Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Need input-new Rifle in 330 Dakota???

sideironjohn,

I am not disputing the ballistic "edge", as that is what it is, a slight edge. By all accounts in loading data (Hornady, Nosler, Barnes, etc.), the 330 Dakota, in short 404 Jefferey form, supplys only a marginal increase in velocity over the 338 Win Mag with typical .33 bullet weights. Field wise, there is no killing difference or great trajectory advantage. As far as accuracy by testing, the 338 Win Mag displays, on average, greater accuracy with a greater number of propellents. Which simply means that good accuracy can be achieved with four or five propellents, but the same 330 Dakota accuracy may only be achievable using one or two of the propellents. This does not take into account custom barrels, stock barrels, etc., it is one those "all things being equal" aspects. The fact is, this is simply empirical data generated by load testers. Never-the-less, the 330 Dakota is a fine cartridge, it just doesn't do much more than a 338 Win Mag under any circumstance, but does cost a bit more to operate.

rossi

CanLefty,

I saw a very pretty .330 Dakota built on a Dakota Model 10 in a gunshop once upon a time. The customer who ordered it built specified too light a weight (IIRC 7#), and that was that.

Dakota staff have told me that the .330 Dakota was Don Allen's favorite cartridge in the Dakota line. They say they are also selling a lot of them in their takedown rifle with a second barrel in .404 Dakota.

Have you looked at the Dakotas?

jim

Yes I have. I was told that the Model 97 would be announced in LH by SHOT SHOW 2005 or mid-2005.

I am more interested in Dakota cartridges than their actions. I am trying to buy up some LH, Stainless CLassic Mod. 70 actions for my use. If you know of anyone who has any, please let me know.

anyone else with an opinion that has used a 300 or 330 dakota chambering?

Thanks!

I don't have one, but I noticed you mentioned using a stiffer action. Is your M70 pre-64? The modern standard-length actions are just long actions with a spacer in the mag and a longer bolt stop.
It loks like a fine round, but the WinMag does such a good job between the 300 WSM and 375 Wby that it would be hard for me to justify it, except as a "just 'cause" kinda thing.
Also, as for interior grizz, where would you go and expect them, and NOT bring the 375?

How about Alberta or B.C. or the Yukon? I hunt Alberta often and one never knows when crossing a stream between two mountains whether one will see a Griz, elk, moose on the way to a whitetail or mulie hangout...