Savage Hog Hunter 338 WinMag For Long Range

.454 · Feb 19, 2013

I know its not what this rifle's intended purpose is, but if it shoots 1 moa why couldn't this gun be used out to 500 yards for elk? I'm tempted to pick one up since its a lot of gun for the money - $400+ tax right now locally. I did some research and it doesn't look like I'd be giving up that much power with the 20" barrel; less than 100 fps than a 24" tube. What say you?

Gtscotty · Feb 19, 2013

Well as you stated, the hog hunter is a little short, and a longer barrel would probably be ideal for a dedicated long range rifle... but... if you're only losing ~100 fps and can keep your shots in 1 moa, I don't see why that rifle couldn't be successfully used at long range.

I would think that a slick 225 gr bullet like the Hornady SST (BC: .515), pushed to ~2700 fps would serve the purpose you proposed very well.

browningguy · Feb 19, 2013

First, I would need to see some actual test data to believe that you only lose 100 FPS with a 4" shorter barrel in .338 Win Mag. I only shot factory ammo in my 20.5" Mannlicher stocked Dumoulin but I measured consistantly 200-240FPS slower than advertised with various loads from 225-250 grains.

Mind you it still killed Elk dead, but I never considered taking a 500 yard shot at an elk either.

TwoEyedJack · Feb 20, 2013

Scroll down a bit on this link and you will see some actual data from a .338 win mag.

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f19/short-barrel-magnum-velocity-19346/

I think your estimate is pretty close. My .338 has a 26" tube and it is not real handy. As long as you practice, use a good laser range finder, and pass up shots in windy conditions, you should be OK at 500 yards. It helps a lot to have a scope set up for that kind of thing, like a Huskemaw.

jmr40 · Feb 20, 2013

It is impossible to know for sure until you shoot it. If you were to start with a 24" barrel, chronograph loads, the cut it down to 20", 100 fp is about what I'd expect. But every barrel/gun is different. I've seen equal length barrels on different guns shoot 130 fps different with ammo from the same box. I've seen 20" barrels shoot the same ammo faster than another gun with a 22" barrel.

If you end up with a gun that is 200 fps slower than expected, that same barrrel would probably have been 100 fps slower than expected even if it were 24" long.

As a hunting rifle where most consider 400 yards a long shot I think you will be fine. For a true long range target gun where you are trying to squeeze every possble fps out of your rifle and ammo, 100 fps makes a dfference.

.454 · Feb 20, 2013

TwoEyedJack said:
Scroll down a bit on this link and you will see some actual data from a .338 win mag.

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f19/short-barrel-magnum-velocity-19346/

I think your estimate is pretty close. My .338 has a 26" tube and it is not real handy. As long as you practice, use a good laser range finder, and pass up shots in windy conditions, you should be OK at 500 yards. It helps a lot to have a scope set up for that kind of thing, like a Huskemaw.

That's the main resource I'm going off of for the 100 fps loss on the 20" barrel, but have seen others.. Also, I'm not saying I'll consistently be shooting elk at 500 yards, but it would be my max distance. This rifle wouldn't be a dedicated mountain rifle either, it would be used on whitetaiI (I know its overkill), and go on a couple hog hunts too. The only thing steering me away now that I looked up the specs is the weight. 8lbs with no scope. It didn't feel that heavy when I picked it up at the store.

TwoEyedJack · Feb 20, 2013

Weight is a real issue with long-range elk hunting. The bullet has to arrive with enough energy to kill, but you also must be expert at hitting at distance, which means lots of practice. There is a real trade-off between weight and hitting at distance. Heavier is better to manage recoil. The other thing you can do is put a muzzle brake on, but then you *have* to hunt with hearing protection. Lots of trade-offs to consider.

Gtscotty · Feb 20, 2013

How light do you want a .338 WM anyway? I have a rifle of similar power that weighs 7.75 lbs with no scope. When loaded up to it's full potential, it isn't a whole lot of fun to shoot. I would like to get a .338 WM some day, but honestly, 8 lbs or maybe a little more sounds like a good weight to me.

