UPDATE - PICS added - .338 Rum???

[Marlin_444]

Hey All:

I have a chance to pick up a Remington XCR in .338 RUM in a deal, just wanted to get some insights into this round.

I know the XCR line is a good gun and yes a .338 Ultra Mag is a bit of over-kill for whitetails but I am planning a Elk Hunt for my 50th Birthday in a few years so this would make a fine Elk gun...

Even a .444 Marlin is "overkill" for whitetails, I just need a little input on the .338 RUM round it's self...

Thanks!

Ron

[germag]

Well, my buddy old RL Matthews (now unfortunately deceased), who was one of the best gunsmiths that ever walked the face of the planet, was a die-hard Weatherby advocate all his life. He could build a rifle around the Weatherby magnum calibers (especially .257 Wby ) that was unparalleled in long range accuracy (1/4 minute easily with careful handloading). When Remington came out with the RUM cartridges, he found a new love....the .338 RUM. He considered it the "workhorse" of the big cartridges. I had plans to get him to build me one based on a stainless 700 action, McMillan stock, Hart #5 barrel, Jewell trigger.....unfortunately I never got to make it happen, though.

I think that if I had to choose one rifle to hunt any species on any continent (excluding Elephants, Rhinos, Hippos, and Cape Buffalo) the .338 RUM would probably be my choice. It is good for anything North America has to offer from whitetails to Kodiak bears.

[deadend]

Lusting after one of those!

[Marlin_444]

Originally Posted by germag

Well, my buddy old RL Matthews (now unfortunately deceased), who was one of the best gunsmiths that ever walked the face of the planet, was a die-hard Weatherby advocate all his life. He could build a rifle around the Weatherby magnum calibers (especially .257 Wby ) that was unparalleled in long range accuracy (1/4 minute easily with careful handloading). When Remington came out with the RUM cartridges, he found a new love....the .338 RUM. He considered it the "workhorse" of the big cartridges. I had plans to get him to build me one based on a stainless 700 action, McMillan stock, Hart #5 barrel, Jewell trigger.....unfortunately I never got to make it happen, though.

I think that if I had to choose one rifle to hunt any species on any continent (excluding Elephants, Rhinos, Hippos, and Cape Buffalo) the .338 RUM would probably be my choice. It is good for anything North America has to offer from whitetails to Kodiak bears.

Dang,

Just when I am settling into the .300 Win Mag...

Maybe I should get it and swap out for a .300 Win Mag???

Ron

[germag]

If you don't get it, let me know where it is......

[bevills1]

Don't get it unless you shoot one first is my advice. About 15 years ago I decided I wanted either a 338 Win Mag or 375 H&H Mag and shot both before choosing. The 338 was comfortable for me to shoot, but the 375 was just too much for me at least. I suspect the 338 RUM will kick as much if not more than the 375 H&H.

IMO a 30-06 is adequate for everything in North America especially with premium bullets. However, there's nothing wrong with getting another gun if you fancy it and can shoot it well.

[germag]

With something like a grizzly, I'd want something more than "adequate". IMHO a 30-06 is just that, just adequate for big game like grizzlies and moose.....nothing more, nothing less. Call me a wimp, but the smallest thing I'm going after a grizzly with is a .338 Win Mag. I got no reason to try to prove anything by going after dangerous game with a gun that's just "adequate".

[bighonkinjeep]

The .338RUM makes the .338 win mag recoil look like a puppy. The .300RUM actually has a larger case capacity than either. Thats why guys are using the .300RUM and necking them up to build the .338 edge. As far as the cartridge itself the .338RUM has(43.1ft/lbs free recoil more than double the recoil of a 30-06 with a 180) 10 ft/lbs more recoil than the .338 win mag when both are fired with a 250gr bullet and a 160fps advantage in velocity.(anyone who says only 160fps needs to be left out of this conversation cause that's a lot with a 250) This rifle may be overkill for an elk and should probably be reserved for griz or a trip to Africa. Anyone who still believes there's no such thing as too much gun or too dead has never killed a deer with a RUM. I'll never do it again If you can get a deal and swap it for a .300 or even better a wsm that'll be plenty and then some for elk, and the weight savings on those long walks will indeed be welcome.
I've got a RUM and these are my .02

