Advice. Can I do this?

[hndog]

Been looking for a 340 Weatherby. Very little is chambered for it other than Weatherby's own Mark V and those can be quite expensive. Then I came across the fascinating fact that with a few tools and just a bit of know-how one can take a Savage and switch barrels. Even wanting a 340 does not blind me to the fact that the actual practical uses of such a weapon are limited and exceed the vast majority of anything needed in this hemisphere. Ah, but if I could go purchase a Savage, say, a 300 WM, and if and when I so desired swap out to the 340 it would be a nice thing indeed. So the question now is...is this plan viable?

[PEI Rob]

Have you looked at the .338 RUM?  You could search around for a RUM length Savage and simply screw on a .338 RUM barrel.  A 340 Weatherby is basically identical [actually supposed to be 50fps slower] but the OAL is a tad bit longer.

The rum length might be hard to find though, doesn't hurt to place a want ad or look around.  The long action is too short and would need extensive modifications and a new mag box and follower to have a repeater.  Depending on how much a smith wants to convert a LA into a rum action, it might be worth it if you get a good deal on a LA and cannot find a rum action.

[nsaqam]

My Nosler #5 edition manual says the 340 Weatherby has a max OAL of 3.562" and the .338 RUM has a OAL of 3.600". Both would require the RUM magazine and modification to the LA. This manual also says the RUM is over 200 fps quicker with all bullet weights! The RUM would seem to make more sense unless you have an affinity for the Weatherby rounds.

[Skunk]

hndog,

You can definitely get a Savage replacement barrel chambered in 340 Weatherby. Shilen will make one up for you.

http://www.shilen.com/index.html

[hndog]

A bit ignorant but am I correct is assuming that there are RUM/Wby length Savage actions out there, just not in current production?

[HRstretch]

Savage is making a 375H&H that should work for the length of action you are looking for, but the Rum calibers are discontinued.

[Blue Avenger]

A bit ignorant but am I correct is assuming that there are RUM/Wby length Savage actions out there, just not in current production?

correct!

[PEI Rob]

I grabbed the Lee and it lists the 340 wby at 3.675".  I just looked at the Speer #12 and it too says 3.675" but the Lyman 48th, it says 3.562".  Simple answer is make sure it fits in the mag 

PS I didn't check velocities, not that important really.

[Horsemen]

The RUM action can be had, Call EFFIE at savage. Mine just arrived after several problems.(ordered it in September) The complete gun, 300 RUM, wood stock, actutrigger, 26" barrel, stainless action, was 750.00 +FFL. (The target that came with it was 1/2 at 100 yards.) And to my surprise the bolt has a jeweled pattern. Won't have it until Monday,  California weighting laws.

[nsaqam]

I grabbed the Lee and it lists the 340 wby at 3.675".  I just looked at the Speer #12 and it too says 3.675" but the Lyman 48th, it says 3.562".  Simple answer is make sure it fits in the mag 

PS I didn't check velocities, not that important really.

You're right PEI Rob, Speer lists COL @3.675. Hornady 5th @3.680, Nosler 5th @3.562, Sierra 4th @3.562 Lyman 48th @3.562, and Ken Waters Pet Loads 8th @3.563. Why the differences? I assumed that the COL listed would be SAAMI specs.
You're right about the velocity difference not being that important as far as your quarry is concerned but I always feel if someone is interested in a Weatherby cartridge then velocity IS important to that shooter. If indeed velocity is important to hndog then the 200+ fps advantage the RUM offers may be significant.

[hndog]

I got to admit all this RUM talk has me intrigued but what do you guys think of the cartridge? Not ballistically but practically. The Weatherby case has been around forever and even then I believe you can form 340 brass out of 375. (or maybe neck up 300 Wby?) In any event while it's not exactly common the Weatherby case is certainly established. Are there any concerns about the long-term viability of the RUM?

[nsaqam]

The RUM cases will never come cheaply but they should be available long into the future. I'd say if you had 100 .338 RUM cases you'd have enough to last a lifetime. It's not like your going to be touching off 20 rounds a day from the bench with the way one of these kicks! This of course assumes you reload. If you don't reload you should still be alright but you better have deep pockets because Remington charges between $63 and $76 a box for .338 RUM. Nosler loads it for $74 a box. Cor-Bon loads it with the Barnes TSX for $83. Federal for $65 and $70. There are alot of companies loading the .338 RUM so I think you'll be alright for the future. Weatherby ammunition is significantly MORE expensive than the RUM's too.
The RUM's are based off of the .404 Jeffery case that has been around for 100 years and is still loaded commercially.