Are the .338s becoming pointless?

[bdyal1972]

When I hunted in New Zealand last summer, I was bummed to learn I could not hunt there with handguns. So I decided to use my guides rifle. i do own rifles, but didn't want to go through the hassle. 338 Lapua, at over 600 yards. It worked fine. Yes, I have killed stuff with a rifle!

WOW



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DID I MENTION?



!!!!!WOW!!!!

 

[Dragoon300]

It has been proven that you can kill large animals with an arrow, but a 338 is much more effective. Yes lighter bullets are faster and have a flater trajectory, but at long range do not have as much energy as the heavier bullet. This means that you can still kill something with lighter bullets (like an arrow) but the energy and effectiveness of the larger heavier bullet will produce better results as far as a clean kill given the same shot placement. I prefer to look at the effective range of a cartridge by it's energy and set limits based on that. In PRS matches most shooters have gone to smaller light bullets that don't recoil and without hit indicating lights you can't even tell if you hit the target. If all you wish to do is put holes in paper targets you don't need much energy, but the larger and heavier the game, the more energy is required to produce a cleaner kill, shot placement being the same. Just my thoughts, I like my varmint 22's, and my 338's, and everything in between for their intended targets based on shot placement probability and energy.

 

[110len]

Not looking to offend or claim they're not effective, BUT...it used to be that the .338 lapua was regarded as in a league apart compared to .300 and 7mms because of the bcs on the 338 bullets. Now this is definitely a thing of the past, with high .7 and even .8 range g1 bc 7mm and .308" bullets that can be driven faster all things equal For true extreme range the big .375s are dominant. For tactical purposes all of the above are way more than adequate antipersonell rounds, body armour or not. None of the above are truly suitable anti material caliber. The way it seems now is that the .33s don't have an advantage over the 7 and 30 trajectory wise and can't match the 375s out of similar size rifles. Nothing wrong with .338 cartridges but not a whole lot I see that would make me choose one with things as they are now. Show me if I'm wrong!

I don't think they're pointless - they're just not the trend (or where the money is) at present. PRS competition and the availability of superb 6 and 6.5 mm bullets have everyone's attention right now. Inexpensive, low recoil, high BC bullets coupled with the fact that not many people have access to 1K+ ranges has turned many shooters in this direction. Shot placement is still paramount for hunting especially with smaller calibers but there's no comparison to the energy delivered at distance. Hitting steel at 1200 yds with a 338 and watching it swing versus hitting it with a 6mm and not even budge is a big difference. There are many great shooters out there but, not wanting to offend anyone either, I can't help but wonder
what you're learning about recoil management etc. when you're shooting a 20+ pound rifle with a 5 port brake and a 105gr. bullet? Might be a bit humbling when you get behind something a more persuasive.

 

[Ernie]

WOW



WOW



WOW



DID I MENTION?



!!!!!WOW!!!!

The cool thing was, is that Emily was able to be with me for this. She had never been hunting with me before. The guide knew I shot distance with specialty pistols, but told me beforehand (Before the trip), that he would not allow shots beyond 350 yards. I said, "Okay." There was no way to get closer. But that afternoon, The guide grabs the rifle, sets it down, and says, "You are shooting from here." I was like, "Cool!" One shot later, dead Stag!

 

[340Wby-4-everything]

For everyone that said, not at all obsolete and build and shoot what you like - hear hear! I also agree with the folks that said "it depends on what you are trying to accomplish?" My .340 Wby (one of the several top end .338s - same perf as a lapua, but with less powder and has a belt) is an extremely light mtn rifle, but is a sub 1/2moa out to 600yds - haven't shot it any further) drives 200gr Hornady Interlocks at 3260fps and 250gr'ers just a hair under 3000fps, so not sure how the author or anyone thinks any 7mm or 300 is in the same class. They clearly aren't. 39 animals (including 18 elk and 9 African plains game ) out to 510yds and 36 never took a step after the shot (DRT), the other three, all elk, two I did not do my part and a monster 6x6 bull was dead and didn't know it - he went 60yds with no heart, two damaged lungs and broken shoulder like he wasn't hit, then dropped dead. If you want to step up a notch, move to the .338-378WBY or the .338 Edge. Course, as several have mentioned, those come at the cost of weight and/or recoil. If you want to shoot target ELR or have lots of killing power left past 1000, just get what you want/like .338, .375, .416, .50, but don't think for a second any 7mm or 300 will compete with any of them at any range for sheer power.

 

[Rum Man]

Well everyone reading or posting here will have a different answer or opinion on this .
I'm going to speak from experience. I have several 300 Rums and they do a great Job.
But Hands down I would grab one of my 338's for Elk everyday of the week .
I have put together several 338 Rums and several 338 Edges . No PaPua yet .
I have shot at 100 yards to 3027 yards with excellent results .
I took my Bull last year at 1244 yrds . 338 Edge , 300 gr bergers. No I dont recomend every guy reading this to try it . I have countless hours of practice and reloading to get to that point .
In the end dead is dead weather you choose caliber A or caliber b ..

I believe it needs to be enough to take the game of choice with respect to it .
If your up to it the 338 can be a great choice in my book !
Lord a willin and the Creek dont rize I will be right back out there this Fall giving it my best again to Bag a Elk !
Best of luck in your choice it's a tough decision with all new caliber's out now !!

