The 338winchester magnum

CircuitRider · 10-28-2009, 02:30 PM

THE 338WINCHESTER MAGNUM - AN AMERICAN CLASSIC

With my Ruger M77 chambered in 338Winchester Magnum with a 24" barrel and with the receiver no longer than a standard 30-06 length, I have a substantial big game rifle and cartridge. This American classic is truly a very versatile all around cartridge for big game. It has reasonable recoil with only the 250-300 grain bullets being a little to much for some people, but not for most of us who use the magnum cartridges when hunting big game. If one re-loads for the 338Winchester Magnum, the new cartridges like the 338 Fed and the 325WSM are not able to run with it, nor can they use the heavier bullets as well or with as much punch.

The 338Winchester Magnum can push a 180gr bullet at 3100-3200fps, a 200gr bullet at 3025-3075fps, a 210gr bullet at 2980-3010fps, a 225gr bullet at 2850 - 2900fps, a 250gr bullet at 2800 - 2820fps, a 275gr bullet at 2670 to 2700fps, a 300gr bullet 2500-2550fps, and is manufactured by 90% of the major gun manufactures. This places it right in the middle of good company when you consider how flat it shoots (like some of the 300 magnums) and how hard it hits (like the some of the 375 magnums).

It is not a compromise by any stretch of the imagination. On the contrary, with the bullet and powder selections of today, the 338Winchester Magnum is a very good all around big game rifle for coyote to Brown Bear. It is arguably the best elk and moose cartridge, with no apologies when used on bear. With lighter loads it reaches out hitting coyotes, deer and hogs like Thor's Hammer, while not destroying any more meat than the 30 and 7mm caliber cartridges.

A hunter in the field with this one cartridge could take everything from coyote to the largest Alaskan Brown bears. It would not destroy meat anymore on the smaller size big game like white tail deer than would a 130gr bullet out of a 270. It would buck the wind at distances that most hunters would consider reasonable and with plenty of energy to anchor anything in North America and most of Africa out to 400yds (where legal to use). Also, with some bullets and loads in the right hands, it could be a very effective round when used at longer ranges.

Since1959 the 338Winchester Magnum has preformed without question on any thing it has been used on in North America, as well as plains game in Africa, with consistent success. Easy to load for, accurate, reasonable recoil if stocked correctly and hits like a hammer. With velocities that are perfect for the big game bullets that are manufactured for the .338 caliber. Jim, a friend of mine said, "with the 338Winchester Magnum you could kill everything from mice to Moose" and I would add even a big mean-spirited bear up close. Jim summed it up in his use of figurative speech, in accurately describing the 338Winchester Magnum.

Most are aware in the hunting world that the 30-06 with a 180gr bullet has been and is very affective in most situations and on most game given proper circumstances. Also the effectiveness of the 300Winchester Magnum using a 180gr bullet is unquestioned. In light of this fact a 338Winchester Magnum using a 250gr bullet, has a striking energy that is around 25% greater than that 30-06 with a 180gr bullet. Also, the 338Winchester Magnum using a 250gr bullet, has at least 15% greater striking energy than the 300Winchster Magnum using a 180gr bullet. On top of that the cross-sectional area of the 250gr bullet is 20% greater with a momentum factor that allows for greater penetration due to 70grs greater weight.

It has tremendous potential as an all around big game cartridge for smaller deer to the largest, toughest and heaviest game in North America. It is a tremendous medium bore with great legs. What do I mean by saying great legs. It is a true sprinter with endurance and has a hard quick crushing blow, like a heavy weight. Bullet selection ranges from 180 grains to 300 grains to meet any need the North American hunter would engage. It can be down loaded to 30-06 levels and still produces excellent accuracy.

