freindly advice wanted

[mlh29]

I have a chance to purchase a 338 win mag rem sendero blued fluted with a very very low rd count(under 50) to play with. I have a few long range set ups in 308, 30.06 and a 300 win mag 700p custom and enjoy that have wanted a 338lapua but it is out of my range now. My basic questions are.

Is there any real advantage over my 300 mag in the 338 win mag on normal north american game at reaonable hunting distances? I have read ballistics charts and reload but am looking for real world opinions.

I have used the 300win mag to 1200 a few times on varmints etc and like to play at longer range than that, what are your opinions on the 338 win mag at at least 1000 meters .

or say the hell with it and continue to save for the 700 mlr in 338 lapua ??

Thanks

 

[DAVETOOLEY]

Re: freindly advice wanted

I have just about every bore size in my safe. I pull my 338 out when I'm elk hunting. The elk don't require a 338 but if I'm in bear country I feel better. I've never had to resort to shooting a bear but there was one week in the Throughfare we had bear problems every day. It got pretty sporty at times.

 

[steve123]

Re: freindly advice wanted

The only advantage I can see is if you ran across a bear and needed more stopping power vs 300WM.Otherwise save your money for 388L or 338RUM.I advise using a 10 twist so you can shoot the 300 grainers.

 

[mlh29]

Re: freindly advice wanted

Thanks, I am just on the edge of getting this rifle, it is like new, basically getting given away. Just trying to figure out if I will ever have a use for it. I originally thought I could get it built into another 300 win mag or similar once fund become more available. Maybe I will just pass on it as I am sure one of the great deer hunters that are always needing a bigger gun for the big one that got away are waiting patiently to put a bsa on it so they can make that shot they missed last week at 3 miles LOL

Realistically I have always wanted to have a 338 as my father swore by them and I have alway enjoyed the stories of Elmer Keith just not sure either would care for the matte finish and hs stock Thanks for the input

 

[ReaperDriver]

Re: freindly advice wanted

If its being given away, sounds like a no-brainer. I'll take it you don't don't.

 

[308sako]

Re: freindly advice wanted

Yes

 

[Country]

Re: freindly advice wanted

Velocity erodes during flight , projectile weight and sectional density does not!

 

[desertHK]

Re: freindly advice wanted

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The only advantage I can see is if you ran across a bear and needed more stopping power vs 300WM.Otherwise save your money for 388L or 338RUM.I advise using a 10 twist so you can shoot the 300 grainers. </div></div>

1+. Your 300 win mag is very capable. I would save the money and get the 338LM.

 

[Driftwood]

Re: freindly advice wanted

I sold my .338 WM and kept my 300 WM. I would just continue to save for your 338 Lapua. I think the 300 WM is a great all around cartridge.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: freindly advice wanted

Buy the rifle if it suits your wishes. A good deal is a good deal, regardless of how much a firearm is or isn't used afterward. If nothing else, it's a good investment from a "buy cheap, sell dear" point of view.

Personally, I remain unconvinced that any practical North American hunting application requires more case capacity than is delivered by the .30-'06. If I needed to stretch distances to hit inanimate targets, I'd make exception only to the degree that I employ the .280 rem, built on the selfsame case design. I'm still developing the loads for such capabilities, but the cartridge is turning out to be very pleasing. For bear, I suspect a .35 Whelen could be pretty adequate. Weatherby Ammunition loads a .338-'06.

For some instances, a cartridge with a .473" base diameter translates into a larger magazine capacity than the customary Magnum cartridge case.

This is a personal choice of mine, but it's got a lot of folks standing in agreement.

Greg

 

[wyobill]

Re: freindly advice wanted

buy it have it rechambered to 338 ultra.

 

[mlh29]

Re: freindly advice wanted

Well I had to get it. It happened to be at a gander mtn near my home. I had a few unused gift cards burning a hole and they said I could lay it away. Figured I cant lose. They just didnt know what it was. I have found two on the gun auction sites going for almost double so I figure my deal was decent( they are asking double and have not sold so even if I sold it or play with it awhile and trade/build I will be ok)

I am thinking giving up on the 338lapua and using this as a build for a 338 edge, already has the hs stock, aftermarket bottom metal(steel, ptg I think) a rifle basics trigger installed. Now I need a long 338 barrel with a break, a few tweaks and should have a 338 edge for under 1500 hopefully.

What do you guys think? If not I will have a very nice 700 sendero fluted in 338 win mag for sale shortly LOL Thanks

 

[sandwarrior]

Re: freindly advice wanted

It sounds like a good deal for you. No need to go bigger when the one you have will do what that will do.

FWIW, I'm in agreement with Greg in that a .30-06 was considered pretty big for a long time. Until the magnums came along in the 50's/60's and really took hold in the 70's (that's a lot of marketing!). Truth is the .30-06 will handle anything in North America, anything in Africa, or anywhere else in the world. It has been proven a few times. And, it's been proven time and time again with smaller cartridges. Big recoil usually ends up being "big misses".

So, since your .338 will push all the high BC bullets out at good speeds, there doesn't seem to be a need for the .338 Lap. But, you can get one of those if you wish. Just saying what you're getting can do the job. If you ever re-barrel it, go with a heavy barrel cut and installed by a good gunsmith. Maybe have him bed the rifle too. Then you'd have an awsome rifle.

 

[mlh29]

Re: freindly advice wanted

Well I picked it up yesterday. I know it was Thanksgiving but I had to have an hour break or so from the 40 or so family members at my home.

I originally planned on having a 30 inch hart barrel installed since they are close( 1hr and 20 minute drive) and getting it set up as a 338 edge as I doubt I will ever need a 338 lapua, and could only ever afford one in the remington 700mlr/p platform.
I set it up last night after everyone left with the following:
remington 700 sendero fluted 338 win mag blued, already had a rifle basics trigger at 2.5 lbs.
nightforce 20moa steel base (tried selling it forever and just ended up keeping it for some reason)
tps 30mm rings(will probably switch to leupold mark 4 but couldnt find them last night)
leupold vari x iii european 6.5x20x50 duplex scope with fast focus eyepiece and 30mm tube( tried to sell this also but no buyers) Will probably switch this out for a 4.5x14 or similar

future plans will include some skim bedding with devcon titanium,either hs dbm bottom metal; or ptg steel bm ceracoated maybe a muzzle brake of some sort and some load development with 250-300 gr bullets.

Will post pics later Thanks for the advice,

 

[KeithR41]

Re: freindly advice wanted

You're only missing one important thing. You need to call Glen Seekins and order his .338 bottom metal. If you plan on shooting the 300's out of your edge you'll be single loading with that standard BDL length bottom metal.

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