is this just a 300 WSM necked up to 338 or what? If its not that then does Anybody have any idea of the case capacity? Thanks

The redneck title threw me a little bit. Because of that, it could be that it is not short, not a magnum, or even a .338 for that matter. It could be just a rednecked up 325WSM, but I do not know.

Are you referring to the .338 Ruger Compact Magnum? If so, the information is relatively easy to find on the Hornady website. The case is a shortened .375 Ruger necked down to .338. The case diameter full-length from base to shoulder is the same as a belt on a H&H-based case, so it feeds in about anything and much better than the fatter WSM's. Case capacity is slightly more than a .338-06, but it fits a short action rifle.

Here's a pic of mine...



A good working load...



Another one...



Something I killed with it early this year...



Hopefully this helps...

Dennis

No, I saw a Tikka rebarreled to this on gunbroker, and I think its based on the WSM, but I'm not sure, at any rate, If it is based on the WSM then I'm not too interested due to the case capacity, I have a 338 win and a 338 federal already. Just curious if anyone had messed around with it, thanks.

OK...never heard of it...not interested in it. I wouldn't have a WSM either. RCM's work really well, though. I also have a .338 Federal, and boughtmy .338 RCM in large part to have something enough more powerful to make it worth having. But since I also don't like belted mags, I had to wait a while... .

Dennis

Can you elaborate on the difference in recoil between the 338 Fed and 338 RCM? I have a 338-06 and love the round, but want to build/get a much lighter rifle for the mtns. Considering a 338 Fed or RCM.

The same bullets run 300 to 400 fps facter from the RCM than from the Federal. The .338 RCM is almost exactly the same as the .338-06, though Hornady tried to claim it is equal or superior to a .338 Win Mag. It's not, but then it doesn't need to be either, because it's plenty adequate for shooting anything in North America and nearly anything anywhere.

Dennis

Dennis I'm curious, why won't you go there with a WSM and yet you'll go there with an even shorter short mag case?

Thx

Dober

Regarding the Fed vs. RCM velocities, is that published or actual chrono, and if chrono, factory ammo or handload? Appreciate it.

Yeah, hows the 338 RCM as a handload, with 225 grainers, screw those "proprietary powders" The 338 campfire is probably my next 33 just to have a bit of a hotrod. I had a 338 RUM and it was good, but those cartridges are HUGE. I guess I need any of these like a whole in the head, but- well you know- how do you say no?

RCM is the same length as a WSM, but is enough smaller diameter (same as the belt on a belted magnum) that they feed better. Or so I am told. It may just be that I like them better .

Dennis

It's my personal chronograph data, based on my handloading. I fired some factory ammo in my .338 Fed, but my handloads are slightly faster. I've never fired any factory .338 RCM, because I hate plastic-pointed ammo. That too is just a personal factor... .

Dennis

I've used Reloder 15 mostly, with a little work with IMR4007, H414 and WW748. Which hasn't come close to Re 15, as of yet. I'm running 225's at about 2650 so far, but I haven't come close to limits and haven't actually shot them much. I'm running 185 TSX's at 2850; 200 Interlocks at 2750; and 210 TSX's at 2750. None of these loads are showing any sign whatsoever of pressure, so I'm sure they're not at the top of the capability. I am also sure they are quite adequate of killing anything I'll ever hunt again at any distance I'll ever shoot again.

I have rifles in probably a dozen cartridges I don't "need" -- but what would be the point of not having them ?

Dennis

Exactly, why wouldn't I have them? maybe I oughta take a closer look at that 338 RCM, those numbers are out of a 20 inch tube right? I'm enjoying that. Reason I got on this kic k at all was that the 338 redneck blah blah on gunbroker I swaer I saw 3100 FPS with 185's, which would mean 225's and 250's would be cruising, so... at any rate, I may look again at the RCM. The propretairy powder routine throws me off all those new hornady collarborations in a bad way.

Thanks, good info. Your post got me to looking around. Here is one writers take on the RCM and handloading - http://www.realguns.com/archives/170.htm. Definitely suitable numbers from anything or any range I would hunt. ...and in a handy package. But a 338 Fed in a Kimber would be nice too.

Muledeer, any good 338Fed loads? 210 Partition for example.

Dennis,

Would your attitude toward the .338 RCM vs. the .338 WSM (whatever it might be called) be anything like Kim Darby's statement in TRUE GRIT that "enough is as good as a feast?"

When I "designed" the 9.3 Barsness-Sisk on the .350 Remington Magnum case I had much the same reason for not using the WSM case: The .350 fed perfectly and was just right for what I wanted, a short-action 9.3x62. Of course a number of shooters askd why I hadn't used the WSM case, since it would be "better," as in "more velocity." Which of course was not the point!

