Stick with my .338WM or go for new?

[Topshot]

Hello, this is my first post on this very interesting web site, I hope you can help me out.

I have been bush hunting Sambar deer in Australia for a long time now with my .338WM Sako Hunter and have always enjoyed great success, Most shots at under 200 yards. But recently I have started hunting a new area where long shots are the norm. Sitting on a ridge top and looking for deer on the other mountain. Shots from 300 to over 1000 yards are on offer and the stags in this area are huge! ie Elk size.

My question is should I stick with my .338WM for this type of hunting or should I opt for a new rifle/calibre combination? If so what?
Thanks.

[bigg_sexy1]

Welcome to the site! If it were me I would look at getting a new rifle in 300 RUM or 338 Edge with preferance going to the Edge. Either should take care of a Sambar well I think.

[J E Custom]

Originally Posted by Topshot

Hello, this is my first post on this very interesting web site, I hope you can help me out.

I have been bush hunting Sambar deer in Australia for a long time now with my .338WM Sako Hunter and have always enjoyed great success, Most shots at under 200 yards. But recently I have started hunting a new area where long shots are the norm. Sitting on a ridge top and looking for deer on the other mountain. Shots from 300 to over 1000 yards are on offer and the stags in this area are huge! ie Elk size.

My question is should I stick with my .338WM for this type of hunting or should I opt for a new rifle/calibre combination? If so what?
Thanks.

There is nothing wrong with the 338win mag but if you wanted to step it up a bit without
a lot of gunsmithing then the 338 RUM would be an easy rechamber with factory ammo and
no other work on your rifle.

If you want to change barrels stay with the 338 cal .

If you want a real horse that you can buy factory ammo (At twice the price ) look at the 338/378 Weatherby and some bolt face work.

There are a lot of wildcats in 338 that you can go to but you won't get any more velocity
than the 338/378 unless you go to the 338 AM.

I prefer the 338 RUM because it matches all except the 338/378 in a factory round with
a hunting length barrel (26")and has the proper head stamp on the brass.

Just my opinion
J E CUSTOM

[Down Under Hunter]

Topshot,

Sambar deer at 1000 yards ?

That sounds rediculous !

Are you sure it can be done ?

I seriously doubt that !

DUH

[royinidaho]

Topshot,

I'd seriously consider what J.E. Custom said.

I stepped up from the 338 Win to the 338 RUM to get the next level of umph. I just swapped barrels and put a brake on it.

I don't think I need, note I didn't say want, anything larger than the 338 RUM. Regardless of what DUH says ;);) the RUM pushing the 225 NAB or the 300 SMK will do the number on your Samba. Even beyond 1000 yards if need be. Remember that you must do your part......

[Down Under Hunter]

Roy,

Happy to have sucked you in mate !

Can you see my smirk of satisfaction ?

Cheers

DUH

[Topshot]

DUH,

I had better not see any pic's of you holding onto a dead Sambar shot at 1000 yards. lol ;)