Author Topic: What Brand for a .338 WM (Read 2028 times)

jasonprox700 · « **on:** June 19, 2007, 09:53:41 AM »

I was tossing around which caliber, .300 or .338, and I decided on the .338. I just don't know which company to go with. What are your guys' opinions and experiences?

I will be hunting moose and elk with this rig.

Ratltrap · « **Reply #1 on:** June 19, 2007, 10:39:51 AM »

First, I'll admit I'm no fan of either of those calibers. I seem to come across many rifles in '06, 35 Whelen, and 375 H&H that shoot, carry, and handle better than the 338s I've had and more than fill that niche. That said, of those I've owned and carried a Winchester Pre 64 stood out above the others. I was probably foolish to sell that one. Right now all I have in 338 is a Savage 110 that I switch between the 7mm and 338 WMs and 416 Taylor - it's fun to switch barrels and shoot different calibers, but I want more in a go-to rifle. Stainless 338 Ruger 77s are almost obligatory here in AK and I had one of the early versions - too heavy, poor trigger, and never shot that well - good riddance! I don't own one, but their new Hawkeye looks nice and has a better OEM trigger than the earlier 77s based on the one example I've handled. I also like the looks and features of the 8400 Kimbers, but I haven't actually handled one.

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** June 19, 2007, 11:23:00 AM »

Can't see any need I'll ever have for a .338 Win. Mag as I'd prefer a .35 Whelan or 9,3x62 for the same chores but iffen I were gonna get one it would be a Remington 700XCR without a doubt. There ain't even a close second for me.

PeterCartwright · « **Reply #3 on:** June 19, 2007, 12:53:24 PM »

I've come to the conclusion that the Howa 1500 (or perhaps its Weatherby version) offers alot of bang for the buck (if you'll pardon the pun). I was frustrated by mine until I learned that the .338 WM (at least my .338) prefers to be driven rather hard. There are even places that offer barreled actions (Howa 1500 only) in either blued or stainless pursuasions. Aftermarket stocks (like Boyd's, for example) offer attractive and stable laminated platforms for the 1500 at reasonable prices. It's not as light as the latest kevlar lay up stock, but, then again, I wouldn't really want a light .338.

I think the Savage product is also a great value.

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #4 on:** June 19, 2007, 06:02:28 PM »

I like Rugers. If I was going to buy a Remington it would be RUM flavored.

benchracer · « **Reply #5 on:** June 21, 2007, 04:40:55 AM »

I have a Remington LH 700BDL in 338WM that I purchased in 1994 (while living in Montana) to hunt elk and muleys. It is a fantastic riflle and is still my favorite. I have shot many factory loads through it and only the Hornady Heavy Mag shot groups larger than 1.5". With its favorite factory load, Winchester 200gr ballistic silvertips, it will shoot 3/4" groups consistently. In fact, a few years ago, I shot a night tactical match with it at Ft. Benning, GA and shot well enough to win the match (though I did not win because I messed up my comeups at mid-range). One thing worth noting, however, is that I found the factory wood BDL stock to be unsatisfactory. I replaced it with an HS Precision sporter stock with the full length aluminum bedding block. This stock tightened my groups, lightened the rifle, and paradoxically reduced felt recoil considerably. On one occasion, I went shooting with some friends, one of whom had a BDL in 30-06. In side-by-side testing, there was unanimous agreement among the five of us that my 338WM was actually more comfortable to shoot than my friend's 30-06. In my personal opinion and experience, the Remington 700 has outperformed comparable rifles from other makers. If you want a 338WM, I heartily recommend the Remington with the caveat that you should plan on replacing the stock before you shoot it very much.

EdinCT · « **Reply #6 on:** June 21, 2007, 02:45:21 PM »

I bought a stainless Ruger 77with a laminate stock two years ago and have no regrets. The trigger could use a little work but it shoots 1-1.25 at 100 with about any good load I've tried. It shoots Triple shock X in 185 and 210 very well and I hope to try it on a moose and a elk someday.
I like the fact that you can load mild (180 acbond) to wild.
A 180 accubond at 2900 is a pretty good feild rifle for deer!