On smaller species of big game one can use the 180gr to the 215gr bullets. Now there is a bullet in this weight range that is good on the smaller species of big game, while being the exception in this group due to the fact it is also highly effective on the larger species of big game. I am making reference to the 210grain Nosler Partition. The 210gr Partition has velocities between 2980fps and 3010fps with very good accuracy, flat shooting and hard hitting. It is a combination that really allows the 338Winchester Magnum to stand out as a longer rang load while still being devastating up close.

Of course for the really big stuff the 250gr bullets due to their great shapes and constructions are real game getters for sure. The 250gr to the 300gr bullets when used in the 338Winchester Magnum do not have to apologies, nor are they inferior for any of the tasks handed them when taking big game.

I owned and shot the 338Winchester Magnum some 20 years ago but did not hunt with it nor did I reload for it to my regret. I am doing both now and that is why I have written this article. I am a shooter, hunter, and re-loader, that is in the process of discovering what others have known for years. The 338Wincester Magnum is hard to beat as an all around big game cartridge. It is easy to load for, shoots flat, hits hard and according to a multitude of hunters and guides, brings home the bacon. It truly is and has been an American Classic and will be used by the discerning and informed North American hunter for many years.

I am proud to be one of those discerning hunters who will have a lot of fun with an American Classic cartridge during hunting season this year and the years that will follow. I will not be disappointed in the results. Yes, Mississippi deer and hogs, Missouri white tail, Louisiana deer and hogs, with the 200gr Accucond, 210gr partition and last but not least, with a 225gr Patition the Alaskan Black bear in the spring of 2011. Watch out game, cause here I come with my 338Winchester Magnum. By: Mike Price

HEMI · 10-28-2009, 02:43 PM

The 338 is a winner!
Recoil is about the same as my 300wthby
with 200gr bullets.

ArkansasHunter · 10-28-2009, 03:46 PM

Very good write CR about a cartridge I have only heard of and knew little about.
Unfortunitly I'll prolly never get to shoot one. Nice read feller...A.H

moosemike · 10-28-2009, 04:30 PM

I hunt game up to Moose with the .30-06 with no complaints. I just don't know what I'd do with a .338 WM.

CircuitRider · 10-28-2009, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moosemike

I hunt game up to Moose with the .30-06 with no complaints. I just don't know what I'd do with a .338 WM.

At least you would own a great cartridge like the 30-06, an 06 on steroids

moosemike · 10-28-2009, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CircuitRider

At least you would own a great cartridge like the 30-06, an 06 on steroids

It's certainly a great cartridge and if I ever go looking for Grizzlies I'll get one.

Midas · 10-28-2009, 07:12 PM

One of my all time favorites, it is a true hammer on anything in NA, and on larger plains game in Africa..

nathangdad · 10-28-2009, 10:08 PM

it is certainly a successful cartridge. I was very young when it was introduced. Winchester had all sorts of ads promoting it as the cartridge for Alaska. If I recall correctly the first Winchster rifle chambered for the cartridge was named the "Alaskan".

Many people love the cartridge. However, it is too much in terms of recoil and muzzle blast for a large number of shooters. Also, it is a bit too much for deer in terms of meat destruction in the eyes of many hunters.

If this is "your" cartridge then best of luck with it.

Have a great day.

CircuitRider · 10-28-2009, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nathangdad

it is certainly a successful cartridge. I was very young when it was introduced. Winchester had all sorts of ads promoting it as the cartridge for Alaska. If I recall correctly the first Winchster rifle chambered for the cartridge was named the "Alaskan".

Many people love the cartridge. However, it is too much in terms of recoil and muzzle blast for a large number of shooters. Also, it is a bit too much for deer in terms of meat destruction in the eyes of many hunters.

If this is "your" cartridge then best of luck with it.

Have a great day.

I am sure I will have more than luck with it

Tack Driver · 11-06-2009, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CircuitRider

I am sure I will have more than luck with it

I have the same rifle, but mine is chambered in .300 Win Mag. I sure wouldn't mine buying another one in .338 Win Mag.