Robert · Feb 20, 2013

I carry a 10 pound 375H&H in the mountains of CO Elk hunting, and I am over weight, out of shape and have asthma. We do a lot of walking and stalking and I never even noticed the weight of my rifle. Super light weight medium caliber rifles are way over rated. I would rather have a heavier rifle I can shoot well than a light rifle that hurts.

.454 · Feb 20, 2013

Come on you guys, I almost talked myself out of this rifle, now you are making it sound more appealing again. I guess I'll have to go after work today and check it out one more time. So much for completing my AR build

Craigman · Feb 20, 2013

So much for completing my AR build

There are no AR parts anyway now....
I bought one of the Hog Hunters in .308 and like it alot. The .338 has plenty of power and I think you will be fine with the shorter barrel. I still kind of want the .338 version to add to my collection. Seems like a fun little package in that model

MCgunner · Feb 20, 2013

I'd say .338 win mag is stupid overkill for hogs. Where I have hunted 'em, a .357 magnum pistol is all I've needed. Range ain't that long in thick hog cover. Might be a better elk rifle IMHO. Of course, I hunt geese with a H&R 10 gauge turkey gun, so I'm sorta used to this sort of thing.

.454 · Feb 21, 2013

I never got to the lgs yesterday because my dog got sick, but I did call Savage this morning. I asked what ammo they test the rifles with. They said Federal Safari loaded with 210 gr. Partition and to expect 1.5 moa or better at 100 yards. I was hoping to hear 1 moa so now I'm on the fence again. I looked all over and can't find anyone on the web who has posted much about how the 338 shoots from this rifle.

yuppiecruncher · Mar 15, 2013

.338 Hog Hunter

Hi folks,

First-ever post!!

Brand new to THR.org - its my first day. I have also been trying to find info on my new purchase - the Savage Hog Hunter in .338

I figured if no one else is going to post on it, I will!!! :neener:

My hope is to learn about shooting from all of you and also learn about my particular gun by asking and answering questions about this rifle.

I am brand new to rifles and bought this one because I found it for $399.99!! I really like the iron sights and LOVE the accutrigger. Threaded barrel and long action are neat, but not really a deal maker/breaker for me. The stock is crap... its basically the same plastic that the little "army men" are made of.

I put a Leupold 3-9X40mm scope on it. This glass is actually intended for AR's, but it was a mildot reticle and it adjusts in .10 mil increments. Coming from the Army I am comfy with the metric system and gauge distances in Meters anyway. -also really comfy with the M4

I have been able to take it to the range and put 20 rounds through it so far, at 25yds zero and at 100 yds. at 25yds, its a laser. At 100yds, I was having issues with recoil and jump. I have read that this gets better with experience... I hope thats true! I still managed to keep groups within 2MOA at 100yds, and for the first 20 rds through a brand new gun, in a caliber that is brand new to me, I think I did alright. I can put up the results if you like.

So, ladies and gentlemen, ask away. I am happy to provide my limited experience with the Savage Hog Hunter .338 Win Mag.

Pics coming soon, if y'all want 'em

Craigman · Mar 16, 2013

I would definately expect the jump like you said. Try holding a finger on the top edge of the stock when shooting off bags, It'll probably still jump out of your grip but may help.

Pics are always cool Put some up! I have the .308. The stock is crap but its floated and shoots pretty darn good. No need to mees with it yet.

What ammo were you shooting?

yuppiecruncher · Mar 16, 2013

Savage Hog Hunter .338 Build

Hey all,

Got some pictures of my new Hog Hunter. Attached are:
Precision Armament M11 Muzzle Brake
Leupold 3-9 x 40mm Mk AR
Leupold sight rings - you can just barely use the iron sights through them!
Blackhawk Bipod
Scope Caps

Still working on cheek rest/pad and a good sling

yuppiecruncher · Mar 16, 2013