The .300 and the .338 RCM seemed to me to be about the most useless, redundant rounds put out in modern history. I don't hear much about them is anybody using them? If so are you finding them to be a useful round with a level of utility that provides an advantage?

I can't for the life of me guess what the Ruger folks were thinking when they came up with these.

When they came out all I could think of was, Did they see how great Remington's SAUM did?

We just have to remember that it wasn't all Ruger. Hornady wants more sales as well. They are both in this together. If I was to do something like this, I would do it on the .284 base cartridge anyway.

I will be getting one next spring..
Only question is which caliber..
I really like the rifles they come in is the main reason I'll be buying one..
Will the RCM line be a success?
I don't know but it won't matter to me as I suspect the brass will be around for the few years I have left..
Quite franky I wonder why you fellows worry about such things and why such threads as this one exist..

Life is good eh?

Reminds me of the 6.5 and the .350 Remington Magnum. Both compact rounds for compact rifles.

Both very DOA.
We seem to live in a time of the companies creating many slight variations of their standard production line. They will not sell well and will be sold at clearance prices to the distributors as discontinued items.
It will be creation of instant collectors items.

Low Wall,
opinions are like noses, every one has them and most of them smell.

You can take advice here for what its worth. Some people like to bitch and moan. Others try to piss on or hijack threads.

And some even try to help, even though they know that "no good deed goes unpunished".

More power to you on whatever you choose. I hope your as happy with you decision on which to buy after a season or two with your rifle as you were the day you purchased it. Only time and experience will tell.

Having said that I will add the following

I am a rifle looney. I reload for fifty or so different chamberings from 17 ackley hornet to 458 Lott.

I have owned the 223 wssm. I will never own that again.

Several each of 270wsm, 7mmWSM, 300 WSM and 325WSM, in Kimbers, both classic and Montana as well as in Sako and Winchester have followed me home. I currently have at least one rifle in each of those chamberings. Each has its merits. I will say that you have to be more careful when reloading for these chamberings to be sure they will feed after being resized. Of the four, the 7mmWSM is my least favorite.

I've also owned the whole family of 308 based rounds including the 338federal and 358 winchester. I wouldn't give a tinkers damn for the 338 federal. Most disapointing round I've ever owned. I could not get my reloads within 150fps of what book showed. Maybe I just had a bad set of dies, but I broke three decapping pins while reloading around 100 rounds. Only Sako rifle I could not get to shoot were two model 85 stainless synthetics. The first would not group consistently within four inches and I took it back to the shop where I bought it. They traded it for another and it was about the same.

I don't know what type of hunting/shooting you do, but would definitely check out others experiences with the 308 or 338 RCM, especially if you reload. The manufactures have proprietary powder choices you don't as a reloader. If your shooting factory, I'd still check it out carefully.

I've settled for the 308, 338-06, 35 whelen and 9.3 x 62. In my view they are superior chamberings to the 338 federal, 358 winchester, and the SAUM's and most likely, the RCM's.

GWB

quote:

Originally posted by SR4759:
Reminds me of the 6.5 and the .350 Remington Magnum. Both compact rounds for compact rifles.

Both very DOA.

Both of them, and the 284 Wichester, were way ahead of their time. The 6.5 met a need that wouldn't be perceived until ULA/NULA came along. The 350 still has a dedicated following and the 284 is the father of many 'cats. FWIW, the three of them are arguably the godparents of the WSM/SAUM/Short Lazeronnis. But, I don't fault the mfgs and especially Hornady. They are churning to the pot and testing the market. More power to them.

just what GW said

quote:

Originally posted by Geedubya:
Low Wall,
opinions are like noses, every one has them and most of them smell.

You can take advice here for what its worth. Some people like to bitch and moan. Others try to piss on or hijack threads.

And some even try to help, even though they know that "no good deed goes unpunished".

More power to you on whatever you choose. I hope your as happy with you decision on which to buy after a season or two with your rifle as you were the day you purchased it. Only time and experience will tell.

Having said that I will add the following

I am a rifle looney. I reload for fifty or so different chamberings from 17 ackley hornet to 458 Lott.

I've settled for the 308, 338-06, 35 whelen and 9.3 x 62. In my view they are superior chamberings to the 338 federal, 358 winchester, and the SAUM's and most likely, the RCM's.

