Post by: Hunting7mm on November 23, 2013, 01:31:02 PM
Post by: Biggerhammer on November 23, 2013, 02:18:57 PM
Post by: snowpack on November 23, 2013, 02:20:28 PM
Post by: Jonathan_S on November 23, 2013, 02:24:21 PM
okay, just kidding. I don't have much experience with the .338 but the .300 win mag is a really awesome gun and a flat shooting, tack-driver. So is the gun you already have though :dunno:
If you're just dying for a new gun and don't have a bad case of magnumitis, I'd look into the .300 WSM, definitely cheaper to reload :tup:
Post by: Rick on November 23, 2013, 04:15:51 PM
I shot a Ruger "boat paddle" M77 MKII .338 for a few years. Decent rifle,just weighed a ton.
I've actually been thinking of picking up another .338 WM.
Post by: bobcat on November 23, 2013, 05:04:06 PM
Post by: Westside88 on November 23, 2013, 05:11:25 PM
Post by: LEN on November 23, 2013, 05:25:48 PM
LEN
Post by: Biggerhammer on November 23, 2013, 05:40:00 PM
Little bit different opinion here. The 7mm 300 and the 338 are in about the same class. If were me I and wanted a bigger gun I would go the the 338 edge, bigger is better? Or go to a really bigger gun and go to the 375H&H and be done with it.
LEN
The .338 Edge is a wicked cartridge. :tup:
Post by: C-Money on November 23, 2013, 05:46:03 PM
Post by: RadSav on November 23, 2013, 05:57:09 PM
I agree with what has been said about the 7mm. Especially if you are shooting the 160 there really isn't much difference over the 300. Of course you can't shoot 200 grainers in it like you could the 300, but if I were going that heavy I'd rather combine it with the big bore of the 325 or 338.
IMO the 300WM or 300WSM have one advantage in that they can be found in reasonably priced, super accurate, lightweight rifles like the Tikka and Sako A7. Most likely going to spend almost a grand extra to find a 325 or 338 with those features. Unless you get lucky like I did and get a good one from a H-W member :)
Post by: BULLBLASTER on November 23, 2013, 06:15:16 PM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on November 23, 2013, 06:15:41 PM
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Post by: Ingwe on November 23, 2013, 06:53:10 PM
Post by: ICEMAN on November 23, 2013, 07:06:08 PM
I have a 300RUM and love it.
If I ever go bigger, it will be a 338.
Post by: lostbackpacker on November 23, 2013, 07:35:15 PM
Post by: RadSav on November 23, 2013, 08:32:20 PM
I love these "just because" threads! Like a bunch of kids wishing for xmas gifts!!!
But somehow they always gravitate toward a wiener measuring contest.
I'm surprised the 375 Ruger guys haven't yet shared their "Mine is bigger than yours" tale.
Post by: j_h_nimrod on November 23, 2013, 08:37:21 PM
Well of you want the entry level 338 get one. If you want a flat shooting hammer of doom that will give you the max out of a 225 or 250 get bullet get a 338 rum or 340 wby mag. The 338 win mag is just flat out disappointing compared to those rifles.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
I take exception to "The 338 win mag is just flat out disappointing compared to those rifles," you will never know the difference between these rounds unless you are shooting beyond 400yds. Inside that range the difference is negligible and recoil is more manageable with the WM. I love my 338 WM with any 250gr bullet. Was never impressed with the lighter bullets and the heavier bullets are more suited for the bigger mags.
I have much bigger guns but the 338 is a good all around rig, a bit on the big side but not by much.
