Anyone use one for long range steel and/or game?
I've noticed it never shows up in any posts, and wondered why not?
I've noticed it never shows up in any posts, and wondered why not?
.338 Win Mag for Long Range?
- Thread starter MtPockets
- Start date
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I've taken mine out to almost 600 on Elk, using 250 gamekings starting @2800. I have wondered what it could do if I had more mag length to seat the longer 250s like the berger out farther and gain a little more case capacity. The new 230 Eld-X looks tailor made for this cartridge, should make it a legit 1000 yard elk gun if you can start them around 2800 or better.
SShultz
Well-Known Member
I'm glad this was posted. I recently acquired a .338 Win and the groups it shoots at 100 shows me that this rifle has a lot of promise. I intend on taking this pie out to 1000 over the next few months as time allows.
Thanks for the reply, and please let me know how you do at longer ranges.
I've been looking at getting something to shoot (mostly) steel waaayyyy out there, and the 338 Win seems like a solid choice.
I'm also considering the 300 Win, the 7mm/300/338 RUMs, and maybe the 7STW.
I've been looking at getting something to shoot (mostly) steel waaayyyy out there, and the 338 Win seems like a solid choice.
I'm also considering the 300 Win, the 7mm/300/338 RUMs, and maybe the 7STW.
HARPERC
Well-Known Member
Not a thing in the world wrong with the .338 Winchester, a good solid cartridge that will get most of it done. It's one of those that has to be in contention for the one gun folks.
The bigger .338's will pull away from it however, heavier bullets driven faster at some point always will.
The bigger .338's will pull away from it however, heavier bullets driven faster at some point always will.
How does it compare to the 300 WM? I had been leaning towards the 300, but since I've got a 270 WSM maybe a 338 would be a better choice?
That's why the RUMs and STW also are being considered, because the 300 isn't THAT much different that the Short Mag.
That's why the RUMs and STW also are being considered, because the 300 isn't THAT much different that the Short Mag.
HARPERC
Well-Known Member
I'd take the .300 Winchester, for shooting steel, varmints etc.,.
I'd also prefer both in a model that has at least the 3.6 magazine if hunting.
I'd not shoot big game far enough to choose between them when proper bullets, are properly applied.
I'd also prefer both in a model that has at least the 3.6 magazine if hunting.
I'd not shoot big game far enough to choose between them when proper bullets, are properly applied.
jjmp
Well-Known Member
the 338 w/mag has its limits just like any other cartridge ,velocity & energy plainly show this,yes a 300 w/mag shoots flatter, so does any short mag, rum,or 7 stw. however the 338 shines in knock down power from 200-500 yrds I target shoot mine more then hunt with her ,& she takes more moa to shoot further with her then any other cartridges listed above, this doesn't make her bad, just depends on the drivers knowledge. Excessive recoil limits our abilities and shows up in groups,thats why lower recoiling calibers & cartridges are more fun to shoot & group with. owning a 338w/mag 270wsm,300w/mag & two 7STW'S opened my eyes to their capabilities Farthest ive shot my 338 to has been 625 yds,it took a lot more evevation to do it,but the wind didn't blow it around very much at all,bullet 250 Sierra MKing. would I use her for 1000 yds shooting ? no theres better more proven cartridges for that use. 257 tony how did you get 2800 fps out of a 338 w/mag? thks just wondering .....
300 Driver
Well-Known Member
There used to be a guy here, longtime long ranger, that shot his 338 WM further than most will ever shoot game. I believe he shot a moose at 1100yds. Anyways, I load3d up his favored load and I have to say that yes, the 338WM can do just fine at long range but it takes more work. His load/my load is a Cutting Edge D62 MTH 225gr pill going 2975fps. Yes, that velocity is correct. The CE bullets did not pressure out for me until pushed above 3000fps. I worked up from 66 to 72gr of R17 in Win brass. The load hovered just above 1/2 MOA at sea level. My rifle is a simple TC venture all factory but a bedding job. I shot a caribou at 545yds last season. It anchored the big bull with authority. I also felt better in bear country with the 225gr solid copper bullet. I plan on upgrading to a Mod 70 extreme weather soon. I'm betting with a bedding job I can get a consistent 1/2 MOA and have controlled feeding.
Just my $.02
Just my $.02
Thank you all for the comments. Like so much of what I do on LRH, I'm currently just trying to learn more about what it will take to make my next step into the realm of long range shooting.
Driver, I have read a bunch of Longtime Longrangers posts. He seemed to really have this stuff figured out and was eager to share his knowledge. Do you know where he is located or anything about him? I thought about trying to contact him but have no idea how to even start. It's been a long time since he has posted anything.
Thanks again for all the input!
Ron
Driver, I have read a bunch of Longtime Longrangers posts. He seemed to really have this stuff figured out and was eager to share his knowledge. Do you know where he is located or anything about him? I thought about trying to contact him but have no idea how to even start. It's been a long time since he has posted anything.
Thanks again for all the input!
Ron
300 Driver
Well-Known Member
No, sorry I don't. I sent him a pm a long time ago and never heard back. I found the 338WM to be fairly easy to reload for. I think you'd like it if your main focus is hunting but also want some thing that can reach out there on large game.
I don't remember my 250 gameking load right off hand, I had to switch bullets a few years back when they went backordered. Current load is a 225 sst in front of I think 77 grains of rl19, gives 3008 fps out of my 26" Browning. Definitely at the top end for this caliber.
jjmp
Well-Known Member
Thks 257,that 225 load is smoking for sure! I'm one grain behind with my 338 W/mag load ,yes she's a good one !!!
I got one and fiddled with it a bit. So here's the deal. It's a great caliber. No, it's not Ferrari great or tons of hair gell great but it'll fill truck loads of game to be put into your freezer. With a 225 gr. bullet, you don't need a brake but it'll beat you half to death on the bench regardless. You need basic shooting skills before you decide to go 338 WM because your not going to spend hours on the range dinking around with friends and taking pot shots at rocks. It's the kind of gun you find a load, confirm it and go kill something and nothing more. It's an ugly stick and you need to beat something with it.
Sure, you can fling it out to 1000 but that's not what it's good at. It's good at hitting a big thing and spinning it around and flipping it's feet in the air, and not necessarily at long range. But rather, definitely at your normally encounted ranges.
The 338 WM... zero fun but the right stick when you need it for real hunting.
