular.

--------------------
A.k.a. Bwana One-Shot

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Rolf
.333 member


Reged: 26/02/07
Posts: 396
Loc: Germany, Bavaria
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: Schauckis]
      #117037 - 16/10/08 05:11 AM

Gentlemen,

I aquired a .308 Norma Mag. from Dumoulin (an cheap experimental rifle) and it shoots pretty accurate.

I hunted once for roe deer and shot a buck at (lasered) 125m through in the heart-lung area with an exit in the off-shoulder with the Sierra 165grs HPBT Gameking. Bullet opened nice and the exit showed that you can use a little less gun for a 12kg animal.

I form the cases from .300 Win Mag brass and this functions perfect, using R904/Reloader19 powder and 180grs bullets.
I can recommend this cartridge in a rifle with a 24" barrel and I really like it!
Rolf

PS: Who needs a common cartridge?

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
gryphon
.450 member


Reged: 01/01/03
Posts: 5487
Loc: Sambar ground/Victoria/Austral...
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: Rolf]
      #117039 - 16/10/08 05:49 AM

I have one,it kills hard and anything i want it too,a great round for sure.

--------------------
Get off the chair away from the desk and get out in the bush and enjoy life.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
osix
.224 member


Reged: 13/07/07
Posts: 20
Loc: Australia
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: gryphon]
      #117074 - 16/10/08 05:27 PM

I've got an FN in 308 Norma, used it in Africa on plains game earlier this year with 200 grain Woodleights.
I wouldn't consider anything shorter than a 24 inch barrel, muzzle blast could be a real problem and you're not likely to achieve magnum velocities with the short barrel.
IMHO stick with the Win Mag brass and ammunition is far more readily availalbe and less expensive.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Woodbeef
.275 member


Reged: 30/12/06
Posts: 82
Loc: Badlands of Alberta
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: DoubleD]
      #117122 - 17/10/08 09:45 PM

The gun already has a 21" barrel on it now. It is a well used hunter that needs a new stock and a good reblue. That's why I was contemplating the caliber switch. From the sound of things though it will be too short to be of much use.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
SCGunNut
.224 member


Reged: 05/05/06
Posts: 34
Loc: South Carolina
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: Woodbeef]
      #117278 - 20/10/08 01:28 PM

I have a Parker-Hale Mauser in .308 Norma. Found it at a gun show and it followed me home. It had one of the most gaudy stocks you ever saw. Pale yellow wood, roll over cheekpiece, skip-line checkering, white line spacers, the works. Made a Weatherby look conservative. Took it out and shot it to see if it showed promise and it did so I restocked it with a nice Fajen walnut drop in. After reblueing and bedding the stock I took it back to the range. First group with factory Norma was 5/8" and it does nearly as well on demand. An ugly duckling became a thing of beauty to the eye and on the range and it is one of my favorite long shooters.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
magnum308
.275 member


Reged: 19/05/04
Posts: 52
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: SCGunNut]
      #172884 - 10/12/10 08:01 PM

I have a .308 Norma Mag, as anyone who has been to the classified section will know. I won't go into details here as they are all (with pics) at http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=162440&an=0&page=2#Post162440.

Now I have been doing some toying around with this calibre and funny thing the more I look at it the more I like it. So the rifle may not be that much for sale as I previously indicated. Someone's going to say, "I told you so!"

I have not shot it for a few years, instead concentrating on my .270 Win and .308 Win. But I have recently (this week) gone through some of my brass (I have several hundreds of Norma cases) and been doing a bit of case selection. I have selected around 50 or so for immediate reloading and will probably get to the range (SSAA Brisbane) in a week or so or perhaps over Christmas. I have enough AR2213SC to load these with Hornady SPBT 180 Gr Interlocks. The last time I shot it the load that was safe in my rifle was a grain or two over the ADI maximum and gave me a chronographed 3,153 fps out of my 24" Douglas premium barrel. This is a real flat shooting hard hitter at extended ranges. Although the rifle is a bit on the heavy side, it does soak up the recoil a bit.

As someone has already remarked, it's not a common calibre, but nonetheless, a classic.

Life is too short to hunt with an ugly rifle.

