Limbic
Well-Known Member
What bullets do you use for your 338 win mag? I wasn't clear about you last post. You say that the 250's in you carry gun were a bit stiff on the shoulder so to speak.
338 wim max effective range.
- Thread starter darrindlh
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Re: 338 win max effective range.
I won't argue that a high BC 250 gr bullet from a 7 1/2-8 lb 338 win mag would be too much recoil for some but for many of us it is not that big a deal. The last thing I'd want is a brake, it defeats the whole reason for the rifle. My idea of a light 338 win mag is a walk around rifle for most elk terrain including north facing heavy timbered slopes where elk take santuary. As for a trajectory that isn't so flat, it isn't that troublesome either. Out to 300 yd it would work fine. If an elk is sighted past 300 the shooter should have some time to consult the rangefinder and figure out how to make the longer shot. I look at that high BC bullet as the trump card that occasionally gets used. A bullet that bucks crosswinds and retains more energy is very appealing to me. I feel it improves an excellent cartridge that's all.
I won't argue that a high BC 250 gr bullet from a 7 1/2-8 lb 338 win mag would be too much recoil for some but for many of us it is not that big a deal. The last thing I'd want is a brake, it defeats the whole reason for the rifle. My idea of a light 338 win mag is a walk around rifle for most elk terrain including north facing heavy timbered slopes where elk take santuary. As for a trajectory that isn't so flat, it isn't that troublesome either. Out to 300 yd it would work fine. If an elk is sighted past 300 the shooter should have some time to consult the rangefinder and figure out how to make the longer shot. I look at that high BC bullet as the trump card that occasionally gets used. A bullet that bucks crosswinds and retains more energy is very appealing to me. I feel it improves an excellent cartridge that's all.
why does the break defeat the purpose for the 338 wm? I am leaning as I go on different loads/calibers/etc. My rifle has the boss which i have dialed in at 200 yds and can touch a group of 3. I want to do some long range hunting for elk and I am considering the 338 wm. the berger bullet will be a preferance in 225 gram when it comes out. any sugestions will help.
Give the Hornady 250gn BTFP Match bullet a try. I have killed a few animals with it this year out of my .338WM and it works well.
I also shot a big stag in the shoulder with one at 527 yards and lost it so I would aim only for the chest with these bullets as they are a bit soft for shoulder shots at long range.
I get 2700fps easy with this bullet out of a 24.5" Sako barrel
I also shot a big stag in the shoulder with one at 527 yards and lost it so I would aim only for the chest with these bullets as they are a bit soft for shoulder shots at long range.
I get 2700fps easy with this bullet out of a 24.5" Sako barrel
A muzzle brake is a wonderful device for reducing recoil BUT it will damage your hearing in the ling run. It is particularly bad in the field where most of us don't wear any hearing protection.
I know as I shot my 300 RUM with a VAIS brake at an elk. I was wearing a winter hat with the ear flaps down tight figured it wouldn't bother me. WRONG! My ears rang loudly for the rest of that day and there is a permanent quieter ringing that doesn't go away. Take it from me if you want to walk around the elk woods with a brake you will HAVE to wear ear protection. I suppose if you can afford some sort of game ear device that amplifies till the rifle goes off that should help. You just cannot hope to stick in some plugs under those conditions. That is why I said a brake defeats the purpose of a lighter walk around 338 win mag.
I was going to use that 300 RUM as one of the rifles for my coues wt hunt that is starting this Friday. I figured since we are glassing at longer distances and setup for the shot, I'd use it with the brake. I did some range work wearing good plugs AND good muffs. Everytime I'd get home from a shooting session my ears were ringing worse than the normal tinitus I already have acquired. I took that brake off and that's it, never again. If I cannot handle the recoil without a brake then I need to download or switch calibers.
The above is my opinion regarding muzzle brakes. Others reactions to that excessive noise can vary, as for me I am through with brakes.
I know as I shot my 300 RUM with a VAIS brake at an elk. I was wearing a winter hat with the ear flaps down tight figured it wouldn't bother me. WRONG! My ears rang loudly for the rest of that day and there is a permanent quieter ringing that doesn't go away. Take it from me if you want to walk around the elk woods with a brake you will HAVE to wear ear protection. I suppose if you can afford some sort of game ear device that amplifies till the rifle goes off that should help. You just cannot hope to stick in some plugs under those conditions. That is why I said a brake defeats the purpose of a lighter walk around 338 win mag.
I was going to use that 300 RUM as one of the rifles for my coues wt hunt that is starting this Friday. I figured since we are glassing at longer distances and setup for the shot, I'd use it with the brake. I did some range work wearing good plugs AND good muffs. Everytime I'd get home from a shooting session my ears were ringing worse than the normal tinitus I already have acquired. I took that brake off and that's it, never again. If I cannot handle the recoil without a brake then I need to download or switch calibers.
The above is my opinion regarding muzzle brakes. Others reactions to that excessive noise can vary, as for me I am through with brakes.
Long Time Long Ranger
Well-Known Member
MontanaRifleman
Well-Known Member
I've never shot a 338 WM... how does it kick compared to a 300 RUM? The Rum usues about 10% or so more powder and sends a 200 gr bullet about 200 fps or so faster, so I would think that the 300 RUm would give a harder/sharper kick?
Long Time Long Ranger
Well-Known Member
The 300 ultra gives a way harder, sharper kick than the 338 win mag with same weight bullet.
Here is a recoil calculator:
Recoil Calculator
I have a 8 lb 375 taylor that shoots the 300 gr sierra with 68 gr of powder at 2500 fps. Calculator says recoil is 41.37 ft/lb
Also have a 9 3/4 lb 300 RUM shooting a 200 gr bullet with 92 gr of powder at 3225. Recoil
is 33.35.
A 250 gr 7 1/2 lb 338 win mag using 70 gr of powder, velocity of 2700 will recoil with 38.54 ft/lb.
Recoil Calculator
I have a 8 lb 375 taylor that shoots the 300 gr sierra with 68 gr of powder at 2500 fps. Calculator says recoil is 41.37 ft/lb
Also have a 9 3/4 lb 300 RUM shooting a 200 gr bullet with 92 gr of powder at 3225. Recoil
is 33.35.
A 250 gr 7 1/2 lb 338 win mag using 70 gr of powder, velocity of 2700 will recoil with 38.54 ft/lb.
darrindlh
Well-Known Member
Thank you guys so much for replying. There is som great info here. Sorry that it took me so long to reply.
What about a little heavier rifle close to ten punds. I just entered the info on the recoil calculator and with a ten pound 338 there is 31 lbs of recoil with a 250 grn bullet . Not bad at all. I know it is not ideal for packing around but to set up on a point overlooking a canyon here in idaho seems to me to be the ticket to shot those new bergers.
Darrin
What about a little heavier rifle close to ten punds. I just entered the info on the recoil calculator and with a ten pound 338 there is 31 lbs of recoil with a 250 grn bullet . Not bad at all. I know it is not ideal for packing around but to set up on a point overlooking a canyon here in idaho seems to me to be the ticket to shot those new bergers.
Darrin
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darrindlh
Well-Known Member
Just a side note I am having a real hard time chosing between my 300 wm or my 338 wm. Which would ya'll prefer. I am leaning towards the 338wm. hard choice though!
Thanks
Darrin
Thanks
Darrin
darrindlh
Well-Known Member
Do ya'll know if retumbo powder will work for the 338 win. And is it a good choice?
Thanks
Darrin
Thanks
Darrin
D.Camilleri
Well-Known Member
Retumbo is too slow. Rl 19, imr 4350, 4831 are all good powders for the 338 win.
