Just picked one up. Never had one. Love the .300WM and the .375HH. Will I like the .338?

if you like the 300 and do well with it,, the 338 is just a little more of that.

Shoots flat, hits hard and recoil is pretty mild. Lots of bullet options to choose from.....lots to like. Probably the perfect elk round.

What Mike said +1 for more open country.

+3

I agree with ALL of the above replies!

I have lots of once fired brass, give me a shout if you need some.

I do not have a 338WM,I do own a 338 Lapua,I will tell you this,a 250 gr bullet @ 2750 kills like lightening out of my gun,several trips to Africa with this gun,I have shot giraffe & cape buffalo with this rifle,the 338WM is only 100 fps slower with a 250,what's not to like.

If it fits well and suits your hunting needs, you should like it well enough but, really, the question should have been asked before purchase.

Great caliber.

quote:

Originally posted by Bill73:
I do not have a 338WM,I do own a 338 Lapua,I will tell you this,a 250 gr bullet @ 2750 kills like lightening out of my gun,several trips to Africa with this gun,I have shot giraffe & cape buffalo with this rifle,the 338WM is only 100 fps slower with a 250,what's not to like.

I own both. Love the .338 WM, but the Lapua (and Edge) are in a different league. One of my Edge rifles shoots 300 Bergers at 2840. You are not going to do that with a WM. Granted, the barrels are longer, but still...

That said, I have killed more varied game with the .338 WM than any other.

The 4 calibres I have had the most rifles have been the 270, 300 Winchester, 375 H&H and 378 Wby.

I gave the 338 WM a run in a M70 and a Ruger. In my case the 338 never got past the rifle range. It simply did not appeal to me. However, I have also been the same with the 340 Wby and 338/378. In a nutshell the 338 bore size leaves me cold.

So will you like the 338 WM. If based solely on ballistics, components etc., your familiarity then you will like the 338 WM. However, what we "like" is from a different equation, so who knows

I agree with Mike's description of "like". Definitely a subjective thing / feeling.

Personally I really like the 338. For a one-rifle pick, the 338 Winchester would be the cartridge of my choice for a North American deer-size and above game. It would cover everything nicely with 225 grain TSX / TTSX or similar bullets.

Ross,

The 338 WM has been one of my favorites for many years. I expect over the years I taken more than half the game I shot with a 338. With the 210 TTSX you can take on anything up to Cape buffalo with confidence. With the heavier 338 bullets you have nothing but a hammer. If someone tells you the 338 WM is not a step up from the 300 WM. They probably have not shot both very much. Bottom line! The 338 makes a notably larger hole.

Mark

it's a great medium .. nice round, good selection of bullets, etc ... if you reload, load it down to 308 or load to full tilt boogey .. it will do the job ..

If you load your own ammo, it can do about anything. 160 grain to 300 grain bullets and speeds from 2000fps to over 3000 depending on bullet weight. What is not to like?

I don't have a great deal of time in with a .338 Win but I find that's it's a nicely balanced cartridge. Velocity is high enough even with heavier bullets without excessive recoil, the rifles aren't too heavy and ammo is available pretty much anywhere at lower prices than the bigger calibers. Plus no one can deny its effectiveness on larger game. I wish that I'd bought one much sooner.

Go out have fun and shoot something with it. Then you will see just how good it really is.

Ive shot the .338 since the first one hit the wholesale store in EL Paso, Texas..I used the 338-06 IMP prior to that for much of my elk and deer hunting, and a few trips to Africa a little later, still do....Its the best all around caliber I could come up with all things considered IMO. and Im willing to defend over a campfire, but not on the internet! This year I all but retired my .338 and am going to shoot the 375 H&H once again, and for no good reason, just a change of pace for an old friend..There is no legitimate reason for NOT likeing the .338 Win. short of mind games.

I might add that Ive always wondered at the 375 H&H in that it's felt recoil is less than a .338 Win, I attribute that to the shape of the case and push as opposed to the snap of the .338 Win. Others have noticed that also, so its not just me apparently????????