Yr. brother Darryl

My .338 Fed loads use the 185 gr TSX and 200 gr Hornadies. I don't shoot Partitions . But if you want to use them I'm sure a .338 Fed will shoot them just fine.

I use Reloder 15, at 48 gr for the 185 TSX's and 200 gr Hornady Interlocks.

This pic is of the 47 gr load, but the all worked the same.




I think the same or similar loads would work fine with a 210 gr Partition -- start lower, of course, and work up.

They're producing around 2600 fps out of my 18.5" barreled Ruger RSI .338 Fed.

Dennis

Pretty much...I decided a long time ago that "enough is enough," though sometimes that is hard to figure out. I like the quote; I'll remember that one . I also like Rugers a lot, which has an effect on my purchases.

Good to hear from you -- I need to PM you about my upcoming trip your direction, among other places.

Your brother Darrel

Not muledeer but I use 47.0gr of IMR4895 and a 200gr Hornady SP for 2550fps from a 21" bbl. I forget the charge weight but I almost went with WIN748 and the Nosler 210 PT. It was accurate and about the same MV as the above load.

RH

Good to know. Those are two powders I haven't used in my .338 Fed.

Dennis

Thx himmelrr. 2550 is what I was figuring for a 210 Partition load in the 338Fed. That's enough for me. Go Navy from an X F-14D RIO.

Ok, guy's, I build the 338 Redneck. It is designed for a specific purpose. Originally to kill large game. Eastern Black bear, elk,
wild boar, etc. It is a 300 WSM necked up to 338. I use Douglas
Premium XX air gauged barrel's with a recessed target crown.
Head spaced to .002. RCBS has custom made my dies and Klymer Mfg.
made my finish reamer. So far they are all over the world in large plains game hunts. I do the loads for most of my customers specific needs. Accuracy at 100 yrds. with 200 gr. Nosler BTBT,
sub 1/2" groups with 1 in 10 twist. Muzzle velocity 3100 Ft Per Sec. Equal to a Lapua in 200 Gr.
Contact Bill Plumlee @ [email protected] for more details.
I hope this clear' up some questions. Good Hunting, Bill

Bill-you're running a 338/300 WSM with 200's @ 3100? How long of tube?

And welcome to the Fire?

Dober

I considered the 338 WSM but knew the donor action would have to be reworked to get the WSM case to properly fit and feed.

I had doubts with the RCM case too. Once I got a box of 338 RCM brass and made a dummy all doubts were gone. Feeds very well from a SA Ruger M77 tang safety.

I have posted this before..the 338 RCM I built has a 22" barrel. Mag box lengthened to 3.1". OAL approx 3.050". 225 accubonds with 61 grs of RL-17 yields 2750 fps. Really liking the 7 lb package.

Hmm, my sample of one (338 WSM) is on a M70 WSM no mods or reworking at all and it fits and feeds like a dream? Maybe I just got lucky?

A light small 33 is a heck of a nice rig either way.

Dober

I guess it does not count cause its not a 338WSM but my 300WSM feeds fast enough and is reliable to make two shots at a running deer.

why not a 358 RCM?

As I mentioned earlier, I'm using a Douglas XX Premium barrel. I forgot to mention it is 26" with a target crown. The load is accurate and hot,but the recoil is no problem at least not to any of my customers or me. The Barnes bullets are not as fast, more in the 2950 range as are the 210 partition, sameo sameo.
Bill

what powders are you using Bill?

reason I ask is it's tough to find someone else who's running one. I've had mine for about 7 years or so I'd guess, fun lil rig.

Dober

It could surely be done (a "better" 358 Win?) But I'd prefer the 35 on a full-length case (the 375 necked down = 358 Nukalpiaq, a different 35 Newton.)

If you got lucky then so did I. Never a problem with a couple of three I built.

You hunting elk this year Bob?

Dober

The 338 REDNECK is a 325 wsm necked up to 338 wsm., But here's the kicker . 200 gr. Hornady SST 3277 fps. and 225 Hornady SST 2980 fps. This has been my focus since I started building these rifles ten years ago. Lower recoil, less powder and impressive ballistics in a manageable rifle frame. I prefer the Remington WSM to rebarrel
for this round, But I have rebarreled many different WSM chambered rifles, for a variety of customers and reasons.

Early Remingtons required bolt face work to accept the WSM over the RSAUM dimentions, But it worked . The new WSM Rem. are by far better. OAL, is right and the bolt face is factory. This combination of change has made the 338 REDNECKtm a formidable choice when choosing a large game rifle, with power and tested accuracy comparable to a 338 Lapua. Check it for yourself.