[Marlin_444]

Originally Posted by bighonkinjeep

The .338RUM makes the .338 win mag recoil look like a puppy. The .300RUM actually has a larger case capacity than either. Thats why guys are using the .300RUM and necking them up to build the .338 edge. As far as the cartridge itself the .338RUM has(43.1ft/lbs free recoil more than double the recoil of a 30-06 with a 180) 10 ft/lbs more recoil than the .338 win mag when both are fired with a 250gr bullet and a 160fps advantage in velocity.(anyone who says only 160fps needs to be left out of this conversation cause that's a lot with a 250) This rifle may be overkill for an elk and should probably be reserved for griz or a trip to Africa. Anyone who still believes there's no such thing as too much gun or too dead has never killed a deer with a RUM. I'll never do it again If you can get a deal and swap it for a .300 or even better a wsm that'll be plenty and then some for elk, and the weight savings on those long walks will indeed be welcome.
I've got a RUM and these are my .02

How's that compare to a "Naked" Metal or Wood Buttstock .444 Marlin Kick?

Just curious...

Ron

[HandgunHTR]

Originally Posted by Marlin_444

How's that compare to a "Naked" Metal or Wood Buttstock .444 Marlin Kick?

Just curious...

Ron

According to Buzz's recoil chart, the 444 Marlin recoil is around 23 ft/lbs. So based on bigjohn's post, the .338 RUM is recoiling at almost twice the 444. It is on par with the .375 H&H Mag shooting 300 grain bullets.

[Marlin_444]

Originally Posted by HandgunHTR

According to Buzz's recoil chart, the 444 Marlin recoil is around 23 ft/lbs. So based on bigjohn's post, the .338 RUM is recoiling at almost twice the 444. It is on par with the .375 H&H Mag shooting 300 grain bullets.

Wow... that hurts!

Ron

[bevills1]

The problem with such heavy recoil rifles is most can't shoot them well. I'd much rather be able to make a well placed shot on a big bear from a 30-06 than a badly placed shot from a heavy recoiling magnum. I've seen several shows on the Outdoor Channel where 1 shot kills were made on moose and elk with 270 and 308 rifles, and the biggest bear is probably no bigger than an elk and definitely smaller than a moose. If you can handle the recoil and shoot it well, then go for it, but don't make the mistake of getting something you can't shoot well.

[Marlin_444]

Originally Posted by bevills1

The problem with such heavy recoil rifles is most can't shoot them well. I'd much rather be able to make a well placed shot on a big bear from a 30-06 than a badly placed shot from a heavy recoiling magnum. I've seen several shows on the Outdoor Channel where 1 shot kills were made on moose and elk with 270 and 308 rifles, and the biggest bear is probably no bigger than an elk and definitely smaller than a moose. If you can handle the recoil and shoot it well, then go for it, but don't make the mistake of getting something you can't shoot well.

I better try it before I buy it (or ah trade, whateva)...

Thanks for the X-Spert advice Bevills and the rest of y'all too...

I am jone'sin for a XCR in .300 Win Mag...

Ron

[Jetjockey]

The 338RUM is way overkill for anything except Browns and Grizzy's.... And if I'm hunting something that wants to eat me I'm carrying a 375, not a 338. Want a sore shoulder that you won't want to practice with? Then go ahead. But if you want a great all around caliber that is great for Elk, Moose, deer and any of the smaller bears then stick with a 300WM or WSM.. Your shoulder will thank you and you can actually practice with it since it won't kick the he11 out of you.

[jkoch]

If you are worried about the recoil,put on a Syms Recoil pad. I really takes a lot of the felt recoil out. You will love the 338 Rem Ultra mag for Elk or Moose there is nothing better.

[Marlin_444]

Originally Posted by jkoch

If you are worried about the recoil,put on a Syms Recoil pad. I really takes a lot of the felt recoil out. You will love the 338 Rem Ultra mag for Elk or Moose there is nothing better.

