I am excited to announce the second cartridge in the Weatherby RPM family. It was a long time coming due to demand and supply chain delays, but I believe it will be worth the wait!

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.

When paired with the Peak 44 stock and the 3DHex recoil pad the recoil is surprisingly manageable with the 338 WBY RPM, even for a rifle of that weight. As I carried it around Africa this year, it was comforting to know that this well handling 5 lb rifle could confidently deliver the energy it needed to, even up against a tough Kudu at 490 yards. I’ve used bullets ranging in weight from 185 to 225 grains and have not been disappointed with the terminal performance I have seen out of multiple bullet designs. I must admit, this rifle and cartridge combination is going to be a go-to for me as I head to the backcountry in my home state of Wyoming.

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.