I'm looking for a 338 for moose and elk but not sure what kind to get. I have a few tikkas and really like them but unsure of a 338 in that light of a gun. Have heard good things about model 70 and ruger but have no experience with either. Any input would be appreciated.
338 Win Mag
- Thread starter Medic-
- Start date
You can get more weight in the Tikka and there is something to be said for maintaining a brand you are familiar with.
A light rifle with a stock that fits you has more (or less) impact than a heavy rifle that doesn't.
A light rifle with a stock that fits you has more (or less) impact than a heavy rifle that doesn't.
I have a 338wm in a T3. It came with a Limbsaver when I got it and I imagine it is a must have for the 338. I shoot 250gr grand slams out of mine and they do get your attention. I have also shot 225s and 210 Noslers. The Noslers were nice but I ran out of them and got a good deal on a whole bunch of 250s so I fling them now.
I had a set of the standard Tikka scope rings that clamp onto the dovetail, they only lasted a dozen shots or so with the 250s. Get good rings, I have Talleys on mine.
I had a set of the standard Tikka scope rings that clamp onto the dovetail, they only lasted a dozen shots or so with the 250s. Get good rings, I have Talleys on mine.
westcoaster
CGN Regular
- Location
- Central BC
I have a somewhat customized Model 70 Classic. I shot it through all phases of it's evolution as I customized it. It was and is a very nice rifle to shoot. I have also shot the new Model 70's, while I do not like the trigger as much as the classic's, it is still a fine rifle. I would not hesitate to recommend a Model 70 in 338wm.
FWIW, I shoot nothing but 250grn Swift AFrames for hunting and 250grn Hornady Interlocks for target practice. One point of impact is a good thing.
BC Bigbore
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- BC's Peace Country
The .338 Winchester Magnum is a great cartridge for moose & elk and any other biggies we hunt in the north including bison & grizzly. I had a Ruger 77 MkII Laminated SS in .338Mag years ago. That rifle accounted for a few moose & elk with my handloads, but then I sold it (stupid me) after having a Winchester Model 70 Fwt "tweaked" and rebarreled to .338-06. Lately, another .338WinMag has entered the fold and this time it's chambered in an original pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Alaskan with a 25" barrel. You won't go wrong with either the Ruger MkII SS or Winchester Model 70 for anything we hunt in the north 
nowarningshot
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Probably my favorite caliber, some think it is some sort of rhino gun, not at all. It is right there, in the balance between performance and excess recoil.
I have a T3 in 30-06, and even that needs its Limbsaver. The caliber can shoot from about 185 thru to about 250. Using much larger would really start to encroach on powder capacity and performance. If you load and find recoil excessive simply try a lighter projectile.
I have a T3 in 30-06, and even that needs its Limbsaver. The caliber can shoot from about 185 thru to about 250. Using much larger would really start to encroach on powder capacity and performance. If you load and find recoil excessive simply try a lighter projectile.
If you want a 160-200 grain bullet launcher there are plenty of other calibers around.
To be fair 200 grains is entering top end territory for 30 cal and I doubt many modern rifles are designed with the intention of shooting it in terms of twist. I'm not an experienced reloader but I've found cartridges work better with their median weights than maxing out the bullet size.
To contradict that my t3 lite .338 shines with 250 and 300 grain bullets.
If you are concerned about recoil, a rifle under 7 lbs in .338 is not for you...
I agree with No Warning shot, it is no elephant gun. In the tikka though, the recoil is noticeable but like he said this goes for just about any tikka lite I've shot that was chambered in anything larger than 308.
I like to think of the .338 as the North American .375, shortened and slightly lower velocity, with the benefit of lower recoil and lighter rifles.
To be fair 200 grains is entering top end territory for 30 cal and I doubt many modern rifles are designed with the intention of shooting it in terms of twist. I'm not an experienced reloader but I've found cartridges work better with their median weights than maxing out the bullet size.
To contradict that my t3 lite .338 shines with 250 and 300 grain bullets.
If you are concerned about recoil, a rifle under 7 lbs in .338 is not for you...
I agree with No Warning shot, it is no elephant gun. In the tikka though, the recoil is noticeable but like he said this goes for just about any tikka lite I've shot that was chambered in anything larger than 308.
I like to think of the .338 as the North American .375, shortened and slightly lower velocity, with the benefit of lower recoil and lighter rifles.
Savage Hog Hunter, mine is in 338 win mag , pre-threaded for a brake if you want one, iron sights, accu trigger, internal box magazine, heavy barrel
But you will have to look for a used one as Savage no longer offers this calibre instead they have switched to 338 federal
But you will have to look for a used one as Savage no longer offers this calibre instead they have switched to 338 federal
bearkilr
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nowhere, ......just past the middle
I have a Sako 85 SS, Tikka M658 and Ruger M77 in 338. The Sako is by far the best handling, slickest action and softest shooting. The Tikka kicks like a mule. The Ruger is a clunker but due to the 10 lb heft is soft shooting.
I own a pre-64 M70 in 338 WM and really like it. . It carries like a 30-06 and shoots like a 375 H&H without having to lug around that heavy 375 barrel. . Heard good things about the new Model 70 and believe it'd be worth a try.
Recoil isn't a problem for me I've been shooting a 300 win mag for years just always wanted a 338. The only concern I have with the tikka t3 is the recoil lug not holding up to recoil. I really like the look of the model 70 extreme weather with the Bell and Carlson stock but I haven't seen one to handle.
I replaced the recoil lug with one made specifically for my T3 of steel.
Bedded properly it worked well.
