Comparing the 338 RCM (Ruger Compact Mag) to other more well known options

[JG26Irish_2]

Today was a good day. I recently traded for an old like new Ruger Compact Magnum in 338 RCM. Up until that time, I had never heard of this cartridge and when first told of this rifle, it was communicated to me that it was a Hawkeye in 338 Win Mag, a very well known cartridge. I was disappointed to learn that it was the Hawkeye compact mag instead but traded for it anyway, despite the 338 RCM being an almost dead cartridge. As far as I can tell there is only one available ammo option on the market today and that is the Hornady Superformance with the 225g SST bullet.

I figured what the hell, I would get some of the SST ammo and use it on deer and save the brass to reload with some proper bullets like the TSX or the Swift Scirocco. No worries.

Well today, my first shipment of ammo arrived. That is one cute, short, fat, evil looking little load. 225g bullet with MV of 2750 fps, and muzzle energy of 3777 ft-lbs. That is about 100fps slower than the same load for the 338 win mag. So, not bad for a short action and a short handy bbl length. I am liking this package.

I have a 7mm Mag that I love but my biggest complaint is that the bbl is 26" long and the entire package is 5" longer than my 7mm/08 with a 22" bbl. Now here comes along a 338 cal version of my handy, light 7mm/08.

I looked up the specs on my heavy bullet load for the 7mm Mag. It is a 175g running 2775 fps. It is not a Superformance load but was the heaviest bullet I had in that caliber. The 7mm Mag develops muzzle energy of 2992 ft-lbs. in comparison the little big man 338 rcm has a bullet that is 28.5% more mass and 26% more energy. I am so impressed that a short action cartridge with a 20" bbl is performing so much better than the 7mm Mag running a longer cartridge, more powder and a 26" bbl. It must be really efficient and does it all without that magnum belt. What is not to like? Well, that it comes in one flavor only. WTF??

Maybe is it cannot be as effective without Hornady's Superformance voodoo magic. I dunno, but do not know why Federal is not cranking out these puppies like crazy.

If this sucker shoots as good as it looks, I may never hunt with anything else, lol. Time will tell. I was never a Ruger fan but am gonna reserve judgement until I can get it to the range. First impression is pretty good.

338 RCM on the left and 7mm Mag on the right​

 

[CoElkHunter]

I'd buy a Ruger Hawkeye Guide Gun in .338RCM if I could find a barely used one at a great price. I really like my Browning .338WM but the RCM cartridges DESIGNED for a 20" barrel intrigue me.

 

[AZDAVE]

It is my wife's favorite rifle. She has been shooting 185gr factory GMX's mostly. She has shot many animals in africa with it. I have developed a couple very good Loads in the 215-250gr weight class for both our rifles. Up to 225 gr it runs neck to neck with the 338 WM but falls behind above there. Mine has killed a good bit of paper and steel.

You will find it a very handy rifle and it gets a lot of performance out of the 20in barrel. Would hunt anything in NA with it and all the plains game in africa.

 

[JG26Irish_2]

Thanks guys. I have been looking for some 34mm scope rings to fit the unique Ruger receiver. If I cannot find some soon, I will mount a Pic rail on top so that my other 34mm rings can be used. I have not yet fired the rifle but love the short, light, handy feel of it. If I could find some GMX ammo, I would take it to Africa this year but, time is running out and at the moment, my PG rifle will be a 7mm/08. Good bit less oomph than the 338 but the ballistic equal to the 7x57 Mauser.

I have been very intrigued by the little short, fat cartridge. The 338WM will out perform it ballistically but not by much and should you try to run the Win Mag in a shorter bbl like a 20" or 22", I think they might be about the same. I hunt mostly the Eastern woods of the USA and hope to deploy it on deer this fall and if I can sort out some ammo with better bullets than the SST's perhaps on TX Nilgai next year.

 

[AZDAVE]

Let me check in the shop I might have a set of 34's laying around.

 

[JG26Irish_2]

Let me check in the shop I might have a set of 34's laying around.

If you do please let me know. I would much rather use direct mounted rings than the other option. Thx. Appreciate the effort.

 

[AZDAVE]

@JG26Irish_2 I looked and have several 30mm but no 34mm for Ruger. Have CZ and pic rail kinds rings in 34MM. Sorry

 

[JG26Irish_2]

@JG26Irish_2 I looked and have several 30mm but no 34mm for Ruger. Have CZ and pic rail kinds rings in 34MM. Sorry

No worries mate. I have a pic rail on order with projected delivery today. I have a nice 1-8x LPVO identical to my 7mm/08 Safari rifle that I plan to mount on the Ruger. It is perfect for the short fast type of bush gun that I am looking for in it. That scope allows me to shoot 4" steel at 400y with the 7mm/08, but that is an exceptionally precise and accurate rifle that shoots about 1/2 moa with most factory ammo. Not sure a factory Ruger will be that good but am hoping.

 

[JG26Irish_2]

Still have not been to range but here she is all race ready. Makes a really nice handling pkg. This scope has a ballistic drop reticle that is calibrated for 308. But, the 225g 338 RCM has a ballistic curve that is nearly identical to the 308. Who knew? I will have to verify this at the range to tweak the dope.