I've been thinking about a second (back-up) rifle for my wife in Africa,
after her 375 Ruger with 20" barrel, 13" LOP.

Her preference for a shorter LOP, 13", means that many of the short action rifles will balance nicely, leading to thoughts of 7-08 and 308. Those are great caliber. However, Africa has some very big and dangerous animals that co-habit friendly antelope hunts. So more diameter than a 308 would be a plus. In thinking this through, I think that I've stumbled on to a reason d'être for the 338 Ruger Compact Magnum (338 RCM) and also the reason for its relatively poor acceptance.

Anyone who wants a full-size 338 rifle can get a 338 WinMag in just about any flavor they want, from rather lightweight rifles like the Tikka, up to standard-weight M70's and Rugers.

In addition, there is no problem in loading a 338WinMag down 80-90% of max to the levels of the 338Fed, 338-06, and 338RCM. The only advantage of those less powerful calibers is that they can be placed in a smaller package, and that allows the 338Fed and 338RCM to stand out over the 338-06. Their niche is not to challenge the 338WinMag, but to provide close to WinMag performance in a smaller, easier-carrying rifle. (Yes, the 325WSM does the same, though is only 8mm rather than 8.6mm.)

So what do we have in small packages? My wife doesn't want an 8-lb. long-barreled rifle (bare) that needs to have the stock shortened.

The 338 RCM was produced in a compact model,
13" LOP , 20" barrel, 38.5 overall length, 6.75 lbs.
That would be an IDEAL rifle for a small-statured hunter who wanted a .338" diameter.
Yes, it gives up about 200fps to the WinMag, but if the rifle fits the shooter, it would be an ideal plains game rifle, as well as an elk tool in NA.

The niche for the 338RCM (and 338Fed, too) is small and specific, which explains its restricted appeal. But for persons looking for that niche of a powerful, small rifle in a plus-30 diameter, the 338 RCM is a great little find.

Pictures are helpful, too, even if stock:


and SAAMI:


Load info available at
http://ammoguide.com/?catid=706

and even more at www.Hodgdon.com, with pressure data.

for loads?

Here is one from Ammoguide:
.338 Ruger Compact Magnum

BulletWt.(gr) Powder Charge(gr) Vel.(fps) K.E.(ft-lbs) Barrel Length (in) Overall Length (in)

185TTSX Reloder-15 61.0gn 2,950 fps 3,576 ft# 20.0-in 2.810-in

That could be loaded down a couple of grains, too.
2800-2900fps is plenty fast for Africa.

Or with heavier bullets from Hodgdon data:
210 Scir IMR4064 52.2gn Compressed, 2,667fps, 61,500 PSI
probably to be duplicated or bettered with the new, slightly denser IMR4166.
(Other powders on the site produced velocities 2700-2740fps for this bullet, well below max psi.)

And even heavier:
250 grain Swift AFrame: Win760 55.5gn 2,453fps 61,000 PSI

There are a lot of other excellent choices for Africa, too, where 300 yards is a long shot.

How about a 9.3x62? For a smaller package for Africa, this seems like an easy choice. Sure, it will be harder to find an "off the rack" rifle for your wife but, it sure seems like a better option for most people compared to the trendy boutique cartridges of today.

It's hard to argue against the proven track record in Africa of the various 9.3mm options.

Thanks, Sid.

I did find a CZ 550 Carbine (a compact model, 20.5" barrel, synthetic stock) that is offered in 9.3x62. It is definitely worth another look. I wonder if it is LH, too?

Apparently, Tikkas sometimes make it over to NA in 9.3, but not yet in their new "compact" model.

On trendy cartridges, I'm not so concerned as long as the package fits. Once 150-200 brass cases are bought, the rifle will be good for a long, long time. But resale of a 9.3x62 would be easier and probably for a better price.

quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan:
Thanks, Sid.

I did find a CZ 550 Carbine (a compact model, 20.5" barrel, synthetic stock) that is offered in 9.3x62. It is definitely worth another look. I wonder if it is LH, too?

Apparently, Tikkas sometimes make it over to NA in 9.3, but not yet in their new "compact" model.

On trendy cartridges, I'm not so concerned as long as the package fits. Once 150-200 brass cases are bought, the rifle will be good for a long, long time. But resale of a 9.3x62 would be easier and probably for a better price.

You're welcome!

I have one of the CZ's but, unfortunately didn't get to shoot it before my shoulder issues. It is one I'm looking forward too as I recover my ability to shoot medium bore rifles.

The CZ custom shop and Wayne at AHR could make the rifle you need easy enough if one off the rack doesn't fit your wife. I looked long and hard for a 9.3x62 rifle and occasionally saw older European imports that were sold too quickly for me to have a chance at them so, when the CZ showed up I was all over it.

For a "back up" rifle, to me this means one that I can buy ammo for at everyday places, granted 9.3x62 is an oddball in North America so I may end up with European ammo and cases at some point in the future. Back up to me means things have gone awry so, tough iron sights, easy ammo replacement, tough as nails stocks, etc. in addition to a caliber that will put a stop to a dangerous situation with authority. For Africa, if not a 375H&H it will be a 9.3x62 in a bolt action for me.

