338 help deciding

[BEEMAN]

Thanks for that. I found an importer yesterday. In my search I couldn't find 338 Rum brass anywhere up here. Not any brand let alone ADG. As far as shipping if I'm in the states. I wish it was that easy. I'm only 15 miles north of the ND border and get things shipped to a depot there all the time. I can not be in possession of anything gun part related in the US. No brass, barrel blank, stock, scope etc. No problem once I'd get to Canada customs. But a big problem if I get checked on the US side.

 

[Salmonhead]

Thanks for that. I found an importer yesterday. In my search I couldn't find 338 Rum brass anywhere up here. Not any brand let alone ADG. As far as shipping if I'm in the states. I wish it was that easy. I'm only 15 miles north of the ND border and get things shipped to a depot there all the time. I can not be in possession of anything gun part related in the US. No brass, barrel blank, stock, scope etc. No problem once I'd get to Canada customs. But a big problem if I get checked on the US side.

Frustrating for sure. Well, keep in mind we have lots of 338 rum if you want me to ship to an importer.
Www.northamericanammunition.com
616 299 1349

Site sponsor too.

 

[HunterMann]

The 338 Mega, Rum, Edge all seem to be top of the heap these days but I do find the 33 Nosler to be interesting as well. I just don't need that much speed, distance, or recoil in my life.

I have been shooting a regular 338 WM for over 30 years and have taken the majority of my big game with it. Never had a problem shooting it well and nearly are were one shot and drop. Just got a nice Texas Aoudad with it last fall.

These days I would probably choose a 338 Norma which is pretty popular abroad. Just seems like a good fit for my shooting and reloading skills.

My point is figure out where you will have the most fun during the build and the shooting time that follows. Then just go for it....

 

[BEEMAN]

I agree HunterMann. I also don't need the extra case capacity, more powder and recoil. But at the same time I'd hate to be under gunned for the bullets I'm wanting to shoot. My other concern with the larger cases is COAL. Anyone know the COAL of a 338 Rum with a 250 SBD2 or a 230-250 gr hammer hunter? My gun will be a BDL with a Wyatt extended box.

 

[7.62 Gunner]

Exactly Ed. As far as an "easy button ", I think up here it's the Sherman. I did find some 338 win mag brass, but no reamer. The only problem with the Sherman is I have to import the brass. Reamer and dies can ship directly to me. So if that's my only drawback on the build it's not to bad. Especially with things being so hard to find these days. Will see how much it costs to import the brass. Started communicating with a company yesterday. They are at a trade show so don't know till early next week. I also ran numbers yesterday in a ballistic calculator with the 250 SBD2 at 2850 FPS. It's a capable 1000 yd elk round with that velocity at my 1450 ft elevation. So WAY more than I need or am capable of.

My experience with sbd2s in 30 and 6.5 cal is they pressure up quicker than lead core bullets.
You won't hit your velocity goal with a case that has a capacity around 85 grains. I see guys posting ridiculous velocity claims with Sherman cartridges, and after owning a 30 sm I'm honestly amazed there aren't more guys with missing fingers or eye balls after rocking that kind of pressure.
Just keep that in mind when making your decision, and don't do a Mega for the velocity.

 

[TXTrained]

Just ordered an IBI CF barrel at 23" with a 9 twist. Now I need to decide what to build. I don't need the biggest baddest 338. This guns main use will be for elk from up close to no farther than 600 yds. Rest of the components are Mesa altitude, BDL bottom metal, defiance tenacity LA Mag bolt, jewel trigger. Hoping to order a SRS brake. I'm in Canada so accessing certain things can be a problem. Was considering a 338 Mega, 338 RUM, 338 Win mag. Will be shooting an all copper bullet of some sort in the 225-250 gr, no heavier . Please Leave your opinion and why one of these or a different choice is better. Open to others that I have not listed. Hoping for a velocity in the 2850-3000 FPS range.

If you don't Reload go with 338 Lapua Magnum. because off off the shelf ammo.

However if you do reload I'd go with 33XC.I shoot both and the 33XC is running 3150.Good Luck in your decision

 

[RockyMtnMT]

If you can get 500 pieces of Sherman brass it should last you a lifetime of hunts. You will hand it down to your kid.

 

[Treeslug]

With your stated range limits …..the .338 WM would be a pretty good choice. With your desired barrel length, it would work well with the WM….but will somewhat handicap those .338's of large case capacity! memtb

This year I bought a Weatherby 338-378 and bought a great 6-24-36mm tube scope from skipglo. I have it sighted in for 200 yards as that is as far as I can shoot on the property where I shoot. I shot a doe at 168 yards with a Hammer Hunter 235 gr bullet and hit her behind the shoulders and she hit the ground DRT. Very little tissue damage, but the bullet broke two rib bones going in and three rib bones coming out. I love the 338 cal. Get yourself one today!

 

[Rum Man]

Thanks for that Jepp577. Please post up your results with the Mega. After a long search up here I'm not finding brass for anything 338. May need to see how much it will cost to import Sherman brass. I did find some 338 win mag brass. But don't know where I'd find a reamer to rent. Even though I'm in Canada the Sherman Mega might be my Easiest option. Case capacity is similar in the mega and 338 Win so I'd expect similar performance between the two??? Also with the Mega and long 225-250 gr Mono I won't have any mag length issues.

Well im stocked up with 338 Rum Brass and I could meet you at the Line and throw over a few boxes if you like !

Just to help out a fellow 338 Lover !

Rum Man

 

[BEEMAN]

Well im stocked up with 338 Rum Brass and I could meet you at the Line and throw over a few boxes if you like !

Just to help out a fellow 338 Lover !

Rum Man

Sounds good. I'll bring my baseball glove! I know guys did that lots way back when. Not today though. I'll pay the extra money to import brass. I enjoy visiting your country way to much to risk not being able to go there anymore. Thanks for the offer it's tempting.

 

[FEENIX]

Sounds good. I'll bring my baseball glove! I know guys did that lots way back when. Not today though. I'll pay the extra money to import brass. I enjoy visiting your country way to much to risk not being able to go there anymore. Thanks for the offer it's tempting.

If you are going the RUM route, you might as well go with .338 EDGE. It is what the .338 RUM should have been.

 

[BALLISTICJESUS]

The RUM is way less hassle than trying to load heavies in an edge and feed from a box or magazine. When it comes to correct COAL. Those heavies are down in the powder column with the Edge taking up space for powder that produces horse power. The Rum Is a way better gig.

 

[BEEMAN]

I think I'd go RUM as well. Would be nice if someone could give me a COAL of a rum with a badlands or hammer of about 250 gr. I know I'm ok with the mega for length.

 

[Duramaxfxr]

We are running a edge with 28" proof barrel and 275 gr cutting edge bullets and getting 3009 fps

I've got a 26in gun being built now...mind sharing some load notes?