Author Topic: 338 rem ultra mag (Read 2748 times)

kenscot · « **on:** March 22, 2005, 04:15:05 PM »

To date I own 223,22-250, 243win, 270 win,7mm-08,7mm rem mag, 3006 & 45-70 The other day I saw a rem 700 SS in 338 rem ultra mag, the price was reasonable and figured this would make my battery pretty complete. I guess you could say this would be my wish hunt rifle. I know this model is now discontinued and I wonder how long the factory ammo will be available. I do handload so that would not pose to big of a problem as long as brass is available. After a quick look at ballistics I guess you could say it is a 340 weatherby in remington drag. Does anyone have opinions or experience with this rifle cartridge combo

jro45 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 23, 2005, 04:28:08 AM »

Who said that the 338 Rem Ultra Mag wasn't made any more. Thats the first I heard that. I own one and have been stocking up on brass ever since I bought it. I do this with all my rifles. I buy my brass at MIDWAY they have all kinds of brass. The only brass for my 338 RUM made so far is Remington but I have gotton 8 times fired out of the Rem. brass so far am going for 10. I love the power it has. I am going Black Bear hunting in Aug, will take it with me then.

cma g21 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 23, 2005, 06:20:35 AM »

I found some loaded ammo online, but it's not cheap.

http://www.ammobank.com/cgi-bin/cshop/store/gaugeshow.tam?pagenumber%2Eptx=1&cartridge%5Fgauge%2Ectx=%2E338%20Remington%20Ultra%20Mag

If you go for the .338 Rem Ultra Mag, you definitely want to consider reloading.

msorenso · « **Reply #3 on:** March 23, 2005, 06:34:56 AM »

I own a 338 ultra mag in 700 in walnut. Love it! It is still being made this year it is just in the new XTR format. They won't start production until Aug - sept of this year. I feel ammo will be made for awhile yet but 10-20 years from now a person may have to load but just stalk up on brass. That what do. I love these ultras.

msorenso · « **Reply #4 on:** March 23, 2005, 08:11:17 AM »

Sorry of the mistake that is XCR rilfe it is in. Extreme condition rifle.

Lawdog · « **Reply #5 on:** March 23, 2005, 11:36:10 AM »

jro45,

Quote

Who said that the 338 Rem Ultra Mag wasn't made any more.

"kenscot" said that the Rem. M700 SS had been discontinued, which it has in the .338 RUM, not that the .338 RUM had been discontinued(YET). Lawdog

kenscot · « **Reply #6 on:** March 23, 2005, 05:10:47 PM »

Yes, not only have they discontinued it the only other company that offers a 338 mag in a lefty rifle is savage

jro45 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 25, 2005, 05:34:27 AM »

I went right to Remington about the 338 RUM and they said that they still make it in a different stock and it called model 700XCR. So I went to their
Web sight and found it. It looks good Stainless steel barrel and sinthic stock. It is still the 338 RUM.

tanoose · « **Reply #8 on:** March 26, 2005, 06:23:52 AM »

Kenscot i wouldn't worry about the production of factory ammo as there are still different models made in that caliber even by remingtonI beleive this one will bne with us for a very long time. I just hope that ruger will put it into there M77 line someday.

WJM · « **Reply #9 on:** April 22, 2005, 06:18:22 PM »

I have a Remington "26" 700 BLD "enhanced" (very nice wood, nice engraving and a thick recoil pad,etc.). I love it. I am going to get a mercury inset though. I did worry a little about getting ammo many years from now, so besides getting factory ammo, I bought 300 cases. I had a local reloader load (actually "down load") them in various speeds duplicating energy of 300 WM, 338 WM and even 375 H&H (300 gn SPRN Woodleighs @ 2,550, which could be pushed to 2,750/2,800 if I had wanted). I even had him do some 200 gr @ only 2,600 to plink (I don't have a 30-06). Not only do I not worry anymore, but I also noted that Federal ADDED 2 new loadings to 338 RUM last year and 300 RUM ammo sales (which can be reformed into the shortened 338 RUM) is doing well. Also remember the 404 Jeffrey (the parent cartridge) is now coming back.

jro45 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 23, 2005, 04:02:25 AM »

I just loaded some 250 RN bullets going 2750 fps for my 338 RUM. I'm
going black bear hunting in Aug and will use these rounds for that hunt.
When sighting in this load my rounds shot a 5/8 " group at 165 yds. That RL25 powder is ok by me.