Good Luck,
Ed

tanoose · « **Reply #7 on:** July 04, 2007, 10:02:33 AM »

Great choice on the 338 , my choice would be a ruger 77 all weather ,one oif the new hawkeyes. Great oin Elk will handle the big bears and can be used on deer if you want.

700xcr · « **Reply #8 on:** July 04, 2007, 07:09:45 PM »

In my opinion it would be the Remington 700xcr. I have one in 270wsm and love it. Today just got done with barrel break procedure. Shooting very well. Chronograph during procedure and watched the velocity get higher. Mine is the earlier xcr and had the trigger tuned up by a fellow brench rest shooter.

tanoose · « **Reply #9 on:** July 05, 2007, 02:32:34 PM »

How do you like that XCR i was thinking on getting one in 375 H&H but decided to wait for the Remington 798 which is the charles daly mauser 98 I heard the XCR is coated with some good stuff

700xcr · « **Reply #10 on:** July 05, 2007, 03:24:02 PM »

tannoose,so far I am very happy with it. 700xcr is a stainless steel withTriNyte coating. Which is a multi-layer of electroless nickel. It has a dull goldish tint to it. Action is bedded good in a Hogue stock. I like the stock inserts and the R3 recoil pad. Which is a Sims limbsaver recoil pad. I just got done with barrel break-in procedure. I was using Winchester's factory 150gr. Power Point 270wsm ammo. Winchester claims 3150fps. with a 24" barrel. I started out with 3174fps. and ended up with 3211fps. after barrel break-in procedure. Know I can't wait till hunting season. Missed last year due to shoulder surgery.

kudzu · « **Reply #11 on:** July 05, 2007, 04:53:27 PM »

The 338wm should be great therapy for a shoulder injury LOL

Rangr44 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 07, 2007, 10:03:54 AM »

Unless you've got the bread for a NULA (New Ultra Light Arms), then the .338 Win Mag rifle is the Winchester Super Grade Classic Model 70, ca 1991.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=75426991

Jim n Iowa · « **Reply #13 on:** July 07, 2007, 01:33:31 PM »

I shoot a Ruger m77, has a action like a pre-64 win 70. I have used it with sucess in heavy winds in Iowa for coyote, to white tail in NE. After my 30-06 was stolen I decided this was the one gun to hunt with.
Jim

Sourdough · « **Reply #14 on:** July 18, 2007, 08:09:20 AM »

I have two Rugers in .338 Win Mag. The older M-77 is superior over the newer MK-II. Will handle heavier loads and shoots better. But I usually carry a Thompson Center TCR in .338 Win Mag now. I'm comfortable with a single shot.

jasonprox700 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 18, 2007, 09:57:06 AM »

I'm pretty much decided on the WM, but a buddy of mine says that if I'm going to get it, I might as well get the Ultra Mag. There is more variety in rifles with the Wm than the UM. I would reload so it wouldn't be quite so bad. Is there any benefit to the ultra mag? Is there really anything that the UM could do that the WM couldn't do? How about ballistics?

Sweet 6.5 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 18, 2007, 07:02:40 PM »

Quote from: jasonprox700 on July 18, 2007, 09:57:06 AM

Is there really anything that the UM could do that the WM couldn't do?

Yes, one - it can't kick you shoulder that hard!

Robert357 · « **Reply #17 on:** July 18, 2007, 09:09:46 PM »

My 2 cents.................When my oldest son went to work for an airline and said he could get me and my youngest son free airfare for an Alaska Hunt and my youngest son said he wanted to shoot something really big.......a Winchester Alaskan Mod 70 in 338 Win Mag jumped off the table of the next gun-show I went to and said take me home. I had thought I wanted a 375 H&H, but after I got the 338 Win Mag to the gun range, I was convinced that it was more than enough rifle for anything I ever wanted to do.

