338 wim max effective range.

[Limbic]

I've never held a 338 caliber so I'm guessing here.
The 338 WinMag can be made into a lighter package.
338RUM kicks like a mule. Real Real mad mule


I was thinking of putting together a 338winmag for a 7.5-9lb rifle for _______.

Do able.

[Long Time Long Ranger]

I have a 338 win mag light carry rifle with no brake. It is the largest 338 that can be shot effectively without a brake. If you don't use a brake then get the 338 winny. I shoot a 200 grain swift scirroco with .507 BC at near 3100 fps because of the recoil. My longest shot with the 338 winny was a 72" moose in Alaska at 1100 yards. That is extreme stretching it but with a spot shot and a good shooter it can happen. So that is what can be done with it. I think it is best with the 200 or 225 and is a great rifle.

[Limbic]

Who made your rifle ?

[Long Time Long Ranger]

Sako/Tikka T3 light. I have a Nikon Monarch 2.5x10 mil dot scope on it. Weighs about 7 1/2 pounds with scope and bipod. Shoots three shots touching at 100 yards. I like it and the same gun in 300 WSM for a light carry gun without a brake so I don't have to put ear plugs in before the shot. When stalking close range you just don't have time so I use these rifles when hunting in close. Either will get me out a long ways though if needed.

[Limbic]

Thanks

[AZShooter]

I have been giving the 338 win mag a new look. The upcoming .338 Berger VLDs are the reason.
I would think the 250 VLD would be the one to use. Many sources say that 2700 fps can be achieved from a 24" barrel. Even if this bullet could only get 2600 fps it would retain its energy very well. I think the higher projected BC of .762 (G1), .390 (G7) would change this chambering into another class of power/performance.

I realize this combo would require a short throated reamer and a long mag box to make it work. I took a 300 gr SMK and seated it to approx 3.8" OAL and it fit and fed just fine from another magnum with a wyatts box mag.

I do wonder what this bullet's low velocity expansion limits might be. Doing some basic number crunching, if it left the muzzle at 2600 fps with elk hunting conditions of 8000 ft/35 degrees/ etc
it would still be going 2219 fps or so at 600 yds with a bit over 2700 ft/lb of energy.

I realize this bullet is not available yet, but does anyone have any estimates on how well it might expand at lower velocities?

A 338 win mag weighing 7 1/2 lb with this bullet might be a great walk around elk rifle. Recoil would be tolerable with superior performance over the usual 250 gr bullets.

Any comments?

[Long Time Long Ranger]

The 338 win mag often gets overlooked but it has that niche it fits perfectly into. Biggest 338 you can shoot well without a brake. It will take any game in North America at ranges beyond where most would ever shoot. I think it is best inside 700-800 yards and that is why I think the 200-225 grain bullets are best for it. They are much faster with a much flatter trajectory so you can use mil dots and quickly get on game without using clicks. You could certainly extend the range with a heavier high BC bullet but I don't think it is well suited for that. With a 250 grain bullet and a 7-8 pound rifle a brake is a must so you may as well go up to a bigger 338. The accuracy is as good as any 338 magnum out there and it would be a great shooter with the heavy high BC bullets.

On that Alaska hunt where I shot the 1100 yard moose I also shot several other critters. Big caribou bulls at 500 and 750 yards. A wolverine at 500 yards. Never missed a shot. Very fun rifle to shoot.