GWB

GWB
Like you I am also a "rifle looney" and I reload for many rounds.. While I don't have a 338-06 I have a few .308's, a .35 Whelen and a CZ550FS in 9.3X62..
From a practically point I could get by with a 22-250, 7X57, and a .35 Whelen..
But since I do all this for fun I think I'll keep expanding my experience with different rifles and cartridges instead of whining about what new rifle/cartridge the manufactures are coming out with..
BTW this fall I just bought a Model 7 in 7SAUM along with a Ruger Frontier in .358 Win. Boy does it ever shoot with cast boolits and a dandy little canoe rifle it'll surely make..

Like I said before "life is good!"

http://robertwservice.com/modu...n/item.php?itemid=82

Low Wall
Gotcha,
I don't think I was whining, but that's a matter of perception. I totally agree with "expanding my experience with different rifle and cartridges".
I usually use a paddle when canoeing, but a couple of rifles I have known and blown out might have qualified.
GWB

The 300 ... yes. The 338RCM is proving a nice little seller here.

Today ... if I was building an ultralight for carrying into steep areas on backpack hunts to hunt your elk, moose, bears etc... it'd be chambered to 338RCM.

Or our baby ...
http://www.australianhunting.n...ticles/358%20CRG.htm

Cheers...
Con

quote:

The RCM's, Dead on Arrival?

I was hoping to see the .375 Ruger necked to .338 and .308.

Not to be this time I guess.

Just wait. It's coming!

Well if you don't as yet have a 308, 30-06, 300Win or 300WSM just wait till you shoot an RCM in the Ruger package. One of the best handling, value for money & most accurate combinations out of the box - mine in 300RCM. Pretty awesome.

Line up and get one!

regards
JohnT

Geedubya,
I am glad to know I am not the only rifle looney out here loading for 40-50 different cartridges. I think the next chambering I will try is the 338RCM. Several friends have them and they seem to be great thicket guns for deer.

The RCM's are a great addition to the shooter.

quote:

Originally posted by rolltop:

quote:

The RCM's, Dead on Arrival?

I was hoping to see the .375 Ruger necked to .338 and .308.

Not to be this time I guess.

Just wait. It's coming!

Ditto,

I just don't get what they are trying to achieve with the RCM. It seems to me that they've done a fantastic job of making a Ford Pinto into a slightly shorter Ford Pinto. If they would have left it 06 length they might of had something.

quote:

Originally posted by Low Wall:

Quite franky I wonder why you fellows worry about such things and why such threads as this one exist..

Life is good eh?

LW

I don't guess that anybody is "worried" about it. Just looking for alternate opinions/experiences. If that's alright with you.

had the 300 RCM come out before the 300 WSM . . .

IF Kimber chambered it . . .

As the RCM is not a rebated rim cartridge and the 300 WSM is . . . I think its is probably just a bit more well designed than the 300 WSM . . . that said, the WSM came first, its chambered by Kimber (I love my 8400) . . . I just don't see it setting the world afire . . . now, if Ruger had beaten Winchester to the punch, it would likely be a different story.

Now for the 338 RCM, I'm guessing its more along the lines of what "everyone" was hoping for when Winchester came out with the 325 WSM, so I expect it has a bit of a chance.

Troy

quote:

Originally posted by Geedubya:

I've settled for the 308, 338-06, 35 whelen and 9.3 x 62. In my view they are superior chamberings to the 338 federal, 358 winchester, and the SAUM's and most likely, the RCM's.

GWB

Don't pick on the 338 Federal and 358 Winchester. They are both great rounds.

I have to agree with the original post. Maybe you could argue for the 338 RCM but there is absolutely no reason for the 300 RCM.

quote:

Originally posted by surestrike:


Ditto,

I just don't get what they are trying to achieve with the RCM.

IMO folks have way overestimated how much in love the shooting public is with the short actions.

Ruger/Hornady had a chance to offer the .300 and .340 Weatherby in an improved standard action but just plain blew it.

Their track record was hurt on this call IMO.

Scott,
My opinion and $1.20 will get you a cup of coffe at most any stop-and-rob.

