About to start piecing together a FN Winchester Model 70 in 338-06. Been wanting to have a 338-06 for over a decade and just sold my 338 Federal. I'd like it to be around 7.5 lb scoped (2.5-8x36 or 6x42). I'll be using a NIB 70 Extreme Weather 270wcf as the donor. Leaning towards 23" (cant decide between 22 and 24) and fluted, in a sporter weight contour. Stock - probably a McMillan Edge eventually but likely use the factory B&C medalist for this year. Should be a good choice for elk/moose and lighter alternative to my 375 Ruger.

What would be the best twist rate for shooting 185gr TTSX thru 250gr Accubonds. 1:10?

What pattern of Edge are available for the m70?

Any comments or discussion on the 338-06 would be much appreciated. thanks

I'd go 22", #2, 1-10, Compact Edge, Talley LW's, 6x42 and you should be right at 7.5. IMHO that would be one hell of a rig.

Could you just get the 270 rebored and save some money?

why compact edge over hunters edge? I've never seen or handled either in a m70. Only a Hunters Edge in Rem700 SA

Not sure on the reboring, I've read some bad things over the years on it. I will ask the gunsmith tomorrow though

Tod

http://www.riflestockpainting.com/images/AG9362.jpg

D'Arcy Echols Legend in Edge fill
Pre 64
Pacnor 24" #3
Leupold VX3 1.75-6 in Leupold steel QR rings/bases
Midnight Purple Cerakote

This should give you an idea of the weight.



Alan

8.25 eh, that's heavier than I thought it'd be!

You'll loose a bit by going with Talley LW as Leupold's are steel.

Alan

Pre 64's much heavier than new model 70's? What cartridge is yours chambered in?

Compact pattern and hunters Edge are the same thing

A FW pre-64 is 43 ounces, a standard is 45, and an H&H is 43

Depending on what configuration bottom metal you have on a post 64, they are within an oz or two

ok thanks. McMillan's site doesn't explain things that well

9.3x62

And I forgot, original BM.

Alan

I'd consider the 9.3 if I didn't already have a 375. Nice rifle!

Tod,

If you get a 24" barrel, have the 'smith cut the barrel to 22" at the "BREECH" end, you'll dump a bunch of weight.

Then use the Talley LW's.

The 6x might loose some weight too.

An alum BM will help.

Your 7.5 lb target might be possible.

Oh, and thanks for the nice compliment.

Alan

This sounds good. I'd maybe go with a variant of the Winchester FW contour though. But that's just cause I like it and not flutes.

You'll have a dandy either way. Look forward to pics and progress reports.

Do you have a barrel yet? Any interest in a SS RKS 338 1-10 twist? I was gonna build a 338-06 but went .30 cal instead...

Short shank barrel, #2 contour (#3 is pretty chunky).

PT&G aluminum bottom metal.

7.5# should be very doable. I wouldn't go to a fixed power scope just to save weight, less weight is generally good but not at the expense of functionality.

Hey bartell, the 338-06 sucks you should get a 35 Whelen instead











Just joking (kinda) should work great. What bullets you going to run in it?

#2, 1:10, 23", PT&G aluminum bottom metal, talleys, and an edge might put you under 7.5lbs scoped.

My ss bottom metal weighs 8oz. Even with it and a swirly my m70 wsm will be 8lbs scoped.

For patterns you can use hunters edge, various winchester patterns, sako hunter, and sako classic I believe.

That will be one nice rifle Tod...look forward to some pics of it! I have always wanted a 338-06.

is it a left handed barrel?

I quite like the 6x42, have owned a couple of them and currently one on my 300wm. Most of my shooting will be in the 50-200 yard range and on moose/elk sized game. If I do need to stretch it to 400 yards 6x should be enough magnification for good placement. I've shot coyotes out to 330 yards with a 6x42 on a 260. 2.5-8x36 however may be a bit better for hunting elk in the timber

I could never warm up to the Whelen even though I know it'd be a hammer. Too close to the 375s I suppose. I plan on shooting 185gr TTSX, 210 TTSX, 225TTSX, 225gr NAB and maybe 225 A-Frames. If I had to pick one it'd be the 210gr TTSX I think

Is there a way to multi quote on 24hr? This is tiring!

magnum contour blank

Have no idea how to multi quote over here. Those are all good bullets don't overlook the 210 Scirocco either, that and the Barnes 210 TTSX makes a lot of sense in the 338-06

forgot about the 210 Scirocco. Got a few left from my 338F I think.

