.270 vs 338

[WDFW-SUX]

338 the bullet diameter is a killer...

[Skinnyman]

If I had both guns, I would choose a 270 for deer and smaller, and a 338 for everything bigger. But I only have a 338, and I dont think a 338 is too big for deer (is there such a thing as too much gun, or too dead of an animal)

Yes, There is such a thing as over kill. I've seen some deer shot ,once in the shoulder, with 30-06's that where only good for burger, and noting else. The only time I've had that happen with my .270, I shot the poor thing 5 times thinking I was missing. and not wanting it to go dawn that steep hill.

My question would be, what type of bullet was used. Probably a ballistic tip or something along those lines, that has violent expansion really quickly. Bullet construction has WAY more to do with the hamburger effect than cartridge size/power/bullet diameter.

[demontang]

I own a .338 wm and its a great gun. Shoots pretty flat and I wouldnt be afraid to pull the trigger on anything in this country. Ive shot 3 deer with it and have seen no more damage to meat then the .270,308 or 06 that my friends shoot. It realy comes down to what your thinking. If you just want one gun to kill everything I would take the .338 with the 225gr pill. If you looking at something cheaper/easier to shot go .270. You will feel the .338 just like the Rum and the 270 is pretty light in recoil comparing to them. The .270 and .338 are pretty close in drop depending on bullet and if you reload the cost get closer to shot them.

[Bofire]

338 Win Mag or 338 Federal?

[yorketransport]

The 338 calibers cover a pretty broad power spectrum. I'm a big fan of all of the 338s. I actually just like the medium bores in general.

I think that a 338 Federal would compliment your Ultra Mag nicely.

Andrew

[wapiti hunter2]

Almost double the recoil energy at 25% higher velocity equals a lot of shoulder soreness and flinch potential.  To me they are like comparing apples to oranges

Cartridge (Wb@MV)          Rifle Weight    Recoil energy    Recoil velocity
.270 Win. (150 at 2900)              8.0                  17.0                  11.7
.338 Win. Mag. (200 at 2950)      8.5                  32.8                  15.8

Quote from Chuck Hawks. "It is worth remembering that the majority of authorities agree that recoil of over twenty foot pounds will cause most shooters to develop a serous flinch, which is ruinous to bullet placement (the prime component of killing power). Fifteen foot pounds is probably about the maximum recoil energy most shooters feel reasonably comfortable with, particularly at the shooting range, where most serious marksmanship practice occurs.

While recoil energy determines how hard the blow to the shoulder feels, recoil velocity determines how abrupt the blow to the shoulder feels. My subjective impression is that, with a well designed stock, recoil velocity above about 10 fps begins to feel like a sharp rap on the shoulder rather than an abrupt push."

[carpsniperg2]

270 if you are already shooting a 300rum. the 338 is a great round but your 300 rum is flatter shooting and pretty close. i would go with the 270. great tradjectory, will kill anything around, lighter recoil, cheaper ammo.

[300UltraMagShooter]

I'm not necessarily a subscriber of the recoil theory myself...  Does 300 rum kick? You bet, but it is enjoyable.  I can see developing a flinch if it hurts (my 3 1/2 rem turkey loads hurt like a mother and I've caught myself flinching)...  I don't get the big deal with 300 rum kicking... it really is nothing but enjoyable raw power. 

I certainly see the bullet theory being viable...  doesn't matter how much energy the bullet carries if it isn't used in the animal...

After doing a little more research, it seems one of the biggests advantage of a mag is pushing a heavy bullet really fast which bucks the wind and makes longer distance shooting more doable.  Any truth to this?

[bobcat]

Yes, that's true. That's the only advantage to a "magnum." More velocity and a flatter trajectory with less wind drift. There's only a noticeable difference when you get out to 350 yards and farther. If you're only shooting as far as 300 to 350 yards, you don't need anything more than a 270 or 30-06.

[high country]

I own both, I haul my 270 99% of the time......oh, that include the time I carry it over my RUM's.  dang thing just works good.