Post by: SkookumHntr on November 23, 2013, 08:40:55 PM
Post by: JLS on November 23, 2013, 08:42:45 PM
Of course, it would have to be a Winchester Model 70, Super Grade. Oh my, I'm getting flushed just thinking abou it.8)
Post by: bowhunterwa87 on November 23, 2013, 08:43:35 PM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on November 23, 2013, 08:48:06 PM
Well of you want the entry level 338 get one. If you want a flat shooting hammer of doom that will give you the max out of a 225 or 250 get bullet get a 338 rum or 340 wby mag. The 338 win mag is just flat out disappointing compared to those rifles.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
I take exception to "The 338 win mag is just flat out disappointing compared to those rifles," you will never know the difference between these rounds unless you are shooting beyond 400yds. Inside that range the difference is negligible and recoil is more manageable with the WM. I love my 338 WM with any 250gr bullet. Was never impressed with the lighter bullets and the heavier bullets are more suited for the bigger mags.
I have much bigger guns but the 338 is a good all around rig, a bit on the big side but not by much.
There is a huge difference inside that range. A 338 win mag is a fine gun, but I don't consider it a true magnum, it's the 30 06 of the 338 class. It is under powered and does not give you the full potential of the 338 caliber bullets out there.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Post by: j_h_nimrod on November 23, 2013, 08:51:42 PM
I have a 450 Ackley that will push 350 gr bullets at ~3000fps. I would like to try that on a deer one of these days.
Post by: j_h_nimrod on November 23, 2013, 09:18:33 PM
The 338 WM, in reality, is overpowered for all but the biggest North American game but makes a good all around choice.
Post by: Bob33 on November 23, 2013, 09:48:19 PM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on November 23, 2013, 10:06:23 PM
I think a .375 H&H would be extremely cool to have, if for no other reason than it's such a classic cartridge.
Of course, it would have to be a Winchester Model 70, Super Grade. Oh my, I'm getting flushed just thinking abou it.8)
I was able to borrow a 375 H&H for my elk hunt this year (it was a friends birthday and he told me to take his gun and shoot him a birthday elk) I did just that! I have to be careful how much I think or talk about it because that gun was awesome!!! if I think too hard I will want one. his is a model 70.
Post by: JLS on November 23, 2013, 10:08:47 PM
I think a .375 H&H would be extremely cool to have, if for no other reason than it's such a classic cartridge.
Of course, it would have to be a Winchester Model 70, Super Grade. Oh my, I'm getting flushed just thinking abou it.8)
I was able to borrow a 375 H&H for my elk hunt this year (it was a friends birthday and he told me to take his gun and shoot him a birthday elk) I did just that! I have to be careful how much I think or talk about it because that gun was awesome!!! if I think too hard I will want one. his is a model 70.
Stop it! I'm getting flustered and might do something foolish like buy one on Bud's Gun Shop tonight.... :yike:
Oh my, they even have one in stock >:(
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_61/products_id/61252/Winchester+Guns+535116161+Model+70+Bolt+375+Holland+%26+Holla (http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_61/products_id/61252/Winchester+Guns+535116161+Model+70+Bolt+375+Holland+%26+Holla)
Post by: snowpack on November 23, 2013, 10:15:30 PM
sorry for thread drift... :sry:
Post by: bobcat on November 23, 2013, 10:16:33 PM
Post by: JLS on November 23, 2013, 10:18:06 PM
Post by: dewandgin on November 23, 2013, 11:17:44 PM
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2
Post by: webbspinner on November 23, 2013, 11:50:29 PM
Post by: bearkautz on November 24, 2013, 12:08:24 AM
Post by: RadSav on November 24, 2013, 12:41:18 AM
That being said, you can never have too many favorites :chuckle:
Amen!
Seems my favorite gun in the safe changes as fast as the pages on my calendar. Can't really pick a favorite as when the safe door swings open they all speak to me so seductively I'd hate to make one feel bad. :'( There have been times when they stop talking so nice to me and that's when it's time for them to go. That's probably why there are no more 12 gauges in there causing trouble anymore.
Last year during rifle season I still hadn't gotten my buck and chose to venture out with the multi-season tag. I had such a hard time deciding I drove around the woods with three rifles in the truck most of the season. Each got some quality time in the woods. During spring bear this year the same thing. Seems only rain makes my choices limited as I only have two stainless big game guns.