I regularly shoot a Win FeatherWeight Mod 70 in 30-06, an MN 1891/30 in 7.62x54R with a steel but plate and an Arisaka in 7.7mm again with a steel but plate. Even when I wear a Past Magnum Shoulder Shield/Pad, the 338 Win Mag is a handful and serious shoulder punching power. Too much range time, could lead to flinching. There is a Catch-22 regarding recoil. If you do things like recoil pads, then it likely will increase cheak-slap. When I shoot say 12 or so rounds of Win 338 with a Past Magnum Recoil pad, I feel like my face was at the ring and I was being used as a punching dummy.

As to models of rifle, one of the hot topics among some is if the cartridge is gripped by the bolt during the cycling to load a fresh round. The theory is that if you are using a 338 Win Mag there is a good chance you are hunting "dangerous game" that could kill you. If that is the case and you are attached and knocked off balance, there could be some advantage to being able to load another round with the rifle upside down.

Good luck on your choice in Win 338. It is a cartridge that inspires awe!. Since I hand load, I can reduce things to the point of making them very manageable and still allowing for occasional full power loads for hunting.

jdt48653 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 19, 2007, 04:58:44 AM »

i like the 338,however you could also consider the 300 weatherby in howa(weatherby vanguard)
its good for anything in this country.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #19 on:** July 19, 2007, 04:19:46 PM »

I have a 338 Win Mag in a Browning A-bolt SS. It is a tack driver and a great rifle.

jdt48653 · « **Reply #20 on:** July 20, 2007, 11:30:31 AM »

i`ve noticed that when people talk about the 338 win and how great it is,which i do agree.
i seldom ever hear any complaints about the belt being a problem.
but it seems to be different with some of the other cartridges.like the 300wby,264,300win.
i just wondered why that is?

Drilling Man · « **Reply #21 on:** July 21, 2007, 04:35:20 AM »

The .338 Win. Mag. is a cartridge that i've used all over Alaska, and it has worked very good for me. Just stick with the heavier bullets Like 250NP's for the bigger animials like moose. The lighter bullets made today in .338 diameter are going to be the curse of the .338, as folks will use them on bigger animials in the faster cartridges, and end up with wounded game!

I don't like the recoil of magnums, includeing the .338 Mag., so i no longer have one but i do like the cartridge/caliber...

As for the rifle, i'm with GB on this one, it's the 700 Rem. all the way...

DM

AkRvrrat · « **Reply #22 on:** July 27, 2007, 01:22:53 PM »

it is a IMO on which rifle you should get or what caliber. Both are very good calibers. I have 4 .338's, 2 win mags and 2 .338-06's- I like the bullet selection and it is no different for the .30 cals.

My choice of rifle will always be for CRF or perhaps the Sako push feed. CRF's that are easily obtained is either now a Ruger or a CZ. M98's are sought after as are the Win Model 70 pre-64's or the newer Mod. 70 CRF's. Lots of personal preference out there-do your homework and just buy and shoot and enjoy.

Explorer1 · « **Reply #23 on:** July 27, 2007, 03:52:22 PM »

Lots of choices, lots of personal preferences........
Know of a couple folks who say their 375 H&H kicks much less than the 338 Win, so the 338 went by the way side. The Ultra Mag is even more recoil if you want a cannon, I use a 338-378 but it is not an economic alternative.

benchracer · « **Reply #24 on:** July 27, 2007, 04:15:17 PM »

The Ruger is not a CRF. It is a push feed with a claw extractor. The rim of the cartridge does not go under the extractor until the round is chambered. A true CRF, like a Mauser '98 or a pre-'64 style Winchester, captures the rim of the cartridge as soon as it is released from the magazine. That said, however, the Ruger 77 mkII is still a fine action with a number of desireable features.

jasonprox700 · « **Reply #25 on:** July 27, 2007, 05:17:05 PM »

Quote from: Explorer1 on July 27, 2007, 03:52:22 PM

Lots of choices, lots of personal preferences........
Know of a couple folks who say their 375 H&H kicks much less than the 338 Win, so the 338 went by the way side. The Ultra Mag is even more recoil if you want a cannon, I use a 338-378 but it is not an economic alternative.