SwedeSteve · 11-08-2009, 09:26 PM

I too, like the classic 338.

G. Green · 11-08-2009, 09:31 PM

I have a friend who guides bear hunts in Alaska that has been through multiple rifles and settled on the stainless Ruger in .338. He loves it and trusts it.

CircuitRider · 11-08-2009, 09:47 PM

Great cartridge and it hits hard.

Old Steve · 11-11-2009, 06:18 PM

Is CircuitRider bragging on it or apoligizing for having bought it? Much ado about little, if I wanted one I would have bought one.

G. Green · 11-11-2009, 07:39 PM

I think he was just makin' conversation about something he's obviously passionate about.

DUGABOY1 · 11-14-2009, 05:16 PM

Circuitrider's post was a very good write up in favor of the 338 cartridge, and much less about the very good rifle made to shoot it.

"American Classic" I don't know! It is a little young to be considered an American Classic,as is the Ruger mod 77 rifle, IMO, The Mod 70 it was introduced in is a classic, however.

The 338 Win Mag is a very good cartridge for, as you say, North America, and most of Africa as well. The 338 Win Mag is likely the most used chambering in Alaska. It is very popular with hunters who live in Alaska, and rifles, and ammo for it are available in almost any store in Alaska no matter how far out on the tundra. It has been a favorite of a lot of hunting guides in Alaska as well. However for the guys who specialize in guiding for Brown bear, two cartridges are taking the place of the 338 slowly, but surely push the 338 back to the Caribou, and moose guides, while the well known Brown bear guides have moved to 458 Win Mag , and 375 H&H to back their clients, who still use the 338 Win Mag very effectively, for that purpose. I personally use a 375 H&H Whitworth African express rifle to hunt everything in Alaska, because where I hunt there are a lot of cheeky brown bear who have come out of the Katmai Ntnl Park, and are used to being around people, and are not shy about walking right into your camp, and takeing what they want, and dareing you to object. We have found the 375 H&H 270, and 300 gr bulets from a 375 destroys far less meat than the fast hot rock 300s. I have one friend who uses the 338 to shoot everything, including little 100 pound east Texas whitetail deer, and he uses the heavy bullets, to conserve meat damage. The heavy bullet do not open well so do less damage on such a light deer, but kill like a gernade.

In Africa, the The 338 Win Mag, and the 340 Wby Mag are about tops for the African lion over bait or in open country. Leopard are most times hunted over bait with one of the 30 calibers. The 338 is not legal for cape Bullafo, Rhino, or Elephant so do not apply there. The 338 Win mag has been used quite sucessfully on cape buffalo when that was all that was in hand when a confrontation came about, that however doesn't make it a buffalo chambering. the .366 dia is minimum for Buffalo, Rhino, and elephant, in several countries, and the .375 in others.

I happen to love the 338 Win Mag cartridge, and I also like Ruger rifles, and you will be seeing both in the hunting fields of the world for a long time to come, however I think it will need a little more grey hair in it's life before I would go along with the "CLASSIC" status. Anounced in 1958 available only in the Mod 70 Wincherster "ALASKAN" rifle it is just one of the cartridges Winchester introduced made on the 458 Win Mag case necked down. Being only 51 years old I don't think it is yet a CLASSIC, but it was first chambered in a CLASSIC RIFLE, the Mod 70 Winchester introduced in 1937. which is 72 yrs old.

....................................