The 338 and the 375 are the new girls. The 375 doesn't go out as she is waiting for some new duds. But the 338 Model 70 talks so sweet and sexy she will get out to the woods real soon. She's got a weight problem but for a big girl she's really sexy! Big bores and clover leafs make me very happy. And the 338WM always leaves a big smile on my face when we go to the range. She might talk her way into a spring hunt in Canada if this keeps up :chuckle:
I haven't guided too many clients shooting the 338WM. But, I have yet to see an animal shot twice with one either. I think that speaks as much for the accuracy of the round as it does about the caliber. If the British Columbia game department would stop cancelling my grizzly hunts I guarantee that's the gun that will be backing up my bow! And there won't be any 30 cal back at the truck.
Post by: hillbilli on November 24, 2013, 02:22:00 AM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on November 24, 2013, 06:28:33 AM
:drool: me want!I think a .375 H&H would be extremely cool to have, if for no other reason than it's such a classic cartridge.
Of course, it would have to be a Winchester Model 70, Super Grade. Oh my, I'm getting flushed just thinking abou it.8)
I was able to borrow a 375 H&H for my elk hunt this year (it was a friends birthday and he told me to take his gun and shoot him a birthday elk) I did just that! I have to be careful how much I think or talk about it because that gun was awesome!!! if I think too hard I will want one. his is a model 70.
Stop it! I'm getting flustered and might do something foolish like buy one on Bud's Gun Shop tonight.... :yike:
Oh my, they even have one in stock >:(
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_61/products_id/61252/Winchester+Guns+535116161+Model+70+Bolt+375+Holland+%26+Holla (http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_61/products_id/61252/Winchester+Guns+535116161+Model+70+Bolt+375+Holland+%26+Holla)
Post by: huntinguy on November 24, 2013, 11:35:52 AM
200-225 grain bullets seem to work well. I have taken elk at near 300 yards and blacktail at 15 yards (yep, too close to fit it in the field of view of the scope). I have never seen any blood shot meat from 338, even at 15 yards. Lets see a 7mm/300win or similar do that.
IF I was to be a one gun hunter the 338 win would be the gun.
Post by: Hunting7mm on November 24, 2013, 04:07:00 PM
Post by: Biggerhammer on November 24, 2013, 05:15:00 PM
OK guys.... Looks like I'm going to have to buy a .338 wm. Just have to find one in stainless. Appreciate all the help. Thanks!!!!!!!
:tup:
Post by: Wea300mag on November 24, 2013, 05:19:36 PM
Post by: RadSav on November 24, 2013, 05:41:41 PM
OK guys.... Looks like I'm going to have to buy a .338 wm. Just have to find one in stainless. Appreciate all the help. Thanks!!!!!!!
If looking for stainless I'd take a look at the Savage Bear Hunter! Mainly since from what I hear Tikka/Beretta is not doing general importing of the 338 any longer. Stainless, Accutrigger, Fluted barrel, Adjustable muzzle break for under $1,000 is a good deal in my book. Some don't like the 23" barrel, but that is one of the things I like the most about it. If I wanted a long range gun I'd be shooting something other than the 338WM in the first place. The Savage does beat your cheek up pretty good with that dumb stock angle. But, most guys I know shooting it add a raised cheek pad and eliminate that problem.
Good luck in finding just the right gun for you. I think you are going to enjoy being the proud owner of a 338WM :tup:
Post by: Craig on November 24, 2013, 06:01:07 PM
I might just be a wimp but it was a Ruger rifle and it kicked like a mule. Not fun to shoot.
Post by: Whitpirate on November 24, 2013, 07:08:49 PM
Post by: Westside88 on November 24, 2013, 07:31:06 PM
Post by: RadSav on November 24, 2013, 07:44:14 PM
What's folks opinion on the early 1970's Winchester Model 70 338? I've got a friend that is looking and I found a 1970 Model 70 that's seen some use but seems like everything is still well in place..... just curious if anyone had opinions?
I've found those early '70's push feed Winchesters to be excellent for accuracy. The bolt is a little soft so the jeweling tends to look ugly even a short while after having it done. But it shouldn't matter on the way the gun performs. If he can get a good deal and the barrel looks good I'd say go for it!