THanks all. Will report back when I have some real experience with this caliber.

The 338 is simply great for it's ability to hit big plains game with authority at any reasonable hunting distance.

I have no idea if the 338 and 375 are used the same in America as in Australia (although I suspect it might be similar) but in Australia the 375 sees a lot more use in just shooting whatever moves

A local bullet maker does blow up type bullets in 30, 375 and 458. In 30 there are 130 and 150 grain flat nose and flat nose hollow point, same bullet styles in 250 grain 375 and same in 458 for 300 and 400 grainers BUT nothing in 338. So I assume a much higher percentage of 338 users are using them to shoot the Sambar deer, camels and buffalo.

I've used one of several different 338 Win Mags since about 1972.
It's a keeper cartridge for sure!
200 to 250 grain bullets make this a great round for anything big.
Zeke

Unlike some of you guys, I've only ever owned one 338WM - but it's been my favorite sambar rifle for 40 years. I do wish Sako had made the shoulder a bit shorter and the throat a bit longer, but that's not the cartridge's fault.

quote:

Originally posted by ZekeShikar:
...200 to 250 grain bullets make this a great round for anything big.
Zeke

I too love and have used the 338WM extensively, mostly in Africa, but on elk in NA as well.

But my main bullet weight choice has been the 250s. I will admit to using the 200 on Pronghorn and Leopard once each, and the 275 on Zebra and a few others. I am mostly a heavy-bullet-for-caliber kind of guy, but not always. My thinking has usually been; if I need a lighter bullet for some game, I just use a smaller caliber rifle.

I have never used anything lighter than the 200s, and even then, only twice in my life in this caliber/weight. Oddly, I've never used a 225 gr. I use the 250s probably 95% of the time if I need a 338. But that's just me.

Ive shot a lot of heavy game with the 225 Nosler Accubond at 2913 FPS in my 338 Win. both in Africa and NA, and its performed to perfection both in accuracy and the recovered bullets were picture perfect mushrooms, elk made about 25 yards after the hit in the heart/Lungs..I get about 50% exits, but complete penetration in every case stopping on the off side skin...

As to the 250 gr. Nosler, I quit using it because it got boring with perfection,and decided to try something new, and the 250 got probably 90% exit wounds, more thump but less range supposedly, but damned if I could see any difference..

Its a great caliber! I've used one in NA (elk to exotics) and PG in SA. I've owned "too pretty to hunt with" Mod 700 Classics to Mod 70 high ends and several in between, ah. I always encourage any 338 owner to handload, customize what works for you! I think it truly is an "all around" rifle then. OR, pick any good factory load and learn it, then go forth.

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:
Just picked one up. Never had one. Love the .300WM and the .375HH. Will I like the .338?

To me, the 338 is the most useless caliber there is.

There is absolutely nothing a big 30 will not do that a 338 will.

And if I wanted something bigger, the 375 comes to mind.

I have used a 338 to hunt with once - plaines game.

Went back to my old wildcat 270 and never looked back.

Then I decided that a 375/404 will do it all.

And that is what I hunt with now.

I have been getting into the 9.3x62 for nearly 10 years now in one guise or another. I have a Ruger LH MKii SS which forum member, dpcd, worked over for me with a new Douglas barrel and a thinned down, Hawkeye-esque laminated factory stock.

While not as fast, I cannot imagine what the 338WM offers at typical hunting ranges one cannot also get with the x62. By typical hunting ranges I am suggesting to 300 yards. My sampling of game animals is not as great as some other members here but the x62 is an authoritative cartridge. This past weekend I shot a WT doe which clearly does not offer the level of resistance a larger animal does, but the x62 killed efficiently with minimal bruising and a half dollar exit wound. In typical fashion, the doe went not very far before expiring.

I suspect the 338 would have provided similar results with the added expense of increased recoil. Yet, were I offered the opportunity to use one I would happily do so. These mediums at normal ranges are probably all relatively indistinguishable. YMMV.