[1bugman]

Yes, There is such a thing as over kill. I've seen some deer shot ,once in the shoulder, with 30-06's that where only good for burger, and noting else. The only time I've had that happen with my .270, I shot the poor thing 5 times thinking I was missing. and not wanting it to go dawn that steep hill.

A 30-06 will do no more damage to meat than a 270. They are virtually the same as far as that aspect goes. It's the type of bullet used that really makes a difference.

Both guns where shooting Cor-Loks, The 30-06 was maybe 20 yrds close. We had to take the whole left shoulder off, it was totally blood shot and bruised. The 270 broke the shoulder, but very little meat was lost. The 30-06 is a great gun and yes it is similar to the 270. but most guys shoot 150 grain bullits, very few try to find or want to pay for smaller rounds. I'm not picking on 30-06, my point is if a 30-06 would do that, then 338 would too. If you don't care all that much for the meat, then fine. I like the meat, so for deer sized animals I would opt for my 270 over my 300. For bigger animals I would opt for the 300. Just my opinion.

[300UltraMagShooter]

Couldn't you just shoot a harder bullet and get the same results on meat?  Seems that bullet construction would be the biggest factor in meat loss?

[1bugman]

Maybe, and this was the only time I've been able to compare that close. I think a bigger heavier bullet will just do more damage. I think different types of bullits will preform differently. I not say to not shot deer with  a 30-06 or larger caliber. I am saying I love my 270 for deer and I going to use my 300 for elk. if i had a 30-06 I might use it for both. they all kill animals very well. and that is the most important thing

[bobcat]

Yes, There is such a thing as over kill. I've seen some deer shot ,once in the shoulder, with 30-06's that where only good for burger, and noting else. The only time I've had that happen with my .270, I shot the poor thing 5 times thinking I was missing. and not wanting it to go dawn that steep hill.

A 30-06 will do no more damage to meat than a 270. They are virtually the same as far as that aspect goes. It's the type of bullet used that really makes a difference.

Both guns where shooting Cor-Loks, The 30-06 was maybe 20 yrds close. We had to take the whole left shoulder off, it was totally blood shot and bruised. The 270 broke the shoulder, but very little meat was lost. The 30-06 is a great gun and yes it is similar to the 270. but most guys shoot 150 grain bullits, very few try to find or want to pay for smaller rounds. I'm not picking on 30-06, my point is if a 30-06 would do that, then 338 would too. If you don't care all that much for the meat, then fine. I like the meat, so for deer sized animals I would opt for my 270 over my 300. For bigger animals I would opt for the 300. Just my opinion.

Again, it's not the caliber that causes excessive meat damage, it's the speed of the bullet and the type of bullet. A heavier bullet will be easier on the meat, in general. Main reason for that being that a heavier bullet will be moving at a lower speed than a lighter bullet.

[1bugman]

Yes, There is such a thing as over kill. I've seen some deer shot ,once in the shoulder, with 30-06's that where only good for burger, and noting else. The only time I've had that happen with my .270, I shot the poor thing 5 times thinking I was missing. and not wanting it to go dawn that steep hill.

A 30-06 will do no more damage to meat than a 270. They are virtually the same as far as that aspect goes. It's the type of bullet used that really makes a difference.

Both guns where shooting Cor-Loks, The 30-06 was maybe 20 yrds close. We had to take the whole left shoulder off, it was totally blood shot and bruised. The 270 broke the shoulder, but very little meat was lost. The 30-06 is a great gun and yes it is similar to the 270. but most guys shoot 150 grain bullits, very few try to find or want to pay for smaller rounds. I'm not picking on 30-06, my point is if a 30-06 would do that, then 338 would too. If you don't care all that much for the meat, then fine. I like the meat, so for deer sized animals I would opt for my 270 over my 300. For bigger animals I would opt for the 300. Just my opinion.

Again, it's not the caliber that causes excessive meat damage, it's the speed of the bullet and the type of bullet. A heavier bullet will be easier on the meat, in general. Main reason for that being that a heavier bullet will be moving at a lower speed than a lighter bullet.

Yes Bullet design has a lot to do with it. But you been smoking some thing, Heavier, larger bullets do more damage than lighter smaller. Speed has some effect, and what that is again depends on bullet design.