I think it would be a fine round. Redding makes dies for it. They list them under custom. IMHO I would go with a 338 WSM just becuase of brass. Probably very comparable to a 338-06 on either case. Unless you are going to use very light bullets, You might get more velocity from the 35 bullet. A 35cal bullet shorter in length (less friction from the shank) and bigger bearing surface being pushed. I just went through the same thing. I looked at both of the mentioned. I had a long action so I just went with a 338-06, instead of tracking down a donor action with a mag bolt face. I went with 338 over the Wheelen becuase of bullet selection. I would like to know what you decide and get some data when it is done.
I would like to hear your opinions on necking down the .350 Remington Magnum cartridge to .338.
It's "only" a 338'06 on a 308-length case. Seems to me a short action rifle ought to be matched with a shorter barrel which would reduce a 338's advantage over a 358. As others have mentioned the 375/350 RM looks interesting too but how about Waters' 416 Express instead? Then you'd have 405 Winchester ballistics in a short action short barrel... Good hunting and Merry Christmas!
mb, I just started a thread on big bore. I was asking about twisting RUM brass down to 416 or 375 to get 450Marlin case capcity with no belt. Do you have any info on the Waters 416 Express?
And, just to add a little variety: John Barsness recently did an article for Handloader magazine (or Rifle; I can't remember which) about the 9.3 Barsness-Sisk wildcat; aka the 9.3 B-S. The .350 Rem Mag Case necked up to 9.3mm (.366"). It basically duplicates 9.3x62 ballistics in a short action. No big surprise there. From reading his article, it did seem like a neat little cartridge.
I have been looking at cartridged based off of the 350 Rem Mag. I thought .338 was a great option until Bob mentioned the 9.3. I have a Rem SA 700 action that is going to be my next project gun. The bolt face would have to be opened up but I don't believe it would be a problem. My other 2 thoughts were 458-2 American and 20 tactical. From one end to the other hey!
Then you could neck the 350 rem mag down to 30 cal. Had a mate who did this, can't remember exactly what ballistics he got, but from what I can remember wasn't far off the 300 SAUM.
I have heard of the 6.5 Remington Magnum case being necked up to .284 by an Australian gun scribe Nick Harvey and got about 3080 fps with 160gr. he then had the round christened the 7mm HM (Harvey Magnum).
She was only the Fish Mongers daughter. But she lay on the slab and said 'fillet'
Posts: 511 | Location: Auckland, New Zealand. | Registered: 22 February 2006
Using the 300SAUM case you have more case capacity and still stay under 2.8in col to work thru a short action. I have stretched a 300 SAUM to 35 ca, and a 250 woodleigh seated to 2.8 col does not take up any powder space. And no belt ! ! ! !
Lyle
"I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. I would remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue." Barry M Goldwater.