Trendy cartridges just don't do it for me. Most are reinventing the wheel for marketing purposes so, I don't buy into the marketing hype behind many of them.

I guess I am using 'back-up' as a lighter rifle for when buffalo is not on the menu, but the hunt is on foot in Africa, anyway. If buffalo is on the menu, then the 375 is an absolute minimum (by law). However, she will have it downloaded to 3500-4000ftlbs., basically like the 338WM and handloaded 9.3's.

For the 'second' rifle, we're thinking something more comfy and light, probably 3000-3400ftlb range, with a recoil for any shooting position at little duiker's on up to eland. Preferably a little step up from a 30-06 or 308, though they could work.

For ammo, I think that her 375Ruger will be fine, and her 'second', too, whatever it ends up, because she will be able to build up and store 200 rounds. That's plenty for an annual impala or hartebeest.

A bigger question is why two rifles? Well, by law we get to have two rifle calibers. So why not have a second? (We don't need a 22 for guinea because an air-rifle covers that.)

On the 9.3, most of the bullets are on the heavy side. There are not many lightweight monolithic options for antelope and 2700-2800fps.

It's not going to win beauty pageants, but, Ruger Guide Gun is a go anywhere rifle.I had one in 338 Win Mag. It works very well.
Equip it with Alaska Arms rings and you're good to go. I had that setup as well. Very nicely made rings.

Also, high energy powders such as N550 and RL17 work extremely well.

Here is a link to gunbroker.com of a Ruger 338RCM that may fit the bill and the picture shows a left hand rifle. It sports a 20" barrel which will center the 7# dry weight more rearward causing the rifle to seem lighter than it actually is.

I have never shot one of these 338RCM but they should be a real honey of a cartridge.



http://www.gunbroker.com/Aucti....aspx?Item=536868006

Yes, a 338 Federal or RCM would work well, as would a 9.2x62 with the 232gr loading. The compact rifles would tend to be quite light, so recoil sensitivity should enter into the equation. There are folks here that could calculate the recoil force and velocity of any combination you come up with, just as a comparison check to what she's used to.

PS: A good ole' 30-06 with 200-220gr loads would not be far behind any of the above in horsepower.

I bought 2 of the Ruger 338 RCM and love them.
1 is LH for me Wood Blue with sights, and 1 RH SS Synthetic. For my wife.

Around 6.5 # very accurate and they are easy to shoot both shot under 1" with minimal load
work up. CDNN has them cheap now under $500 for the LH Wood Blue model.

They are light carry and balance well easy to shoot and accurate.

Here is how first 3 shots shot with the LH 338 RCM
CCI STD Hornady 338 RCM 20" LH Ruger Fact. Hornady, 2687, 2693, 2692 FPS, 225 GR, 3 @ .895" at 100 yards
Best load based on 1 group shot so good I quit!
CCI STD Hornady, RL 15 54 gr, 225 Sp Deep Curl, 3@ .234" at 100 yards, other measurement showed .108"

Wifes 338 RCM 20" SS Synthetic
CCI STD " " " RL 15 55 Gr, 225 Speer DC, 3 @ .32" at 100 yards Wow load

CCI Std Horn, 338 RCM, Ruger, 61 Gr RL 17, 225 Gr NP, 3 @ .873" at 100 yards, 4 under 2" 2.5" High 3/4" R

I have a 338 Federal. You can get 2800"ish" with 180 Accubonds/185 TTSX and 2600"ish" with 200 Accubonds/210 Partitions and 3000 "ish" with a 160 TTSX. Brass is easy to get.

Of course unless you go custom, I think only Sako and Savage are making rifles in that caliber. Mine is a Ruger Hawkeye.

Assuming her .375 Ruger is a LH Ruger Hawkeye of some variation, this is a no brainer-especially considering that they can be had for $499 from CDNN. I bought a 300 RCM about a year ago that matches your picture. Neat little gun at a bargain price. The only drawback is the lack of brass/ammo. Usually available online, but I have never seen either 300 or 338 RCM brass or ammo on the shelf in a store.
Good luck
Steve

Thanks, Steve.

Online brass doesn't bother me, since I will reload for her. Hornady brass is very good and should remain available for as long as we would use the rifle. And the $499 price is certainly hard to pass up.

The biggest indecision now is the 9.3x62 option, because very lightweight models are available from Tikka in LH, too. The Tikka would cost several hundred dollars more, especially if a Boyd's wood stock 13"-LOP were added on. But the caliber is a classic African.

Bullets, as mentioned are maybe the biggest issue between the .338" and .366".
Bullets in .338" include 180 and 200 GSC, 160, 185, and 210 TTSX, and many heavier bullets. Almost everything in .366" is currently 250grains and up except for GSC's 195 and 230 grain HV's. The GSC is what I would assume if we go the 9.3 route. Probably 185TTSX or 210TTSX if we go the 338RCM route. Possibly 200grain GSC.
(CEB has a .366" 200 flat base tipped raptor and a .338 176 extended range raptor. But tipped raptors are finicky about barrel twist and either bullet would need checking out for stability.)