I am an ornery old fart that happens to think that, although rifles are in-antimate objects, some of them call out to me and seem like they have a soul. I wanted a 358 winchester for the longest. Bought one in a stainless syntehetic ruger hawkeye. Recoil was stiffer than I expected and although it shot lights out, I lost the biggest hog I ever shot and had a whitetail doe run a good ways after being shot. I blew out that rifle and never looked back. I've related my experiences several times with two different Sakos chambered in the 338 federal.For what they were the recoil was awful sharp on them also. I'm not saying they are not great rounds. After having developed loads for them and hunted them, I just have no further use for either. I have a 338-06 in a Savage that is a tack driver. I have had two 338 win mags, have a Sendero in 338 ultra mag, two 35 whelens and a 9.3 x 62. For my money I just happen to like those chamberings better than the 308 based rounds. Now if your talking, 260 remington, 7-08, or 308, I can't get enough of those.
GWB

What is a 300/338 RCM?

quote:

Originally posted by Rae59:
What is a 300/338 RCM?

Not all that funny actually.

It's a callout meaning either the .300 OR the .338 Ruger Compact Magnum.

quote:

Originally posted by Con:
Today ... if I was building an ultralight for carrying into steep areas on backpack hunts to hunt your elk, moose, bears etc... it'd be chambered to 338RCM.
Cheers...
Con

I bought a 338 RCM this year, mostly for the rifle (Hawkeye Compact Magnum) and because the cartridge looked interesting. I used it on a 10 day backpack hunt for Stone Sheep (where moose was a possibility)...it was great for that purpose.

I intend to use the rifle for elk in thick timber, running black bears with dogs, and mountian hunting where something bigger than sheep is on the menu (or if g-bears are rampant!).

I think the cart is FANTASTIC. Been loving the accuracy, ease on the shoulder and ballistics.

Just my non-Luddite 2 cents (Canadian $$)
Canuck

i really think that the marketing depts of most firearms companies go by the old marketing strategy of that Chinese Marketing guru HooFlungPoo..

sling crap against the wall and see what sticks...

sling enough and eventually they will get some that actually sticks..

quote:

Originally posted by Geedubya:
Scott,
My opinion and $1.20 will get you a cup of coffe at most any stop-and-rob.

I am an ornery old fart that happens to think that, although rifles are in-antimate objects, some of them call out to me and seem like they have a soul. I wanted a 358 winchester for the longest. Bought one in a stainless syntehetic ruger hawkeye. Recoil was stiffer than I expected and although it shot lights out, I lost the biggest hog I ever shot and had a whitetail doe run a good ways after being shot. I blew out that rifle and never looked back. I've related my experiences several times with two different Sakos chambered in the 338 federal.For what they were the recoil was awful sharp on them also. I'm not saying they are not great rounds. After having developed loads for them and hunted them, I just have no further use for either. I have a 338-06 in a Savage that is a tack driver. I have had two 338 win mags, have a Sendero in 338 ultra mag, two 35 whelens and a 9.3 x 62. For my money I just happen to like those chamberings better than the 308 based rounds. Now if your talking, 260 remington, 7-08, or 308, I can't get enough of those.
GWB

I was just kidding with my post. I know everyone has their favorites. My rifle battery just happens to be 257 Roberts, 308 win & 338 Federal. I love 308 based cartridges. Was originally looking for a Kimber select in 260 but could only find the "Bob". Once I started shooting the "Bob", I loved it.

That Ruger didn't want to pay WSM royalties to Rick Jamison likely figured in to some of the RCM equation.

I think the 338 RCM (basically 338-06) makes some sense.

The RCM's are a good choice if you're not a reloader and want an even more compact rifle then a WSM gives you. The ballistics are great with the hornady magic pixie dust rounds. I remember a comparison some rag did a few years ago and pitted like length barrel wsm and rcm together. In the 20" barrels yes the rcm won.....but in the 24" the wsm pulled away by a greater margin. But you'd be limited to what, 2 or 3 load choices and only from Hornady. The WSM gives choices in nearly every rifle model made, and factory ammo from every manufacturer for the most part.

The 338rcm, now that's cool. Again however, with that smaller powder charge and with standard powders.....you're probably not going to do anything the 338 Federal factory loads won't. 338-06 at best.