The 338 is built on the case that the 300 WM should have been based on and bullet selection/availability is outstanding, better then my beloved .358's. What's not to like?

quote:

Originally posted by bluefish:
I have been getting into the 9.3x62 for nearly 10 years now in one guise or another. I have a Ruger LH MKii SS which forum member, dpcd, worked over for me with a new Douglas barrel and a thinned down, Hawkeye-esque laminated factory stock.

While not as fast, I cannot imagine what the 338WM offers at typical hunting ranges one cannot also get with the x62. By typical hunting ranges I am suggesting to 300 yards. My sampling of game animals is not as great as some other members here but the x62 is an authoritative cartridge. This past weekend I shot a WT doe which clearly does not offer the level of resistance a larger animal does, but the x62 killed efficiently with minimal bruising and a half dollar exit wound. In typical fashion, the doe went not very far before expiring.

I suspect the 338 would have provided similar results with the added expense of increased recoil. Yet, were I offered the opportunity to use one I would happily do so. These mediums at normal ranges are probably all relatively indistinguishable. YMMV.

I suppose bullet type availability would be a plus for the 338.

Don't know about America but in Australia both brass and ammo availability much better.

Rifle brand/type availability a plus for the 338.

Lever actions to one side, I think the 338 is the top over 30 calibre for availability of everything and in rifles, say M70, same weight and cost as 7mm Rem and 300 Win. Everything jumps up with the 375. H&H.

I love my .338 Win Mag Ruger No.1S 26” barrel.... my “go to” Elk rifle.
I do like a “longer than factory” length of pull so put a 1” Pachmayer pad on it, otherwise bone stock.

I only have and use two rifles for all my big game hunting in Alaska, both Ruger .338WMs. One of the two I have been using since I retired form the military in the early '90s. And the other is quite a good looking rifle, a Ruger African that straight from the factory did not come with a muzzle brake. Both the bolt and the rest of the action are of a sort of satin-gray color, with a 22-23" barrel.

I put the beautiful walnut stock away, and replaced it with a McMillan Classic that was fitted for a short trigger LOP.

Ive shot and hunted with both the 338 Win, and the 9.3x62 including buffalo and PG, elk, Moose, and most NA game, and there isn't a nickels worth of difference in the field as far as killing up to perhaps 200 or so yards. beyond that the 338 wins hands down, it just shoots flatter and makes a hit easier..Lots of folks probably couldn't tell the difference.

I think Id be safe to say the 9.x62 is the best caliber that will work with a 30-06 case in a SR or LR Mauser action..I will also say using 30-06 cases to make 9.3x62 ammo is not a very good practice, and 9.3x62 cases are available and cost no more than 30-06 brass...Its a great caliber..given a choice I lean more towards the 338 win..

Hi. Yes you should...

I'm a full time pro guide. I have been using different calibers.

since 2014 I use exclusively a Sako 85 in 338WMG.

The 338WMG is from my experience a killer...

I like it better than any other caliber for backup shot from 50 to 300 yds. because it's fast and hit harder than a 300 or 375 or even a 416 over 100 yds.

(Ps. to go after a wounded dangerous game in brush nothing beat a 416 or 458)

the 338wmg lost some of his shine and popularity for 2 reasons:

- Lots of experts decided it was not anymore good enough.

- Commercial loads have been gradually down "loaded"

let's me explain my point:

Experts have been claiming in many magazines and online that the 338WMG was not anymore enough except if it is an ULTRA a RUM or a 338 Meteorite

Next a strong propaganda for 200-225 grains class bullets.

Last today if you buy commercial 338 WMG loads you don't get anymore a MAGNUM load ! most of 250 grains don't even reach 2600fps.

I backup every year a lot of bears. Coastal brown bear and black bear. My 338WMG hammer/hit them like no other rounds but the 375 Ultra Mag.

Main Reason of my excellent results with a 338 WMG are because I use heavy bullets and strong handloads with a 24.5 inch barrel for velocity.

