Second opinion on stevens action 338 build.

MagnumPeanut

MagnumPeanut

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I am looking at doing a big bore now that I have at least one of every varmint caliber. I want to do another in the savage action because I like them a lot. I wanted to do a 338 LM but was advised not too with the savage action because it is kinda cooky I guess with that cal. So I think I will go with 338 RUM which Savage has build factory before and I am told preformed very well. I'm in the process of getting a Stevens 200 in 300 Win Mag. I think I will get one of the ready-to-spin Savage barrels from Jerry. I mostly want it to take down big game at long distances 600 yards plus and shoot groups and blow up bricks at 1000 yards.

Anyways, here are my questions.
1. Will the bolt face on that action work with 338 RUM?
2. If I use a single shot follower will it feed well?
3. Will a Richards Laminate Stock hold up to the recoil (I will break the barrel) or should I get a walnut stock. (I can't find any Long Action stocks for the Savage that I like other than Richards)
4. Can I shoot at the distances I want with a 26" barrel 1:10.
5. What bullets would you recommend?
6. What Optics on a budget would you recommend to. I was thinking a Falcon Menace 4.5-18x56 or a Bushy 4200 6 - 24x40
Thanks in advance.
 
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Good luck with your 338 build. I don't know that I would build such a lightweight rifle in such a hard kicking calibre (I am a recoil wimp) but at a min you should at least consider some sort of muzzlebrake - this making assumptions as you didn't indicate what weight your bbl was. As for your other questions:

1.) I don't think the bolt is interchangeable - I could be wrong but 338 Win Mag is a belted mag which is a .300 Win Mag necked up. I don't think the RUM are on the same boltface. (RUM is based on a .404 Jeffery's case and I believe the win mags are on a Holland and Holland case)

2.) Don't know but I would assume so.

3.)The stock should easily hold up to the caliber as long as it is properly inletted. (pillar bedding and normal epoxy bedding wouldn't hurt as well)

4.) Yes - easily

5.) Try the 250 Grain Scenar or 300 Grain Sierra Matchking (I would go with the SMK if it is a singleshot)

6.) Go Bushnell - the falcon's are nice but this is a hard recoiling caliber and the warranty may be harder to access as they are in England.
 
I would assume in going to such a large case the intent is to get the most velocity... and you won't get that with a 26 inch barrel.

Consider at least a 28 inch.. even better a 30 inch.
 
So the 300WM bolt face will not work with a 338 RUM, eh. I guess I'll check with the good folks at SSS to see if I can get a compatible bolt face. Will the regular Push Feed Bolt Head work or will I need a Controlled Round Feed Bolt Head? I'm not sure what the difference is.
 
Feed is not an issue, push feed does an excellent job and holding that case head in place(some say more accurate), remmys are sweet. CRF with the long extractor are very easy to cycle, and gun position is less critical some say.
Not sure on that build , might look at other cals, or more weight , and as mentioned , your loosing velocity numbers with a short tube on such a large calber
 
Savage claimed they had feeding issues with the RUM and short mags. That is why they went with the controlled feed. They also used a large shank action for these chamberings. I really can't say either way if the large shank is required for the build, but I can say if that is your intent that a large shank long action is a rare find and only used for the RUMs and I believe for the 375 Holland and Holland's they have build over the years.

I wanted to open up an action to fit a 8mm Rem Mag and it would required some fitting, and metal removal to make it work. I would assume you would need to do at least a little of the same for the RUM.

I am sure that a few of the boys here will have their opinions. I am not a gunsmith but rather a guy that asks alot of questions and retains far too much information. The opinions I have are the opinions I have recieved from those I have spoken with and consider my peers. I could be wrong still.
 
Q12&3 - YES

You will go as about as fast as a 338LM in the same 26" barrel. 2900+fps with a 250gr. 2700+fps with a 300gr.

If you plan on hunting, the extra 50 to 100fps that might be gained with a 30" barrel is far outweighted by the hassle of such a long 'musket'. You have to include the extra 2" for the brake. A 30" barrel becomes 32" with the brake.

No game at that 600ish yd range is going to care. Ballistics at 1 mile will be essentially the same.

For bullets, shooters are reporting great success with the 300gr MK at extreme distances. 250gr Lapuas have had mixed feedback. I would guess the 250gr Hornady and Sierras would be effective.

I have used the Elite 4200's with excellent results. I can also recommend the Sightron SIII LR for their awesome optics and mechanicals but they are more money. Should be getting a Falcon in Jan and can offer some thoughts at that time.

Jerry
 
A much cheaper and well proven performer out of a 26 inch barrel is the .340 Weatherby... with considerably less unburnt powder wearing out your barrel...
 
You will knock your face clean off with that rig, whos got a cannon for this fella to shoot near by? a 4 bore maybe, knock it out of your system.
Here goes, short tube light rifle with a large gas tank, (when you touch off) a cross between a top fuel or funny car , and what sticking your face in front of a tailpipe of a Harley when it backfires.:D
 
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How is the build coming along? Considering a similar one but in 300 RUM. I have the barrel threaded and a brake installed, have not done the chamber yet. I have a reamer in 300 Win Mag and one in 300 RUM, starting to hesitate. I am using a Savage 111C action and am playing with the idea of modifying the mag by notching out the front to be able to seat the 300 Rum ammo or going to a internal mag repeater. The original idea was to make it a single shot. Curious if you went single shot or repeater?
 
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