Economics is the main reason why I'm getting the win mag. I looked at the Ultra Mag and the 338-378. You gain a lot of performance with the latter two. The 338-378 is a very accurate round I've heard, but the brass is a lot more, and then you figure in the extra powder and it all adds up to a round that will kill it just as dead as the win mag. If money was no object, then I would definately get the 338-378 or the Lapua. I like to extract the most accuracy I can out of any round or rifle that I have, but in this case economics takes over. I won't have the range or the superior ballistics, that just means that I will have to get a little closer or get a better job, one or the other!

AkRvrrat · « **Reply #26 on:** July 28, 2007, 10:46:37 AM »

Quote from: benchracer on July 27, 2007, 04:15:17 PM

The Ruger is not a CRF. It is a push feed with a claw extractor. The rim of the cartridge does not go under the extractor until the round is chambered.

well I beg to differ. FWIW Ruger states "Non-Rotating Mauser-type controlled-feed extractor, the most positive case extraction system ever invented, and a fixed blade-type ejector that positively ejects the empty cases as the bolt is fully moved rearward.

I sure don't want my round chambered then have the claw extractor "snap" over the cartridge-how is that done. I went and observed my Ruger MkII which I have honed and cleaned up captures the head of the cartridge well before the bolt cams. It is not a true push feed but it does push the round into the chamber via a controlled extractor-they are strong rifles and well made. Some may need abit of grooming as most production rifles do. It is not a Remington.

benchracer · « **Reply #27 on:** July 28, 2007, 03:34:52 PM »

It takes more than a claw extractor to make a rifle CRF. For it to be a true CRF, there has to be an opening in the rim of the bolt head to allow the rim of the cartridge to slide under the extractor as the cartridge is stripped from the magazine. If I am not mistaken, the Ruger bolt head is fully enclosed. Ruger does not claim that their rifles are CRF, only that the EXTRACTOR is a CRF TYPE extractor. The fact that the extractor engages before the bolt cams is irrelevant. If the extractor does not capture the rim of the cartridge before the cartridge is released from the magazine, the action is not CRF. Period. End of story. It is possible to have a claw extractor on a push feed action and the Ruger is but one example of that. I am in no way disparaging the Ruger by saying that it is not CRF. I am simply stating fact. I agree with you that the Ruger is a fine action and that it is both strong and reliable.

AkRvrrat · « **Reply #28 on:** July 28, 2007, 06:45:05 PM »

Quote from: benchracer on July 28, 2007, 03:34:52 PM

Ruger does not claim that their rifles are CRF, only that the EXTRACTOR is a CRF TYPE extractor. The fact that the extractor engages before the bolt cams is irrelevant. If the extractor does not capture the rim of the cartridge before the cartridge is released from the magazine, the action is not CRF. Period. End of story.

I cannot argue with the obvious-you caught Rugers claim

, I am aware with how the true CRF's work but seeing how the push feed of Rugers claw extractor picked up the round from the magazine somewhere over half the bolt rails was a curious thing-hence confusion of push feed vs......

by the way the bolt face on a Ruger is opened liken to the CRF's of my vz24 for example

Thankyou

benchracer · « **Reply #29 on:** July 29, 2007, 03:05:49 AM »

Thankyou for indulging me. CRF or not, many shooters consider the claw extractor to be a desireable feature for purposes of reliability. That and the user friendly Winchester type 3 position safety go a long way toward winning people over to the Ruger model 77 action. While I am an unabashed Remington fan, I am taking a hard look at building a custom 6.5-06 on a LH Ruger action. For that purpose, it looks to me like the Ruger has a lot to recommend it in terms of price vs features.