But why the 338?
I had a successful limited hunting season this year spotting for seven game animals to include antelope, deer, and elk. Average harvest range was well over 800 yards using the 300 RUM. Overall results were excellent except on one 4x4 deer. This deer was still harvested but only after living for several minutes. The past season a 338 LM was used to harvest six animals also with an average range over 800 yards. Next year I will be using the 338 again, hopefully the AM or AX or both.
I understand you don't need a 338 in every occassion, or as a matter the 30, or the 7 and so on. I'm aware of 6's and 6.5's taking animals ELR. But why the 338? MT offers the opportunity to harvest deer and elk with a general tag. Antelope, moose, buffalo, goat and sheep can be added with a special draw.
The 300gr bullets shot at ranges approaching ELR and beyond have spoken with the king of authority combining accuracy with precision in my experience. A 338 with a case capable of at least 95gr produce significantly more energy at corresponding ranges than any other readily available cartridge. I want, no, I need this extra cushion of energy capability and frontal expansion capability when shots may not go as planned. ELR is prone for this. Having that king of authority can make the difference of a bad day with a less energy producing shot turning out more in your favor.
There is absolutely noting I can complain about with the 300 RUM this year. But in my opinion there was more authority with shots using the 338 the previous year. I know this subject has been beaten to death and a search will provide this discussion. It seems there are always more questions about recommending this cartridge over that cartridge. I'm just posting mine. Take it for what you want. Everyone will ultimately have to apply their choice when that opportunity comes and live with those results afterword.
I had a successful limited hunting season this year spotting for seven game animals to include antelope, deer, and elk. Average harvest range was well over 800 yards using the 300 RUM. Overall results were excellent except on one 4x4 deer. This deer was still harvested but only after living for several minutes. The past season a 338 LM was used to harvest six animals also with an average range over 800 yards. Next year I will be using the 338 again, hopefully the AM or AX or both.
I understand you don't need a 338 in every occassion, or as a matter the 30, or the 7 and so on. I'm aware of 6's and 6.5's taking animals ELR. But why the 338? MT offers the opportunity to harvest deer and elk with a general tag. Antelope, moose, buffalo, goat and sheep can be added with a special draw.
The 300gr bullets shot at ranges approaching ELR and beyond have spoken with the king of authority combining accuracy with precision in my experience. A 338 with a case capable of at least 95gr produce significantly more energy at corresponding ranges than any other readily available cartridge. I want, no, I need this extra cushion of energy capability and frontal expansion capability when shots may not go as planned. ELR is prone for this. Having that king of authority can make the difference of a bad day with a less energy producing shot turning out more in your favor.
There is absolutely noting I can complain about with the 300 RUM this year. But in my opinion there was more authority with shots using the 338 the previous year. I know this subject has been beaten to death and a search will provide this discussion. It seems there are always more questions about recommending this cartridge over that cartridge. I'm just posting mine. Take it for what you want. Everyone will ultimately have to apply their choice when that opportunity comes and live with those results afterword.
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