Rem 600 338 Fed build final complete

Simpson302

Simpson302

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Barrie Ont. Canada
As some of you requested here is my Rem 600 338 Federal build, done in time for moose hunt
20” Douglas barrel in 338 Federal
Custom claro walnut stock with added grip cap, end cap, checkered, bedded and free floating
Timney trigger, Aluminum trigger guard
Older gloss Leupold VX3 2.5x8
Leupold duel dovetail base and rings
Cerakote finish

Started with me as an online purchase that was very poorly described by seller, well overpaid. Wouldn’t chamber a round, bent bolt handle, butchered up stock, broken safety lever and some kind of rattle can finish

Going to be my moose gun, where we hunt lots of bush and cover with shot being under 300y or less. Probably under 150y
Now to get it out shooting and sight in the scope. Figure out what it likes.
 

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That is a beautiful rifle. I love the stock and the "classic overall look" in AAA walnut.

Back in the day, before Federal decided to legitimize the 338-08, by putting their name on it, with a few very minor changes, a few of us saw the potential of this round.

It had a very slight advantage over the 358 Win once the shots were beyond 150 yds, and because there was a much better bullet selection, at that time in 338 diameter.

I don't know if you've worked up loads for the cartridge, or are going to stick with factory fodder, which can be difficult to find in some areas?

I found it was better to go with heavier bullets for animals as big as Moose or Elk. The lighter bullets were just to frangible, but OK for Deer and Black Bears.

I had the best results with 225 grain Hornady Spire Point, flat base. The flat base allowed for more powder in the case.

The load I use is 45.0 grains of W748, over CCI 250 primers in fireformed 308Win, Lapua cases. This load gave 2400 fps from the 20 inch bbl.

I also worked up a load for tree stand shooting, at Deer and Black Bear, utilizing 180 grain Barnes bullets.

The load was 48.5 grains of XBR8208, over CCI 250 primers, in Lapua cases. This load showed 2800 fps on a magnetospeed from the 20 inch barrel.

Both of these loads shot best out of "my rifle." Custom 98 Mauser with a repurposed Shilen Match Grade barrel.
 
bearhunter said:
That is a beautiful rifle. I love the stock and the "classic overall look" in AAA walnut.

Back in the day, before Federal decided to legitimize the 338-08, by putting their name on it, with a few very minor changes, a few of us saw the potential of this round.

It had a very slight advantage over the 358 Win once the shots were beyond 150 yds, and because there was a much better bullet selection, at that time in 338 diameter.

I don't know if you've worked up loads for the cartridge, or are going to stick with factory fodder, which can be difficult to find in some areas?

I found it was better to go with heavier bullets for animals as big as Moose or Elk. The lighter bullets were just to frangible, but OK for Deer and Black Bears.

I had the best results with 225 grain Hornady Spire Point, flat base. The flat base allowed for more powder in the case.

The load I use is 45.0 grains of W748, over CCI 250 primers in fireformed 308Win, Lapua cases. This load gave 2400 fps from the 20 inch bbl.

I also worked up a load for tree stand shooting, at Deer and Black Bear, utilizing 180 grain Barnes bullets.

The load was 48.5 grains of XBR8208, over CCI 250 primers, in Lapua cases. This load showed 2800 fps on a magnetospeed from the 20 inch barrel.

Both of these loads shot best out of "my rifle." Custom 98 Mauser with a repurposed Shilen Match Grade barrel.
Click to expand...
Thank you!
I’ve wanted a 338 fed for a while. This was the opportunity. A 358 win was also tossed around.
Thanks for the load data, I will keep. I have some factory ammo for now but bought dies and I’m building a stockpile of components including a bunch of once fired brass and 180 Barnes I’ll try.
 
BigBraz15 said:
Great looking build! I love the 338 federal. It hits well above its weight.

I had 2 different rifles with 160 grain Barnes TTSX that hit 3000 fps, unfortunately I never did get to take an animal with those. I did have good luck with 215 grain sierras.
Click to expand...
Thanks!
That’s moving! I’m wanting to try the 160 and 180 TTSX in it when I get set up for reloading. Good to know about the 215 sierra
 
Simpson302 said:
Thanks!
That’s moving! I’m wanting to try the 160 and 180 TTSX in it when I get set up for reloading. Good to know about the 215 sierra
Click to expand...
Monolithic bullets have helped a lot of people with recoil issues utilize cartridges such as the 338 Federal to shoot better.

I'm recoil shy, but I never found any issues with the 338-08, even with the heaviest bullets shooting as fast as they could be pushed from my rifle.

The lighter monlithics, will definitely extend the range of this cartridge, but I'm wondering if they will expand well enough, say at 300 yds?

The purpose of the 338-08/338 Federal was to shoot relatively heavy bullets at velocities where they would still expand reliably out to 200yds, along with decent trajectories.

Bullets as light as 160 grains will shed velocity quickly, and IMHO, take away the advantages of going to the 338 diameter bullets.
 
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