.338 auto?

[jrnsuz]

Does anybody other than Browning build one? We're headed for Alaska in a few years and a .338 wm seems to be the optimum caliber choice.

[targshooter]

Except for some custom builds, Browning is it.

[Mike103]

Browning BAR in .338 Winchester Magnum! That's the big medicine. MIKE.

[pastorp]

The browning bar's are great rifles. I have owned several. Have one now in 243. I had one in 338. I honestly don't believe I ever trusted it in bear country. They are just a little tempermintal for a dangerous game rifle. Regards, Byron

[jrnsuz]

Pastorp, all the other comments I've seen have been very favorable regarding function and reliability; what problems have you had to call the BAR temperamental?

[pastorp]

jrnsuz, and occasional failure to fire with 2 different rifles one a 270& one a 243. The primer was indented but I guess the strike was too light. With the 338 you had to be very careful the belts on the brass could not catch on each other.

I don't know if you have ever been in the Alaska salmon creeks with these big bears but There is no room for a failure to fire for any reason. If you want a good elk rifle I would say they are great but not for dangerous game. The reason you haven't heard anything but good is because you probably haven't talked to many who have actually been there and done that. There is a big difference in using a bar for a deer rifle or a bear rifle. Regards, Byron

[jrnsuz]

Pastorp, I appreciate the insight. You're right, I haven't talked to anyone who has actually used one for dangerous game; I guess I'm back to bolt guns unfortunately. The possibility of short stroking in a high stress situation concerns me, which is why I was particularly interested in the auto-loader. Maybe a lever would be a better option. anybody have any thoughts on this?(realizing that I'm getting away from the intent of this particular forum . JR

[pastorp]

jrnsuz, I like the levers if they are proven(shot enought to be certain they are problem free). I have used 2 different marlins that were converted to 50alaskan. And several marlin 45/70s. While these calibers are really not great all around hunting rounds they do work well at close range.

If I wanted a great all around hunting rifle for alaska I would buy a CZ550 in 375H&H. Have the action slicked up. Mater of fact that is just what I did. I cut the barrel to 21", replaced the sights with a ghost ring, and put a 3x leupold on it in the facturyQD rings. That set up is really hard to beat.

My first love is really levers though. And if you will hunt close the marlins are hard to beat also.  Regards, Byron

[heavyrecoil]

This is the only other current-production .338 auto that I'm aware of:

www.mccannindustries.com/rifles/garand/garand.html

And-- you can even get it in .458 Win Mag! A little on the pricey side though...