There has been quite a lot of chatter lately about 338s. Change in plans on a project rifle due to a fubar'd barrel blank has me needing a replacement medium bore. Now I have actions for either a .473 or .532, key is I want a bit shorter barrel then standard. I have a 300 win 26" being rechambered to 300 Wby, so I don't need another long range rig. I want something with a 21-22" barrel. I realize either will lose some velocity, but I'm not concerned. I figure a short barrel win mag would be right there with a standard barrel 06.

Again, specifically talking no longer then 22" barrels.

Boy we beat this one to death every few weeks here is the latest. Each will have its supporters.

http://forums.accuratereloadin...3221043/m/7951023321

I had a 338Wmag and replaced it with a 338 wildcat. A 338-06 will do anything a 338wmag will do except at the real long ranges. A 338-06 will suffer less from a shorter barrel.

Factory ammo has never been a driver for me. If I was wanting a magnum case and I had just lost out on a .366 barrel I'd build a 358Norma but I've always marched to a different drum.

Or save or sell your action and buy the 338-06AI the captain has on classifieds.

Oh so you say my post about the 366 barrel? Lol yea......that just SUCKS! I hope everyone else got their barrels just fine.

I handload, so I wouldn't likely need to use factory....but its nice to know its there if I need it lol. A few years ago my scope got wonked outta zero the day before elk season and I had to use up almost all my ammo to get it sighted back in. Weatherby ammo was available in town but jeez it was 125$ a box!! And only 1 store had anything but 150gr, other wise I coulda bought a box for 75$. Thankfully I didn't need it, but that just sucked using up a bunch of ammo which prevented me from hunting with my weatherby this last season cause I just didn't have time to work up loads again.

Ok ram I edited the post and title a bit to be more specific about SHORT barrels rather then just debating the merrits of both lol

I know in general we have given the 338's a good go around...but hey SOMEONE always has to go last at the gang bang right? LMAO

I was actually going to suggest the .358 Norma. My thinking is pretty straight forward: short barrels go well with low expansion ratio cartridges. The low expansion ratio cartridges lend themselves to to faster burning powders, which leads to less muzzle flash/blast, etc.

I'm probably splitting hairs; then again, that's what this forum is all about.

quote:

I was actually going to suggest the .358 Norma.

I have a 358N in a Mannlicher it is 19 or 19.5 factory 250s leave it at 2700 or 2750. Haven't had enough yet and too lazy to go upstairs and pull my records.

Norma is always a good thought, always been very impressed. Out of a 19" barrel your numbers are even MORE impressive Ram! But, here is the bump in the road on that one (isn't there always?)

I have access to a 338 barrel, that is not chambered or finished, from a reputable maker, for a helluva deal. If they had offered me a 358 barrel at that price this would be a done deal.

OK had my the barrel measures 19.75. Velocity of Norma Factory 250 Woodleigh bullets was 2700.

My 2 cents if you want a short barrel in 338 the 338-06 makes more sense than the 338Wmag. Best I can tell as a 1 day QL user you would give up 50fps with a 210gr in a 20" barrel.

If 300 Weatherby is long range gun then go .473" less recoil.

338-06.

well, you reload so why not do the 338 Mag and load whatever power ammo you need.

MHS..I have 2, 338-06AIs one has a 19" barrel the other has a 24" barrel both are built on VZ24 actions.

The 19" barreled rifle is handy, light, and a joy to shoot. I have shot a pile of whitetails with that little rifle..80-150yds..and one red stag at over 250yds. I use H4895 and 180gr Accubonds in that little rifle and it works great running at a MV of 2700fps. Even with the cheap A&B barrel I put on it gives adequate accuracy for hunting out to 300yds.

If you have already got a long range rig and are contemplating a 338-06 for a short/medium range rifle, I would just go ahead an do it...I don't think you will regret it..

Z

Doubt it will make too much of a difference. I was in the same dilema and opted for the .338 WM cuase it was cheaper, and ammo is availible in a pinch. FYI I velocites out for my 22" tube is a solid 100 below what the book says it should be; though that is another can of worms...