It's basically a 308 Norma Mag. The two are ballistic twins, there's a few subtle differences in neck/shoulder but not enough to matter. I have a 308 Norma in a Parker Hale Safari, it's a pretty good rifle. Practically, I don't see any difference between the 300 H & H, 300 Win Mag, 308 Norma Mag, 30-338 Mag, and 300 Weatherby. The Weatherby is a little quicker, but I doubt the game ever notices. I have or have had rifles in all of these calibers, and I think the 308 Norma/30-338 is a better choice for handloaders, and from a theoretical point of view, they are the best of the lot. Again, not much difference in the field, though. FWIW - Dan
Posts: 5285 | Location: Alberta | Registered: 05 October 2001
The 30-338 has been around longer than the 300 Winchester. Everyone thought they would get the drop on Win and neck the 338 down as it was thought that's what Win would do. They proved everyone wrong by moving the shoulder forward and shorteneing the neck. I believe Savage and Remington both built rifles in this caliber for a few years.
Posts: 593 | Location: My computer. | Registered: 28 November 2001
I knew a chief warrant officer at Ft Hood who had a Remington 40X in 30-338 and always told me how accurate it was. I never had a chance to shoot it and I assume it was a custom rifle.
Posts: 99 | Location: San Antonio | Registered: 20 December 2002
Shortly after the .338 Win Mag was introduced, there was a lot of speculation on what the new .308 rifle would be like. It seemed natural that it would be based on the .338 case. A bunch of springfields were rechambered to the .30-338 on spec. When the .300 Winchester was introduced there was a lot of unhappy people. The .30-338 was found to be a much more efficient case shape. Long range target shooters fell in love with it and is still used by some. The one I had was based on the springfield and shot like a charm. Although the .308 Norma Mag has a slightly larger case, the two I've had were never as accurate as the .30-338. I didn't have a chronograph at the time, but it seemed the Norma case, though larger, actually reduced the performance compared to the .30-338. Cases are readily converted from both the .338 and the 7mm Rem Mag. Good luck.
Lots of information but no one answered the question. Winchester lengthened their 300 mag case so it would clean up the chamber on 308 Norma's and various other short 300 mags. I agree they would have been far better off to bring out the std 30-338.
I have a 30-338, and it is absolutely the best thing in 30's since the 30-06.
First, most of these rifles will be custom or semi-custom rifles. Mine was built by Walt Sherman in Tallahassee, FL, [850 878 9563] who really loves this caliber. As mentioned here, it is the best balanced of the 30 magnum cartridges.
As I type, I can look at the target I shot in preparation for my recent RSA trip. Getting ready, I fired a two shot group to check my bullet drop at 300 yds. The holes are one inch from one another. This is by no means unusual with this rifle which is built on a Model 70 action.
It is sensitive to bullet seating depth, but I am learning that all rifles are. If you do your part, you can hit anything you can see with one of Walt's rifles in this caliber. My rifle particularly likes 180BT and Hornaday 180 spitzers. It shoots partitions in that weight only slightly less accurately.
Out of a 26inch barrel, I get right at 3100fps with the target load of 71.3gr of H4831. I like FC match primers, but Walt likes WW mag primers. If you handload and want a all round, medium bore rifle, you cannot beat the 30-338. Walt will build you one within a couple of months for less than 3K based on a M98 action. He'll guarantee he can shoot it to less than a MOA and send you the targets. He won't guarantee you can shoot it that well, but that has nothing to do with the rifle! Ku-dude
Gun Digest ran a major article on this cartridge before the 300 Win Mag came out. As mentioned, I believe the rush to beat Winchester is what "caused" the commercial version. It let everyone with one of the many wildcat versions simply ream out to the factory round.
Posts: 1238 | Location: Lexington, Kentucky, USA | Registered: 04 February 2003
I have a 308 Norma Mag built on a Springfield action. Lovely rifle and as accurate and consistent as one could ask for. Holds less than an inch wirth virtually any bullet I've ever tried.
In the early 60's Norma introduced the round, and loaned chanbering reamers to smiths.
It didn't catch on because Winchester introduced the .300 WinMag. Widespread availability of commercial ammunition was the key issue. Norma stuff has always cost a bit more than Winchester and been harder to get.
By the way, the rounds have essentially the same length, but the neck of the 300 WM is slightly shorter. Makes it more finicky but gives it slightly more volume too.
Personally, I like the 308 Norma Mag better, but it is now considered an "old wildcat."
