Rifle Project Decision

M

MFH

New member
I'm getting ready to start building a new rifle . It will be based on a Sako action and Kreiger barrel. Barrel length planned to be 22"for ease of carry. Usage will include Elk and heavier game.

I want ballistics comparable or better than the 338 Win but in the shorter tube. I am considering calibers between 338 and 375ultra. I am leaning to the 358STA. Any other suggestions?

Thanks!
MFH
 
For what you describe...

35 Whelen is hard to beat.

I'm a member of the "anti-belt" group; and I like the larger diameter calibers. 35s and up have good expansion ration, so it gives good velocities.
 
I've never owned anything bigger than a .20-'06, so I'm commenting from reading.

The bigger cartridges supposedly benefit from longer barrels, moreso than such as the .308. This leads me to think that with a 22" barrel, you're needing a heck of a lot more cartridge just to equal a somewhat lesser cartridge with a 24" or 26" barrel.

I've used a 26" '06 for 30 years. The only time I ever noticed any unhandiness has been with the rifle slung on my shoulder, in thicker brush and trees. I grant that it contributes to more weight than otherwise. The extra length of barrel, and its slight muzzle-heavy balance seems to contribute to easier or better off-hand shooting, though.

Oh, well. You'll most likely to be able to name your new pet "Mr. Muzzle Blast". :)

Have fun,

Art
 
Howdy,

My .02 cents may not mean much, but I agree with Art. With the shorter barrel you will have a hard time getting all you can out of those big magnum calibers. They will be shooting cartridges full of clow burning magnum powders. Lots of kick and muzzle blast for minimal velocity gains.

35 Whelen makes a nice heavy caliber rifle and does well out of a shorter tube. Now that being said I have always been fascinated by the 358 STA, and myself still want a gun in this caliber. Maybe bite the barrel so to speak and add on a few inches. Then build your 358 STA and mail it to me so I can develop some pet loads for ya!!

The new 375 UM is hard to beat though. Dad has a custom gun that puts 3 270 gr hornady RN bullets through 1 hole at 3050fps. Should work for elk :D But here your talkin a 26 inch barrel:(

Have fun with whatever you make and let us know!!!

Mike
 
go with the longer barrel, ie. 24, 26 inch.
you won't notice it when you carry but you'll see less muzzle blast.
have you considered the 338/06 ?
 
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