**338 Caliber Choices**

[jcvibby]

Hey Guys,

I have an action, with a Mag bolt face, .532, and long action,

I want to do a good bear, moose, African plains, big cat, etc etc gun,

Question,

I would like something just a little bigger than the 338 WM, but don't know if I need the 338 RUM or bigger, and its a touch too long too,

Is there anything in between these two, or should I just do a 338 rum? I cant go 338 edge, because that's even longer than the 338 RUM.

What you all think?

 

[AKGuide]

If you want to go custom a 338-375 ruger might be nice. I would still lean towards the 338 RUM, just in case you need factory ammo as an option.

Reuben

 

[Edd]

A 340 Weatherby is between them for capacity but is about the same length as the RUM.

 

[Jud96]

What about a .338-.300 Winchester? Or .330 Dakota.

 

[Jud96]

Double Post.

 

[Deleted member 46119]

375 Ruger if going to Africa.

 

[benchracer]

Hey Guys,

I have an action, with a Mag bolt face, .532, and long action,

I want to do a good bear, moose, African plains, big cat, etc etc gun,

Question,

I would like something just a little bigger than the 338 WM, but don't know if I need the 338 RUM or bigger, and its a touch too long too,

Is there anything in between these two, or should I just do a 338 rum? I cant go 338 edge, because that's even longer than the 338 RUM.

What you all think?

What make and model action do you have? That would tell us a lot more about how much room you have to work with.

I don't understand why you think .338 Edge is longer than .338 RUM. They both use the same case. The only difference is the Edge has slightly less taper and the shoulder moved forward. Load either one to its potential with VLD type bullets and the OAL is going to be the same.

 

[AZShooter]

338 Rem Ultra mag is .090" shorter than a 300 Rem Ultra mag. The 338 Edge uses the 300 RUM case.


I would make a 338-375 Ruger. Brass is available. Could same some money by using 338 RCM dies for sizing necks and seating as that case shares the same shoulder diameter and angle as the 375 Ruger case. A 375 Ruger FL die could be used for body taper sizing. Of course you would still need a reamer.

 

[benchracer]

338 Rem Ultra mag is .090" shorter than a 300 Rem Ultra mag. The 338 Edge uses the 300 RUM case.
QUOTE]

lightbulb Missed that little nuance. Now I understand! lightbulb

 

[benchracer]

If the action you have won't handle a RUM, the 338-375 Ruger would seem to be a good alternative. My understanding is that it will get you .340 WBY-ish performance.

I know elkaholic did some kind of wildcat in a .30 caliber on the .375 Ruger case. He might be a good guy to consult regarding the ins and outs of a .338 version. Might have some helpful hints on a reamer and dies, too.

 

[new shooter]

The 338 Norma. I have one love it. Joe

 

[chuck plissken]

I keep hearing how impressive the 338-375 Ruger is....Seems like the same performance as a 338 Sin? 340 weatherby ballistics in 30-06 length cartridge.

 

[chuck plissken]

Peraonally I love the 338 caliber. But I find it hard to need another "in between" cartridge. I have a 338 win mag and 338 RUM. 300fps difference in most loads for these 2. Not much use for something in middle IMHO.

We already have short mags,long mags and now middle length mags???? Yes im bitching..im bored at work. Id like to hear opinions on this Ruger guy. Im not saying its a junk cartridge by any means..there is a place for it and if it fits your needs thats fine and dandy.