Author Topic: Rem 700 Sendero in 338 RUM...the good? the bad? & the expensive ?!?! (Read 5143 times)

nasem · « **on:** January 01, 2007, 04:17:55 AM »

Anyone here have any first hand experience with those sendero 338s ? I know a guy who is selling his... he says its in "almost new condition, not even 20 rounds in the barrel".

I went to remington's website and found no info on this gun. The senderos they are making now only go up to 300 RUM. I am imagining that this gun will be a bit heavy, maybe 9 lbs without a scope which means it probebly woun't be a field gun too many times.

As far as need goes, I don't see my self doing any hunt in the near future that will require me to bring a 338 diameter but I have always wanted a 338 RUM so this might be it.

What kind of price am I looking for ? how is the accuracy (probebly a silly question) ? why did remington discontinue this model in the 338 RUM ? How does the senderos compare to... say... the new XCRs ?

thanks

Luckyducker · « **Reply #1 on:** January 01, 2007, 04:39:25 AM »

I bought the Remington Sendero SF (stainless fluted heavy bbl) shortly after this cartridge first came on the market. I paid $860 for it but could have bought it for less elsewhere probably but this was where I was doing a trade deal. It has been said by more than one gun rag guru that this caliber is the most accurate of the RUMs, one of which was Bryce Towsley when he did some load developement for a Rem in this cartridge. The SF version weighs in at 8.5# without mounts, scope, or ammo, and the starndard blue version scales at 9#. When sighting mine in I started at 25Yds to get it on target and it put three shots of factory Rem ammo through the same hole which absolutely looked like one shot. I have contemplated trading this rifle on something else that is more practical to carry as I am not getting any younger but I just can't bear the thought of it. I belive it is worth $700 on the open market and believe the standard version will bring about $550. BTW, I love this beltless magnum cartridge but it kind of has a small niche to fill. I have shot a couple of buck deer with mine, one standing at 25-30 yds and the other on the run at 450 yds. They were both one shot kills and nearly zero meat damage, even though one was shot with the Swift A-frame and the longer shot was with the Core-lokt.

nomosendero · « **Reply #2 on:** January 01, 2007, 04:56:40 AM »

The ones I have seen in the past were the old version in stainless with a fluted barrel. If you are familar with the older style Sendero,
then you know what this gun weighs & how it handles. This is a basic question for this gun, do you like the weight? People love Sendero's or hate them due to the weight. Most people like a lighter gun & I do for some uses, but overall I could care less about the weight. Most of the time on my Western hunts I carry one & it is not an issue. But too heavy for one guy isn't right for another.
What about you, that's all that matters here. As far as the cartridge is concerned, it is great, not needed by most people, but for Elk & other big animals at long range it would be tough to beat. The weight of the Sendero will calm the recoil some & you could replace the good recoil pad with the great Limbsaver & it would be even better.

As far as accuracy is concerned, it is a rare Sendero that doesn't shoot well. The barrels are mass produced but better than the std. Rem tube & the HS Pre. stock(old version) offers a stiff platform. I don't think the XCR can run with the Sendero at all. At one time
I felt that the 300RUM would be the only RUM left standing. But the 338RUM has a following that is growing due to a growing
demand for long range rifles & many are converting theirs to the 338EDGE, which is the slightly longer 300RUM case blown out & it
is getting popular as well.

