Opinions please on adding weight to my 338

[chip cochran]

Adding weight to the hollow stock will help but it will also change the balance. addtional weight can then be addded to the barrel or even better, the forestock which will counter the barrel lift extra weight in the butt will induce. Since you state you don't like to use it, leave the brake off.

[aardvaark]

Thank you so much for the reply's. You've been most helpful.

Here's what I propose to do: I'll get the recoil pad off, and start adding weight. I'll use lead birdshot and silicone it in place. That way, if I want to remove it, it's doable. I'll lay the stock 'trigger side up' to try to keep the weight as 'high' as possible hopefully to reduce muzzle jump. Get the weight up to about 7 lbs.

That'll also help with the balance. Right now, it's very muzzle heavy. I can also drill a hole in the front of the forestock and put some weight in there too.

One more question: at what point of the gun do you guys like to have your balance?

[azsugarbear]

With your current set up, I'm not sure you will be able to add enough weight to make a big difference, You have a heavy duty caliber in a fairly light rig. Adding a "heavy" scope will only add a pound of addl weight, which won't change felt recoil substantially. What it will do is make the rifle feel top heavy and out of balance. (I'm speaking from personal experience here).

If you want to manage recoil through weight, go with a different configuration of stock with added weight. Any A-5 style from McMillan, Joe Russo, Manners are designed to manage recoil. Adding weight is the next step with heavy scope coming after that.

Most of us just use the muzzle brake, with weight being an added bonus for shot stability - and not for recoil management.

[chip cochran]

Originally Posted by azsugarbear

With your current set up, I'm not sure you will be able to add enough weight to make a big difference, You have a heavy duty caliber in a fairly light rig. Adding a "heavy" scope will only add a pound of addl weight, which won't change felt recoil substantially. What it will do is make the rifle feel top heavy and out of balance. (I'm speaking from personal experience here).

If you want to manage recoil through weight, go with a different configuration of stock with added weight. Any A-5 style from McMillan, Joe Russo, Manners are designed to manage recoil. Adding weight is the next step with heavy scope coming after that.

Most of us just use the muzzle brake, with weight being an added bonus for shot stability - and not for recoil management.

I agree with this assessment.

If this were my rifle, I would first re-stock, using one with a wide forearm and more of a pistol grip, an adjustable cheek pad and free floated barrel, the action should be solid block or pillar bedded for best accuracy. I would also have the muzzel brake in place or replace it with a can (suppressor).

Once your action is bedded well, mount the scope of your choice, don't think of using the scope for added weight to the weapon. From that point I would get the weight set up to balance just infront of the action for an easy horizontal hand carry. I use side mount slings because if you have to crawl to get into position, this set up makes it easy to hold the weapon on top of your arm with a single hand hold.

[royinidaho]

the most effective thing I've done in the same quest as yours if install a Limbsaver grind to fit recoil pad. I've found the Limbsaver to be much more spongy than the Decelerator.

The secret is when grinding to fit, do not grind on the rear end, the end that touches the shoulder. This maintains a large surface area which seems to spread the impact.

Watch for the toe of the pad though. It will end up long an pointed which catches on any loose clothing. A real pain. Grind the toe to fit your needs. Its a compromise between looks and useability.

I previously added weight to 11.5 pounds then added a brake. After the brake I removed the weigh and got it back to 9 lbs all up. Still gives a good push but pleasant to shoot. Even for my lightweight grandsons.

Good luck on you quest.