For various reasons, I've decided I want a new rifle in .338-06.

I want dependability, MOA accuracy, durability and quality construction. I do not require pretty (engraving, gold, fancy wood, checkering). I'm thinking 24" barrel, 1 in 10 twist, good trigger, somewhere around 9 lbs, scoped. I am undecided on metal finish and stock material; I see the value of stainless/synthetic but also love the look of wood/blued.

I know factory ammo is going to be rare, but that's ok, I enjoy reloading. The problem is that the 338-06 is undersupported by today's gun manufacturers. I can't just walk down to the local fleet farm and buy one off the rack.

So, I ask you, the collective wisdom of the forum, how should I approach this?

Should I look for something already chambered for this cartridge? New/Used? Should I buy a used 30.06 and have it rebarreled? Should I jump in all the way and have a smith build a custom rifle?

Within reason, I can do any of the above; I'm not afraid of spending the money, but I don't want to be foolish either.

-nosualc

Howdy,

Check this out - scroll down and pick out the 338-06 you want.

These folks are great to deal with.

Adios

Sport

http://www.hendershots.net/gunRoom.aspx?catid=16

If it was my project, I would get a used 30-06 and have it rebarelled. Order a JRS stock from Boyd's and you're good to go. If this is to be a working rifle, you can get the results you want without breaking the bank. I've had good luck with Pac Nor.

http://www.pac-nor.com/

http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/...tocks-Ruger-s/38.htm

quote:

Originally posted by cobra:
If it was my project, I would get a used 30-06 and have it rebarelled. Order a JRS stock from Boyd's and you're good to go. If this is to be a working rifle, you can get the results you want without breaking the bank. I've had good luck with Pac Nor.

http://www.pac-nor.com/

http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/...tocks-Ruger-s/38.htm

Yep, that's what I'm thinking. Get an older, beater or shot out Remmie 700 long action on an '06 (ie: 270/280/06), put a new barrel on it, restock it, new trigger.

That's the "cheap custom" route. Heck, for that matter, maybe you already have the perfect donor rifle in the safe? It's not like you can't just have the old barrel put back on if the results aren't quite what you want...

If you are considering a custom, you already know you want one.

Find a way to like an existing standard rifle made in 338 Federal or 338 WM. You can load down the 338 WM to equal 338-06 ballistics.

338 x 06 is a good choice when you look at the powder capacity vs bullet weight it's great the 06 case is to much for a .30cal bullet. a hevey bullet behind that case filled with powder. yes you are on the right track. but you better like reloading.

quote:

Originally posted by nosualc:
Should I jump in all the way and have a smith build a custom rifle?

I have had more than my share of custom rifles built to my exact specifications so I feel I am qualified to comment here. There are few things in life like owning a rifle that is everything you want-go for it!

It sounds like you just want a good acurate dependable rifle.
So, go get your self an off the shelf rifle, new or used in the 30,06 or one of its off spring.
Find one you like the feel of and use it for a rebarrel.
Its not to hard to have the barrel turned to match the factory countour, then stay with the factory stock.
Have the action trued by someone who knowes what he is doing, screw in a good barrel and have the action glass bedded.
I think for your 338,06 I would try and find a Model 70 action.
A classic will do if you can't find a pre 64.
I would have the sights remounted and have it look as much like a classic model 70as you can get.
But thats just me...tj3006

I put mine together as a hunter rifle. Took a model 670 Winchester push feed, rebarreled it with a Shaw 24" 1 in 10 and added a HS precision Stock. Rifle shoots 1" or better groups. Works for me.

Check your local Wal-Mart! I've been seeing some Rem 700 ADL new old stock for barely over $325 recently most have been short actions around here but it wouldn't hurt to look where you are at for your donor action.

I'd send it off to Pac-Nor as well to have it re-barreled as well. Plus I'd have a M70 style safety installed and put it in either a laminate or synthetic stock in the ADL style with blind magazine. Tune the trigger to 3-3.5 lbs and go hunting. Of course that is just me!

Or you could just buy one all ready made like I did. Used .338-06 rifles can usually be found for less than $1K, I got mine for $600. Then if you can find a used/nos Weatherby like the couple here at the links.

.338-06

Gunbroker

For what it's worth maybe a letter to Remnington, Winchester, CZ-USA and etc., asking if they do such a calibre might no be a bad idea?

OK. They don't but if enough people wrote perhaps they would consider it? 35 Whelen must have been offered by Remington after they got enough letters?

Whilst waiting for a reply you could look at what Weatherby offer, stock, in 338-06. Although personally I don't like them.

Howdy,

I had two 338-06's made - two different directions.

1. Cheap spoterized 03a3 in 30-06-had the barrel rebored for $250-worked great, love the rifle.

2. Bought a M70, SS in 270 with the boss -sent the barreled action to PacNor - $550 and I now have a 338-06.

Both work great.

IMHO - the nicest 338-06 and probably most accurate out of the box is a Cooper

adios

Sport

I did a "practical" build 22" 338-06 on a J. C. Higgins FN action. Installed a Timney trigger and had the thing hot blued. Bedded it in a cheap synthetic stock and made custom scope mounts for it.

Pretty nice rifle for $650.

quote:

Originally posted by nosualc:
For various reasons, I've decided I want a new rifle in .338-06.

I want dependability, MOA accuracy, durability and quality construction. I do not require pretty (engraving, gold, fancy wood, checkering). I'm thinking 24" barrel, 1 in 10 twist, good trigger, somewhere around 9 lbs, scoped. I am undecided on metal finish and stock material; I see the value of stainless/synthetic but also love the look of wood/blued.