--------------------
____________________________________________
Life is too short to hunt with an ugly rifle

Edited by magnum308 (10/12/10 08:22 PM)

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
gryphon
.450 member


Reged: 01/01/03
Posts: 5487
Loc: Sambar ground/Victoria/Austral...
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: magnum308]
      #172886 - 10/12/10 10:17 PM

You know my post above is from the 10/16/08 and since then I had that same rifle re barrelled to .358 Norma Mag.

And since then I have purchased a commercial `98 action which as I type is having a 308 Norma M barrel screwed in amongst other jobs,the reason being is that they are a ripping calibre,hard,flat and fast,besides 300 Win mags are too common ( I have one too) and its nice to be out of a different mould at times.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
magnum308
.275 member


Reged: 19/05/04
Posts: 52
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: gryphon]
      #172887 - 10/12/10 10:27 PM

Quote:

You know my post above is from the 10/16/08 and since then I had that same rifle re barrelled to .358 Norma Mag.

And since then I have purchased a commercial `98 action which as I type is having a 308 Norma M barrel screwed in amongst other jobs,the reason being is that they are a ripping calibre,hard,flat and fast,besides 300 Win mags are too common ( I have one too) and its nice to be out of a different mould at times.



Gryphon,

Yea. I saw it was some time ago but decided to add to it. Great work on building another .308 NM, it's a great calibre. I had a .358 NM many, many years ago in, of all things a Weatherby Mk V. Only had it for a short time but took it on one hunt to Backall (Qld) after pigs. It certainly laid them flat. I loaded 220 Gr FN bullets for that hunt.

I like something different too. Now have a .375 Chatfield-Taylor (inventor of the more popular .416 Taylor), essentially a 338 Win Mag opened to .375. I'll get some loads going for this after I have settled with the .308 NM.

--------------------
____________________________________________
Life is too short to hunt with an ugly rifle

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
gryphon
.450 member


Reged: 01/01/03
Posts: 5487
Loc: Sambar ground/Victoria/Austral...
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: magnum308]
      #172914 - 11/12/10 05:55 AM

I didnt know about the 375 version and one of the lads down here had a 416CT built for him by my gunsmith too and he swears by it,I have thought of building one also.

If you want to cash any of the 308nm brass yell at me M308.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
szihn
.400 member


Reged: 24/06/07
Posts: 2113
Loc: Wind River Valley, Wyoming
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: gryphon]
      #172915 - 11/12/10 06:53 AM

I have made 9 of them for customers over the years. I worked on 3 others that I didn't build. All were everything the customers wanted.
The 308 Norma is perhaps the best of the 300s overall. Some are faster, but none are better in terms of power and accuracy without excessively fast recoil and short barrel life.
It's not popular here in the USA, but I am sure I can't say why.

But like all the 300s, you should have a longer barrel then 21" I would not go less then 24 if I were you.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
gryphon
.450 member


Reged: 01/01/03
Posts: 5487
Loc: Sambar ground/Victoria/Austral...
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: szihn]
      #172921 - 11/12/10 02:06 PM

At the moment the barrel for me is 26"`s as it will be primarily a snipe at distance or a sit and wait rifle for late arvo /evening chances.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
magnum308
.275 member


Reged: 19/05/04
Posts: 52
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: gryphon]
      #178884 - 12/04/11 04:57 PM

Quote:

If you want to cash any of the 308nm brass yell at me M308.



Gryphon,

No. Quite the reverse now. I bought several hundred Norma cases (all there was in stock) when I worked at a gunshop in the 70s. Over the years I have only scrapped a few but a lot of them need FL sizing now.

The price here of new cases is around $65/20 so I put a post on a US website and found a guy with some new and once fired cases. Did the deal (at AUD US$1.02) waited 3 months for a B709A and they arrived into Australian Customs on Monday. A quick email to the customs officer that looked after my export permits for my NZ hunt last year and was told they're being transferred to the Firearns Cell in Brisbane for processing. So it looks like for around A$100 I have 80 cases delivered.

--------------------
____________________________________________
Life is too short to hunt with an ugly rifle

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
gryphon
.450 member


Reged: 01/01/03
Posts: 5487
Loc: Sambar ground/Victoria/Austral...
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: magnum308]
      #178971 - 13/04/11 12:44 PM

Thats a fair enough price IMO at this time,thanks cob.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
mbogo3
.275 member


Reged: 26/03/10
Posts: 54
Loc: Alberta Canada
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: gryphon]
      #198566 - 03/01/12 12:59 PM

Easy to make .308 NM out of .300 Win mag brass. Lube .300 WM to where Norma shoulder should be and inside of neck,FL size in Norma die and trim ............Done.............I shoot a Browning safari FN 98 in .308 NM...........Harold

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
gryphon
.450 member


Reged: 01/01/03
Posts: 5487
Loc: Sambar ground/Victoria/Austral...
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: mbogo3]
      #198570 - 03/01/12 01:40 PM

I found 50 cases in the UK and have them loaded with woodleigh hydro`s atm. 180`s x 40 and 10 x 150`s.

