.338 RUM Project On a Budget?

[DougD]

I've been lurking here for a long while and I have posted a litle bit here and there. I've done some good stuff with my .308 and I'll be hunting elk again this year with my new .300 WM. The thing is, I'd really like to try a .338 RUM for true long range hunting next year.

After spending so much on my .308 and .300 projects, this one will have to be done on a budget. I'm thinking about going with a Savage platform so I can do a lot of the work myself. Check out this thread: Another Guy's .338 RUM Project From 2004

I called Savage today and talked with my gunsmith buddy and I wanted to run this down to you experienced guys here to make sure I'm on the right track.

My understanding thus far is that I need to get a Savage action from a .300 RUM which will already have the right bolt head and magazine space for my project. Then, I can install my own .338 RUM barrel on it.

Am I correct in my belief that as long as I start with a Savage Ultra Mag action then I won't have to worry about any major modifications to go up to a .338 RUM?

Am I on the right track? Am I missing anything?

Any and all comments and help would be appreciated.

DougD
gatortac@earthlink.net

[J E Custom]

DOUGD

Have you considered just buying a remington in 338 RUM
and seeing how well it shoots then if you are not happy
all you have to do is have a custom barrel installed.

Just a thought

J E CUSTOM

[royinidaho]

DougD,

Here's what I did.

I purchased a used Rem 700 BDL LH in 338 Win Mag w/a Leuy 3 X 9 VX-II for $495.00 with the intent of using it as a donor action for a custom 338 something.

Timing was such that I ordered a custom rifle on another action that I had which precluded any great expence on the REM LH Action. As a 338 WM it shot especially well but it wasn't sexy like a 338 RUM.

I bought a REM sporter 338 RUM new take off barrel for something like $40 had it fitted by a local smith with a Tubbs lug and Holland brake installed all for about $235.00 not including the Holland Brake as it came off of the WinMag barrel but cost me $160.00 to have it installed on the win mag.

I greately modified the BDL stock, using resin/devcon/jbweld. Turned it into a single shot configuration. $25.00 for the mag plate insert.

Pillar and skim bedded it myself.

This project was fun and kept me busy until the custom rifle arrived. It turns out to be a pretty fair shooting personalized factory rifle. Shoots a 250gr bullet at just over 3000 FPS accurately for 8 or 900 yd shooting with potential for more. Have shot the 250s close to 3100 but don't think its needed.

I'd recommend a barrel heavier than a sporter weight and the little one heats up pretty fast. The first two shots don't do much but the third one seems to heat as much as the first two. And I have no patience.......

Also as you can swap barrels without having to go to a smith w/the savages I'd be very careful and get some go/no go gages.

If I were you I'd do my homework and have at it.

[DougD]

Actually, i had thought about doing this. You're probably right about this too. I do love the Remington 700 platform but I just wasn't sure if this would be the most cost effective way to go in the end. I have dumped a lot of money into two other Remington 700 projects in the past so I know how fast that stuff can add up. Your suggestion is sound though. Thank you for the advice.

DougD

[abinok]

is magazine feeding needed? if this is a shigle shot project, any savage mag action will work. My RUM based cartridge will be built on a std 112savage. Starting with a stevens 200, (same as the preaccutrigger savage 110, and 112) this project could be very, very economical.

[davewilson]

if savage doesn't make a 338rum then the rem will be the cheapest way to go. do like Roy and find a 338rum barrel that's just sitting in a smith's shop.gotta be 100 of em around the country that could be had for 40 or less.brake and recoil lug are optional. a real man doesn't need a brake...i have brakes on all my guns!

I got a really good deal on a used 300 RUM by savage. Kirby put a 30" #8 Lilja pipe on it, new stock, trigger job, Holland QD brake (yes, real men don't need a brake), scope base hole #8x40. It's a real shooter, I love that gun. With my newly acquired gunsmithing skills I put on a 40 MOA NF rail (it came off after one trip to the range, but Kirby explained how to install them correctly after he got my panic email), Burris Xtreme rings; one of my NF scopes. (usually the 3.5-15x56 with NP-R2) - a Harris bi-pod with pod lock - and a sling.

I don't see why you couldn't make it a 338 RUM or better yet a 338 edge. I'm no smith, in fact, only now after 3 years of study am I qualified to sweep a good smiths shop. (hopefully I wouldn't throw away any good parts or tools that fell on the floor).