338 Win Questions

[Fatback]

I have recently come into possession of a 338 Win rifle. It’s a left handed model 70. It’s a stainless version that has had some work done to it before I got it. It was in a smallish aftermarket stock, which I have already changed out. Then barrel has been shortened to 19 inches. I haven’t shot it yet and not sure what I want to do with it. Keep it as is, use it as a donor for a build or try to move it along. As far as building a new rifle, I’ve pretty much have all caliber windows covered between .25 to .416 so not sure what I might build but I’m open to suggestions.

Does the shorter barrel pose any potential problems? Loss of velocity? I could see some advantages for use in thicker brush with shorter shot distances, if velocity would be an issue.

Thoughts from the AH braintrust would be appreciated.

 

[Schüler Jumbo]

Both the Ruger Hawkeye Alaskan and Guide Gun sport 20” barrels and are offered in .338 Win Mag so barrel length good for your purpose. I would keep it and load 300 grain bullets and add a reflex optic.

 

[Badboymelvin]

Hi.
I've owned a couple of .338WMs and I really like the cartridge.
Both of my .338s have been Winchester M70s, one CRF and one pushfeed, and both rifles performed flawlessly...
Personally, I'd want a longer barrel than 19". 22" would be the minimum, but I would really prefer 24", but that's just me.
As far as re-barrelling, I guess that really depends on what you want to do with it.
If I were using it for big game (excluding DG), I would just put a longer barrel on it and use it as a .338WM.
It really is a fantastic cartridge.

Russ