? .338 win mag as a long range hunting rifle

[berryreed]

I have a Browning .338 win mag A-Bolt rifle that I would like to make into a long range hunting rifle. Will this make a good long range rifle?

[Long Time Long Ranger]

What do you consider long range? The longest shot I have ever taken with a 338 win mag was a first shot kill on a moose at 1100 yards. It is excellent to 800 yards. The 1100 was stretching it for this cartridge. But then anything over 800 yards is stretching the killability of most unless you make a perfect shot or shooting one of the big 338's.

[RockyMtnMT]

Stay within the working range of the bullet that you choose and you will be in good shape. Make sure the down range velocity is high enough to make the bullet function. Most bullets, the minimum velocity for terminal performance is 1800fps. Choose your bullet carefully.

Also stay inside your comfort zone for shooting ability.

Good luck,

Steve

[berryreed]

I am looking at becoming proficient at 1000 yards on the range. I will probably never shoot beyond 800 yards at an elk. I am shooting a 225 hornady sst bullet at about 2900 ft per second. Looking at a nightforce 5.5-22 x 50 NXS for the optics. I am shooting about a 3.5-4 inch group at 300 yards Any comments or suggestions appreciated.

[rscott5028]

Any comments or suggestions appreciated.

Welcome aboard. You'll get a lot of help from these guys. There's a lot of satisfaction that comes from practicing and achieving your goals.
Best of luck!!
Richard

[berryreed]

Thanks, I have enjoyed looking and reading posts so far and am ready to take a long range step, just want it to be the right one.

[Long Time Long Ranger]

Your A-bolt sporter is not a rifle that would typically have the ability to make kills at 1000 yards. But that doesn't mean that it will not. The cartridge will do it. All you can do is start working up loads and shooting further and further untill you reach the maximum potential of the rifle. With a good trigger, proper bedding, good scope and loads you should be able to reach 650 yards. After that hits in the kill zone are exponentially harder. Lots of difference from 650 to 800 and 800 to 1000. Your cartridge will kill elk at 800 yards. Just keep working until you are 100% on with shots in the kill zone at that distance. The 225 nosler accubond has a much higher BC .550 and would be a better choice for long range. I have taken numerous animals in the 600-800 yard range with a 338 winchester.