Purdy · 11-14-2009, 05:55 PM

I once owned a pre '64 M70 in 338. It may be a classic but it had the same 24" bbl that all the std weights did and with the bigger hole, it was a tad light. For me, the M70 stock was not quite right and I suffered greatly from the recoil acquiring several inverted "smileys" over my eye. (I was using a K4 scope as I recall) I shot a small mule deer buck at about 75 yds. with 225 gr. bullets and after six shots through the lungs, chest area he finally fell with a spine shot. The bullets were passing through with little effect. I sold the rifle several years later but probably should have kept it and re-stocked it. Now I use my Sako Safari 375 H&H

10-28-2009, 02:30 PM	#1
CircuitRider Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: USA Posts: 290	The 338winchester magnum - an american classic THE 338WINCHESTER MAGNUM - AN AMERICAN CLASSIC With my Ruger M77 chambered in 338Winchester Magnum with a 24" barrel and with the receiver no longer than a standard 30-06 length, I have a substantial big game rifle and cartridge. This American classic is truly a very versatile all around cartridge for big game. It has reasonable recoil with only the 250-300 grain bullets being a little to much for some people, but not for most of us who use the magnum cartridges when hunting big game. If one re-loads for the 338Winchester Magnum, the new cartridges like the 338 Fed and the 325WSM are not able to run with it, nor can they use the heavier bullets as well or with as much punch. The 338Winchester Magnum can push a 180gr bullet at 3100-3200fps, a 200gr bullet at 3025-3075fps, a 210gr bullet at 2980-3010fps, a 225gr bullet at 2850 - 2900fps, a 250gr bullet at 2800 - 2820fps, a 275gr bullet at 2670 to 2700fps, a 300gr bullet 2500-2550fps, and is manufactured by 90% of the major gun manufactures. This places it right in the middle of good company when you consider how flat it shoots (like some of the 300 magnums) and how hard it hits (like the some of the 375 magnums). It is not a compromise by any stretch of the imagination. On the contrary, with the bullet and powder selections of today, the 338Winchester Magnum is a very good all around big game rifle for coyote to Brown Bear. It is arguably the best elk and moose cartridge, with no apologies when used on bear. With lighter loads it reaches out hitting coyotes, deer and hogs like Thor's Hammer, while not destroying any more meat than the 30 and 7mm caliber cartridges. A hunter in the field with this one cartridge could take everything from coyote to the largest Alaskan Brown bears. It would not destroy meat anymore on the smaller size big game like white tail deer than would a 130gr bullet out of a 270. It would buck the wind at distances that most hunters would consider reasonable and with plenty of energy to anchor anything in North America and most of Africa out to 400yds (where legal to use). Also, with some bullets and loads in the right hands, it could be a very effective round when used at longer ranges. Since1959 the 338Winchester Magnum has preformed without question on any thing it has been used on in North America, as well as plains game in Africa, with consistent success. Easy to load for, accurate, reasonable recoil if stocked correctly and hits like a hammer. With velocities that are perfect for the big game bullets that are manufactured for the .338 caliber. Jim, a friend of mine said, "with the 338Winchester Magnum you could kill everything from mice to Moose" and I would add even a big mean-spirited bear up close. Jim summed it up in his use of figurative speech, in accurately describing the 338Winchester Magnum. Most are aware in the hunting world that the 30-06 with a 180gr bullet has been and is very affective in most situations and on most game given proper circumstances. Also the effectiveness of the 300Winchester Magnum using a 180gr bullet is unquestioned. In light of this fact a 338Winchester Magnum using a 250gr bullet, has a striking energy that is around 25% greater than that 30-06 with a 180gr bullet. Also, the 338Winchester Magnum using a 250gr bullet, has at least 15% greater striking energy than the 300Winchster Magnum using a 180gr bullet. On top of that the cross-sectional area of the 250gr bullet is 20% greater with a momentum factor that allows for greater penetration due to 70grs greater weight. It has tremendous potential as an all around big game cartridge for smaller deer to the largest, toughest and heaviest game in North America. It is a tremendous medium bore with great legs. What do I mean by saying great legs. It is a true sprinter with endurance and has a hard quick crushing blow, like a heavy weight. Bullet selection ranges from 180 grains to 300 grains to meet any need the North American hunter would engage. It can be down loaded to 30-06 levels and still produces excellent accuracy. On smaller species of big game one can use the 180gr to the 215gr bullets. Now there is a bullet in this weight range that is good on the smaller species of big game, while being the exception in this group due to the fact it is also highly effective on the larger species of big game. I am making reference to the 210grain Nosler Partition. The 210gr Partition has velocities between 2980fps and 3010fps with very good accuracy, flat shooting and hard hitting. It is a combination that really allows the 338Winchester Magnum to stand out as a longer rang load while still being devastating up close. Of course for the really big stuff the 250gr bullets due to their great shapes and constructions are real game getters for sure. The 250gr to the 300gr bullets when used in the 338Winchester Magnum do not have to apologies, nor are they inferior for any of the tasks handed them when taking big game. I owned and shot the 338Winchester Magnum some 20 years ago but did not hunt with it nor did I reload for it to my regret. I am doing both now and that is why I have written this article. I am a shooter, hunter, and re-loader, that is in the process of discovering what others have known for years. The 338Wincester Magnum is hard to beat as an all around big game cartridge. It is easy to load for, shoots flat, hits hard and according to a multitude of hunters and guides, brings home the bacon. It truly is and has been an American Classic and will be used by the discerning and informed North American hunter for many years. I am proud to be one of those discerning hunters who will have a lot of fun with an American Classic cartridge during hunting season this year and the years that will follow. I will not be disappointed in the results. Yes, Mississippi deer and hogs, Missouri white tail, Louisiana deer and hogs, with the 200gr Accucond, 210gr partition and last but not least, with a 225gr Patition the Alaskan Black bear in the spring of 2011. Watch out game, cause here I come with my 338Winchester Magnum. By: Mike Price __________________ Since 1959 the 338Winchester Magnum has preformed without question on North American game. Last edited by CircuitRider; 10-28-2009 at 04:31 PM.

