308 Norma Mag, and 30-338 are esentially the same cartridge.
Reloading for it is quite easy, 7mm Rem Mag. Brass is ran through a 308NM full length die, and then the case mouths are trimmed to a length that squares off the case mouths.
Most if not all reloading manuals have reloading data for the Norma Mag. and of course there are a bevy of bullets to choose from, if your thinking big game consider controlled expansion bullets of a bullet weight ranging from 165gr. to 200gr.
Powders of choice appear to be IMR 4350, IMR 4831, H4350, H4831, RL 19, RL22.
The cartridge is essentially a ballistic twin to the other 2.5" 30 cal magnums out there, some even claim because of the longer neck on the Norma case the accuracy potential is better than it's Win. Mag. cousin, but again that's opinion of some old school guys.
As for the rifle the Alpine Sporter's are a fine firearm, being for lack of any other word a modernized 98 mauser, much similar to the Parker Hale Mausers, the only down side I've observed is that the stock design is hideous, often with a low comb and lots of drop in the stock coupled with a rather skinny profile on the butt pad, this often gives the Norma Mag. the reputation of a real kicker. Any after market stock for a 98 Mauser such as the Boyds JRS will give the rifle the ergonomics to tame the nastyness out of the poor stock design, and of course a Limbsaver, or Decellerator, recoil pad is also a good choice.
Enjoy,
Reloading is about the only financial solution for this cartridge since factory loaded Norma ammo often carries a more than premium price tag.
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