Well I got the ball rolling, McMillan Hunter's Edge on order. Painted black w/ 1" decelerator pad inletted for PTG Aluminum bottom metal

You can save up to 2 more ounces on your stock order, simply by going with an unpainted stock. Ask for them to "finish" it with black epoxy rather than bondo, and skip the paint. They look awesome that way, and there's nothing to chip off later.

The aluminum bottom metal is going to be your big weightsaver.

Going with a "featherweight shank" on whatever barrel you decide will also give you the lightest weight with good balance. Skip the flutes--they're not great on a hunting rifle.

Though I wasn't looking to build a light weight, maybe this will give you an idea of what similiar components weighed in at;

Donor Gun: Winchester M-70 Classic; Stainless Steel
Caliber Choice: 338-06 A-Square
Barrel Make: Pac-Nor
Barrel Material: Stainless Steel
Barrel Profile: #3 Contour , 5 groove
Barrel Length: 24�
Extractor: Williams Stainless Steel Extractor
Barrel Crown: Recessed Target Crown
Rate of Twist: 1 in 10�
Metal Finish: All Metal, even action screws/bolts Cerakoted �Midnight Blue� (H-238)
Stock: Winchester Factory Super Grade
Recoil Pad: Pachmyr
Trigger: Factory � set at 2.75lbs
Bottom Metal: Montana Rifle Company 1-Piece Trigger Guard Assembly Stainless Steel
Bedding: Aluminum Pillar Bedding of action, Free Float Barrel
Replaced slot head action screws with hex head stainless steel screws
Replaced factory Tupperware follower with a quality polished stainless steel follower
Weight: 8.5003 lbs

Smith: Lee Christianson (Redneck)

You finally seen the light...lol. Looks like you will have a sweet rifle. I remember couple of your teasing comments a few years ago when I was talking about the 338-06.

I had mine built into a 338-06AI on a Sako m75 Greywolf. I went with the AI version: to be different, my gunsmith has a few personally and some comments by others on hunting forum sites. I built mine to shoot 225gr bullets - AB's and TTSX's are its medicine. I thought of the 210 Swifts or TTSX,s. 24" barrel, 1-10 twist. If I wanted smaller bullets, I would just use my 300WM.

If I was to build another. I would go with a lighter barrel....not that I dont like mine. I like the 24" barrel, but would think of a 22" #3 and flute it. 185gr TTSX would be sweet then....if I didnt have a 300WM. A MacMillan Edge stock with Leupold VX2 4-12x40 or VX3 3.5-10x40 scope gets my vote. I have the second one in gunmetal grey mounted on mine.

Good luck on your build!!

P.S. I have a pile of the Swifts laying around not in use. I'll get a count and give you a "smokin'" deal on them if you are interested.

decided with a #3 contour 10 twist Pacnor, 23" fluted. Also got a PTG aluminum floorplate coming as well. Redding deluxe 3 die set with tapered expander button

yeehooooo! now the wait begins

Sounds sweet for sure. My barrel was a PacNor supermatch grade stainless #5 that got done. Fluted and cut to 24", my rifle weighs in the same as a factory Sako m75 Greywolf in the "V" action (300WM/338WM/375).

Sounds like a real nice build should be a good companion for your King.

I might change to #1 contour. Using Pacnor's barrel weight calculator, seems like there's a half lb difference between a #1 and #3.

That's interesting as I have one very similiar in process.

I have a Pre'64 action and an Edge handle at the 'smith's awaiting a #3 Shilen in 35 for a Whelen. I was hoping to keep it under 8 lbs......might not be possible.

I too am collecting stuff for a lightweight 338-06 build. I measured up the barrel on my weatherby ultralight 338-06 and it is close to a #2.5 shilen/douglas contour and its fluted. I want to build mine out as close to the weatherbys weight as possible(or lighter). I am leaning towards a #2 douglas contour or maybe a standard caliber remington contour (havent measured the remington yet.)

If the gunsmith takes a bit of the weight out of the mid-section of that #3 Shilen, it mightn't be too far off. Might want to do that anyway just for the sake of appearance. GD

Changed it to a #1 contour Pacnor. Should be almost half pound lighter and balance better in the Edge I think.

Question, is there "enough" meat on the end of the barrel to work with a 338 bore?

