Another barrel for my Blaser R8?

[Tanks]

I have been pretty happy with my .300 RUM, several plains game in Africa and a red stag in Argentina. That being said I think I want something with a little bit more power while still having very similar ballistics to the .300 RUM.

Reason is Kodiak and grizzly in NA and eland and other plains game later on in Africa. I am thinking .338 WM. I could use 285 or 250 grains for bear and the 225 grains for high velocity plains game rounds.

The 225 grains round ballistics would make the .300 RUM redundant, so I'd sell that barrel.

What say you?

 

[Aaron N]

Maybe an 8x68? You can get up to 250gr bullets for it.

 

[Skshyk]

I would say 375 H&H solves all your problems.

 

[Tanks]

I would say 375 H&H solves all your problems.

Not really, doesn't have the range that I would want. My red stag in Argentina would have been too far. I am looking at it to replace the .300 RUM so I can still make a 400+ yard shot.

 

[Green Chile]

It's a good question but getting guns into Argentina has gotten really difficult. I take groups into ranches for stag hunts and we can't get it done, even with help of outfitter and booking agent.

 

[MRBlack]

338 RUM?

 

[Skshyk]

Not really, doesn't have the range that I would want. My red stag in Argentina would have been too far. I am looking at it to replace the .300 RUM so I can still make a 400+ yard shot.

I see I thought you were after Grizzly and plains game.

 

[AimSmall]

300 RUM is a heqq of a cartridge and could work fine for your planned hunts. Love the 338 as well, but you will need a new bolt head.

For those bigger critters 375 is my choice. With 235 grain bullets it shoots pretty flat for most plains game. 270 or 300gr for the bears....

 

[Tanks]

It's a good question but getting guns into Argentina has gotten really difficult. I take groups into ranches for stag hunts and we can't get it done, even with help of outfitter and booking agent.

It is a tedious process in that the first time is not much of an issue. Any time after that it has to be pre-approved by the consulate. I go to Argentina for the IPSC world shoots so familiar with the process.

. Love the 338 as well, but you will need a new bolt head.

When I looked at compatible cartridges the magnum bolt head worked for .338WM as well.

 

[AZDAVE]

What I know about the R8 you could fit in a very small thimble. So my obvious question is do they make a 338 Lapua barrel for it?

 

[Daisy]

What I know about the R8 you could fit in a very small thimble. So my obvious question is do they make a 338 Lapua barrel for it?

Yes they do. I own one.

 

[PARA45]

I have been pretty happy with my .300 RUM, several plains game in Africa and a red stag in Argentina. That being said I think I want something with a little bit more power while still having very similar ballistics to the .300 RUM.

Reason is Kodiak and grizzly in NA and eland and other plains game later on in Africa. I am thinking .338 WM. I could use 285 or 250 grains for bear and the 225 grains for high velocity plains game rounds.

The 225 grains round ballistics would make the .300 RUM redundant, so I'd sell that barrel.

What say you?

I believe you've answered your own question. I like the idea of the 338 WM shooting lighter bullets for plain game, and the heavier bullets for the bear, and since you will not find bears while hunting plain game, carrying two different cartridge weight will not be an issue.

I also like the idea of a 375 H&H, shooting lighter bullets, but I don't believe the ballistics compare to what the 338 WM would do with similar bullet weight.

"375 H&H loads in 235gr bullet at about 2,800 fps, a 270gr bullet at about 2,650 fps, and a 300 gr bullet at 2,500fps (about 4,100- 4,200-foot pounds of energy)."

"The .338 Winchester Magnum with a 225 grain bullet has impressive ballistic performance. Here are some key points: 338 WM, with a 225 gr bullet travels at around 2780-2800 ft ps. with a 225 grs bullet, the 338 has impressive ballistics. We are talking about 1 ton of energy at 500 yds, and flat trajectory. "

I think the 338 WM it is. Also, the recoil is obviously something to deal with, but I've seen the doubles you shoot, so I doubt recoil will be an issue for you. Let's us know what you decide.


https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=a4c4...d2luY2hlc3Rlci1tYWdudW0tYmFsbGlzdGljcy8&ntb=1

 

[Tanks]

What I know about the R8 you could fit in a very small thimble. So my obvious question is do they make a 338 Lapua barrel for it?

It uses a different bolt head (LA) and the magazine holds only 2 rounds. Also, probably overkill for my purposes compared to .338 WM.

 

[Odinsraven]

we have rangefinders any calibre will work - get a turret - and dial as you need

 

[375Ruger416]

I think the 338 WM is a great choice. Far more available as well c/w 300 RUM especially in Alaska where I am told it is particularly popular.

 

[Tra3]

Compared to a hunt, another barrel is inexpensive. Get one, shoot it a while, and you’ll know which one you like the most.

Part of the fun of hunting is the preparation work.

And, if you decide to sell one of the barrels, you’ll barely lose money, if at all.

The additional scope mount and scope? we don’t factor that into the equation since it is like buying reading glasses, needs are needs.