338-06? To build or not to build? ** RIFLE ASSEMBLED! Pics post #31**

notsorichguy

notsorichguy

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I have a 30-06, 270, 308, 243 and a 223 I have all used for hunting..... I also have a 338LM, several 303's, a couple of 223s and a bunch of Pistols (9mm, 38/357, 45) I use at the range. I reload for all the calibers mentioned.

I think that I may want to have a 338 for hunting....... But I feel my 338LM may be a bit much for hauling cross country. I REALLY don’t want to ‘sporterize’ my 338LM either. I really don't want to start in on another whole set of components. I will at some point, but not so much right now...

I have looked at all of my reloading books I have as well as several online resources and I figure that the performance I should see from a 338-06 would be more than enough for what I want to do (Bear, Moose, Elk and maybe the odd Mule deer).

I was thinking about building a 338-06 off a Remmy 700 action. Not that I have one laying around but a friend of mine does...... I have a stock (left over from another project), and I have a Sh*t-ton of brass for the 30-06 and the 270 (to make into 338-06 brass), so all I really need to source is a barrel.

I could also source a factory rifle....... But that's not really as much fun...... It is fun but fun in another way.

Thoughts?

Ideas?

etc.....

Cheers!
 
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Sounds like a fun project, the only problem I ever have with a project is coming up with a new reason for "she who must be obeyed" as to why I need a new rifle. :)
 
You really don't need a .338-06, as I imagine the '06 will do everything the other will do. But I guess talking someone out of another gun is frowned upon here, so I will shut up. I'd build, as the only nice production .338-06 I've seen was a Weatherby Mark V lightweight (BackCountry?) and it was pricey.
 
i would build. its a great choice. i'm on my second one. this one is on a rem 700, lightweight douglas barrel. weighs in under 7 lbs. very easy to get 2700fps with a 225 grn. shoots as flat as a 30 06 hits much harder. much easier on the shoulder than a 338 win mag. to me its a win win choice.
 
I love most anything based on a 30-06 case, as it seems so versatile and brass is so readily available. 338-06 seems like a fine round to me. You might also want to consider 9.3x62 as well. Use the same 30-06 brass you already have, just get some dies and 9.3 bullets and you're off. Whatever you do, post some pics once it's done!
 
patricksbb391 said:
ok, so this may be a bit off topic, but Accurate Reloading website suggests a .338-06 driving a 250 grain bullet has more felt recoil than .338 WM. Counterintuitive?

http://www.accuratereloading.com/recoil.html

Build your rifle....
Click to expand...

Those guys are out to lunch, they show almost double the recoil over a 338 Win mag. I haven't shot a 338-06, but I've shot my Whelen and 338 mag plenty, no contest the 338-06 will have less recoil in a rifle of the same design. Shooting bullets around 200fps slower, with probably 10grains or so less powder isn't going to increase recoil.
 
The 338-06 is probably the best balanced cartridge ever designed. It is all anyone needs to hunt any big game in North America and that includes the great bears.

The cartridge however is mainly for a hand-loader as only a single factory offering exists for it. It is also at it's best in a moderate to light weight rifle. If you are willing to pack a 10 pound rifle/scope combination you may as well carry a 338 WM.
 
I built my 338-06 Ackley Improved back in 2008. Ilove the caliber. Had been wanting to build a 338-06 for a long time...and finally found the rifle/action I wanted. Do a search and you will find my posting of my rifle on CGN
 
'Boo said:
The 338-06 is probably the best balanced cartridge ever designed.
Click to expand...

I don't own one (yet), but I have to agree. It is a hotrodded 30-06, throwing 225gr bullets at the same 2700fps that the 30-06 throws 180gr. The .338 bullets have better sectional density and better ballistic coefficients, all leading to excellent performance on game.

Mark
 
notsorichguy said:
I have a 30-06, 270, 308, 243 and a 223 I have all used for hunting..... I also have a 338LM, several 303's, a couple of 223s and a bunch of Pistols (9mm, 38/357, 45) I use at the range. I reload for all the calibers mentioned.

I think that I may want to have a 338 for hunting....... But I feel my 338LM may be a bit much for hauling cross country. I REALLY don’t want to ‘sporterize’ my 338LM either. I really don't want to start in on another whole set of components. I will at some point, but not so much right now...

I have looked at all of my reloading books I have as well as several online resources and I figure that the performance I should see from a 338-06 would be more than enough for what I want to do (Bear, Moose, Elk and maybe the odd Mule deer).

I was thinking about building a 338-06 off a Remmy 700 action. Not that I have one laying around but a friend of mine does...... I have a stock (left over from another project), and I have a Sh*t-ton of brass for the 30-06 and the 270 (to make into 338-06 brass), so all I really need to source is a barrel.

I could also source a factory rifle....... But that's not really as much fun...... It is fun but fun in another way.

Thoughts?

Ideas?

etc.....

Cheers!
Click to expand...

Giver, nothing better than a new shooter, especially one you built.
 
I often drool over th Cooper rifles in 338/06 at sako alberta,if I had extra cash I would go for one, in the mean time I settled for a close cousin, the 338 fed. Your choice sounds good to me,go for it.
 
Someone is selling a 35 Whelen on the Exchange thread. I think it was listed for $800. Not too long ago there was a fellow that listed a 338-06. Maybe it is still around. Hell of a lot less than starting with a newcustom build, but I too appreciate having your own custom piece in hand.
 
Thanks for all the input!

So, my so called 'buddy' won't let his 700 action go for less than $500 :eek: lol! I think I could get into a used beat up 700LA for under $500???? What say you? I really don't want to offer one of mine up for the project..... I finally got them all working the way I want!

My g-smith (he's going to be doing all the fitting and what not of critical components) has reccomended Hart as a barrel..... Something to do with cost & availability. I will defiantly drop Jerry a line, I have had good experiances dealing with him before.

I'm thinking a nice 'short' barrel 20" or 22" (it's a bush gun after all) with a full taper with flutes cut in to lighten the load. I don't have a 'good' reason to not have a sporter barrel, other than consitancy from shot to shot. I was also thinking a MB might be neccissary as I plan on the rifle being around 7lbs unloaded including optic (hopefully less). Recoil from that could possibly be on the rough side. That and/or a good recoil pad might be all I need.......

Then my G-smith asked if I had thought about a peep or ghost ring..... He said it's not like I'll be shooting over 200y with this rig. I really like this idea. I currently have no problem shooting 7" groups with my Nork M-14 @ 200y with factory ammo so I feel I am 'proficiant' enough with that kind of sight to use it for hunting..... It would also cut some weight off the finished rifle......

What say you guys?

Cheers!
 
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