Light weight 338

Wy Will

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Joined
May 4, 2012
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400
Location
Rock Springs, WY
I'm looking to build a light weight .338 elk hunting rifle. Thinking about going with a Proof 22" barrel on a R700 long action. My initial idea was to go with a 338 Sherman Max.

Looking for input on possible other cartridge choices. Just wanting something light for packing in the mountains, but still capable of shots at 600ish yards.Thank you!
 
I have two 338 Winchester Magnum's that I use for elk. One was built for grizzly hunting in Alaska which I purchased from the original owner. The grizzly hunting rifle weighs 8lbs 10 ounces with scope ready to hunt with its 24" barrel, the other weighs 10 pounds 1 ounce. You definitely know you set the 8 pound one off. It really is to nice to take in the mountains and get scratched up. Picture of the grizzly rifle attached
 

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I love the 338 calibre, own 3 338WM, a 338-06 and a wildcat 338-416 Rigby Improved 45°.
For a lightweight mountain rig, a 338-06 is hard to beat, using a 210g Partition @ 2750fps gets the job done.
If you want more punch than this, then the 338WM is another great round.
Around 8lbs is very easily achieved, including scope.

Cheers.
 
A sub-9 pound (scoped,loaded, slung), "no" brake, .338 WM would have pretty sporty recoil.....but very doable. It should make a great light/medium weight rig for use out to 600 to 800 yards! memtb
 
If your going to run a brake why not do a 338 Ultra?? 24" barrel 225gr at im gonna guess 3150 w/h1000 ... no custom dies or brass or unstable powders too achieve it ... makes perfect sense too me... but im a huge fan of the 338 ultra
I have been undecided about a brake and I was concerned that the recoil of the ultra might be a bit much in a light weight setup.... I've honestly never shot one, so I have zero experience on them. I also thought it might be a waste of powder with the shorter barrel lengths.
 
Love the .338's. I shoot a 9.4lb 340 Wby for just about everything. 225TTSX at 2975. If I ever felt the need to lighten it up, I'd pull the 32oz NSX and go with the lightweight Ziess, comes in at 8.5lbs. Once you get used to it, the recoil is very manageable. My best suggestion is to ensure your stock has a very good recoil pad, and....practice, practice, practice.
 
My 416 Rigby weighs 9lbs, it is not bothersome to shoot. I load it right up too, 410g @ 2650fps.
I hate carrying heavy guns, all of my LR rigs are 12-18lbs, the 2 12lbs guns are my most used due to the weight. Then my 15lb 338-416 Rigby Improved 45° gets toted around quite a bit. Wish barrels were lighter to be honest, 32" barrels weigh a lot.

Cheers.
 
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