Short Barrel .338 to .375

[B23]

You already have a 338 Edge so I can't see building another one of those and in a shorty 20-22in setup I'd definitely opt for the larger bore diameter of the 375. The RUM will use about 10gr more powder than say a 375 Ruger but also run around 100fps +/- faster. Is 10 more grains of powder or 100fps any big deal, not to me it isn't but having top notch and easily available brass is so for me it wouldn't even be a question and I'd hit the easy button of a standard cartridge with standard off the shelf components and build a 375 RUM.

 

[Ray123]

Just get a short barreled 338 Win Mag ...or neck up 300 win mag to 338 or 375...something on that order. The belt may not be your cup of tea... but it's available...and belted mags have been around over a hundred years working in Africa to help decimate the big game herds on the dark continent. I still use them without prejudice, cause they have a long proven track record to work, especially for hunting. And the powders that yield the highest velocity in a 24" barrel for the caliber will be fastest in a 20" ... I shoot them 18" to 30" heavy bullets lose less velocity than light bullets.
So the plain old 338 win mag RL 26 275 gr 2675 fps in 24" barrel...will be the load for 20" barrel with the best velocity/ energy...light, handy, accurate.. but it kicks without a muzzle brake....the 338 win mag, efficient, effective, tolerable recoil. And available brass & bullets, and factory cartridges where ever hunting is done. Will kill anything in N America with authority. With the price & and scarcity of components no reason to go bigger....gun powder is a recoil multiplier with more pain to the shoulder and ears when hunting.

 

[Louisiana Shooter]

375 WSM...........

 

[Treerat-sniper]

Not difficult to run from a magazine. My 1946 model 70 proves that.

New brass may be expensive, but as a hunting rifle, 50 pieces is a lifetime supply.

Same here, my model 70 .375 H&H has never had an issue.

 

[dakor]

If you do not want a 375 H&H a 338/06 would be a much better option in a 20 inch barrel than a 338 win mag and will use a lot less powder. The case feeds like butter and the 30/06 brass is easy to get. Just run the 30/06 case through the 338/06 FL die and the case is done.

I built on of these for myself and it hits very hard and is very accurate even out to 800 yards.

A 35 Whelen would be another option or a 375-06.