Guardian angels have long hours and are underpaid.
My experience reinforces my preference for the pre-64 Model 70.
A cast bullet in the custom 338-06 Win case with gas check had a serious pressure excursion. The GCheck slipped from the base of the bullet
and landed on the powder charge. Instant blockage and pressure excursion. Only damage was loss of the long extractor. No chamber or cartridge camera
but this is my diagnosis looking at the evidence and result.
For myself:
NO gas checks or lead GC bullets in bottleneck cartridges. Shoot them all day in straight-walled cases like the 45-70/45-90.
The Winchester pre-64 Model 70 is a strong rifle. This custom 338-06 is still in action after a new extractor was placed in the rifle. Only
jacketed bullets now in use and it digests them with excellent accuracy. Fortunate in this case. Frank De Haas in his "Bolt Action Rifles" rates the Mauser 98 action as best for handling gas with a bolt shroud covering the left raceway. Errant gas is diverted. But even the Mauser might have heat-treating issues.Caveat handloaders.
Last edited by 1916XE; 02/02/26 11:53 AM.
