338 rcm

[J E Custom]

Not trying to hijack the thread, but really need opinions/info on the 338 RCM, so please bear with me.
I'm having my Mod 77 All Weather in 338 Federal (22"bbl, already has a brake) converted/rechambered to the 338 RCM currently. I have used the Nosler 180AB on a huge Aoudad around 250yds going 3500fps ( RUM) and my SIL used the same bullet (338 Federal) on a medium sized muley buck around 30yds, both kills were pass throughs and worked like Partitions hit them, perfect! From the RCM, do you think it (or would the 180/185 Monos work better?) has enough pizzas to hammer elk on a hard angling shot or break the shoulders and how far out? All opinions welcomed.

This is an old post but it is a good question and so far I have found that the 338 RCM is more than capable of taking Elk with the right bullet.

My experience with mono metal bullets has been mixed. sometimes they perform well and other times they didn't. so for hunting, I recommend a bonded core bullet like the Accubond because they are predictable and don't seem to care where the shot placement is.

I like the tried and true Partition, but at times they have not expanded like they should have. so my preferred bullet at this time is the 200 or 225 grain Accubond that can produce close to 4,000 ft/lbs of energy (2864 with the 200 grain and 3778 with the 225) The RCM is very close to the 338 Win Mag in energy and we all know what the Win Mag will do.

The 180 class bullets will work well also but even with the increase in velocity they will lose a little energy (3647 ft/lbs) but recoil will also be less in a light rifle.

These velocities were in my rifle using a 22'' barrel in a rifle that weighs 8.7 lb rifle totally dressed with scope and loaded. As stated earlier, Recoil was brisk and muzzle clime was excessive so a muzzle brake was added to control recoil and muzzle climb.

I would not hesitate to use 180s if my rifle like them the best. Mine liked the 200s the best and shot good groups with the 225s but best accuracy was with the 200 grain bullets in mine. I also tried the 250 grain bullets but accuracy fell to 1 MOA so I never tried anything heavier because appeared that the little barrel did not like the heavy bullets.

Hope this helps

J E CUSTOM

 

[Dr. Vette]

Not trying to hijack the thread, but really need opinions/info on the 338 RCM, so please bear with me.
I'm having my Mod 77 All Weather in 338 Federal (22"bbl, already has a brake) converted/rechambered to the 338 RCM currently. I have used the Nosler 180AB on a huge Aoudad around 250yds going 3500fps ( RUM) and my SIL used the same bullet (338 Federal) on a medium sized muley buck around 30yds, both kills were pass throughs and worked like Partitions hit them, perfect! From the RCM, do you think it (or would the 180/185 Monos work better?) has enough pizzas to hammer elk on a hard angling shot or break the shoulders and how far out? All opinions welcomed.

My hunting partner used a 300 RCM with factory Hornady ammo to take a nice 6x7 at 260 yards about 5 years ago. I have the picture of it sitting here above my desk. The 338 RCM should work just as well if not better.

 

[270DT]

I have a stock Ruger in 338 RCM. I have found mine to be finicky but once you find the load it likes, it really shoots decent for a stock hunting rifle.

Mine likes 210 Sciroccos, 200 Woodleighs and 225 Accubonds.

 

[RevJim]

Thanks guys, I have some Speer 200, a few 180TSX and 180AB. I also have some older 200NBT headed my way. I
ll play with, see what it likes. I've never shot an elk further than 250yds out here, not to say I couldn't, especially on late season cows ( my favorite at my age/body, ha)
I like to play with heavy, old school round nose bullets in elk/hog rifles, just for grins. I'm talking for timber/woods use, of course. What is the heaviest you think I could get to 2400fps with? Doesn't have to be a round nose, long as it opens well. Really want your opinions, thanks.

 

[AZShooter]

RevJim,

In the previously mentioned Ruger M77 Tang safety with 22" #2 Lilja, I tried 300 gr sierras seated kissing the rifling, OAL was too long for magazine which is 3.050".
Much to my surprise during testing two touched at 200 yds with 57grs of RL-17/ 2450 fps

Based on this I would suggest you could get a 250 and maybe even a 275 gr bullet to 2400 fps using an OAL that would fit and feed from the magazine.

Quite frankly I see no need to use anything other than the 225 gr accubond on an cow elk. I have killed three cows with the 225 gr accubond and all bullets exited. All three elk died with one shot.

Enjoy your elk hunt this year!

Ross

 

[RevJim]

RevJim,

In the previously mentioned Ruger M77 Tang safety with 22" #2 Lilja, I tried 300 gr sierras seated kissing the rifling, OAL was too long for magazine which is 3.050".
Much to my surprise during testing two touched at 200 yds with 57grs of RL-17/ 2450 fps

Based on this I would suggest you could get a 250 and maybe even a 275 gr bullet to 2400 fps using an OAL that would fit and feed from the magazine.

Quite frankly I see no need to use anything other than the 225 gr accubond on an cow elk. I have killed three cows with the 225 gr accubond and all bullets exited. All three elk died with one shot.

Enjoy your elk hunt this year!

Ross

Thanks Pard. I will most likely just pick up a box of Hornady 250rn for a heavy. I get 100 to a box at a good price, but in no hurry. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that this new smith ( new to me) can get the job done and done right. We shall see. Thanks