My timing is not good right now for such an investment, but if you buy it & want to sell it later let me know!

nasem · « **Reply #3 on:** January 01, 2007, 06:01:23 AM »

this is the stainless Fluted BB model.... I just talked to him... he wants $1050 (talked him down from $1100).... is this resonable ? sounds a bit too high, all other senderos Im looking at (300 RUM and 7mm RUM) are in the $850, his responce was that this is a rare model and remington no longer makes it in the 338 RUM

Don Fischer · « **Reply #4 on:** January 01, 2007, 06:20:17 AM »

nasem,

I'm not a guy that is willing to pay that kind of money for a gun because it's not made anymore. I have a model 700 somewhat like the Sendero. I did mine on a long 700 BDL in 6.5x06 with a 25" Shilen barrel that measures .643" at the muzzle. Re-finished and re-bedded the stock myself and have, if I remember, less than $400 in it. Of course I already had the 700. The finished rifle weights 9 1/2# with the scope installed.I think he want's to much as he thinks it's a collector. Of course it doesn't matter what it costs if your willing to pay for it. Sounds like the thing that first got you was the 338 RUM? What would you pay for it if it was some other cartridge? He might sit on it awhile at that price unless he can find someone collecting to sell it to.

Zachary · « **Reply #5 on:** January 01, 2007, 06:34:19 AM »

I have 2 of those guns, one in .300 Win Mag, and the other in .308 (the .300 is called Sendero SF, and the .308 - same thing just shorter action - is called Varmint SF).

These guns are very big, bulky, and heavy. However, they shoot great. My .300WM has a Nightforce scope mounted on it, with Warne HD SS rings, and customized by AnswerProducts with a special muzzle brake and recoil pad. The gun weighs about as much as an anchor, but I don't care because I use it still hunting.

Given that Remington doesn't offer this gun in .338 RUM anymore is something that you should note. The RUMs are all but dead (I own one in .300 and the other in 7mm) and I am regreting it now.

The .338 RUM would make for a true long range big game rifle - like elk. However, there is no way in the world that I can see anyone carrying an "anchor" on an elk hunt, where you have to walk alot, and at higher altitudes. Your best bet there is probably a lightweight Kimber Montana in .300WSM (of which I also own, and for said purpose).

Zachary

nasem · « **Reply #6 on:** January 01, 2007, 06:52:15 AM »

ah... you guys are right. Im paying too much and gaining too little. I did hope for one day in the future to go on an elk hunt and bison hunt. IN which you really DON'T NEED a 338 (a 30 caliber would do just fine I think), but I enjoy having big boomers and since I sold my 338 win mag a few weeks back(bar), Now Im looking for a 338 in a bolt action and this seemed like my ticket.

As far as now goes, I have my eyes REALLY set on those remington XCRs in either 338 win mag or Ultra mag. How is the accuracy of them XCRs ? I know they probebly would get REALLY hot off the bench from probebly the 2nd shot (80+ grains of powder going off is an oven), but with good 2-3 minutes between shots, I don't see it being an issue.

nasem · « **Reply #7 on:** January 01, 2007, 06:53:33 AM »

hey Zackary ~

Hows the recoil on that wsm ? man those kimber light weights are like 5.5 lbs without the scope.

nomosendero · « **Reply #8 on:** January 01, 2007, 07:16:45 AM »

Zachary, the last time I went Elk hunting at 9,500' I carried my 300WM Sendero & if I go back, I will likely carry it again. Wt. is relative.

Now I see you mentioned the price. He is way out there!!!

Don Fischer · « **Reply #9 on:** January 01, 2007, 07:53:37 AM »

Where did you hunt elk at at 9,500'? In most places I know of, 9,500' is above timberline. Took an outhouse into Yosemite some years ago and had timber at 10,000' but don't find that to often. How do you get your lungs in shape for that living at the elevation you do?

nomosendero · « **Reply #10 on:** January 01, 2007, 03:17:39 PM »

Quote from: Don Fischer on January 01, 2007, 07:53:37 AM

Where did you hunt elk at at 9,500'? In most places I know of, 9,500' is above timberline. Took an outhouse into Yosemite some years ago and had timber at 10,000' but don't find that to often. How do you get your lungs in shape for that living at the elevation you do?

NW CO.

We camped on top, I think camp was about 9,200#. I did a lot of jogging/walking &weight training & 1 nite per wk. of squat till you puke stuff. It still took taking it slow & easy for 2 full days before we were ready to hunt.

