I'm considering putting a 338-06 a-square barrel on a current 270w in a 110 Savage, Trying to make a short ez to carry on a horse yet capable of taking Elk and Bear at moderate ranges. Been considering using a 22" barrel, What are some recommendations? Thanks

If you are making it short as possible, I would go 20" bbl. You'll lose abit of vel. but stay under 250yds, no problem, easier to clear the scabbard.

you could just bob the barrel a bit and leave it in .270 and hand load some 150 Northforks or A-Frames for it....it'll still take elk and bear easily!

Model 71 Winchester. A short range thumper for sure, the Brownings can still be had at somewhat reasonable prices.

Go for broke and get a ruger frontier in a 338 federal. The barrels are only 18 inches, but velocity and accuracy are still acceptable for anything in the lower forty eight.

If you're bent on converting the 270, I would suggest going for the 35 Whelen as opposed to the 338-06. I've owned both and used both on elk, and I preferred the whelen b/c of the bigger bloodier holes (hate tracking). Just an opinion, as the differences between the two are in reality fairly negligible. 22 inches is plenty, but I personally would prefer 20 inches for a saddle gun.

Ruger Frontier in 358 winchester .. It only has an 16 1/2 " barrel but it is very easy to have around all the time ...

quote:

Originally posted by gumboot458:
Ruger Frontier in 358 winchester .. It only has an 16 1/2 " barrel but it is very easy to have around all the time ...

My mistake, I thought they were 18 in. barrels, but I never took the time to measure mine (338 federal). I concur completely that the 358 win is a fantastic round and would serve as a great elk gun. I've got one in a stainless BLR and love it (another excellent idea for a saddle gun, perhaps even better than the Ruger in my opinion). That said, if he intends to use his saddle gun on elk at ranges past 200 yards, I'd stick with the 338 federal in a super short barrel because you'll want the 338 fed's extra velocity in relation to the 358 win for longer shots. Or, you could use a 35 whelen with a shorter barrel and get the best of both worlds, but why not go balls to the wall and make a 358 norma? Plenty of velocity there, but muzzle blast and recoil might be a bit bothersome whilst shooting a 358 norma out of a 16.5 inch barrel...

I'm pretty set on using this 110 Savage action I just want MORE Barrels!

I have considered the 35 Whelen but I already reload for 338rum and like the 338 bullet choices. Also considered 338wsm and 350rm but It's a lot easier to go with the 06 size bolt head. I was afraid a shorter than 22" would bring down my velocities too much but it would be a little handier. Thanks for suggestions

Then go with the 338-06. It's a fine cartridge and has plenty of velocity to use on a 22 inch barrel. For me, 22 inches is pretty ideal for almost all my rifles excluding my long distance squirrel guns (338 win mag, 300 weatherby), but I generally don't hunt with the weatherby as I prefer my 35 Whelen with a 23 in. barrel. Cutting down the barrel on a 338-06 won't make too much of a difference. Losing inches on a barrel generally effects velocity more on cals with higher velocities (e.g. my 300 weatherby that sits in the closet).

Being that you are thinking 22", I'd sell/trade what you have for a Ruger Hawkeye in 358 Winchester, 338 Federal, or the new Ruger 338 RCM, and you can always chop one down to 20" or so which is what I personally would want as a minimum. A 19" would do on a 358 but no interest in a 16" myself, blast and loss of velocity would both be greater than I'd want.

If you are shooting timber only, they'd be fine though.

Also, for ease of ammo, a 338 Win mag chopped to 21-22" would still be very efficient and powerful.

If you reload, want something different, and an extra round in the gun vs Win mag, go with the 338/06 but I'd choose a Winchester or Sako action, if not a custom, but going in the back country, personally would not trust a Remington as I have been burned (i.e. bolt handle breakage-and there is another thread on another forum re: very topic, it happens-rare, but never heard it happen to any other brand).

Lots folks use/like Savage, but not cup of tea.

You say moderate ranges, I'd assume under 250-300 yds.

If you can find a 350 Rem Mag (using good 225-250gr bullets) in a Ruger Stainless, that gun chopped to 20" with a low power variable of plane 4x quality scope would do alot of killing and would make an ideal carbine/saddle gun. A lot of powder, short action, ballistics neck and neck with 338/06. Recoil not bad but I'd replace the factory pad.

The Ruger ring/mount system should hold rock steady in a scabbard. Simple Leupold 4x would offer a wide field of view, but on large game give you more than ample x's for longer shots.

Skidly:

If you are putting together a saddle gun then you should use a saddle gun caliber. Just get a Marlin Guide gun in .444 or 45/70 and let her rip!

Dave

Now why didn't I think of that? I cannot argue with that, having a Marlin 357, VERY handy and effective.

What about the 450 also?