That's a touch difficult for me to believe on those speeds.

Gunhog,

I'd be a little more than interested in how you are getting a 225 grain .338" bullet to 2980 fps. Let alone how you are pushing a bullet of only 25 grains lighter in weight at nearly 300 fps faster.

What's your load data..?
What are your strain gauges saying.?

If I remember correctly, Winchester was asked why they developed the 325WSM instead of a 338 and their answer was that the numbers just wouldn't work.I didn't understand this and still don't. I've always thought that they would of been better ahead.

I can get a WinMag to those speeds but I'll need a cheater bar to open the bolt and the primer will hit the dirt.

Tacomic,

I have a perspective about this, the 338WSM. It might not fully reach the 338 Winchester numbers, which is fine in my book, it wouldn't have to.
The 338 Winchester isn't a failure, and it doesn't reach the 340 Weatherby numbers. In the same light, the 340 Weatherby magnum isn't a failure and it doesn't quite get there with the 338 RUM, but it's not a failure either.

I dare say that the 338 WSM would come within 100-150 fps of the 338 Winchester magnum with bullets up to 225 grains, and as you and I know, 100-150 fps in the field just doesn't matter either way.

Even now, with the 325 WSM already out there, Winchester could sell a pile of 338-WSM's... me thinks.



Bloodworks,

I agree. I also wonder if Gunhog isn't posting anymore because he he may have been injured, or worse. Let's hope not.

I don't know who else here has worked with the 338-WSM, other than Dober and Bob338. I think they both could offer some real world numbers that too would be safe.


The WSM case has enough capacity to perform without having to push it.


There are a few of us running the 358-WSM here at the 'fire. Loading to insane pressures just isn't needed.

I am VERY content pushing various 225 grain bullets to 2950 fps. and 250 grain bullets to 2800 fps.

I know of two powders that will do that in my rifle without beating up the brass, cratering primers, causing sticky bolt life, or stretching the case head beyond acceptable dimensions.

I seriously doubt that those velocities can be safely had from that WSM case with those bullet weights by reducing the bore diameter from 358 to 338. Let alone reach the numbers that Gunhog is advertizing.

I'd still like to see what his strain gauges have to reveal.



YMMV

Scott

Yup.

The wildcatters in Indiana have a cartridge called the .358 Express which is a WSSM case opened up to .358 to meet the caliber and case length restrictions for deer hunting. It fits into Bolt, single shot and AR platforms which some of the DOW employees are rumored to use for their own deer hunting. Also made up under a coupel of additional names as it is not SAAMI registered.

The good news is that is is still legal to hunt yotes with a .460 Weatherby or your favourite .375 H&H as a light rifle.

John

LOL, I'm fine! The reason for the velocity I'm claiming is in the powder choice. H414. I get better case capacity with more grains of powder. No blown primers and very slight cratering. I wouldn't try it in a 300 WSM. My thinking is that the energy is being released at a steady rate in the 26" heavy Douglas barrel and the dimensions of the 338 tube are sufficient to allow the energy to accelerate the round without pushing up the chamber pressures to a dangerous level.
I started out with H4350 and got great results with both speed and accuracy. This latest change to H414 has been to push the speed and not crater primers. What kind of velocities can be achieved safely and with hunting accuracy. A 200 or 225 gr. bullet that can reach these velocities will produce more kills and fewer walk offs, trailing for miles. The other up side is the cost. These 338 REDNECK rounds can cost a third of the 338 Lapua and do the same job in a much lighter weapon. Bears be ware.
Bill Plumlee
Pro-Gun and Outdoor Sports,LLc.
Bayboro, NC.

Very funny, I'm fine. One eye and one ear seem to work pretty well, but I can still taste metal now and then, It's the strangest thing. Boy, was that bullet fast though, WOW.

I am working with H414. Velocities are very fast and no primer damage. I have been pushing some acceptable limits I know but there is still a ways to go. The H414 gave me the load weight to fit the case better than the 4350. 72 gr. of H4350 is a respectable 3100+ fps with a 26 in. Douglas premium barrel. The accuracy is bench rest grade. With the H414 I haven't shot for accuracy , yet, just chronograph velocity without any visible damage to case or primer. The thing is the recoil of this hot WSM is less than the Lapua with less speed on a smaller frame. To me that spells power at your finger when you might need it at less overall cost. DAHHH

I am very content pushing 225 grain bullets at 2300 fps, even though it isn't the max achievable with my 358 Winchester, the ultimate redneck big game round, if you see rednecks as practical people. It gets her done.