I know factory ammo is going to be rare, but that's ok, I enjoy reloading.

Should I look for something already chambered for this cartridge? New/Used? Should I buy a used 30.06 and have it rebarreled? Should I jump in all the way and have a smith build a custom rifle?

Within reason, I can do any of the above; I'm not afraid of spending the money, but I don't want to be foolish either.

-nosualc

I think this is a very good question, and practical. In answering IMO, I will not try to second guess you, but just take what you say as the way it is.

Personally, I would avoid a Remington 700, even if the donor action was free, or even if someone paid me to take one.

OK, that said, and behind us, if I wanted a 338-06 that met the criteria you stated, and wanted to be pretty much assured of a sure thing, one option is I would get a used Ruger 77 Mk II and have it rebarreled by Pac Nor. Either have the factory trigger reworked or have the Smith put a Timney on it. You can choose SS or CM and the stock too - either wood or synthetic - whatever. I like the Hogues, but I like McMillans too.

Second option - get a CZ 550 action from Brownells, or just buy a complete rifle in 270, 30-06 or whatever has the correct action. That way you get the stock too. If you buy the action then AHR sells take-off stocks at reasonable prices. Then have Pac Nor barrel it for you. I would recommend the CZ factory contour. I know they have the specs because I sent them my 6.5x55 to clone in 8x57. with this option, you could use the McMillan stock, and skip the wood, if that's what you want.

Now, I'll further explain my choices. With either option, you end up with an action that has a good trigger, and good safety, without putting in a lot of extra money. I like the CZ trigger, and the CZ action from Brownells comes with a three position safety, and the Ruger is three position. The Remington isn't even worth mentioning, and not in the same league. If you buy a complete rifle in the CZ, then they have replacment factory 3-position safeties by calling CZ - price $35.

Ok, my best recommendation is buy a complete CZ 550 rifle in 9.3x62, and have it rebarreled in 338-06 by PacNor, then send me or sell me the take off 9.3x62 barrel. I'm serious.

But of course the problem with this last recomendation is that once you have such a rifle, there is little doubt that you will start to think - maybe I should shoot it first - maybe it's accurate - and then you will find out what the 9.3x62 is all about, and just maybe you will have second thoughts about swapping barrels. I already know that's what would happen to me, if I went through that scenerio. There's no way I would pull an accurate 9.3x62 barrel and replace it with a 338-06. Ain't practical. But if somehow you do that, then I'll give you a fair price for the take-off barrel, to cut your costs.

Best regards on your project.

KB

I still don't know what I'm going to do. Analysis paralysis.

A few random responses:

> If you are considering a custom, you already know you want one.

wymple, that made me laugh out loud. Yes, I do want one, LOL.

I like the idea of something built especially to my wants. The idea of a fine mauser or pre-64 model 70 with a fine barrel and stock sounds great. I just don't know if I want to hunt with something that nice. I've got a classic car that I won't drive in the rain or the winter for the same reason. It's all in my head I know, but it's true.

Ditto for a Cooper. Darned nice/pretty rifles. Too pretty? Maybe one of their stainless/synthetics.

There were many suggestions to buy a existing rifle and have it rebarreled. I've got ideas about which rifles I'd like to use as a donor. Please, I'm not trying to start a brand war.

There was a Sako 85 in .30-06 at the local toy store for a screaming good deal (eg 300-400 off, but it was gone yesterday). I own another Sako, and it's wonderfully accurate. Would this be a good place to start? Are these actions easy for a smith to rebarrel? Same question for a CZ? (If I go this route, Kabluewy, you've got dibs on a 9.3x62 barrel. LOL)

For a used rifle, how exactly do I find a decent action with a shot-out barrel? Would it be a sin to customize a functional pre-64 win 70?

I think I need to talk to a smith. Opinions on working with Jim Kobe? He appears to be fairly active over on the gunsmithing forum. PMs are cool if you want privacy.

Thanks for the help guys.

-nosualc

I bought a NIB Remington ADL in 270 Winchester and sent it off to Pack-Nor. They do great work with these types of rebarrel jobs.

MOney & desire, that's your measuring stick. If you just want a shooter, get a used 06, 270, etc. & get a new bbl. from PacNor, done. If you want a true custom rifle, stock everything, then look for a beater donar rifle just for the action & bottom metal. Have a new stock made, syn, or wood, new bbl. done.
My 338-06 is done on a RugerM77, laminated Microfit stock, 22 1/2"bbl. It's been a great hunting rig, but not a real looker.

The other rifle was a true custom rig, M70 donar action, stock made for me w/ some custom metal work, in 280. Price diff. is substantial.

Or get a Savage or Stevens and rebarrell it yourself!

LWD

quote:

Originally posted by nosualc:
Are these actions easy for a smith to rebarrel? Same question for a CZ? (If I go this route, Kabluewy, you've got dibs on a 9.3x62 barrel. LOL)
-nosualc

As I understand it the CZ has metric threads, but so does the Sako, but apparantly it makes no difference to PacNor - they charge the same for a CZ as they do for a Remington or Mauser. So the apparant answer is that there is no difference in difficulty.

The difference with the CZ is that you have less work to do on the action, unless you just want to spend money.

There's nothing wrong with going with a stainless barrel, and have the barreled action black T coated. Drop it in a McMillan stock, and you'll have a very fine hunting rifle.

KB