Which 338 should I build?

[WildRose]

Longbomber how is to shoot with a brake.
I would redo this as a Win Mag but would like a little more oomph. I am not opposed to a brake as I have one on my 270 WSM. They make a rifle loud to shoot but it is only one shot. To tell the truth I don't notice the noise when I am hunting. That said the brake will tame recoil and aid in load development so no big deal.
What length of barrel would be best with these big 338's. My thought is at least 26 as there is a lot of powder to burn in these cases. More on felt recoil with the brake would be nice as well.

With a case that large you need to go at least 28-30" to really benefit from the slower powders.

With the right brake any of the boomers can be tolerable as about 70% of felt recoil is due to the "Rocket Motor Effect". Keep the gun at 9 pounds or more and put a quality brake on it and you won't have a problem unless you're particularly recoil sensitive.

 

[quarterman]

C.O. Shooter I am not really sure how easy it would be to get brass here in Canada. That is why I would like to stick to more common cartridges for this semi build. What I am thinking is 33 Nosler,340 Wby 338RUM and the likes. If I go with one of tyhe does the bolt face need to be opened for the tiny bit larger head size. The Lapua would need to be opened and not sure if the action is strong enough for it.

Bertram brass is fairly easy to get here in Canada, I would try a 340 wby in your rifle or 338 edge. Look up mystic precision, he can get you Bertram brass.

 

[FEENIX]

I have to go with the pack on recoil, unless you're 6'6' and 250 pounds of solid muscle those big 33's will hurt you.

There are plenty of effective muzzle brakes nowadays that will tame the big 33's recoil and muzzle rise significantly.

 

[WildBillG]

Thanks to all of you guys your information is very helpful. I have a local gunsmith well known for his good work and great barrels. I will have to see what he has for reamers. With a 28 inch barrel I would imagine I will need a heavy contour barrel. What muzzle diameter should I be looking at here.

 

[JJMoody]

.340 is a hammer. If you're ok with Norma ( wby nosler ) brass, reloading a belted mag ( not an issue really) and pull out some of the free bore (or not) run the 250 class Bullets at around 3000 FPS.... it'll do..... RUM is another good 'un with even better brass options coming available. Lapua is more of a good thing, but mag box and bolt face are an issue.

 

[highdrum]

Thanks to all of you guys your information is very helpful. I have a local gunsmith well known for his good work and great barrels. I will have to see what he has for reamers. With a 28 inch barrel I would imagine I will need a heavy contour barrel. What muzzle diameter should I be looking at here.

I'd shoot for 8+ lb finished weight. Something along a rem varmint/sendero, or #5 sporter. 750 muzzle. My proof sendero is 920 at muzzle.

 

[BEEMAN]

As was said earlier, brass can be found in Canada. Can also try Bighorn sales in BC. Great customer service and Gary can get you a benchmark barrel if you like them. I'm rebarreling my 300 RUM to a Edge this winter. Hasn't been bad finding components. Will be heavier with a Rock Creek MTU contour at 28".

 

[WildBillG]

I was just reading the muzzle brake test someone posted. Does it make a difference on the type of brake with these 338's. What I am trying to say is there a brake that works best on these rifles. Also will the same brake work equally well on my 300 Wby or would it require a differentbrake.

 

[WildBillG]

Just did some measuring the magazine box is 3.640 long and ejection port is 3.320. Will this limit me that much on which cartridge I choose. I do not think I can lengthen the box as this rifle has a floor plate. The cartridge appears to be ejected about .2 or 3 behind the ejection port if that helps any.

 

[BEEMAN]

I'm going to run my Edge as a single shot. Look on Wyatt website. Google Wyatt extended box. As far as brakes we are somewhat limited in Canada. Call the guys at Insite Arms. They make the Heathen brake. I bought my APA FB from them for my Edge build.

 

[Daegon]

I run a 338 RUM and I got my brake from Muzzlebrakes and more and it's amazing on recoil reduction but definitely need earplugs or some form of hearing protection. Pretty sure he ships to canada as well but you'd need a smith to put it on

 

[BEEMAN]

I'd definitely look into the MBM if they ship to Canada. Great prices. Working on a build right now.

 

[WildRose]

There are plenty of effective muzzle brakes nowadays that will tame the big 33's recoil and muzzle rise significantly.

Yep and that is key.

I shoot both a .375 Ruger that is unbraked with 270-300gr bullets and my brothers .338L.

Without it's break is absolutely punishing by comparison. A much sharper, faster, and more forceful recoil.

With the original savage factory brake it wasn't much better but when we replaced it with one of the NWP's it became completely tolerable.

 

[WildRose]

I run a 338 RUM and I got my brake from Muzzlebrakes and more and it's amazing on recoil reduction but definitely need earplugs or some form of hearing protection. Pretty sure he ships to canada as well but you'd need a smith to put it on

With or without a muzzle brake we should all be wearing hearing protection whenever possible.

Otherwise you'll end up like me with a 75% hearing loss and permanent tinnitus in your forties or fifties.