338 As An All Around Big Game Gun?

[BENELLIMONTE]

I just purchased an Ruger M77(tang safety) in 338 Win. mag. I may have to thin out my gun collection per my wifes orders. I hunt in Idaho and have taken elk, moose, deer and bear. My question is; do you think I can use this gun as an all around big game gun. Any suggestions on bullets or factory loadings would be greatly appreciated.

 

[dakotasin]

i can't think of a better all-around big game gun than a 338 win mag. and since you scored a ruger tang safety in 338 win mag, you may just have one of my top-2 favorite big game killers of all time.

can't help you on factory loads - mine only eat handloads (225 hornady interlock at 2950 f/s).

if you have a good 338 win mag, you can safely remove all rifles smaller than a 375 h&h all the way down to about a 25-06 and not be wanting for anything (keep a solid 25 cal around for antelopes).

 

[Bartkowski]

If you had to keep one gun the .338 is a fine choice. It is a little much on deer, but its better to have too much gun than too little.

 

[achildofthesky]

I too have to agree. I used to have the very same rifle for a one size fits all long gun philosophy. Like many other retarded things I have done in life, I sold it and have regretted it since. I have a M77 tang now in 280 that I'd love to convert to 338 if I found a magnum faced bolt.

Good choice, no matter how you look at it.

Be safe
Patty

 

[GooseGestapo]

I have a .338/06 and have used it on deer and elk.

For smaller deer, you can use a starting load of say H4895 under the 200gr Speer. I've shot a number of deer with this and it's about right at 2,800fps. Good expansion on smaller deer.

I prefer the older 180gr Ballistic Tips. I've got a life time supply, but they've been discontinued replaced by the AccuBond. Perhaps a good bullet but much more expensive.

The 210gr Nosler Partitions are very good too. But, at closer shots on smaller deer, expect some substantial meat loss. They are brutal on our 120lb does.

The .338 is a very good all around rifle. Perhaps a bit better than even the ubiquitous .30/06.

 

[BENELLIMONTE]

Thanks for the advice. This will make it easier when I start thinning out my collection.