Accuracy International Super-Magnum AWSM 338 (PICS)

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OneInTheChamber

New member
I'd say that thing is gonna shoot tiny groups, but with bullet holes that big it's not gonna leave much paper.

Have fun with your new cannon, i mean rifle.

Chase
 
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joshua

New member
Nice looking rifle indeed. Lots of dinero into that rifle/scope rig. Tell us how it shoots. Looking at the set up you have makes me want to don a ghillie suit. :D josh
 
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tulsamal

New member
Lots of dinero into that rifle/scope rig.
Click to expand...

You aren't kidding. That's exactly what I was thinking as I looked at the photos. I would love to have that rifle/scope but I don't think I could release my hand from that much money for one rifle!

I know some Army and Marine guys who would love to have that setup!

Gregg
 
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impact

New member
One of the resasons I like to hang out on this board is the information you get. I had no idea there was a scope with a 35mm tube.
 
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joshua

New member
I don't know about the 35mm tube. I looked on websites of Optics specialist and all they list for US Optics are 30mm tubes. I'm wondering if it's a typo or it's something new that it's not even catologed. Inquiring minds want to know. :D Still the dandiest rig I've ever seen and I will never get to own such a set up. :( Envy.... :D May I shoot it? josh
 
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Zak Smith

New member
I assure you, it is 35mm.

US Optics' SN-3 data-page

The reason to increase tube size is to increase the up and down distance the erector assembly can move. (There is also probably a strength increase, but scopes generally do not fail from external damage.) When the elevation knob is dialed, it is the erector assembly that is physically moved inside the scope which changes the reticle's point of aim. Larger tube diameter means more movement, and results in more MOA or MILs of elevation available.

The SN-3 pictured has 0.1 MIL clicks, and each full revolution of the elevation knob comprises 90 clicks for 9.0 MILs. The knob turns just over two revolutions for about 20-21 total mils of elevation. Even 308 can make it to 1000 yards in under 1 turn (about 8 mils).

US Optics scopes are generally made in 30 or 35mm. They have special order options for 34mm (for S&B mount compatibility) and 40mm. The Schmidt & Bender PMII scopes all have 34mm tubes.

34mm rings are available from Badger, TPS, and others. 35mm rings are available from Badger and TPS, and USO.
 
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The British Soldier

New member
That's one fantastic British rifle you have there and the scope is, to be frank, monumental!

It would be great for shooting at the end of the day, due to the light gathering of the larger OG lens. Many scopes made in the UK lack this, but take a look at any of the German ones (Zeiss or Schmidt & Bender) and they are 56mm+ OG lens - the German hunters often get what they are after in twilight, ergo the enormous lens size.

I know they don't come cheap, but I'm sure that you will enjoy shooting it; may I suggest a hot bath at the end of the shooting day? Your aching shoulder might need it, that rifle has a healthy recoil.
 
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Zak Smith

New member
The British Soldier
It would be great for shooting at the end of the day, due to the light gathering of the larger OG lens. Many scopes made in the UK lack this, but take a look at any of the German ones (Zeiss or Schmidt & Bender) and they are 56mm+ OG lens - the German hunters often get what they are after in twilight, ergo the enormous lens size.
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We've done some night shoots here. Here's an interesting comparison: At dusk, we took a Nightforce 5.5-22x56mm and a USO SN3 3.8-22x44mm, put them both at 10x. We were shooting at a painted white steel silhouette at about 550 yards. With the NF, we could just make out the outline of the target against the background. With the USO, we could still make out the hits on the white paint, even though the NF had a 14mm larger objective. The glass quality in the scope makes a big difference to light transmission, even more than objective diameter in some cases.
 
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Zak Smith

New member
FINALLY got out and did some break-in this morning. Shot ahout 30 rounds over a 2 hour period.

Recoil was so mild with the 2-chamber brake, I wondered if I was really shooting 338 after the first shot. Subjectively, it feels pretty close to 308. It's a *****cat. (Without the brake, it is a little brutal.) I could shoot this rifle all day.. but I won't say no to a hot tub in any case!

Accuracy is excellent (1 hole @ 100), however the barrel fouls a lot more than my 308.

Most accurate load shot was 95.0gr H1000 with the Scenar, at 2910fps. 96-97gr got me up to 3000fps, but started to develop some pressure signs around 2950. Might have to try a slower powder-- maybe N170.

Plan to stretch its legs this weekend..
 
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Zak Smith

New member
In the last couple weeks, I've shot it to 1000 yards several times (along with my buddy shooting a TRG42), and done a lot of load development.

Depending on load and env conditions, it's between 5.9 and 6.8 mils elevation to 1000, from a 100 yard zero. There are multiple loads that give good 100 yard accuracy, but 91.0gr H4831SC is giving SD's under 5fps (!!!), around 1/4 MOA 3-shot groups at 100, and consistent 1000 yard performance.

[ link to LARGER image ]

You'll notice I'm trying out a different scope on the rifle. This is the new S&B 5-25x56mm PMII, metric, with the P4 reticle.

[ link to LARGER image ]
 
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joshua

New member
Yup! I noticed the new scope, because the duct tape is gone :D .
Great info you are providing here, so I'm also interested in what you do.
I can't wait to see you put that $3K Zeiss scope on that rifle. Waiting for your next range report. josh
 
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