Well I'm going to injoy this thread ! Ha ha
Tim I have a few questions for you but first you answered your own question already when I read I have a 300 Rum donor action !
Now you just need to flip a coin or better yet when your buddy asks you ...what 338 do you have ? What is going to make you happy everytime you say it . Edge or Rum .
I dont want to sound stupid or crazy about this .
I have lots of trigger time with both the 338 Edge and the 338 Rum .
Absolutely no time with the Lapua or the Norma and I'm sure I wont .
If speed and velocity is your goal then head to the 33XC.
So in putting together 6 338's I have found that the Edge and the Rum are so close it's a toss up .
Here is a few questions:
What are your goals with this Rifle ? Bench shooting ? Packing in the Mountains? Carbon barrel ? Super light weight build ? What bullet are you leaning to ?
I have did them all , light weight Edge and Rum came out finnished in the same way. Both at 10.6 pounds complete .
Both running the 300 gr bergers at 2883 and 2884 ft.per.sec. same build specks . Remington action , 30 " barrel plus brake , timney trigger.
Are your goals 1000 yards ? 1500 yrd. 2000 yrd . Or past ?
I pushed my heavy 338 Edge from 3 in the same hole at 100 yards to a 26 3/4" 3 shot group at 3027 yards . 1.72 miles .
Sorry so long winded here guys !
I wish you were close we could look at my countless hrs of data in my book .
No I'm not a Pro or even trained in anyway , just hands on experience.
So all that said it would determine what I had or could find , brass and dies , components wise . 338 Rum or 338 Edge no bad choice here !
I took my Last fall Bull Elk at 1244 yrds with the 338 Edge and 300 gr bergers Eh .
It was a Amazing day for me !
Good luck in your choice !
If I can help in anyway give me a shout !
Rum Man