Best place to start

[Jingles]

Well my son asked me a question and I am not ashamed to say I do not know the answer but know where to ask and find out.. I know there are numerous builders on here and figure to get started here.
He wants to build a 338 from the ground up and asked what to start with.  It is my understanding that Remington actions are a better than average foundation for doing a total build, have also heard that a Mauser action is a good start.
Any of you custom builders care to jump in and offer advise where to start and what to look for?

[Alan K]

Have an idea of his budget for the whole rifle? Including scope? What's his end goal for the rifle?  Remington actions are fine, but they've also been improved upon with 700 clones (fit same footprint for other components).

[hunter399]

I'm no expert about the subject.
But............
I was always told put the money into the barrel.
That is not the spot to cheap out.
After that someone with more experienced will chime in.

[Jingles]

As far as budget he was not specific but hinted whatever it takes as currently in just the planning and gathering stage at this time

[Mtnwalker]

We talking 338 win or something like an Edge or Norma? If he already owns a 700 that he wants to use as a donor then its not a terrible idea but if buying everything from the ground up there's much better options out there these days. Sky is the limit it just comes down to budget. Specifics will be key to getting good advice

[Angry Perch]

I think the Mauser thing may have run it's course? It was an inexpensive way to get into a semi-custom rifle back in the day, but I think today's off the shelf rifles are so accurate that there is not much point, unless it's for aesthetic or sentimental reasons, which means a great deal to some. Me included.

[blackpowderhunter]

budget is probably going to be the biggest determining factor in where he starts with regards to an action and a barrel.

[b23]

The 338 Edge AKA 300RUM necked up to 338 is probably one of the best you can build and if I was building a new 338 EDGE I'd look no further than Defensive Edge Rifles because Shawn has probably built more and spent more time developing loads with the 338EDGE than anyone I know.  Shawn isn't much of a talker, especially at first, but he's a very practical guy and will get a feel for what you want to build and will guide you in the right direction based off of your conversation/s.  Shawn has spent so much time with the 338 EDGE he will have load/s for you when you pick it up and with ADG making 338 Edge brass it makes it even more appealing than ever for anyone looking to build one.  The only downside to the 338 Edge would be you will have to reload for it as there is no factory ammo.

If shooting factory ammo is a must I would suggest building a 30 caliber rifle instead.  Something like the 300PRC would be a great choice and I don't think you can discount the 300 Win mag because it has proven itself time and time again.

[BULLBLASTER]

Starting from the ground up i would not choose a 700 action or a mauser. Too many other excellent options out there.

[Rainier10]

So he wants to do this build himself or is he going to have a gunsmith do it for him?

[Jingles]

So he wants to do this build himself or is he going to have a gunsmith do it for him?

Latest conversation is he wants to basically do it himself with minimal help as needed, I do know he works with  licensed gunsmith at his day job in the UT DOC.

[BULLBLASTER]

Look at actions that can take pre fit barrels if he wants to do himself. 

[b23]

Look at actions that can take pre fit barrels if he wants to do himself. 

That, or, and this pains me to say it because I really don't care for how they look, do a barrel nut setup.  It's a personal esthetics thing with me but they work well and make headspacing a new barrel very easy.

[Magnum_Willys]

That, or, and this pains me to say it because I really don't care for how they look, do a barrel nut setup.  It's a personal esthetics thing with me but they work well and make headspacing a new barrel very easy.

I wish I could clear that hurdle....... fugnuts work but....