--------------------
Get off the chair away from the desk and get out in the bush and enjoy life.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
magnum308
.275 member


Reged: 19/05/04
Posts: 52
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: gryphon]
      #198580 - 03/01/12 04:24 PM

This is an interesting calibre/cartridge and the more I look at it the more it interests me.

I am thinking (have been for some time) of a .300 Win Mag as a long range hunting rifle (in SS/synthetic). But I am now seriously considering a 30/338 instead. It achieved quite a reputation in 1,000 yard competitions many years ago but in recent times has lost ground to the 6.5-284 and the like. However, it would fit the bill quite well and be a more efficient cartridge than the .300WM.

--------------------
____________________________________________
Life is too short to hunt with an ugly rifle

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
DarylS
.700 member


Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 26545
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: magnum308]
      #198634 - 04/01/12 05:57 AM

I've loaded for 2 .308 Normas, both mine at one time. Nice round, and everything good said about it fits. There is really nothing to choose between the .300's as they all kill identically. The Norma just uses a bit less powder to do the same thing.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
mikeh416Rigby
.450 member


Reged: 24/02/03
Posts: 6051
Loc: The beautiful Oley Valley, PA....
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: DarylS]
      #198652 - 04/01/12 09:24 AM

A British Columbia Elk and Mule Deer outfitter I've used a couple of times used and swore by his 308 Norma, and by his results, I can't argue with his choice.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
93x64mm
.416 member


Reged: 07/12/11
Posts: 3998
Loc: Nth QLD Australia
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: mikeh416Rigby]
      #212206 - 07/07/12 08:26 AM

Being the original short .30 its a goodie!
They can be a pain to load for especially trying to get Norma's consistancy 3060fps for 180gns & grouping. My old Parker Hale Super was done up to this 30 years ago
I could shoot 3 of these into about an inch on a good day! 71 gns of AR2209 in my rifle would get the same velocity (please start much lower than this as my rifle has been freebored) but couldn't get the accuracy! For years i changed projectiles, seating depths etc - all to no avail!
A chance meeting with one of our "Fly" shooters here in NQ solved the problem - try AP2213SC.
I finally got the magic 1" group, the load i have doesn't get to the Norma velocity, very close though but Hornady's 178 & 180gn projectiles will shoot to the same POI.
DarylS is as always spot on - a very efficient round & boy do they kill well!
93x64mm

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Kiwi_bloke
.333 member


Reged: 03/09/09
Posts: 256
Loc: New Zealand
Re: 308 Norma Magnum? [Re: 93x64mm]
      #213147 - 21/07/12 11:00 AM

My first rifle was a .308 Norma Magnum based on a Parker-Hale Mauser 98 conversion. Not what I'd recommend for a new shooter. Gave me my first "Weatherby eyebrow" and, since I didn't own eaf muffs then, also problems hearing for a week after I sighted it in. Only ever fired it at one animal, a possum, (which are pests in this counry). I didn't allow for the scope height at close range and so I shot the branch off below it. This promptly came back and knocked the animal out of the tree that it was in and it lay on the ground completely dazed. So close is sometimes good enough. It seems to me that, with 30 years more shooting experience since then, that by getting .300 magnum performance from a .30-06 sized action, it's a good cartridge in appropriate hands.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | >> (show all)


Previous topic Previous   Search Results   Next topic Next   Threaded Mode Threaded  

Extra information
0 registered and 31 anonymous users are browsing this forum.

Moderator:   

Print Topic

Forum Permissions
      You cannot start new topics
      You cannot reply to topics
      HTML is disabled
      UBBCode is enabled

Rating:
Topic views: 36220

Rate this topic

Jump to

Contact Us NitroExpress.com

Powered by UBB.threads™ 6.5.5


Home | Ezine | Forums | Links | Contact


Copyright 2003 to 2011 - all rights reserved