I use a 250 grains nosler partition at 2800fps in 24.5 barrel and for short range work a 275 swift A-frame at 2550fps.

So if you shoot heavy bullets and handload to get MAGNUM power loads...yes you are going to love it !
Sincerely
T.

I have used the 338 win mag for 33 years it's awesome .I used it on deer to moose always worked awesone . Its really a up close to long range big game rifle for all north American big game .My ruger 77 tang safety rifles are my favorite ones .I let a friend use one if my 338s in Alaska He shot 7 moose with 7 shots out to 350 yards and a grizzly that attacked them.He never hunted with his 3006 after that 6.Its one of the best all around rifles for all north American big game !

Yes, the 338 Win Mag is probably the best all-around NA rifle. I've used 185 TTSX at 3150fps for little Calif. deer. In Africa over the years I've used most everything, 200gn Speer, 225gnTTSX, 250gn NP, 250gn Sierra, 275gn Speer, and 300 original Barnes. All of the above were suberb. A great caliber.

So today, what would I recommend to someone new to a 338?

For NorthAmerica the bullets to check out would be the 210gnTTSX, 213 Hammer Hunter, and 225TTSX. Why? The monometal bullets penetrate better than lead-core bullets at the same weight. What can be achieved with the 250NP after it blows its nose and ogive weight can be duplicated in the 225gnTTSX and 210gnTTSX. But the lighter TTSX's travel significantly faster, for less wind-drift and flatter trajectories 0-400 yards.

For Africa? The 225gnTTSX, possibly the 250gnLRX. So far, all shots with a 225gn have exited and the animals have either been DRT or wobbled for 50 yards. (Haven't shot game or done adequate load development with the 250gnLRX.)
Since shots in Africa are usually 0-300 yards the 225gn at 2825fps is more than adequate and I would shoot a 225gn TTSX at a buffalo of opportunity without hesitation. (I haven't shot a buffalo with a 338 for 30+ years, but in those days it was 250NP and 275Speer. PS: my son did put a 225gnTTSX through a buffalo as a finishing shot from back of neck and out the face.) Bottom line, the 338 WM is just full of pleasant memories for our family. We've owned five (a M70, 2 Tikka, 2 Ruger) and currently have two, a Tikka and a Ruger Hawkeye.

The most appealing new bullet for me is the 213gn HammerHunter (actual weight 211gn.) It is a special design and might end up my all-around NA bullet, but I must first do load development and have not had time or opportunity for that, yet. The bullet has a high BC and low engraving pressure for loading to higher velocity. On impact the nose sends out radiating petals and a flat-nose cylinder continues to penetrate as deep or deeper as any heavy-for-caliber expanding bullet, with the impressive wound cavity that a full flat-nose makes. Yes, something that I want to try out.

Mt 338 was stupid easy to find a load. Max load of IMR4350 under a 225 TTSX crimped into the front groove. Only load I tried, only one I’ll ever try.

So, DogCat do you like the 338WM?

A 338 Win. mag. solid will pass through and elephants head from any direction as a rule, a 375 will not is common knowledge with the experts and PHs Ive talked to..and will shoot through a Buffalo almost everytime from any angle...I have experienced this, something that Ive seen fail more times with a 375 and 416, not saying this applies to anything but penetration..The other calibers are certainly better hammers for the biggest of game.

Ive never seen better penetration than the .338 Win with a solid, 458s come real close but a tad sort according to what I have seen, not something Ive read...

Yes, I like it. I just have no practical experience with it. I appreciate the help and advise. I am testing 225gr TSX loads. Any other suggestions are most welcome.

I posted about scope selection and would like advice. I shoot out to 400 yds in practice and am solid to 400. I am a bit shaky beyond 500 yds on steel but hit 60% of the time in a 12" plate.

Thanks for the help.

Depending on your rifle and stock, my family have benefitted from the Nikon Inline/slughunter with its 5-inch eye-relief, 3-9x40.