Hey all you 338wm shooters & owners

r.fallon

r.fallon

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Hello all, I have had to give back my m77 .338wm that I had on long term loan. I liked the rifle, shot well. So now I am looking for a new 338. What are some good platforms for under $1000. I was planning on getting another Ruger, but if I can't find a good deal or one that I like, what would you recommend? I am more partial to traditional wood or laminate and with iron sights with option to mount a scope. I do have a mossberg 4x4 in 3006 that I could rebarrel. I would very much like to hear you thoughts on this thread, thanks RF
 
338's

Morning, or afternoon as it maybe. I've just started playing with 338 WM's and bought a M77 in a lam stock. Really nice gun, shot well, but I didn't like the weight. 9.5lbs was fun to shoot but not to carry. So sold her off and bought a T3 338 WM. Haven't pulled the trigger yet but I'm sure I'll notice it when I do....The tikka brand new was 1050$, the ruger I got new off the EE for about 750. The other choice out there that is really nice is getting an older Sako Finnbear. Really nice, classic gun. There are a few floating around if you look hard enough, about 1000-1200$ for a nice one. There are 2 Ruger M77's in the EE right now!!
 
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remember, the bolt head on the 06 and the 338 are not the same - the 338 is just ever so slightly bigger- that would mean opening up the bolt head for the larger round as well as a re-barrel job- i don't know what gunsmithing is worth these days, but i'd shop around for a whole new shootin iron-
 
I think Blargon's got your answer. You like the rifle, you are familiar with the rifle, and it fits your traditional firearm, wood stock, iron sights profile. What's more to want?
 
wapitiwhacker said:
I think Blargon's got your answer. You like the rifle, you are familiar with the rifle, and it fits your traditional firearm, wood stock, iron sights profile. What's more to want?
Click to expand...

And its a fair price for a NIB rifle. They have a much nicer bluing than the new Hawkeye model...
 
My Tikka LS is waiting for me to pick it up next week, I almost cried when I walked into the shop and they had one...I was hoping to get through the year without buying another rifle!! It is a nice feeling gun, perfect for hauling up and down the elk hills this fall. I'm sure the recoils gonna be stout but the limbsaver and handloads should keep things under control. I noticed with the Ruger that recoil was ok until the 225's started to break 2800fps. At 2900, the recoil was much sharper and the muzzle jump more exciting. Primers were getting flat at 2900 but bolt lift was still 2 finger, but she must have been telling me it was getting close to redline...I'm sure the Tikka will "talk" to me a little earlier...2850 with 225's should be more then enough anyway. I noticed to, with the Ruger anyway, that at 100ys, my loads where all landing together from 2600-2900fps, made finding a practise load easy.
 
Testing your loads at 200 yards will give show off a bad load right away.....100 yards is better for for guys with 30/30's and 45/70's. Stick up a big target if you are worried about bullets walking off target.

FWIW I would try RL-19 first.
20 buck says optimal 200 yards accuracy will show up between 2750 and 2800fps.


If you can shoot (I will bet the Tikka can) you should adjust your loads expecting 1.5" groups or so at 200 yards.

Good luck!
 
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