Hey guys I'm starting to get ideas for my next build. I'm going to build a 338-06 on a Ruger M77 MKII stainless action. I want to keep this rifle on the lighter side. I plan on working with a black McEdge stock and stainless barrel as well. I understand most barrel manufacturers contour sizes vary slighty. But with a 23" or 24" barrel, what contour would be best a #2 or #3? I'm not going for super lightweight or compact, just a lighter weight sporter hunting machine. Thanks much.

The last I heard, McMillian won't make an Edge stock for any Ruger 77. You might want to check with them about this. E

Unless something has changed recently, the EDGE is not made for a Ruger 77. I'd still get a McMillan though just get a Swirly or have it painted.

I have a 338Fed built on a Douglas #2. I debated a #2 or a #3 and went with the former. I am happy I did. The contour is heavy enough but not too heavy. I cut mine at 21" but would probably do a 338-06 at 23".

RH

I have a 700BDL 338-06 with a 22" #4 Shilen stainless and a Mcmillan stock, and also a 700ADL 338-06 with a 23" #3 Lilja in a Banser. The BDL is rock solid and before today I thought it was was the most accurate rifle I own. It also and carries well, The ADL is lighter but still shoots great. I can't give a exact weight but I'd guess the ADL is under 8 lbs scoped and loaded.

I also have a Sako 338-08 AI in a micky that runs about 7 lbs and this afternoon gave me a three shot 1/2 group at 100 meters.

I've got a 338-06 700ADL/23"#3Douglas/Remmy TI stock that weighs just under 7.5lbs with the 2-7 Leopold and dual dovetail bases and rings. I don't have much use for it and have had it on the classifieds. Will probably put it back up for sale as the hunting season gets closer.

My first built isnt a lightweight with an overall weight around 9.5 lbs. Sako m75 Greywolf with new PacNor #5 match-grade stainless barrel 24" in 338-06 Ackley Improved. Powdercoated new style Sako ring mounts, barrel, receiver, bolt handle, trigger guard, magazine to color match in metallic grey the Leupold VX3 3.5-10x40 in Gunmetal grey. Weight of barrel similar to a non fluted #4 barrel.

Good luck on your project.

The Ruger is a heavier action than say a Remington to start with, so if you want to keep it light I'd go with a #2 barrel. Not everybody's #2 is the same. Look on each barrel manufactures web sight that you are considering and study their contours and weight. I built one for a friend on a Remington with a Douglas #2 @ 22" and a Basner High-Tech stock. It turned out really well and shot terrific. It was also light and well balanced.

I'm putting one together and went with a #3. Win 70 in a Bansner. Going with a blind magazine to get rid of the steel floor plate. Hoping to have it come in around 7.5 lbs.

Brown Precision and MPI make the lightest MKII long action stocks that I've been able to research. McMillan only makes them in standard fill or heavier. The email I have from Brown says they'll come in at 22-26oz depending on pad.

I tweaked this factory Ruger tang 35 Whelen in an effort to have a lighter weight gun. The stock is one of Mark Basner's wieghing 24 oz with pad IIRC. The factory barrel was already quite lean going .560" at the muzzle. As shown it weighs 7# 7 oz. Without scope it goes 6# 9 oz. I suspect that I have 6 oz or so of steel in the sights and barrel band. So if you find the right stock and a light contoured 22" barrel the Ruger can be made into a fairly handy piece.

338-06 Improved...thats the ticket!