Rembo,

You should make 8lbs easy with the Edge stock. I have a Pre'64 action, Shilen #3 @ 23" .35 Whelen in a McWoody compact. Mine's 8lbs on the nose with 2.5-8x36 VX3 in Talley LW's.

You may come out a little muzzle heavy with the lighter stock. Mine balances on the proverbial front action screw.

If you want to save money and go light buy a Montana 84L and rebarrel..
I know where you can get Kimbers cheap..

thanks greydog and kilmer....good info.

I'll talk to the 'smith about some recontouring,..he likes Douglas contours and did one on my Pre'64 308 Norma.



I have a Kimber 84M Classic in 338 Fed if I want to travel light with a bore bigger than 30.....

sorry for the hijack 'bartell.....nah,...I aint sorry at all...:-)

.600" @ muzzle for #1, .625" for #3. #2 is same as #3 just a quicker taper shank

good question...I'll ask a new question see what the experts think

As for Kimber - do they make a 338-06 with a floorplate?

I don't doubt that you have never seen one...
Minimum on muzzle would be .10 to .12 per side..

I wouldn't.. One, I doubt they'll flute a #1.. Two, IMHO, I'd be a bit hesitant to use a #1 for a .338, especially if it's SS instead of CM.. My own rule of thumb is .015 minimum at the muzzle.. Maybe it's just me..

Redneck, I'm thinking you meant .150 at the muzzle!

IMO a #2 Dougy cut to 23" would be about model perfect. Most of the 338/06's that I see on the Fire are built too darn heavy for my liking.

Build it to be 8 lbs all up (sling and rounds also) and you'll be Golden. Use the Edge fill and keep the weight out front.

Dober

interesting weight calculator at pacnor....

26" #2 or #3 in 338 weighs within a few ounces of a 22" 257 of same contour..... Thought it would be more...

W

I think you just did...

Correct.. My bad..

A 7 1/2 or so scoped 338-06 is about ideal IME.

decided to stick to the #1 contour. I'll be packing it a lot more than shooting it for extended strings so it should be ok. Gunsmith said it will group just fine, my expectations are 1moa 3 round groups.

Can you give me the quick rundown on specs? I have an ADL SS .270 that I'd like to have turn into something like that. Thanks.

A Cliff LaBounty rebored WallyWorld 270 ADL (22") I bedded in a take-off McM Mountain Rifle stock from a Rem custom shop KS in Talley LW's with a 2.5-8X Leupy. Been happily using it since 1995.

Tony, that's a pretty sweet mountain gun.

Agreed 100%.

So which weighs less a douglas #2 or a remington sporter in the same length?

That's a good question. The #2 Douglas looks thinner and lighter to my eye, but that doesn't mean it actually is lighter.

Douglas #2

Blargon, have you weighed the actual barrels?

I would like to hear more - hopefully from someone with both. Mcgowans weight chart says the douglas #2 will weigh 2 3/4 lbs, and the Remington sporter at 26" weighs 2 lbs... which seems offly light, but somewhere else I read the remington is lighter aswell.

Have had both, never weighed them. I guess it would depend on the shank length.

got my PTG floorplate. Nice and light!

finally done!

FN Winchester Model 70
Pacnor 23" #1 contour 10 twist 338-06 barrel
McMillan Edge
PT&G bottom metal
factory MOA trigger adjusted to 2.75#
Leupold Vx3 3.5-10x40 B&C in Talley LW's
7.5 lbs scoped

Beautiful rifle! Let us know how it shoots I've been contemplating a .338/06 for a while now.

Very nice rifle build, tod. Let us know how it shoots!

Looks great!

I really like my .338-06 at 7.5 lbs.

[img:left][/img]

Can I ask, what contour is your barrel?

This is how I built my 338-06..

Rem 700 action.

Shilen #3 short shank cut at 23"

Micky KS stock.

Talley steel base and rings.

Leupold 2.5-8X36

Shilen Trigger

Weight...7lbs 10oz.

Feels good, nice balance.

Shoots great too.

Pac-Nor #3 (modified) I had them start with a #3 cut to 22", copy the factory 700 mnt rifle contour until it reached .625 dia(about the tip of the forend), then maintain that to the muzzle.

7.5 lbs. as shown in a TI stock with Leupold 2.5X8 and DD mounts.

Shot some 225gr NAB over H4350 & RL17. Got RL17 up to 2680 fps with 59.5grs but 59.5grs H4350 was more accurate @ 2620 fps. Will test some more soon at longer ranges and if all goes well it will be my load for this fall!