338 build advice

Hey guys, long time lurker, new member here.
I'm planning on building a light-ish weight 338 for a designated elk gun. Basically want to keep the weight around 9 pounds with a ~30 oz scope. Don't want a barrel longer than 26 plus a brake and not interested in a Norma/Lapua. Planning to shoot 250-270gr bullets(bergers/accubonds/hammers) inside of 750 yards on game.
Here's my plan:
Defiance AnTi action
3.825 Wyatt's box/BDL
26 inch Bartlien 3B or other brand #5 fluted
Hawkins 2 port brake
B&C sporter stock(temporary until I get a McMillan Rem Hunter)
Mid power scope in the 30 oz ballpark
I'm leaning towards the 338 RUM with a +p throat from DE, but open to other suggestions.
Thoughts, experiences, suggestions?


I had a similar plan and desire for a lighter weight and handy hard hitter. It is definitely doable but I would tweak your plan slightly. My build came right out at 9lbs 2oz and the recoil is very manageable but you'll want a better brake. So far I've only run factory Barnes 250gr LRX, verified MV 2860fps. I have rounds loaded with 250gr EH and 270 ELDX to test as well.

My build: 338 RUM, Manners EH4, Borden Ti Action, 24" Proof Sendero 9.4, Ryan Pierce 5 port Ti brake, TT Special flat, Murphy Ti Rail, TSR SL Rings, Vortex Razor AMG 6-24x.

Thoughts:
1. I would go with a CF barrel from Proof or Bartlein and stick with 24"... 26" plus a long brake, gets REALLY long.
2. Brake: Check out the 5 port Ti from Ryan Pierce-- its awesome, be happy to send you some videos shooting my rifle.
3. Stock: I'm a big fan of the Manners MCS (or the lighter but same profile EH4). If you want to save some weight look at the Proof Lightweight Hunter. The fore end on the McM Hunter has just too much flex for me especially if you are loading up on a bipod.
4. Rings: You can save some weight with the 20moa Hawkins Hybrids!

Good luck and let us know how it goes!
 
I'm currently on my way home from AZ with my elk shot with a 9&1/2lb 338 Lappua improved shooting 213 grain hammer hunters just over 3150 out of a 24" proof.

If you're going to carry it 26" plus a good break witch it will need will be long enough I really like my 24"

A light hard hitting rifle is way more difficult to be confident in any thing past 400yd with mine takes a lot of focus on how your holding it I put a 650yd cap on my hunt with this rifle and I practice a lot out to 1000yd
 
I'm currently on my way home from AZ with my elk shot with a 9&1/2lb 338 Lappua improved shooting 213 grain hammer hunters just over 3150 out of a 24" proof.

If you're going to carry it 26" plus a good break witch it will need will be long enough I really like my 24"

A light hard hitting rifle is way more difficult to be confident in any thing past 400yd with mine takes a lot of focus on how your holding it I put a 650yd cap on my hunt with this rifle and I practice a lot out to 1000yd

Agreed on the 24 in barrel. My 338 LAI has a 24 in barrel
 
I'd like to feed from an internal box mag/floorplate and I haven't been able to figure out if it would work. Also the action I want is not available in the lapua/Norma boltface


My Lappua improved feeds great out of a 4" Wyatt's box but you can only put 2 into it
 
Ive been hunting with a light 338NM last ten years,8 3/4.26'' proof,defiance lone wolf.I am using the 300 because work so well,but have 240 badlands to try.Before that I anchored about 20 elk with 340wby 225 gr.Shot my speed goat with it this year 500y,taken them out to 850.My son and friends shot many game 500 + with rifle.Have a heavier same but with Lone wolf tact 2 stock,rig rifle,nice shooter
muley.jpg
 
In my action Kelbly I didn't want the magazine, solved problem or doubt about the length😜.
338 Norma
250 Accubond 3020 fps
27 "Hardy C. F.
Less than 8 lbs without optics
 

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