10-28-2009, 03:46 PM	#3
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas. Posts: 18,321	Very good write CR about a cartridge I have only heard of and knew little about. Unfortunitly I'll prolly never get to shoot one. Nice read feller...A.H __________________ IN GOD WE TRUST NRA MEMBER

10-28-2009, 07:12 PM	#7
Midas Chief Troll B' Gone Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NW Arkansas Posts: 3,802 Blog Entries: 6	One of my all time favorites, it is a true hammer on anything in NA, and on larger plains game in Africa.. __________________ NRA Life Member 10mm Auto-The ultimate trail gun

10-28-2009, 10:08 PM	#8
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 6,006	Well, it is certainly a successful cartridge. I was very young when it was introduced. Winchester had all sorts of ads promoting it as the cartridge for Alaska. If I recall correctly the first Winchster rifle chambered for the cartridge was named the "Alaskan". Many people love the cartridge. However, it is too much in terms of recoil and muzzle blast for a large number of shooters. Also, it is a bit too much for deer in terms of meat destruction in the eyes of many hunters. If this is "your" cartridge then best of luck with it. Have a great day.

11-08-2009, 09:26 PM	#11
SwedeSteve Suspected Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Anchortown, Alaska Posts: 26,233	I too, like the classic 338. __________________ In the absence of orders, ATTACK !!

10-28-2009, 02:43 PM	#2
HEMI Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 1,185	The 338 is a winner! Recoil is about the same as my 300wthby with 200gr bullets.

10-28-2009, 04:30 PM	#4
moosemike Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Lebanon PA Posts: 355	I hunt game up to Moose with the .30-06 with no complaints. I just don't know what I'd do with a .338 WM.

11-08-2009, 09:31 PM	#12
G. Green Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NE OK Posts: 1,055	I have a friend who guides bear hunts in Alaska that has been through multiple rifles and settled on the stainless Ruger in .338. He loves it and trusts it.

11-08-2009, 09:47 PM	#13
CircuitRider Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: USA Posts: 290	Great cartridge and it hits hard. __________________ Since 1959 the 338Winchester Magnum has preformed without question on North American game.