Of all the short mags, the true viable picks are pretty much the 300 and 270. The 7wsm has its following especially the long distance and atrget crowd. The 6.5rm has its small, but loyal following. The 350rm...ya know, I'm going to put it just behind the wsms, its semi popular and very useful. Pity the factory ammo offerings are limited. The rcm and saum.....I think the only people in to those were the ones who just had brand loyalty or happened upon a good deal. My cousin has a 7saum and likes it, but hates trying to find good ammo for it. The 325wsm was an answer to a failure on the 338wsm experiment. Winchester couldn't meet or beat 338win ballistics so they tossed it. Wish they would've gone up and not down a factory 35wsm woulda been sweeeeeet.

All in all, I like short mags, but the rcm's were too litte too late

quote:

Originally posted by rolltop:

quote:

Originally posted by Rae59:
What is a 300/338 RCM?

Not all that funny actually.

It's a callout meaning either the .300 OR the .338 Ruger
Compact Magnum.

I went to a sporting goods store (Acadamy Sports and Outdoors)
and asked them if they had any .300 or .338 RCM ammo. They said
So you see, IT ACTUALLY IS ALL THAT FUNNY!!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Rae59:

I went to a sporting goods store (Acadamy Sports and Outdoors)
and asked them if they had any .300 or .338 RCM ammo. They said
So you see, IT ACTUALLY IS ALL THAT FUNNY!!!!!

I don't think Academy Sports should be the test. I bet they don't know much outside the 243,30/30, 270, 30-06, 308, 300 Mag, 7 Mag for big game. I doubt they would know what a 375 H&H is.

quote:

Originally posted by scottfromdallas:

quote:

Originally posted by Rae59:

I went to a sporting goods store (Acadamy Sports and Outdoors)
and asked them if they had any .300 or .338 RCM ammo. They said
So you see, IT ACTUALLY IS ALL THAT FUNNY!!!!!

I don't think Academy Sports should be the test. I bet they don't know much outside the 243,30/30, 270, 30-06, 308, 300 Mag, 7 Mag for big game. I doubt they would know what a 375 H&H is.

Academy did have 7MM Express, 270WSM, and 300 WSM ammo. (I think I even saw some WSSM ammo on my way out). The point is that ammo sales and reloading die/component sales are an excellant barometer of a cartridge's success. Please note the original post was "The RCM's, Dead on Arrival? I don't want to see any descent cartridge fail but the fact of the matter is if the sales aren't there then the interest isn't there, (except for the 1000 or so rifle owners that did buy the damn thing).

quote:

Originally posted by Rae59:

quote:

Originally posted by scottfromdallas:

quote:

Originally posted by Rae59:

I went to a sporting goods store (Acadamy Sports and Outdoors)
and asked them if they had any .300 or .338 RCM ammo. They said
So you see, IT ACTUALLY IS ALL THAT FUNNY!!!!!

I don't think Academy Sports should be the test. I bet they don't know much outside the 243,30/30, 270, 30-06, 308, 300 Mag, 7 Mag for big game. I doubt they would know what a 375 H&H is.

Academy did have 7MM Express, 270WSM, and 300 WSM ammo. (I think I even saw some WSSM ammo on my way out). The point is that ammo sales and reloading die/component sales are an excellant barometer of a cartridge's success. Please note the original post was "The RCM's, Dead on Arrival? I don't want to see any descent cartridge fail but the fact of the matter is if the sales aren't there then the interest isn't there, (except for the 1000 or so rifle owners that did buy the damn thing).

I actually agree with you about the cartridges. I think the 300 RCM is definitely DOA but the 338 RCM might have a chance because it's the only 338 Short Mag available. I just haven't been impressed with the "knowledge" base at department stores like Academy. I'm sure you occasionally get some in the know but I've found that to be the exception.

quote:

Originally posted by Geedubya:




I don't know what type of hunting/shooting you do, but would definitely check out others experiences with the 308 or 338 RCM, especially if you reload. The manufactures have proprietary powder choices you don't as a reloader. If your shooting factory, I'd still check it out carefully.

GWB

And that new powder is what makes the RCM special. Though Hornady is offering loaded ammo in most chamberings with that new powder now also.

