Just sent my first year production 88 308 to be rebored to 338 federal, was first thinking about 338/284 but for once common sense prevailed. Has anyone worked with a 88 in 338 federal? Thanks

Have not, but built a 338/284 on a savage 99 EG and duplicated the 338-06 with ease..Nice rifle in the 99 especially for elk and a handy powerful saddle gun.

If I ever get another rifle, I couldn't think of one much better than a 99 in one of those calibres. Would a .338 or .35 on a WSM case fit in the Savage?

It would take one hell of a Smith to make a WSM work in a 99 rotary magazine. More likely its not possible at all. Best to stick with the parent case for those IMO.

wstrnhuntr--this is a win 88 not a savage 99--as you know win 88 is not rotary magazine. I don't know if doable nor if good idea.

I know. I was responding to Sambarman338.

Wstrnhuntr--My bad should have caught it that you were responding to Sambarman. I do know you know win 88 is not rotary magazine. BTW I have passed through your town on my way from Salt Lake to Wendover many times and even know how it is pronounced.(Not like it's spelled--be interesting how folks think it's pronounced).

We recently did a Win 88 to 416-284.
Customer is another smith, he has stock, dies and magazines.
I don’t get to bust my shoulder test firing.

I have a fleet of pre-64 M88 and after using the 308 and 358, I think a 338 Federal would be a perfect chambering. Next time I find a shooter grade M88 308, I'll drive it down the road to have JES convert it to a 338 Federal.

Finally got out to shoot the 88-shot into 1” to 1 1/4” with 180 accubonds and Nosler accuracy load of benchmark, did not chrono. Guess it will do for spring bear as the snow is melting and have a local tag

If your preference is a 35 caliber in a lever gun, take a pass on wildcats and buy a 358 Win. It comes from the factory in the 88, 99 and BLR in 358 and its a killing machine..

I built a 30-284 and a 338-284 on a later 1950ish 99 ( better steel) and they both act about like the same on the 06 case. The 284 is the only case that works right in the 99 rotor and Savage has them in stock or did? A rotor can be modified but you have to make a half size caliber reamer to cut them. A few English gun makers can do this, no US smith can as far as I know and I sure wish I did..