Buckskin · « **Reply #11 on:** June 15, 2005, 06:09:32 AM »

Oh my God. 338 ultra for black bear. PLEASE don't tell me you hunting over bait! Why not just buy a video game. There will be much less mess and about the same gratification. I don't like telling people what to hunt with, but for bear over bait - its a different issue for me. It is like killing a cow coming to a bucket of grain with a rifle, much less a 338 Rum. i can't tell you how many people I know that killed a bear with a rifle and said they would never do it again. Use a bow and have some inner pride over your kill, or at least a pistol, or muzzleloader or at least a gun with less power than a howitzer. You are going to make a mess of that hide. I went bear hunting 3 years ago with a bow and had 7 different good sized bears (250-350lbs) and never was able to get off a shot. They sensed me every time I began to draw my bow. I could have taken a walking shot, but decided against the risk of wounding one. I even had a bear climb halfway up my tree. It was one of the best hunts I have ever been on. With a rifle it would have been over the first night, and I would have missed out on some of the neatest things I have ever seen in the woods.
my 2 cents.

sniperVLS · « **Reply #12 on:** June 15, 2005, 08:33:50 AM »

we all have very different opinions when it comes to such issues, but I tend to agree with Buckskin.

Id try to poke a nice little hole in it with a decent 308 round, but thats probably as high as Id go as far as calibers.

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #13 on:** June 15, 2005, 02:08:20 PM »

Quote from: tanoose

...I just hope that ruger will put it into there M77 line someday.

Me to. A Ruger in .338 RUM would be a great addtion to my battery.

I need it like a hole in the head, but so what - I WANT one.

beemanbeme · « **Reply #14 on:** June 16, 2005, 06:17:20 AM »

I kinda agree with Buckskin. But its hard, when you get a new rifle, not to want to use it on something.
It does amaze me at some of the cannons that folks feel are neccasary to kill a hog or bear (black). Or a hundred pound whitetail for that matter.

jro45 · « **Reply #15 on:** June 17, 2005, 05:09:55 AM »

beemanbeme I agree with what you said about a new rifle you want to use it on something. So I will use it on a bear.

msorenso · « **Reply #16 on:** June 17, 2005, 05:11:02 AM »

With the 300 & 338 rum I don't feel ammo will be hard to find for a very long time. obviously Remington loads for it but federal does as well with more loadings than Remington has.

Buckskin · « **Reply #17 on:** June 17, 2005, 07:57:47 AM »

I have a 300 RUM and have used the swift scirocco (sp) and nosler partitions in 180gr. and get pretty good results. Has anyone used any of the Federal ammo for this round. Just curious how they stack up.

By the way I guess I shouldn't get all over you for shooting bear over bait with your 338, since I used my 300 on an antelope last year. Haha. But it is the only high power rifle I own other than my 204 which I just purchased. Actually I was glad I had it since the only shot I had was 448 yards with a very stiff crosswind(I would guess about 20mph), with snow/rain to boot. That goat took about 10 steps and layed down for good. I wish I could figure out how to post a picture, it has very unique horns. Left one is normal, right horn grew straight out the side of his head. It must have a 16" spread. It also has another set of horns behind the main horns, like a doe has, about 1 1/2".

jro45 · « **Reply #18 on:** June 20, 2005, 04:54:06 AM »

I have a brake on my 338 Rem Ultra Mag that I took off and I am having a screw on cover made to cover where the brake screwed to protect the threads. That way I will not have the extra noise and with the reduced load I can handle that recoil. 40lbs.

sniperVLS · « **Reply #19 on:** June 20, 2005, 08:32:02 AM »

jro45...

how was the recoil with the brake? If I get the 338RUM, I want to get the JP recoil eliminator. Im hoping that makes it very managable for bench rest shooting. I dont shoot in competitions but we do have friendly contests.

Id like to reach out and hit something, be it paper or elk/moose, and to do so accurately, I cant see myself sitting or laying and taking that recoil punishment without a good brake installed.

Im used to my Rem 700 VLS, after scope/rings/mounts it weighs about 11 lbs.

By the way, the gun im getting in .338RUM is a nice heavy Rem Sendero stainless fluted.

I was close to getting the .300winmag but thats not a HUGE jump from my .308 in terms of ballistics as far as energy and long range possibilities, If Im going to go big, I mind as well do it right.

How would you guys compare a .338RUM recoil to laying down and shooting a 3" Magnum slug out of my Rem 870 synthetic 12 gauge with a 18" barrel? I did that yesterday and it was NOT pleasant at all, hahaha.

Buckskin · « **Reply #20 on:** June 21, 2005, 10:09:11 AM »

I can't say what a 338 kicks like. But compared to my 870 rifled barrel with 3" slugs or 2 3/4" for that matter, my 300 RUM kicks like a varmint rifle. I hate sighting in that slug gun!!!! About the same as my turkey gun w/ 3 1/2" and 2oz of lead, damn that hurts. I broke a filling this spring sighting the turkey gun in.

sniperVLS · « **Reply #21 on:** June 21, 2005, 10:23:45 AM »

ouch!

poor tooth!

yeah Im thinking if I can sight in a 870 with 3" mag slugs without flinching, a .338RUM wouldnt be much worse. time to get the tylenol out.

I just read that a lot of outfitters/guides dont like clients to have brakes on their rifles(In alaska atleast) due to the much louder sound, so I have some decisions to make.

