Please Critique my 338 build

sdowney

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 10, 2009
Messages
49
Location
Boise, ID
Guys, I'm getting ready to put a deposit down. I have a lightweight packing rifle-this is for mounted operations for hunting in the fields and mountains of Idaho. I am pretty well stuck on the .338 Norma for all the reasons we've read about in the past. Sightron III 6-24 is going on top. I am trying to blend weight (10-14 lbs), budget (2500-3000), and long range accuracy (up to 1200 yard elk system) into my dream LR rifle. Here's what's on the table:

700 ADL magnum action, recut and blue printed
Brux #4 1:10 twist with muzzle brake, expoxy bedded alum pillars, free floated
McMillan HTG hunting with integral bar & clamp adjustable cheek piece
Speedlock firing pin and Wolff pin spring
Ceracoat finish
PTG detachable magazine and trigger guard with A.I. 5 round clip
PTG/Badger extractor for Lapua Mag bolt face
$3100

I know a new trigger is going to be a common comment, but I've had great luck with the new Remmy triggers and if need be, after the piggy bank recovers, can easily upgrade later. My real question is am I missing something important? Is the price about right? Are any of these parts extraneous that I could do without and cut the cost?

Thanks for your guys' opinions.
 
There is a Defensive Edge 338 rum FOR SALE NOW ON CLASSIFIEDS. For I think $2900. Had one hole groups and low rnd count,think it was 8 3/4 #. I f I was working I would buy just to shoot for fun and a spare
 
I would go with a Viper PST FFP instead. Have one and love it.
It's a little more pricey than the sightron, but i think if you're spending $800 on the sightron you can stretch the budget to $950 and still won't break you(considering you plan to spend $3,000 on the whole system), or you can go for the SFP option and stick to your budget.
 
Actually my scope choice narrowed down to the Sightron and Vortex PST. From comments on this forum, I've gathered Sightron has slightly better glass and mechanisms and FFP wasn't all that critical since we're generally laser rangefinding and then squeezing.
 
I like everything about the PST except it's so weak on elevation travel, that is why we've used the Sightron for the LR 338's. If the Sightron had a simple zero stop and the windage counted up in both directions the PST wouldn't have anything over it.

Dig the Norma, I've been trying to get one built for two years now but I got side tracked with a couple 338 RUM projects.
You may consider selling your bolt and getting a complete bolt from PTG with all the goodies already on it ready to rock and roll.
Brux barrels have been treating my well, I would consider going to a heftier barrel than a #4, makes thing easier and better all around.
If you got a similar stock but with a higher comb you wouldn't need the adjustable check piece, at most maybe a check pad, saves money and weight.
I would trade a DBM for a better trigger.
The only thing missing is a rail, rings and recoil lug.

The parts I'm gathering are a Raptor action with lug, rail and Jewel trigger, Brux med palma 28in plus Muscle brake, Manners T5 stock, Nightforce direct mount rings holding a Nightforce 5.5-22x50. This is what I'm working on for my elk wackn rig for 1000+ yards, just thinking about it makes me happy :D
 
Actually my scope choice narrowed down to the Sightron and Vortex PST. From comments on this forum, I've gathered Sightron has slightly better glass and mechanisms and FFP wasn't all that critical since we're generally laser rangefinding and then squeezing.

Mi PST tracks like a dream. Very accurate and always returns to the same point every time. Clicks feel great and uncapped turrets are super reliable. Hard enough not to accidentally move, but not so hard that it makes it difficult to adjust.

Never used a sightron before, and never heard anyone complain about them. I just base my comment in my short experience. I would definitely stay away from leupold, and don't even consider Nikon. Nikon monarch scopes have nice glass, but the adjustment range is very limited in the hi powered scopes with makes them a not very good option for Long Range Hunting or Shooting.
 
I would up the barrel contour to a five, maybe a six. Flute it and shorten it to hit target weight. Skip the light contour, it's too whippy for the big case and bullet.

Don't see a brake. That baby's gonna need brakes. Any side port design for prone shooting.

I don't like the magazine release, or magazine, hanging down on a hunting rifle. Totally at odds with the lines and function. Check out the HS Precision with the short mag box. Or, go with a standard hinged floor plate and a Wyatts center feed box. This will save some $ too. If you need five rounds in the box.....call me, I'll kill it in one or two :D.

Upgrade the recoil lug. Pin a 20 MOA rail on.

A stock pack and some neoprene spacers will do the job of the adjustable cheek piece, save coin, and give you a great place for extra rounds, and a drop card.
 
I would up the barrel contour to a five, maybe a six. Flute it and shorten it to hit target weight. Skip the light contour, it's too whippy for the big case and bullet.

Don't see a brake. That baby's gonna need brakes. Any side port design for prone shooting.

+1! #6 contour with be my preference.

Brux #4 1:10 twist with muzzle brake, expoxy bedded alum pillars, free floated
 
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