11-11-2009, 06:18 PM	#14
Old Steve Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 43	Is CircuitRider bragging on it or apoligizing for having bought it? Much ado about little, if I wanted one I would have bought one.

11-11-2009, 07:39 PM	#15
G. Green Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NE OK Posts: 1,055	I think he was just makin' conversation about something he's obviously passionate about.

11-14-2009, 05:16 PM	#16
DUGABOY1 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 104	Circuitrider's post was a very good write up in favor of the 338 cartridge, and much less about the very good rifle made to shoot it. "American Classic" I don't know! It is a little young to be considered an American Classic,as is the Ruger mod 77 rifle, IMO, The Mod 70 it was introduced in is a classic, however. The 338 Win Mag is a very good cartridge for, as you say, North America, and most of Africa as well. The 338 Win Mag is likely the most used chambering in Alaska. It is very popular with hunters who live in Alaska, and rifles, and ammo for it are available in almost any store in Alaska no matter how far out on the tundra. It has been a favorite of a lot of hunting guides in Alaska as well. However for the guys who specialize in guiding for Brown bear, two cartridges are taking the place of the 338 slowly, but surely push the 338 back to the Caribou, and moose guides, while the well known Brown bear guides have moved to 458 Win Mag , and 375 H&H to back their clients, who still use the 338 Win Mag very effectively, for that purpose. I personally use a 375 H&H Whitworth African express rifle to hunt everything in Alaska, because where I hunt there are a lot of cheeky brown bear who have come out of the Katmai Ntnl Park, and are used to being around people, and are not shy about walking right into your camp, and takeing what they want, and dareing you to object. We have found the 375 H&H 270, and 300 gr bulets from a 375 destroys far less meat than the fast hot rock 300s. I have one friend who uses the 338 to shoot everything, including little 100 pound east Texas whitetail deer, and he uses the heavy bullets, to conserve meat damage. The heavy bullet do not open well so do less damage on such a light deer, but kill like a gernade. In Africa, the The 338 Win Mag, and the 340 Wby Mag are about tops for the African lion over bait or in open country. Leopard are most times hunted over bait with one of the 30 calibers. The 338 is not legal for cape Bullafo, Rhino, or Elephant so do not apply there. The 338 Win mag has been used quite sucessfully on cape buffalo when that was all that was in hand when a confrontation came about, that however doesn't make it a buffalo chambering. the .366 dia is minimum for Buffalo, Rhino, and elephant, in several countries, and the .375 in others. I happen to love the 338 Win Mag cartridge, and I also like Ruger rifles, and you will be seeing both in the hunting fields of the world for a long time to come, however I think it will need a little more grey hair in it's life before I would go along with the "CLASSIC" status. Anounced in 1958 available only in the Mod 70 Wincherster "ALASKAN" rifle it is just one of the cartridges Winchester introduced made on the 458 Win Mag case necked down. Being only 51 years old I don't think it is yet a CLASSIC, but it was first chambered in a CLASSIC RIFLE, the Mod 70 Winchester introduced in 1937. which is 72 yrs old. .................................... __________________ ,,,,,,,,,Mac >>>===(x)===> Double rifles rule, all others just burn powder Last edited by DUGABOY1; 11-14-2009 at 10:17 PM.

11-14-2009, 05:55 PM	#17
Purdy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Montana Posts: 594	I once owned a pre '64 M70 in 338. It may be a classic but it had the same 24" bbl that all the std weights did and with the bigger hole, it was a tad light. For me, the M70 stock was not quite right and I suffered greatly from the recoil acquiring several inverted "smileys" over my eye. (I was using a K4 scope as I recall) I shot a small mule deer buck at about 75 yds. with 225 gr. bullets and after six shots through the lungs, chest area he finally fell with a spine shot. The bullets were passing through with little effect. I sold the rifle several years later but probably should have kept it and re-stocked it. Now I use my Sako Safari 375 H&H