Buckskin · « **Reply #22 on:** June 21, 2005, 10:34:53 AM »

I think I would try it first. I was very amazed how nice shooting the 300 RUM was. Then I would try some sort of decelerator instead of a brake.

JD338 · « **Reply #23 on:** June 21, 2005, 11:44:31 AM »

Guys,

The 338 RUM recoil is not that bad. I shoot a M700LSS with a VXIII 2.5x8 scope. the rig weighs 8 lb 13 oz. I added a pachmyer Decelerator recoil pad and it took te sting out of the recoil. No brakes or porting.

I spent the summer prior to my elk hunt shooting 20-25 rounds once a week from field positions. My target load was a 200 gr Nosler BT with 90.0 grs RL22. I used a 210 gr PT with 92.0 grs of RL22 for a MV of ~3200 fps to hunt elk. (I shot a 5 pt @ 350 yds, bang/flop)!

I have since moved up to 250 gr PT for Moose. Again I will shot from field positions, including prone out to 300 yds.
As for accuracy, my rifle shoots the 200 gr BT, 210 gr PT, 225 gr PT and 250 gr PT bullets all under .5" at 100yds.

I hope this helps you out. Let me know if you would like load data, I would be happy to provide you with the data.

Regards,

JD338

sniperVLS · « **Reply #24 on:** June 21, 2005, 12:54:02 PM »

Hmm..

1st off, could you please get a pic up of your LSS so I can fondle it with my eyes. While youre at it, take a few pics so I can see her from all angles.

I was actually thinking about getting one, but I like the heavy barrels the Sendero provides.

2nd...Your rig decked out weighs less than a bare bones Sendero. By the time I add the mounts and Super Sniper, itll weigh about what my VLS does now, close to 11 lbs, helping the recoil even further.

You are the 1st person to descibe their rifle, whats on it, and give info that actually helps me..thanks
:-)

let me add that other than 3" mag slugs, the one rifle that kicked the snot out of me was the Rem 700 Mountain Rifle in .30-06. I had it for years but unloaded it due to flinching after a while. I should have kept it, live and learn right?

JD338 · « **Reply #25 on:** June 21, 2005, 06:02:16 PM »

sniper VLS,

Glad to help. Give me a couple of days to get a picture. I will seek the help of my youngest daughter. I am not sure how to post pictures so I may have to email them to you.

I will also try to take some pictures of targets to "back up" my claim of sub .5" groups. Looking back through my notes I shot a 3 shot group that measures 1.285" @ 300 yds with the 210 gr PT. This rifle is my favorite!

I might add that I tweeked the trigger to what I thought was 3 lbs. It turns out that it is actually 3 lbs, 12 oz so I will have to work on that one of these days.

I know what you mean about the weight if the M700 VLS, I have one in 22-250 with a Nikon 5.5x16.5 Monarch scope. I never had it weighed but it is heavy.

Regards,

JD338

sniperVLS · « **Reply #26 on:** June 21, 2005, 06:19:22 PM »

Take your time on the pics, I do look forward to seeing it though.

There are 2 types of LSS models I believe, one is more of a brown and one is grey. I forget which one is newer, I'll check Rems site later.

I will keep my eyes open at the local gun shows for an LSS, what caliber I dont care, they are easy on the eyes, and you reinforce what I have heard..

"They shoot as good as they look"

One can never have enough Remingtons in the safe, and the LSS barely lost out to the VLS a few months back. I actually didnt decide until I got to the counter, I lost sleep for 3 nights prior to that, lol.

Actually, an LSS and a Sendero are the last 2 rifles I want for a while.

Thanks again for the info

-Aaron-

JD338 · « **Reply #27 on:** June 22, 2005, 05:16:59 PM »

sniper VLS,

My M700 LSS in 338 RUM is the gray laminated stock w/ ss. The Leupold is black matt finish. Looks very sharp.

My M700 VLS in 22-250 is brown laminated stock w/ blued carbon steel.

I do have a picture on my PC of my elk with LSS inthe picture. I am not sure how to post it. If you want, PM me with an e-mail address and I can send it to you.

Regards,

JD338

sniperVLS · « **Reply #28 on:** June 22, 2005, 05:36:54 PM »

ahh the grey LSS is the one I like.

You can start a gallery at a free place like Webshots.com so people can see your pics, just a suggestion.

I'll PM you my email addy after I submit this.

:-)

jro45 · « **Reply #29 on:** June 23, 2005, 01:31:06 PM »

Quote from: sniperVLS

ahh the grey LSS is the one I like.

You can start a gallery at a free place like Webshots.com so people can see your pics, just a suggestion.

I'll PM you my email addy after I submit this.

:-)

You asked about recoil for the 338 RUM. Well it is with my rifle witch weighs 9 LBS 49.43 Ft Lbs with out brake shooting a 250 gr bullet at 3008 FPS
The load I'm using for bear is at 2730 FPS with 40.06 ft lbs of recoil. And the 225 gr bullets at 3245fps is 50. ft lbs of recoil.