.338 RUM, Edge, Lapua Carry Rifle?

Long Time Long Ranger · #8 11-09-2010, 12:00 PM

Buano, If you don't mind carrying an 11 pound rifle you can do that in any of the big 338's excluding the chey-tac or larger based ones. You are not bound to the slower ultramag and Lapua based cartridges. Now that excalibur brass is easily available it is hard to beat for a big 338. Basically the same powder capacity as the 338-416 imp wildcat which is a little more than the 338-378 wby case. It will get you on average 200-300 fps more velocity than the three you mentioned and all are just as accurate. I can assure you there is quite a difference between hunting with my 338-378 wby at 3060 fps vs. my two 338-300 ultramags or edge at 2830 fps. The extra velocity makes a difference at extreme ranges. The Excalibur will slightly outperform the 338-378 wby.

You might want to look at the 338 Norma in a 26" barrel which is also a shortenned Lapua similar to what Boss Hoss mentioned. Many shooters are having good success with those in short, light rifles. Again basically the same velocity as the three you mentioned.

B23 · #9 11-09-2010, 12:29 PM

If you're going to be keeping your barrel length to a maximum of 26in. you will get the most bang for your buck with a 338RUM. In that barrel length a 338RUM will barely, at best, be outrun by the bigger 338's and with considerably less powder when compared to some.

Boss Hoss · #10 11-09-2010, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Long Time Long Ranger

Buano, If you don't mind carrying an 11 pound rifle you can do that in any of the big 338's excluding the chey-tac or larger based ones. You are not bound to the slower ultramag and Lapua based cartridges. Now that excalibur brass is easily available it is hard to beat for a big 338. Basically the same powder capacity as the 338-416 imp wildcat which is a little more than the 338-378 wby case. It will get you on average 200-300 fps more velocity than the three you mentioned and all are just as accurate. I can assure you there is quite a difference between hunting with my 338-378 wby at 3060 fps vs. my two 338-300 ultramags or edge at 2830 fps. The extra velocity makes a difference at extreme ranges. The Excalibur will slightly outperform the 338-378 wby.

You might want to look at the 338 Norma in a 26" barrel which is also a shortenned Lapua similar to what Boss Hoss mentioned. Many shooters are having good success with those in short, light rifles. Again basically the same velocity as the three you mentioned.

Actually the 338 Slowpoke has about 6% greater capacity than its parent.

Long Time Long Ranger · #11 11-09-2010, 02:52 PM

Boss Hoss, I have not shot your version but was just going from your previous posts about your rifle. Sounds like a really good one. Would like to hear more about it.

bailey1474 · #12 11-09-2010, 04:28 PM

Its hard to build a true LR rifle, especially in one of the 338s under 12 lb. Just build what you want and deal w/the extra weight, knowing that if you see it, you can kill it!! Just my opinion but I don't think you gain that much w/the ABS bbl. ALOT of expense for no more than you gain. Just have it fluted and there won't be much difference in weight.

jwp475 · #13 11-09-2010, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bailey1474

Its hard to build a true LR rifle, especially in one of the 338s under 12 lb. Just build what you want and deal w/the extra weight, knowing that if you see it, you can kill it!! Just my opinion but I don't think you gain that much w/the ABS bbl. ALOT of expense for no more than you gain. Just have it fluted and there won't be much difference in weight.

BJ is correct. If you go for a carbon wrapped barrel get the ABS, they use a carbon fiber that dissapates heat faster than bare steel, not all carbon fibers will do that

B23 · #14 11-09-2010, 08:50 PM

I've looked into a ABS/Bettin carbon wrapped systems and though, IMHO, they offer a better product than the other carbon wrapped barrels the down side is you won't get as much of a weight savings.

Mr. Bailey is correct, a fluted, usuable sized contour barrel won't weigh that much more than a ABS wrapped barrel.

Some of the other companies that do carbon wrapped barrels turn the barrel down much thinner. I guess it's debatable on how thin is still ok but i'll take my chances with the heavier ABS or Bettin wrapped barrels over the others.