Don Fischer · « **Reply #11 on:** January 01, 2007, 04:02:00 PM »

It must be a shock for a couple days when you get that high and live as low as you do. When I took the outhouse into Yosemite, I didn't realize how high I went up and when I got a bit to active, the thin air murdered me and It was either sit down or fall down. Lived in Colo, around Greeley for a number of years and spent a lot of time up high. Never gave it a though then.

nomosendero · « **Reply #12 on:** January 01, 2007, 05:42:37 PM »

Quote from: Don Fischer on January 01, 2007, 04:02:00 PM

It must be a shock for a couple days when you get that high and live as low as you do. When I took the outhouse into Yosemite, I didn't realize how high I went up and when I got a bit to active, the thin air murdered me and It was either sit down or fall down. Lived in Colo, around Greeley for a number of years and spent a lot of time up high. Never gave it a though then.

Yes Don, a shock in MANY ways. You are looking at a big time difference in altitude, temp. & humidity. Our summer hung on that year right up to time to go to CO, usually in the first week of Oct. it will cool a little, but not that year. So, we left AR for CO. in early Oct & the afternoon temps here were in the low 90's with 60-70% humidity, a little higher hum. in the early morning. We drove straight thru, just stopping for gas or to get rid
of gas. 23 hours later we get out of the Tahoe & the temp. was 23 degrees with snow & then when we meet the guide we go up the mountain to camp. Shock to say the least. We heard while we were there that a retired school Superintendent from our area & a friend of the family had a heart attack & died, he was camped probably 20 miles from us. When you put your body through changes like this, it pays to be in shape!!

Kinda got off the RUM subject, didn't we? Opps!!!

kudzu · « **Reply #13 on:** January 02, 2007, 01:39:42 PM »

I'm with Nomo. Carried my 300rum sendero to NW Co. for an elk hunt and will take it back if I go again. I also learned that I couldn't breath if I was carring the sendero or running around naked, didn't make no differance.(Just to clear the air "running around naked " was a figure of speech, didn't want people to think I was running naked thru a huntin camp.)
And don't be confused by another post about (TC FORUM) a 300rum for the pro hunter, it has nothing to do with weight.

kudzu · « **Reply #14 on:** January 02, 2007, 01:54:41 PM »

Sorry Nasem, did'nt mean to leave ya out of your own post. LOL
I gave 720.00 out the door for my 7mmRUM new and gave 650.00 for a used (shot twice) 300rum. Both are the SS fluted, which is what I would figure is the same as the one you are looking at. When Rem came back with the SF II the 338rum was not offered. I would keep looking. BTW if the rums are "all but dead" as Zachary says, you should be able to find someone tring to give one away. JK Z, however I do disagree, I think the 7mmrum is on the bubble. I do feel that the 300rum will make it and the 338rum has a real good chance. JMHO, if I knew for sure , I would be heading for Vegas

jro45 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 03, 2007, 06:03:37 AM »

My 338 RUM is BDL. and the action is 700 remington. I can't see where the Sendero in 338 RUM would be that much more then the BDL. I always thought that the BDL was the best you could get. My rifle weights with 4X12 scope and a leather sling 10 lbs. that helps with the recoil.

shilo · « **Reply #16 on:** January 04, 2007, 03:18:32 PM »

For that sort of money, I'd put together my own 338RUM. Buy a used 700, a HS precision stock, and have it barreled in your choice of contour and length. And you'll have a better barrel than the stock remington barrel. Rem barrels aren't bad; the biggest problem I've seen with them is the bore is off center from the OD. Then as the barrel heats up it starts stringing bullets because the barrel is expanding unevenly. I had a varmit synthetic rebarreled a few years ago. Went with a air gauged Douglas #5 contour 22" long. We cut 2" off the breech end because the #5 has a 3" straight portion and I wouldn't have been able to open the stock up enough. So there's 1" straight and then a straight taper to the muzzle. Also had lugs lapped and action faced off. Put it back in the factory HS stock after opening the barrel channel up. Gun feels great and piles 5 shots into ragged holes. It was alot of fun putting together a gun to my specs.