In short, if you reload, there is nothing you can use to match the factory stuff. I hope that Hornady releases that powder soon.

quote:

Originally posted by NEJack:

In short, if you reload, there is nothing you can use to match the factory stuff. I hope that Hornady releases that powder soon.

That makes it double dog dead for me. No thanks. As far as the 06 length .340 Weatherby goes I've already got one it's called the .330 Dakota and while it is just a scosh under what the .340 will do it's is a serious no bull hard hitting long range .33.

scottfromdallas said:I actually agree with you about the cartridges. I think the 300 RCM is definitely DOA but the 338 RCM might have a chance because it's the only 338 Short Mag available. I just haven't been impressed with the "knowledge" base at department stores like Academy. I'm sure you occasionally get some in the know but I've found that to be the exception.[/QUOTE]

I know it is not the same exactly, but almost close enough, how about a 325WSM. I don't own one but have an interest in it after I read the latest edition of the Hornady reloading manual on the 325 WSM. Hornady said with emphasis; The 325 WSM is a VERY efficiant cartridge, that almost duplicates the 8MM Rem.Mag.(HHMMM....8MM Rem.Mag-another DOA cartridge!)

quote:

The 325 WSM is a VERY efficiant cartridge, that almost duplicates the 8MM Rem.Mag.(HHMMM....8MM Rem.Mag-another DOA cartridge!)

You need to get an 8mmRemMag and reload for it. Never seen or heard of a 325WSM clocking 3000fps with a 220gr.
Cheers...
Con

quote:

Originally posted by Con:

quote:

The 325 WSM is a VERY efficiant cartridge, that almost duplicates the 8MM Rem.Mag.(HHMMM....8MM Rem.Mag-another DOA cartridge!)

You need to get an 8mmRemMag and reload for it. Never seen or heard of a 325WSM clocking 3000fps with a 220gr.
Cheers...
Con

I have no experience with either and was just repeating what Hornady wrote. As far as the 8mm RemMag goes, I would have to have one built since the cartridge is DOA. I don't recall even seeing one for sale on any of the auction/sale sights. And honestly if I was going to push a 220 grain pill, I would do it with a 338 Win mag, and still have a gun that could launch a 300 grain bullet if I so choose. A cartridge has to have more plus's than minus's to be successful. When the plus's and minus's are equal then the tie goes to the already existing/established cartridges on the market, like the 338WM and the 300WM and a whole host of others.....270Win., 30-06, 22-250, 7mm RemMag, 375H&H etc.,etc. Availability of ammo and affordable rifles to shoot the ammo are also key to success. Winchester flooded the market with WSMs to the point dealers were offering them at rock bottom prices, so ordinary people were purchasing them and creating the demand for ammo. And the rest is history. Unfortunately for Ruger/Hornady, they did not do this with the RCMs, and now they too are headed for history.

I got one which I have had a bit of a play with using ADI 2206H powder which seems to work very well in this caliber.

I never expected to get 338 win mag ballistics out of this cartridge using standard powders. But what it will do is give you 338-06 ballistics very easily from a short handy lightweight rifle with a 20" barrel. And I dont hear too many 338-06 owners complaining about their 338-06 ballistics! In fact, from memory the case capacity of the 338-06 and the 338rcm is about identical!

It will also give the 35 Whelen a real run for its money with better ballistics for downrange shooting that are given by better 338 SDs.

My Stainless Hawkeye with its stiff little 20" barrel is very accurate and point of impact changes very little from 180gn Accubonds to 225 gn Hornady Interbonds. In fact the Point of Im pacts change only in the vertical plain which means I can adjust my scope from 180 grainers doing 3000 fps up to 210 grain TSXs doing 2750 fps by 3 clicks up or down and dont have to mess with lateral changes.

Also during load development I found that velocity spread was very little - down to about 10 fps.

Personally I think its superior to the 325 wsm simply because of the choice of 338 versus 8mm projectiles and also the case has more taper than a WSM and feeds better as a result.

But you fellas stick to your old 338 winmag clunkers with their long barrels and leave the short barreled, handy, interesting rifles and cartidges to fellas like me!

Yes, indeed. DOA, IMHO.