Magnum Mnaniac,Interesting to hear on the 300.Have many friends local that shoot as I 338NM, I rarely hear of pencil unless its beyond 1200. Ive been shooting the 300 OTM for ten years with devistating results,its almost too much.I tried a badlands 240 this year on a shot,for less damage and try something else.I use the 338 NM for all hunting and its a bit much. Im in a valley from which alot of firearms are made,Proof,Defiance is 200 yrds from my house.So I know alot of guys shooting big 338's,and there just power houses,guys I know are guides and other very avid hunters. I like my rifle and wind bucking and think,what if i have a long shot? So mainly use,or my other 338NM heh