Savage model-111 in 338 lapua mag .

[Mac 1957]

I am considering buying one of these to replace my current mod70 pre 64 300wby mag,that the bolt/firing pin spring,has frozen on it in sub zero temps 3 times, and on a friends gun also a mod 70 pre 64 300 win mag.
I have a few questions as I will be carrying it hunting my mod 70 is 9.5 lbs.
I have no muzzle brake on it and have no problem with the recoil ( while hunting ).
I have been hand loading for 40 yrs or so but probably not an expert for sure.
Thanks.

 

[jonbearman]

Are you hunting elephants? Was your Winchester bolt full of grease or heavy oil because if you hunt in extremes you should use something lubricant wise that can stay viscous in the cold temps.

 

[Mac 1957]

Thanks for the suggestion ,I took the spring ,pin assembly out and it looks little dirty and a touch rusty in a couple spots, and I noticed that the assembly rubbed a little when removing it or replacing it?

 

[people]

With your clean bolt I would freeze the rifle and see if it will fire a primed casing.


The 338lm will be a heavy hitter granted I would not change unless you really want to.

 

[Eric Leonard]

a Pre64 Model 70 300WM has to be a 1963 as the 300WM was introduced in 63,,so I would have to hold onto that for sure,,

 

[Patch700]

a Pre64 Model 70 300WM has to be a 1963 as the 300WM was introduced in 63,,so I would have to hold onto that for sure,,

I would concur with the above. .. Not knocking savage at all ( I have several that shoot very well ) but comparing quality of your current rifle with the one you're inquiring about is one that would be best answered by putting your hands on one and trying it out in person.

We're it myself , if I were not comfortable repairing the bolt assembly to alleviate the problem I would take it in to a smith before I relegated it to the safe.

 

[Mac 1957]

Thanks , I'll try the clean , lube (tri flow) good to -60 , then freeze and try it . I would much rather keep my old gun . As for the year it was made , I forgot to mention it was a 300 h n h , free bored out to a 300 weatherby . The serial number is in the 57xxx.
If the clean n freeze doesn't work , I might try to find someone or somewhere to shoot a 338 lm. Thanks

 

[michaelnel]

Good idea to shoot one before you buy one. The macho guys who say "oh, it kicks only a little more than a .308" are full of it. Mine kicks like a mule. It rings the sinuses in my head. It's REALLY loud and really obnoxious to others nearby because of the brake. My long time shooting buddy (35 years) who owns a really nice .308 and shoots it a lot shot my .338 only two rounds and wanted no more to do with it.

Keep in mind, with a 300 grain bullet it has close to 5,000 lbs of muzzle energy, and close to 2,000lbs left at 1000 yards. It is designed for killing the most dangerous game of all... the two legged kind, at very very long distances.

I cannot think of anything on this continent you'd need this kind of suds for.

Personally, though, I like the big boomers and enjoy shooting it in spite of the punishment it dishes out.

 

[people]

Michaelnel what make and model of 338lm do you have?

Deer, elk, coyote, badger the 338 kills them all with ease.