.338 Pro Hunter Encore?

[Capt Gary]

I picked up a Pro Hunter in .338 Win Mag. in a trade.

Gun is like new and sports a thumbhole (whick I'm not sure I like).

Anyone had any experience with the .338 in the Pro Hunter. I have shot the caliber in other rifles and it went from "rough" to "not too bad" based on the stock design.

Have not had a chance to take it to the range yet. That will be in a couple of weeks.

I like the caliber and the versitility. Those big Virginia whitetails are getting tougher every year...!!

Anyone use one of these to hunt?

[Huntsman1]

I have the T-hole stock on my Encore. It provides a more natural grip as compared to a normal/traditional type stock. This design also helps in controlling heavy recoiling calibers. You may find that you might actually shoot better with the T-hole stock?
I have no experience with the .338 but I do with the .300Win mag out of my Encore. SHE KICKS GOOD!!!!!
I installed A Limbsaver recoil pad which helped somewhat.
I now primarily use my .308 & 209x50 bbl. for my Encore, Good Luck!!

[Capt Gary]

Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. Your right I have a .300 WM barrel that pops pretty good. I hunt mostly with my .50X209 barrel, but also really like a 7mm Rem Mag barrel that I picked up. The 7mm barrel shoots really well, getting 5/8" at 100 with Fed. Prem. factory stuff.
I've really rejoyed shooting and fooling around with the Encore and I think I'll like the .338. Don't really need a .338 for anything, but might be fun to shoot.
Might trade it off later. Always wanted a 45/70 barrel to try out.

[jrkrk]

I think you will like the 338 in the encore. I have a 375H&H and I love it great caliber just hold the stock tight to your shoulder and have fun shooting. The first shot if I were you I would take standing up instead of on the bench just so you know what type of recoil to expect.

[Huntsman1]

My brother has a 7mm mag bbl too, I shot it a few times and liked it better than my .300...he would'nt trade either.
I'd like to give a 270 bbl a try .

[Capt Gary]

I really like the 7mm barrel. I've been shooting and hunting for over 50 yrs and had never fooled with a 7mm Rem. Mag. before. Just ended up with this one in a good trade and decided to try it out before sending it on down the road. Shoots outstanding and took four deer with it last year that went down like they were hit with the Hammer of Thor.
Found out....IT A KEEPER.

I've always been a 30/06 fan and with modern loads it just getts better and better. One of these days I'll pick up an /06 barrel. It's just that the 7mm barrel and the .300 pretty much take care of that bracket.

Still think the muzzleloader is the most fun.

[Huntsman1]

Still think the muzzleloader is the most fun.

You got that right

[poncaguy]

I really enjoy my 338 Federal barrel, no recoil and great accuracy!

[reelhook]

I just bought a 338 Fed. in a encore 14" barrel. What ammo are you shooting? I want to look at the Barnes 160 TSX for the 14" and see how that shoots. Any thoughts?

[cowkiller]

I have a .338 pro-hunter barrel. I hunt Elk with the 338. I cut/crowned the 338 prohunter at 24" and added a threaded brake w/cap. It is light! 2x7 burris.  giddy-up!  the pro hunter stock set up really helps out with recoil.this thing is a rocker! I have quite a bit of experience with the .338 this rifle shoots 1.5 " at 2900 + or mius 210 partitions over r-22 to max. I like it alot.
 My 35 whelen has the camo fiberglass stock set up on it and it will bring a tear to your eye.with 250s @ 2550
the .375H &H is more of a push with a hvy 26" I use the pro hunter stock on it as well.
 I hunt very steep country and as I get older the lighter weight rifles are very appealing. It seems like I carry it a whole lot more than I shoot it while hunting.