Author Topic: 338 Win Mag (Read 537 times)

Fatcatbuster · « **on:** December 15, 2003, 01:04:46 PM »

Im considering the 338 Win Mag. Does anyone have any experience with this cal. what lenght? Taper or Heavy? Thanks

JJFly · « **Reply #1 on:** December 15, 2003, 01:51:41 PM »

Get at least 26"... if you go custom, a 28" or even 30" barrel would still balance well. Heavy taper contour is better to add weight and absorb some recoil. She really bites in a Encore rig. I've got a 338-06 now. Much more managable.

:money:

Fatcatbuster · « **Reply #2 on:** December 16, 2003, 04:42:22 AM »

Thank- You both. I can imagine that it does bite just a bit in the Encore. What do you thing in comparrison of the 300 Win Mag. As far as recoil goes would there be much difference? I am leaning towards the shorter barrel in a tapered barrel, basiclly just for looks and less weight. This will be a hunting rig and not much bench shooting , just to sight it in.

JJFly · « **Reply #3 on:** December 19, 2003, 05:31:41 PM »

Well, lets start by facing facts. Big bullets leaving any barrel at high speeds = OUCH! The lighter taper you go with will equal MORE OUCH! Put a brake on... EAR OUCH!!

My 338-06 is a heavy taper factory contour. The gun has a camo synthetic stock so what I gain in barrel weigth I trade in on the stock side. With a Zeiss 3x9x40 Conquest scope and 1 round in the chamber she comes in just under 7lbs which for all purposes is lighter than standard bolt rifles. With 4 inches of eye relief the shove after pulling the trigger is stout but not unmanageable. Nor is it painfull (sharp). Now, you step into the 338Win Mag you'll gain 300fps in most bullet weights... and OUCH factor will increase equally. 300Win mag... well, may as well have a 338-06. Energy levels are nealy identical with the 338 holding a better kill index (Taylor Index) due to larger bullet diameter.

Point being there is a reason why this wildcat (now factory ammo is available 210gr Nosler Partitions) won't die. Not as much BITE as the 338Win Mag but more foot-pow than the .30 caliber stuff (300Weatherby Excluded). :money:

Fatcatbuster · « **Reply #4 on:** December 23, 2003, 01:53:07 PM »

The new SPEER Manual helped answer some of my questions too. However i didnt know the 338-06 was readly available as a factory load. I reload for about everything else, so whats one more die. I havent seen much new brass available for the 338-06. Does Midway carry it? I dont have a up-dated catalog. I think my wife throws them out.. Thanks.