OK, I've been contemmpating a 338-06 for years and reading some recent posts got my inner feelings stirring again. I'm trying to decide which action to use. My choices are Remington 700, Win 70, or Montana 99. I'd like the gun to come in around 7.5 pounds with scope when finished. I'll have a light weight scope and likely use a synthetic stock. Also could go blind magazine to loose a few more ounces.

I've mostly been a Remington fan but for some reason this rifle is calling a Win or Montana action. They are heavier, but I think I can still keep the gun to 7.5 pound or therabouts. Any real difference between the Win and Montana? Which action would you choose?

JAB, I am partial to them claw extractors myself and have 2 338-06's AI. One is in a pre-64 and the other in a Rem. 30-I just don't like that sheet metal tab of a extractor on them Remingtons.

It is a fine round for sure.

regads,

one of the hawkeyes would be nice.

Any action would work fine... why try to save weight with the action? when you can save weight on scope choice, stock choice and even barrel contour choices...

I'd want the action to be the strongest one that I have confidence in..

OK, you asked for opinions - so here's mine.

I would skip the 338-06 altogether, and go with the new RCM 338.

Stay with me on this ----

Factory ammo will be available for the RCM 338.

Now the catch ------

I have just the action for you, namely a NIB Montana 1999 stainless short action set up for the short magnums - like the 350 Rem mag, any of the WSMs and it will work especially well with the RCMs.

I bought the action thinking I wanted to put a barrel chambered in 450 Marlin on it, but then decided that if I go with a big bore, I'll just go with a 458 WM, and use a longer action. I'm not a fan of the short magnums, but if I didn't already have a 338 Win Mag, I might consider the 338 RCM. I've got a 35 Whelen, 9.3x62, and a 375H&H, and a wildcat 9.3x338, so I certainly don't need another medium bore.

The 338 Win Mag, IMO, is ideal for Alaska, so the 338 RCM should be equally well suited, and according to Ruger, a 20" inch barrel performs well - if short and handy is what you want. I'm giving you my honest opinion, regardless of whether you want my action or not, but if you do, PM me.

I see that you are in Anchorage. The action is at my gunsmith's in Kenai, so you could probably take a look at it, then decide.

Regards,
KB

What a great caliber on the '06 case. Mine is a bored out fwt pre 64 w/g&h McM stock, Leo 1.75X6 comes in just under 8lbs loaded and ready to fire! Also shoots less than MOA with 225 partitions. Took moose and caribou both at +200 Yds bang flops. A great caliber. Thinking about taking it to Alaska in May for big brownie.

quote:

Originally posted by seafire2:
Any action would work fine... why try to save weight with the action? when you can save weight on scope choice, stock choice and even barrel contour choices...

I'd want the action to be the strongest one that I have confidence in..

There are lots of heavy actions that aren't necessarily strong.