Zachary · « **Reply #17 on:** January 05, 2007, 10:57:38 AM »

Quote from: nasem on January 01, 2007, 06:53:33 AM

hey Zackary ~

Hows the recoil on that wsm ? man those kimber light weights are like 5.5 lbs without the scope.

It's a wicked little kicker alright.

It is definately more noticeable than in a heavier rifle. The Kimber in .300WSM with 180 loads - to me at least - seems to have about the same kick as my Remington BDL SS in 7mm Ultra Mag with 140 bullets - which is also alot!

Zachary

Zachary · « **Reply #18 on:** January 05, 2007, 11:00:54 AM »

Quote from: nomosendero on January 01, 2007, 07:16:45 AM

Zachary, the last time I went Elk hunting at 9,500' I carried my 300WM Sendero & if I go back, I will likely carry it again. Wt. is relative.

Now I see you mentioned the price. He is way out there!!!

I guess it is relative, but you must be built like a tank! I'm about 6'0" and 180 pounds. I've got a pretty good build I'd say. Yea, I could carry that anchor around....but why when there is a better alternative? Even then, I may be puffing a bit because I don't know if I can even walk 100 yards at 9,500'

Zachary

nomosendero · « **Reply #19 on:** January 05, 2007, 06:57:00 PM »

Quote from: Zachary on January 05, 2007, 11:00:54 AM

Quote from: nomosendero on January 01, 2007, 07:16:45 AM
Zachary, the last time I went Elk hunting at 9,500' I carried my 300WM Sendero & if I go back, I will likely carry it again. Wt. is relative.

Now I see you mentioned the price. He is way out there!!!

I guess it is relative, but you must be built like a tank! I'm about 6'0" and 180 pounds. I've got a pretty good build I'd say. Yea, I could carry that anchor around....but why when there is a better alternative? Even then, I may be puffing a bit because I don't know if I can even walk 100 yards at 9,500'

Zachary

Zachary, it takes about 2 days to get used to altitude like that. Like Dancoman said, until you get used to it any rifle is heavy.

I am a little over 6'1" & with too much Holiday meals right now. Right now I weigh about 290# but 260# is a good weight for me. I grew up doing farm work & playing sports & alot of powerlifting in college days & a little while afterwards.

Don Fischer · « **Reply #20 on:** January 05, 2007, 07:31:52 PM »

For the first couple of days, a full head of hair is to much to carry and going to the john is over excertion!

nasem · « **Reply #21 on:** January 06, 2007, 03:31:38 AM »

just an update.... I decided not to get the gun.... 1000+ is more than I want to pay for a gun without a decent scope.

So, Im back to first square.... "which 338 to get"..... Like I said before, I have my eyes set on the remington 700 XCR, but I can't seem to find alot of info on it. Some folks say its got good accuracy and some say accuracy is not so good.

JDenis · « **Reply #22 on:** January 06, 2007, 02:37:59 PM »

I have the XCR in the 375 RUM and love it. I have always wanted the 700 LSS in the 338 RUM but now I think I will get the 388 RUM in the xcr. The xcr looks nice and handles nice. For a 375 it feels light to me but the recoil isn't that bad. I have a VX-II 2-7 on the 375 and I have shot a couple 1-1/4" groups @ about 90-95 yards. Where I shoot I would have to start shooting up a hill at 100 yards and where I hunt I have never shot over 60 yards thats why I have no problem shooting at 90 yards. The XCR is a great rifle in my opinion, and I am really excited because I hear remington is introducing a model 7 in the camo xcr this year. There is even a special edition of the 338 RUM in the xcr with a 24" barrel that was introduced last year.