.338 experience?

[Taco280AI]

I keep toying with the idea of the 338 Wby RPM. No good reason really, certainly isn't a need. Never used any 338 though, haven't even seen it on game personally. But I like its numbers, and not looking for a huge 338 Edge type round. Good performance, lightweight packages, sounds like it's pretty accurate.

Mainly use my 280AI for deer and elk. Last year used a 308 on my moose. Seems like it could be a great Alaska rifle. But is there any real difference in effectiveness from what I have to it?

Thanks

[Magnum_Willys]

I used a 300 win mag for 8 years on elk, then switched to 338 wm -  significant increase in effectiveness. Thats on over 20 elk taken.  They stopped moving when hit with 225 gr trophy bonded.  The increase in diameter makes a difference.  No brake needed - my 338 wm kicks a bit less than my 300 wm. 

Past 500 yards I prefer Lapua/ Lapua Ai or 338-378 but do have a 300 wm set up for long range with 215 bergers for deer. 

[str8meat]

338 rum with 225 accubond has proven stellar on elk for me.

[jrebel]

I love my 338 lapua and it flattens big bruins.  260 grain Hammer hunter at 2950 fps…..what’s not to love.


My next 338 will push a 175 grain Hammer Hunter.   Thinking 338 lapua or RUM.

[Threewolves]

  The increase in diameter makes a difference.  No brake needed - my 338 wm kicks a bit less than my 300 wm. 



I also felt that the 338 wm seems nicer to shoot than a 300 wm. That was with 210 Nosler Partition in the 338 and 180 in the 300wm .

[NW SURVEYOR]

Good morning Taco,

I'm big Win Mag 338 fan and have shot 15 or more elk with it using the old Hornady 225 grain Interlock.
Also, I have used a 7MM Mag for a dozen or so shooting mostly 160 grain Speer Hot Cores.
The 338 really lays em down, as does the 7MM.

About 4 years ago I rebarreled an old Sako Finnbear338 Win Mag to 33 Nosler.
The action and magazine allows me to extend the 270 grain ELDX closer to the lands which produces real good accuracy.
It also provides a little more room for powder which I have taken advantage of.
The bullet leaves the 25" pipe with brake at about 2920 fps.
This is with 81.0 grains of RL19 which is beyond max recommendations.
This 33 Nosler is the real deal, it extends my comfortable shooting distance knowing I have the energy at 700+ yards.

I'm getting ready to convert to RL23 powder (Same Bullet) for the temperature stability factor.
I have also decided to go with Pederson brass as the Nosler brass does not impress me.
Hopefully it works out.

Happy Hunting!
Rob.

[Taco280AI]

Hope you have a good supply of RL23 on hand, I haven't seen it in stores in years.

[timberfaller]

I keep toying with the idea of the 338 Wby RPM. No good reason really, certainly isn't a need. Never used any 338 though, haven't even seen it on game personally. But I like its numbers, and not looking for a huge 338 Edge type round. Good performance, lightweight packages, sounds like it's pretty accurate.

Mainly use my 280AI for deer and elk. Last year used a 308 on my moose. Seems like it could be a great Alaska rifle. But is there any real difference in effectiveness from what I have to it?

Thanks

Well Taco,  since you have a 280AI already,  look into the 338/06AI     Surprising what just a little change does to cartridge!

[Westside88]

I’ve found the 338 Win Mag to be a killing son of a gun. If I could only own one rifle that would be it (I’d rather be over gunned than under) They recoil, but not unreasonably so in my opinion.Browning A bolt with a composite stock and a 26” barrel is more pleasant than some lightweight ‘06’s I’ve shot.

[The Butcher]

I have that same 338 ABolt and couldn’t agree more

[TeacherMan]

I’ve had the .338 win mag, .338 RUM, .375RUM, .338RCM and at the end of the day I have went back to the win mag. It more than does anything I want it too and it’s easy to find ammo for.

[okie john]

I killed my first elk with a 338 WM. More recoil than I like but not as bad as some folks might have you believe. Factory ammo got expensive after COVID and I wouldn't be surprised to see it stay that way for a while.

Great choice otherwise, especially if you want to use one rifle on everything.


Okie John

[Ridgeratt]

This last month on the 20th I used a 338 to shoot a buffalo. The round entered just in front of the front shoulder and clipped the top of the buffalo's heart. He made it about 50 feet and piled up and was done. Recoil is not as severe as shooting the 350 Remington. That rifle will rattle your fillings.

[Chris57]

I've killed numerous mule deer with my 338 Win. mag. Quite of few people gave me "chin music" for using that large of a caliber on deer and antelope, but my rifle really shoots the Barnes 160 gr. bullets good and with modest recoil. I've shot many 3 shot 100 yard groups that you could cover with a dime. It also shoots heavier bullets fine.

[MADMAX]

Just got a model 70 338 winmag
Haven’t sighted in yet
Surprised by lack of ammo available
I did use ammo seek to find some back east
Ukraine must be using all our sporting ammo these days huh 🤔