Hey jkoch,

It's a Remington XCR Model that comes factory with the R-3 Sims Pad...









Shell Comparison -

.338 RUM, .338 Win Mag and .300 Win Mag



Wow...

Ron

[Jetjockey]

When your done shooting it I know a great physical therapist that can get your shoulder back in shape..... haha..... Again, IMO there is absolutly no need for that big a cannon...

[bighonkinjeep]

You oughta see what happens when you mistakenly drop one of those other cartridges in that monster by mistake and pull the trigger. From a distance of course and it aint funny.

[DURAMAXLT]

Thats too much gun for you better let me take that monster off your hands before you get hurt I know I can shoot it well

[Marlin_444]

Originally Posted by Marlin_444

Hey jkoch,

It's a Remington XCR Model that comes factory with the R-3 Sims Pad...









Shell Comparison -

.338 RUM, .338 Win Mag and .300 Win Mag



Wow...

Ron

***********************************************

Originally Posted by Jetjockey

When your done shooting it I know a great physical therapist that can get your shoulder back in shape..... haha..... Again, IMO there is absolutly no need for that big a cannon...

Jetjocky,

You are probably right it'll be like shooting two 444 Marlins at one time...

No Bullet Envy here... But still, the KA-Boom Factor is HUGE!!!

Ron

***********************************************

Originally Posted by bighonkinjeep

You oughta see what happens when you mistakenly drop one of those other cartridges in that monster by mistake and pull the trigger. From a distance of course and it aint funny.

Hey Big Honkin Jeep,

I'll be sure to clearly mark the .338 RUMs against the .300 Win Mag...

I appreciate the concern

Ron

[Marlin_444]

Originally Posted by DURAMAXLT

Thats too much gun for you better let me take that monster off your hands before you get hurt I know I can shoot it well

Hey DURAMAXXLT:

Maybe we need to get together and hit the range at some point...

But alas, I'll probably get it and put it up for swap or sale here or on some obscure Winnepeg Manitoba, or Nebraska heck might even see what it'll bring me on the Alaska Forum

Might just get it shortened, put a Finned/Gilled Muzzle Break on it and Scout Mount it for a Heavy Duty Brush Gun...

You just never know!

Ron

[Marlin_444]

Decided not to get it...


Rather have a .300 Win Mag...

Anyone interested, PM me!

Ron

[Marlin_444]

Any other thoughts?

[blackbear]

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp
Here you go,check out the powder charge against some old favorites...Hope this helps!

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by Marlin_444

Any other thoughts?

Wise choice IMO not to get it. I see absolutely no need for anything "ultra magnum." IMO, if a 250g bullet started off at 2700 fps isn't enough (from the .338 Winchester Magnum) - then you probably need something more along the line of a true big bore than the same chunk of lead fired 300 fps faster with a lot more powder.

I too would much rather have a .300 Winchester Magnum than anything "Ultra Magnum."

[Jetjockey]

Marlin...... Since you mentioned Elk hunting... Your going to want a lightweight rifle that is easy to carry up some very steep slopes. But not too light or the 300WM might get to you as well. Take a good hard look at Kimber rifles. The 8400 in 300WSM is a great all around gun that can be loaded light for whitetails or with hot 180gr TSX's for elk. I aboEdited to Remove Profanity ----Edited to Remove Profanity ----Edited to Remove Profanity ----Edited to Remove Profanity ----ly love mine. I have other more suitable calibers for whitetails but I almost always reach for my Kimber. I just love the way it feels in my hands. Ive hiked around some pretty steep mountains in WA state and its a joy to carry. I can't say that about my model 70 or my dads WBY Mark V. Our remmy 700's aren't bad, but they really don't come close to the feel of the Kimbers. They aren't cheap, but IMO, they are worth the price.... Good luck, and let us know what you decide.....

[Georgiared]

I've got a NICE custom 444 Marlin, fixed to your hankerin'!!

gr

[Marlin_444]

I know you do Red...

Ron