Thinking about going big

[bigtee]

I'm thinking about going big on a new rifle. Looking at the Savage Hog Hunter or Alaskan in 338 Win Mag. I've owned and shot 45-70's and 300 Win Mags, but never a 338. My question is how do they compare in recoil to the 45-70 or 300 Win Mag? And how is accuracy?

I really like the thoughts of pushing a 225 grainer to 2800 fps.

 

[a-sheepdog]

I have a Winchester Model 70 in 338 win mag and it is a hand full from the bench. It has a sharp quick recoil if that makes sense. Compare it to a 450 marlin if you are used to shooting big bores. At least that is what it feels like to me. On that same note, it is one of my favorite rifles for Elk.

 

[Swampman]

With max loads (for a modern levergun in 45-70) and equal weight rifles the .338 will kick a bit more than the 45-70 or 300 Win Mag (its been a few years since I shot a 45-70 much with stout loads and the only .300 Win Mag I've shot much recently weighs almost 16 lbs.). The recoil isn't near as obnoxious as a .378 Weatherby, but it's worse than most .375 H&H's that I've fired. As a-sheepdog said, the .338 Win Mag has a fairly sharp, quick recoil that punches you, the .375 H&H will actually move you around more, but its not as unpleasant.

The recoil really only bothers me when I'm shooting a lot off the bench. 15 or 20 rounds is no problem, but much more than that and accuracy starts to suffer unless I use a sissy bag or recoil reducing rest. This is really only a problem when working up a new load, I never even notice any recoil when shooting at game.

 

[wombat13]

You won't have any problem with .338WM if you are comfortable with .300WM. My FIL and I have the same rifle (Ruger Hawkeye); his is .338WM and mine is .300WM. The recoil tables tell me that the .338WM has more recoil, but it sure feels like less than my .300WM. My conclusion is that the recoil is close enough that I can't really tell the difference.

 

[beatledog7]

Good question, OP. I've been contemplating a .338 Win Mag also and wonder how it compares to my current 45-70 and 7mm Rem Mag.

 

[ExAgoradzo]

I did the numbers once comparing my Garret's with the 338 WM numbers and it turned out that I was putting more pounds on my shoulders. I've still never shot the 338 WM. would like to so I can decide if I want one.

 

[bigtee]

Thanks very much for the information. I really like the looks of the Savage Hog Hunter and Alaskan, both are chambered in 338 WM. I've also been looking at the 300 WSM, but I really want the short barrel. I love the handling of my Hog Hunter in 308. If I knew there was very little difference in the 338 WM and 300 WSM (my son has one and I have shot it a lot), I would go with the Savage Alaskan.

 

[T.R.]

I owned a custom 9.3mm rifle for a time but recoil bothered me so I sold it. Next, I had a custom 35 Whelen built on a Winchester 70 action with medium weight 24 inch barrel. The rifle was sent to MagnaPort for their custom porting process. Butt was fitted with a LimbSaver pad. This rifle's recoil doesn't bother me - feels about like my .308 lightweight carbine.

Overal weight seems to affect felt recoil greatly. MagnaPorting will eliminate muzzle jump without blowing out your eardrums. Their process does not mar your blueing or finish.

Consider the mighty 35 Whelen for heavy game within 300 yards.

Good shooting to you.

TR

 

[texas chase]

I recently acquired a Weatherby Vanguard Sub-Moa in 338 Win Mag. I'm not one for bigger, badder, belted magnum etc., but I just really liked this rifle and knew that it would shoot well (sub-moa guarantee). Plus I've been on a medium bore kick for a while and this fit the bill nicely. I download with H4895 and its very pleasant to shoot 225 accubonds. I think the 338 win mag is a great round. In fact, I like the 338 caliber so much that I'm thinking of building a 338-06 in the future on an old mauser.

 

[groundhog34]

I have a Mauser 338 win mag made in 1975. It is the most accurate rifle I own .75 groups of 5 at 100 yards but that is just my rifle. The recoil is a little more than a 300 Weatherby mag and a good bit more than a 7 mag.