Sheridan, WY – August 2022– Using the 6.5 WBY RPM (Rebated Precision Magnum) launched in 2019 as a parent case, Weatherby is now officially launching the new 338 WBY RPM, their 16th cartridge in 77 years of business.
Weatherby is known for ballistic superiority, touting many of the fastest cartridges available by caliber, as well as the strongest rifle action available with the Mark V Magnum 9 lug action. Like the 6.5 WBY RPM, the new 338 Weatherby RPM has been purpose-built for the smaller Mark V 6 lug action. The Rebated Precision Magnum family is unique compared to Weatherby’s 14 preceding cartridges because it is a non-belted, non-venturi shoulder case with a rebated rim.
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Out of the gate, Weatherby will be shipping 4 offerings in 338 WBY RPM that are in stock now.
Weatherby Select Plus -185 gr Barnes TTSX – muzzle velocity of 3100 fps with a 24” brl
Weatherby Select – 225 gr Hornady Interlock – muzzle velocity of 2800 fps with a 24” brl
Weatherby Select Plus – 225 gr Nosler Accubond – muzzle velocity of 2825 fps with a 24” brl
Weatherby Select Plus -225 gr Barnes TTSX – muzzle velocity of 2800 fps with a 24” brl
Adm Weatherby on the importance of the round:
“Upon the launch of the 6.5 WBY RPM in 2019, we began to dream of what could be next in the RPM family. Having successfully launched a 5 lb rifle in a 6.5 caliber magnum cartridge, I began to imagine what it would be like if we had a big bore option that could fit in the same Weatherby Mark V 6 lug action. Field testing for the 338 WBY RPM began back in 2020 when my son was able to take the first animal with Weatherby’s 16th cartridge introduction on a spring bear hunt. That following fall, Brenda and I both shot elk and moose ranging from 90 yards out to 550 yards and the cartridge performed tremendously. I am truly honored to be able to carry on my grandfather’s legacy of cartridge development and rifle building. The pairing of this new cartridge with our latest rifles reminds me of one of his old slogans that said “Tomorrow’s Rifles Today.” I only wish he could be here to see the innovation and development that our amazing Sheridan-based team is able to accomplish. ”
For more information – https://weatherby.com/338-rpm/
To complete this system, Weatherby will be chambering the following models in the new 338 WBY RPM.
Backcountry 2.0 – 18” #3 Contour Steel Barrel – 5.5 lbs
Backcountry 2.0 Ti – 18” #3 Contour Steel Barrel – 5.0 lbs
Backcountry 2.0 Carbon – 20” #4 Contour BSF Carbon Barrel – 5.7 lbs
Backcountry 2.0 Ti Carbon – 20” #4 Contour BSF Carbon Barrel – 5.2 lbs
Accumark – 24” #3 Contour Steel Barrel – 7.3 lbs
Carbonmark- 24” #4 Contour BSF Carbon Barrel – 7 lbs
In addition to the new 338 WBY RPM cartridge Weatherby is also announcing that left handed 6 lug actions are now available. Since the launch of the 6.5 WBY RPM in 2019 with the ultra lightweight Backcountry family, left handed shooters have been looking for a rifle built for them. The entire Backcountry 2.0 family is now available in left handed versions chambered in the following cartridges:
240 WBY MAG
243 WIN
6.5 CM
6.5 WBY RPM
280 AI
30-06 SPR
308 WIN
338 WBY RPM
For those who wish to have a more personalized version of their rifle, they’ll be able to custom build one through the Weatherby Custom Shop found at weatherby.com/custom-shop/.
For more information about our new offerings visit weatherby.com.
About Weatherby
Founded in 1945, Weatherby, Inc. is a family-owned company that continues to fuel the passion of hunters and shooters around the globe by building some of the world’s finest firearms. With a legacy of setting new standards in ballistics and performance, the company is committed to redefining excellence on the range and in the field. The Weatherby line features the legendary Mark V rifles (production and custom), accessible and popular Vanguard® rifles as well as shotguns like the Orion®, Element® and 18i®. Weatherby’s premium ammunition and shooting accessories are also the choice for discerning shooters worldwide. The company is based in Sheridan, WY and invites all hunters and shooters to follow them in social media at @weatherbyinc on Facebook and Instagram. For more information about Weatherby, please visit weatherby.com.
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