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3/21/2017 11:22:51 PM EDT
I find this new caliber to be intriguing. I was considering the 45 Raptor until I learned about this new round. With the high BC and retained energy, it seems like the perfect round for boar hunting. Also, being able to easily form brass out of 308 cases it a beautiful thing.

Anyone here build one yet? I would be interested in hearing your experiences.

375 Raptor
3/22/2017 12:02:03 AM EDT
[#1]
To each his own, but the whole purpose of building a raptor for me was to have a rifle that works in Michigan's "shotgun" zone.  If I was going for a larger than normal caliber to use for say elk or boar hunting, I would build a 338 Federal and be done with it.  Factory barrels, factory brass.  In fact, for boar hunting, I would just use the 45 Raptor.

But that is just me.
3/22/2017 3:27:46 PM EDT
[#2]
That was my thought.   338 federal and done.  Nothing is walking away from that up close and personal IMHO.
3/22/2017 10:09:28 PM EDT
[#3]
I considered the Federal 338 but was concerned about the general availability of brass. On the other hand, 375 Raptor is easily converted out of the stash of 308 brass that I have. I hope it takes off to the point it will be the "300 BLK" of the AR-10 world.
3/23/2017 6:37:12 AM EDT
[#4]
I make my .338 Fed brass out of .308.  It comes out of the sizing die a few thousandths short.  Big whoop.

It's certainly a whole lot easier to make .338 F brass out of .308 than it is to make Raptor brass out of .308.

If you must have a .375, check out the .375 SOCOM from TROMIX.  Brass is made without too much trouble from .458 SOCOM brass which is readily available now and has been for over a year.  It lasts forever, does not beat up your AR rifle, and gets an honest 2350-2400 fps with a 200 gr bullet at only 36K psi.  IT uses standard AR mags just like the .458.  Barrel and bolt and enlarged ejection port and you are ready to shoot.  Dies from TROMIX, CH-4D, and Hornady.
3/23/2017 2:05:36 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Quoted:
I considered the Federal 338 but was concerned about the general availability of brass. On the other hand, 375 Raptor is easily converted out of the stash of 308 brass that I have. I hope it takes off to the point it will be the "300 BLK" of the AR-10 world.
View Quote
Just received an email today from Starline stating they are now selling 338 Federal brass.

Just putting it out there in case you didn't want to form it yourself and that was your only hang up.
3/23/2017 2:31:02 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Quoted:
I make my .338 Fed brass out of .308.  It comes out of the sizing die a few thousandths short.  Big whoop.

It's certainly a whole lot easier to make .338 F brass out of .308 than it is to make Raptor brass out of .308.

If you must have a .375, check out the .375 SOCOM from TROMIX.  Brass is made without too much trouble from .458 SOCOM brass which is readily available now and has been for over a year.  It lasts forever, does not beat up your AR rifle, and gets an honest 2350-2400 fps with a 200 gr bullet at only 36K psi.  IT uses standard AR mags just like the .458.  Barrel and bolt and enlarged ejection port and you are ready to shoot.  Dies from TROMIX, CH-4D, and Hornady.
View Quote
Good to know the forming Federal 338 brass out of 308 is doable. I did look at 375 SOCOM but I was looking for an intermediate cartridge for the LR-308/AR-10 format.
3/23/2017 2:36:14 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Quoted:


Just received an email today from Starline stating they are now selling 338 Federal brass.

Just putting it out there in case you didn't want to form it yourself and that was your only hang up.
View Quote
Well, I already pushed the button on the 375 Raptor but it is 10-12 weeks away. If a find a great price on a 338 barrel, I may just build another upper.
3/23/2017 6:58:51 PM EDT
[#8]
For the LR platform, I really think you would love the .338 Fed.  Mine is an 18" but I wish it were a 20.  When I bought my barrel 18" was all that was available in my price range.  Even though the barrel is a DPMS stainless fluted (fluted, HA!, more like deep scratches) it is a real tac driver., MOA with the two bullets I have tried, 160 TTSX and a 180 TTSX.  
FYI, DPMS now makes a 20" if you are so inclined.

Needless to say, it feeds flawlwssly from every .308 magazine I have tried.
3/23/2017 7:18:23 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Quoted:
To each his own, but the whole purpose of building a raptor for me was to have a rifle that works in Michigan's "shotgun" zone.  If I was going for a larger than normal caliber to use for say elk or boar hunting, I would build a 338 Federal and be done with it.  Factory barrels, factory brass.  In fact, for boar hunting, I would just use the 45 Raptor.

But that is just me.
View Quote
How do you get around the shotgun zone thing? Grew up in MI and no one I know ever did that.
3/23/2017 9:12:36 PM EDT
[#10]
3 or 4 years ago they changed the rules to allow rifles chambered in strait walled pistol cartridges not longer than 1.8" to be used in the southern zone.
3/23/2017 11:07:39 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Quoted:
3 or 4 years ago they changed the rules to allow rifles chambered in strait walled pistol cartridges not longer than 1.8" to be used in the southern zone.
View Quote
Thanks, I've been gone for a bit and missed the change,
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