Rum Man

 

[10spottedhorses]

I personally am a huge 338 guy.. i believe they are without a question the perfect combination for powder used/performance gained out of all of them..

easy bore to tune ,, big mass , big frontal area, high bc etc.

granted alot of folks just cant shoot em and are soft shouldered .... the trend is smaller and smaller and smaller.

Ill take a 338 any day of the week and twice on sunday over them all!!

I've had both shoulders totally replaced so recoil is a big deal for me. That said, there are very good recoil reduction gun butt pad systems you can install yourself that do effectively reduce felt recoil by 60%+. I put one on my 10 gauge double bbl and the felt recoil is about like my 20 gauge double with light loads. One of my planned purchases is a .338-378 Weatherby Magnum built on a Ruger Model 1 platform. I'll call it "AT&T" because it will definitely reach out and touch something! ; )

 

[bdyal1972]

The cool thing was, is that Emily was able to be with me for this. She had never been hunting with me before. The guide knew I shot distance with specialty pistols, but told me beforehand (Before the trip), that he would not allow shots beyond 350 yards. I said, "Okay." There was no way to get closer. But that afternoon, The guide grabs the rifle, sets it down, and says, "You are shooting from here." I was like, "Cool!" One shot later, dead Stag!

When the guide breaks his own rules.....

#1 he trusts you

#2 you know the bull is AWESOME

LOL

 

[Ernie]

When the guide breaks his own rules.....

#1 he trusts you

#2 you know the bull is AWESOME

LOL

It was a awesome afternoon/evening for sure!

 

[.300 Dakota]

What are you using in .375 with over .800 BC? It would have to weigh 400 grains. You're talking about Chey-Tac and Barrett territory. Anything that is meant to be carried any distance and shoulder fired from a standing position in .375 bore isn't going to drive something that size more than 2300 - 2400 f/s. So I'd say there's your answer. It still represents the best combination of BC and energy in a standard shoulder-fired HUNTING carry rifle at distance.

Even in .338, the Chey-Tac will walk off and leave a Lapua or an UM, or my Edge, which is a UM. It's not a fair fight. They are 2 different tools used for 2 different things. You won't see me sporting a 20lb Chey-Tac in the New Mexico mountains on an elk hunt, however!

 

[Goldengun]

I think it depends on what your definition of 'Long Range Hunting" is, and what species your hunting. In the lower forty-eight, for me, yes. Although, I'll be carrying one or a 375 if I ever get to alaska. Your needs may require it.

 

[bdyal1972]

Well everyone reading or posting here will have a different answer or opinion on this .
I'm going to speak from experience. I have several 300 Rums and they do a great Job.
But Hands down I would grab one of my 338's for Elk everyday of the week .
I have put together several 338 Rums and several 338 Edges . No PaPua yet .
I have shot at 100 yards to 3027 yards with excellent results .
I took my Bull last year at 1244 yrds . 338 Edge , 300 gr bergers. No I dont recomend every guy reading this to try it . I have countless hours of practice and reloading to get to that point .
In the end dead is dead weather you choose caliber A or caliber b ..

I believe it needs to be enough to take the game of choice with respect to it .
If your up to it the 338 can be a great choice in my book !
Lord a willin and the Creek dont rize I will be right back out there this Fall giving it my best again to Bag a Elk !
Best of luck in your choice it's a tough decision with all new caliber's out now !!

Rum Man

338s ALWAYS PENETRATE

PENETRATION KILLS

HOWEVER

I HAVE ALSO TRACKED A BLEEDING 1000# ROOSEVELT 4 DAYS WITH HOLES IN BOTH LUNGS AND 1 VENTRICLE OF THE HEART DAMAGED, STARTED NEAR Camas Valley oregon, went around sitkum oregon died after a SECOND ARROW within site of the school at bridge oregon....

Experiences like that are why broadside shots on elk are iffy...

Sometimes a 30 cal 150 grain ballistic tip exploding in the boiler room @ 2900 fps drops a bull drt

Other times

It takes 3 boiler room hits...

Never seen a bull go far with a big heavy bullet breaking BOTH shoulders

Never seen a big bull go far with a hole from sternum to *** OR vice versa!!!

Even a 195 lathe turned SOLID in a 28 nosler would be hard pressed to do that!!!

140 grain 6.5mm????

"Forget about it"

175 fmj in 7x57??? Maybe lol

 

[5gauss]

In terms of game animals think .22 cal up to .50 BMG. 50 is for really big stuff, .338 for big stuff. Just hits harder with that energy for large/or dangerous animals...may be a bit over kill, but is what it is....

 

[bdyal1972]

What are you using in .375 with over .800 BC? It would have to weigh 400 grains. You're talking about Chey-Tac and Barrett territory. Anything that is meant to be carried any distance and shoulder fired from a standing position in .375 bore isn't going to drive something that size more than 2300 - 2400 f/s. So I'd say there's your answer. It still represents the best combination of BC and energy in a standard shoulder-fired HUNTING carry rifle at distance.

Even in .338, the Chey-Tac will walk off and leave a Lapua or an UM, or my Edge, which is a UM. It's not a fair fight. They are 2 different tools used for 2 different things. You won't see me sporting a 20lb Chey-Tac in the New Mexico mountains on an elk hunt, however!

400grn berger in 375enablr 2850-3150 @ muzzle!!!

Makes a 378weatherby 300 grain seem docile!!!

But

Enablr has 5-6x barrel life!!!