Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats First Wildcat questions!

Just thought I would post a question and see what feedback I get.

I plan to one day get a rifle made up, hopefully when life gets back on track and money is not so tight.

Planning it is the only real bright spot, aside from my daughter in my life right now.

So I have thought I would go with a 338/06 on maybe a mauser action to keep it more affordable, with a 24" barrel.

Right now I own and shoot the following calibers.

22/250

243

25/06

6.5X55

7x57

30/30

308

30/06

303 British

300 Win Mag

351 Win SL

375 H&H

Is there a better wildcat to fit into this bunch, or will the 338/06 be a good fit here?

And what barrel length would be better and what contour?

Thanks for any input.

Bill

You have plenty of hunting rifles it seems. Consider some other gun sport such as target shooting. Check with you local club or association.

There are Garand matches here, all kinds of position shooting and long range shooting as well etc.

Since you have plenty of time to sort this all out, the first question ought to be, "What am I gonna use the gun for, and what caliber does that the best?"
Once you figure that outgh, it's all downhill! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
PJ

1st step is to put aside the money to do it ...sell some of the guns...the 243, the 6x55, and pick two between the 308, the 30-06 and the 300WinMag. The money from the 4 rifles will fund your 338-06 but why a wildcat...the only area you aren't covered is the mid-bores so step 2 is to buy a 350 RemMag.

The 22-250m the 25-06, the 7x57, the e00 WinMag, teh 350 RemMag and the 375 H&H make a formidible and versatile arsenal. I assume you will keep the 30-30, the 303 and the 451 for senemental reasons (plus easy and cheap access to amm.

The only thing I see missing is a nice 223. You won't believe how much fun they are to shoot! I would consider a #2 contour S/S @ 23-24". You'll probably shoot it more than all the others combined...

Thanks for the replies.
Interesting responses, I actually used to shoot in one of our local clubs matches, but they shut that range down.
I also used to have a 223 and a 6MM but sold them and bought other rifles instead.
I guess one could say I don't need a wildcat, let alone another rifle, but I think like a few here I just think it would be another facet of the sport to try something different.
Always looking for excuses to have another one.
Bill

You need a heavy, high velocity, long range rifle........

Well AFP, how are you doing?
I guess you must have one for sale. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I guess I could go for something like a 30/378
I just thought that the 338/06 would be neat, don't find too many long shots, only time really was on a mountain goat hunt.
And my 25/06 did alright.
Just been thinking that maybe I should do something different for a change.
Bill

[quote]





I just thought that the 338/06 would be neat, don't find too many long shots, only time really was on a mountain goat hunt.

Bill

As long as range isn't an issue, the 338-06 will fit nicely between the .30 and .375.

Bill,
If you have never built a custom rifle to YOUR specs then by all means do so.
I've built one custom, a 25-284 on a 600 action. I had lots of factory rifles and just wanted somethin different.
Looks like you have a "hole" in your collection for a .338 cal. rifle.
I had the same problem and was advised to buy a .338 Win. mag, then build a 338-06 if I still had the itch.
Ended up with a Win. classic in .338 and really like it.
Meanwhile I bought a 700 LA ADL for a donar for a 338-06. Then found a 257 Roberts in a 700 Classic that I had to have so I traded the donar rifle in on it!
Maybe some day I'll go ahead with the prodject.
Anyway, you owe it to yourself to build at least one custom rifle to your exact specs.
Virgil B. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Another way to look at it is in terms of rifles and not cartridges.

Do you have a true lightweight rifle? A "F" match rifle? etc.

When my knee went on me I finally had to give in and buy a Lightweight rifle and cut back on all the heavy stuff I carry and wear. They are fun and Jim F here is the expert.

While I am not sure where your fellow Canadian Bill Leeper shoots he is into "F" matches and other long range competition. Here the guys really get into that and travel to the matches even on a international basis.

I think you have a great idea with the 338.06.

I have a Rem 700 in 30.06 that is destined for that change as well.

Unfortunately, it is 3rd on the build list so it won't happen soon.

I have 243AI and 25-284 in front of it......

Partsman,



My question would be what can a .338-06 do that your .300 WM can't do with 200 grain bullets (or 220 grainers)? If I had the spectrum covered such as you do, I'd be with Blaine. Except I would go with either a big barreled 7-300 WBY or a 257 WBY. Damn Cheaha and his Bat Rifle (& tactical bucket <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />). Ever since I've seen that rifle and read about it, I want one someday. Just to shoot little things far away. Cheaha's was a .257 WBY but I think I would like the rifle in a 7-300 configuration.



Good Luck, I like the dreaming/planning part too!

I agree with Savage99, look at it in terms of rifles, not cartridges. I've been trying to "categorize" my rifles lately(so I can create categories where none of my rifles fit,then I have to get one),like "light varmint', "heavy varmint","medium game", lightweight medium game",etc, etc,.You didn't say what platforms your existing cartridges are built on so that's hard to comment on. There aren't many holes in your collection to fill...maybe your like me,..you just have to get out and shoot the ones you have!

You ain't getting my "Tactical Bucket" !!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Looks like many folks seem to overlook the mentality of the true rifle crank, he does not need to have a reason only a desire. It is trully easy to go out and buy readymaids but to roll your own is the mark of an individualist Partsguy go for the 338-06 and if you want to make it a real different and challanging go for the 338Gibbs it is a 338-06 blown out with a short neck and a real bear to make brass for. I have one that resides in the back of the gun safe, it was my dads and it was used to take several Alaskan moose. I want to build a 20 cal on a PPC case, you wont find those at your neighborhood ammo depot. But dreams is dreams at least we can afford them as long as they remain dreams.

Bullwnkl.

I think wildcats are a waste of time, especially since it looks like you've got all the bases covered anyway......

ADay

Well again thanks for all the replies, appreciate the time you all are taking.
Some very interesting opinions and some food for thought in them too.
It is always interesting to get the feedback and ideas of those that have either done it or have spent the time and energy looking into the subject.
Will be taking it all into consideration when the time comes.
Could go with something in the longrange area, but don't know if I could find a tactical bucket that would go with it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Bill

Hi Partsman,

Let me throw a monkey wrench into your plans. Since you are going to build a custom rifle anyway, why not a switch barrel? This way, if you want to shoot a different caliber, just change the barrels yourself. Novel idea, isn't it. This way you have the stock, action, and scope you want and only have to change barrels. I never really thought about this until I started shooting long range benchrest and watched these guys change barrels in minutes. I've seen how their guns shoot and was impressed. The only difference that I can see is the barrels aren't tighten down as tight. They really don't need to have a crush fit like most rifles do. I have two switch barrel rifles now anf am going to have another one converted. My wife said I could have all the rifles I wanted as long as they fit in my safe. She won't let me put any in her safe. As much as I hate to say it, My safe is almost full. I have three rifles I'm working on and only have room for two. I have lots of room for barrels though.

Catch you later,

The Big Dog

Big Dog, you gave me an angle I had not thought about.
A switch barrel might be a way to go.
I guess I should have mentioned all are bolt actions that I own, except for the 6.5X55, the 30/06 and the 351 win SL are semi-autos, and of course the 30/30 is a lever winchester but I really prefer bolt actions.
I have one Sako it is the 375 and some of the others are Rugers, but my 25/06 is a Remington 700 ADL.
Bill