I'm going to be having a .338win mag barrel made for my encore. Just wondering what I should make the barrel length. This gun will be an all around big game rifle (deer, elk, moose, bear). Was thinking 26in, but do I really need all that barrel to get good 338 performance? Will be most likely shooting 210 partitions for deer, elk, Blk bear, moose and 250's for BIG bears. Also whats a good place to have one built? Havent herd to good about the custome shop so maybe I'll stay away form them. Thanx in advance

Ryan

In my opinion a 24" is plenty for a 338. Loadtech gives you 30fps more from a 26". Not enough for me to worry about.

26 does make a differance and on an Encore it will not be noticed for length. Have you tried Fox Ridge Outfitters?
http://www.foxfoxridgeoutfitters.com/section.cfm?

Foxridge outfitters does not make that barrel in SST. I thought about Bullberry. Is there anyother other places they may be a little better?

Redneck-being as you're gonna build on this single shot action I would think that any length from 21-26 would be just fine.

IMO it would be about balance and feel.

I would be inclined to go 22-23" and be done with it. Brad from here has done quite a few 338 wm's in 22" and found it to be mucho to his liking!

Good luck

Mark D

I own a custom 338 WM with a lothar-walther barrel. Originally it had 25", but when I cut the barrel to 23" to make the rifle more handy, I lost only 40 ft/s.

Mine's 23 and its perfect, however on a single shot a little longer may balance better and still be short enough.

I had mine cut back to 22" and really like it. Nate

My beloved .338 has a 24" tube and I love it. I wouldn't go longer, but I would go shorter. Handy and all you know. With a 22" you should be able to keep 210 grns moving 2850+

On my bolt action .338s I go with a 24". On my single shots I go 26". The performance is slightly better, but it just balances better and with the shot action its not a problem.