Post by: starbailey on November 24, 2013, 08:10:50 PM
Post by: coachcw on November 24, 2013, 08:27:43 PM
Post by: webbspinner on November 24, 2013, 09:51:33 PM
My model 70 7mm mag is 26" barrel and wears a 6x24 mil-dot, its my real long range gun. but the 338 is good for anything I can put the 3x9 on. I shot a Tikka, awesome gun and light but even w/limbsaver I think I loosened my fillings. a true pack a lot shoot a little rifle. I may put a limbsaver on my 338, but I've been saying that for 4 yrs now and haven't done it yet, it just doesn't bother me. Mine has the Ruger open sights which just look cool also.
:tup: Get one (338) and I think you'll be hooked.
Post by: demontang on November 24, 2013, 10:19:20 PM
Post by: Westside88 on November 25, 2013, 07:04:55 PM
You'll love the 338 Wm. I like the mild recoil with the lighter 180gr rounds but load the 225gr accubonds for everything. Ive taken yotes -elk with mine and it will be my one gun cause its all around great round more then able to take anything ill ever hunt :tup:No intent to hijack the post,but thought the original poster may be interested as well. How do you find the 180's to shoot? Do they group well? I think that would make this caliber even more versatile.
Post by: RadSav on November 25, 2013, 07:11:31 PM
You'll love the 338 Wm. I like the mild recoil with the lighter 180gr rounds but load the 225gr accubonds for everything. Ive taken yotes -elk with mine and it will be my one gun cause its all around great round more then able to take anything ill ever hunt :tup:No intent to hijack the post,but thought the original poster may be interested as well. How do you find the 180's to shoot? Do they group well? I think that would make this caliber even more versatile.
I've never seen them loaded commercially except through Nosler Custom (3100fps), but Nosler offers a 180 AB and Barnes has a 160 and 185 TTSX for reloaders.
Post by: yorketransport on November 25, 2013, 08:29:22 PM
I would choose the gun based on what you want to use it for. If you're looking for a long range elk gun then find a 24-26" barreled set up. If you're looking for "hammer" to carry through the brush then I'd look to the Savage Alaskan Brush Hunter with a 20" barrel.
No matter what you get, try shooting it before having a brake installed. They really aren't that bad to shoot with a good stock and recoil pad. :twocents:
I shot a lot of 180gr Ballistic Tips out of my 338-06 and they worked great. I've run the 180 AB out of the 338-375 Ruger and they shoot extremely well, I just prefer heavier (225+) weight bullets.You'll love the 338 Wm. I like the mild recoil with the lighter 180gr rounds but load the 225gr accubonds for everything. Ive taken yotes -elk with mine and it will be my one gun cause its all around great round more then able to take anything ill ever hunt :tup:No intent to hijack the post,but thought the original poster may be interested as well. How do you find the 180's to shoot? Do they group well? I think that would make this caliber even more versatile.
Andrew
Post by: demontang on November 25, 2013, 10:36:22 PM
Post by: mountainman on November 26, 2013, 01:54:19 PM
First rifle I ever bought was a Ruger 77 in 338 wm. I killed every thing with it from squirrels to elk with hand loaded 210 Partitions. It is still my favorite caliber.same here! Older tang safety 77. Is quite the hammer!
Post by: Capt. Rob on November 30, 2013, 01:01:32 PM
Post by: WoodlandShooter on December 02, 2013, 08:56:20 AM
Post by: snowpack on December 02, 2013, 09:17:52 AM
338 ultra mag if you want an upgrade don't bother with the win mag. been there done that sold it! You will love a ultra mag with a 250 sst.Or keep on going and get something from Lazzeroni.
Post by: Huntbear on December 02, 2013, 09:21:32 AM
IF I had to only have 1 gun, (gawd forbid) I would lean heavily towards the .338 wm.. it will take any animal you will ever most likely encounter.
Post by: Damnimissed on December 28, 2013, 08:34:24 PM