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.