Big game barrel

[ollie]

I am looking to make my varmint rifle a switch barrel so that i can use the same gun throught the year. I have a 6x47lapua in a very modified fajen stock, rem700 action .308bolt etc. What i am looking for is a large game barrel to put on in deer & bear season. I looked at the 338 federal. opinions? Also a 7mm is something i never had. .308, 7/08. 260 338federal 6.5x284. What would you get?
Ollie

 

[DogBuster]

308..7-08...260...338 Fed or 358 Win...

 

[sewwhat89]

I am looking at the 338 Federal vs the 358 WW myself. I think it is a shot in the dark as to which one is better. I want it for close-range hog work. I am leaning towards the 358 for the added diameter; however, if you were even slightly considering any long-range work, i.e. >200 yards, I would stick with the 338 Fed. You can shoot 180-225 gr NABs and be fine. There are cheap bullets from Speer that shoot great for plinking and deer, but I would use the 225 NAB if you are looking a toothy critters.

 

[treeman]

another consideration would be bullet selection. there a lot more selections in 338 cal than 358. jmo

 

[jthyttin]

How you're going to use it?

If you're shooting it off the bags the distances would be long so I'd say go for the 7mm. In a single-shot you could go with 284 class cartridges,same bolt face), straight 284 with a long throat being the best choice IMHO.

If it's a repeater and you're going to carry it, you'd probly need to stay in 308 class cartridges,284 will usually work with some modifications). Good old 308 is a decent compromise, larger bores are better at short range. I would choose between 308 and 338.

 

[ollie]

Does anyone have any experiance with the 338fed?