Another 338 Winchester project

[ldmay375]

I contacted Geoff McDonald from Woodleigh to ask which projectile is most suitable to use in my .338WM for Sambar.
I was tossing up between the 200gn and the 225gn Woodleigh PP.
Geoff replied saying that definitely use the 225gn for Sambar and that I could use it for buffalo too.
I personally would've thought that something heavier in the .338 would be in order, but that came from the man himself so its food for thought...

Russ

Russ, interesting.
Though, I am a a Barnes bullet user, the 225 grain is my choice for my single 338 Winchester load. But, would have no hesitation using their 210’s for moose or bear.
The 225’s have been in short supply, so I do have 210’s that I will use at some point.
I think a well constructed 225 grain is near ideal for anything that I will encounter. But, for me that does include Buffalo or Scrub Bulls here. Though, I would use it on our bison without hesitation.

 

[ldmay375]

@Idmay375 have you used Kodiak bullets?

No, I have not. Though have heard and read good performance from those that have.
I am not sure if they changed owners and had a lull in production. I did see a few of them in a local gun store, don’t recall the caliber.
I pretty much exclusively use Barnes for all of my cartridges. I have been pleased with their performance, and usually they were always easily available. And I have a Bunch of them.

 

[ldmay375]

No, I have not. Though have heard and read good performance from those that have.
I am not sure if they changed owners and had a lull in production. I did see a few of them in a local gun store, don’t recall the caliber.
I pretty much exclusively use Barnes for all of my cartridges. I have been pleased with their performance, and usually they were always easily available. And I have a Bunch of them.

I would love to get some of the Kodiaks for my lever rifles

 

[Bullthrower338]

I would love to get some of the Kodiaks for my lever rifles

I recently came across some 200 and 250 grain 338 Kodiak and scooped them up as I’ve heard great things of them. I think an elk is in order for a trial

 

[ldmay375]

I am guessing either one should work well.
It seems as though some of the older time bigger bore guys really liked them.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Congratulations on your new rifle!

Like you I am a big fan of M70's and I LOVE the .338WM.
It has quickly become my 2nd or 3rd favourite cartridge...

I owned a Winchester M70 Stainless Classic in 270WSM and I loved it.
My current M70 in .338WM is a Synthetic Matte with a Magnaported 26" barrel and I'll never sell it.

Hey, what about a pic!

Russ

@Badboymelvin
Russ with yhat long barrel you will be squeezing every drop out of it. If the magazine was long enough you could long throat it seat the projectiles out further, put a bit more coal in the boiler and really make it hum
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

View attachment 411250338 Winchesters. Left to Right.
Kimber Montana, 26” barrel
Ruger Mark II, 24” barrel
M70 Super Grade, 24” barrel. This is an early production, prior to the “Classic” stamping.
M70 Classic, 26” barrel
M70 Classic BOSS

@Idmay375
Love the classic blued and timber but does it come in a,Whelen.
Ha ha ha ha
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

View attachment 411280
1” of actual barrel is lost, by cutting at the threads shoulder.

@Idmay375
I personally would just get a cap made but that's me.
Bob

 

[Badboymelvin]

@Badboymelvin
Russ with yhat long barrel you will be squeezing every drop out of it. If the magazine was long enough you could long throat it seat the projectiles out further, put a bit more coal in the boiler and really make it hum
Bob

Hey Bob,

Even though it's 26" the Magnaporting takes up roughly 2" so I'm probably on getting comparable velocity to a 24" barrel.
Mate, long throating it would be awesome!
I remember reading how Nick Harvey has his .338 long throated and he's getting .340 Wby velocity out of it... awesome.
But I'm happy with the mild 2750fps I get with the 225gn Woodleigh PP.
It certainly did the job on the last Sambar I got with it.

Russ

 

[ldmay375]

Picked the 338 Winchester from gunsmith yesterday. The barrel is now 22-3/4”, from bolt face to end of barrel rifling. I have Bell & Carlson stock for this rifle. But, need to order the one piece stainless bottom metal.
If this barrel groups well, I may add a barrel band sling swivel stud, barrel band front sight, and some type of island express sights.

I also picked up a very early production Kimber Montana 325 WSM that feeding issues were corrected and barrel cut to 22-1/4”. I have a later production run of the same rifle, it feeds fine.

The 338 Winchester will use 210 and/or 225 TSX or TTSX.
The 325 WSM will continue with the 200 grain TSX.
I am undecided of the scopes at this point. The 325 had a 1.5-6x42mm on it prior. I may stick with that.
The 338 Winchester may get similar.
Both rifles are intended for 300 yard / meter or less distances. Most likely, in reality 225 yards and considerably less distances.
It will be a few months before I get to shoot either.