Old pine,
I'd be interested in what lightweight rifles the 338 rpm will be chambered in.
I agree on the marketing failures with the 338 RCM. I own every flavor of factory ammo they ever offered. From a 20" barrel, the 338 chronographs 2650 fps with 225 grainers. That is the same velocity as the 338 win mag shooting 250 grainers from a 20" barrel.
Talk to any serious goat hunter up here in Alaska, about how critical it is to anchor these big brutes. Occasionally, the big ones will take multiple fatal hits, then launch off a vertical cliff.
A rapidly expanding 225 grain interbond, fusion or accubond would be an excellent choice.
Anyhow, though I fully support the 338 RPM development, the 338 RCM carbine was the greatest gift to Alaskans who hunt steep terrain. It was an even greater gift to South-paw Alaskans. Those poor bastards get no flavor in their bolt actions. Usually just meat n potato cartridges, with no seasonings.
I think the rifles will be snazzy for lightweight use or weight nut some are going to be pricey. The deal breaker may be if there's support for the case component and I'm not overly hip to the related rim. Still one has to give Weatheby props for giving some shine to the middlebores and a true game performer.
I suppose once I'm out of 338RCM cases I'll have to form some from 375 Ruger or some of the PRC brass. Something I've not done.
The only th8ngs I've smashed with 338RCM in lower 48 is elkband black bear but they aren't the toughest. There are grizzlies in some of the areas I go to and it's pretty thick so the short handy 338 is welcome but so far that's just been theory though the ability to go scoped to irons in the field is awesome.
