Nothing wrong with a brake if used for the right application. I used to use one on a .223 so you could spot shots through the scope. The only issue is you need hearing protection even if only taking a single shot on a game animal. For that reason I don't see use at all for them on a hunting rifle, unless it's a varmint rig or a dedicated long range rig where one would have ample time to don hearing protection.
.338 WM vs .338 RUM vs .338 Lapua
- Thread starter roche1982
- Start date
Nothing wrong with a brake if used for the right application. I used to use one on a .223 so you could spot shots through the scope. The only issue is you need hearing protection even if only taking a single shot on a game animal. For that reason I don't see use at all for them on a hunting rifle, unless it's a varmint rig or a dedicated long range rig where one would have ample time to don hearing protection.
I have permanent hearing damage, tinnitus. Not a day goes by that my left ear doesn't ring. One shot from a braked 7mm STW, that was all. It was my fault for not putting in my plugs. It doesn't matter braked or not hearing protection is needed. There are more pro's to a brake than cons. I do agree with you except not being on a hunting rifle. Thats it..
I own and shoot regularly the 338-06, 338 WM, 340 Wby and 338 Lapua. I have owned a 338-378 Wby in the past, and did load development on a friend's 338 Imperial Magnum (the 338 RUM by another name). None required brakes, though they would have been nice from the bench. I find accuracy is more a result of the rifle build then the particular cartridge at these levels. My personal favorite is the 340, though they all were accurate enough for their job, given the lack of the OP's handloading capabilities, I can only recommend the 338 WM. I have had better luck with the 8 RM, a factory rifle and a custom job. It exceeded the velocity/bullet weight numbers i saw from my 308 NM or any of the four 300 WM's I own. The 300 Wby came close and the 300 RUM will best it, but then the 8mm-300 RUM bettered that. FWIW - dan
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
If I was going to lie behind a .338 Lapua, and drive 100 rounds down range from prone, then yes, I would want a brake on that rifle. However, in a typical hunting situation, were I am unlikely to wear hearing protection, and where the number of rounds fired would most likely be 3 or less, and certainly less than 10 given a worst case scenario, a brake would most certainly be the devil. If I was hunting with a companion, who stopped and fired at a game animal, without warning while I was behind and to one side of him, a brake would be the devil. If I was shooting at a rifle range, on the bench next to the fellow shooting his braked .338 Lapua, I would have to wait until he was finished or until another bench became available, so at a busy range, a brake is the devil.
I've noticed that while many brake shooters claim that their rifle isn't so bad for others, they always go for the farthest bench away from other shooters with brakes. You'd think that if they had the courage of their convictions they'd all sit together.
Bigfoot 870
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- Location
- Nova Scotia
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bearkilr
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nowhere, ......just past the middle
That's an opinion many don't share with you, myself included.
Same here
Brakes are just a tool... they have a place and serve a purpose... they are not appreciated by many because of the mall ninja's shooting at ranges from "sea to shining sea"... you know the ones, they set-up at the station right next to you (rather than all the empties at the other end) because they want to make sure you see and admire their black, "gun powder free" rig.
A good rule of thumb is... don't use a brake... unless you "need" a brake.
A good rule of thumb is... don't use a brake... unless you "need" a brake.
If you don't hand load and shoot long range often or just lack experience with big cased 338s I'd suggest the 338 wm. It's cheaper to shoot and the platforms are virtually in every catalog. Ammo is available everywhere basically it has the power needed to knock down game well out beyond what must hunters should be shooting at anyway. Find a rifle that fits in 338 wm. Shoot it a lot. Start reloading. Once you get accustomed to it push your limits. If you do well then move up a class and try a larger case. A 338 wm is fairly easy to sell if priced right.
Personally if it were me I'd go 338 federal. But I don't like long shots on big game and hunt in thick bush
Wby has some gorgeous guns chambered in 340 if you have the coin and fancy deluxe walnut
Personally if it were me I'd go 338 federal. But I don't like long shots on big game and hunt in thick bush
Wby has some gorgeous guns chambered in 340 if you have the coin and fancy deluxe walnut
"Where in Canada does one get .338 RUM ammo?"
That's just it with the .338 RUM. I have never purchased a single round of factory ammo for mine, rather I bought 100 brass when I first got the thing and then another 100 more a couple years later. I worked up my loads and that's where it has been at ever since. The factory ammo is expensive and Remington left some change on the table with the way they load it. The caliber is far more capable than Remington's loads indicate. It is easy to drive a 225 grain Accubond in excess of 3150 fps and 250 grainers can routinely kiss 3000 fps out of a 26" barrel. Judicious handloading is the key though.
That's just it with the .338 RUM. I have never purchased a single round of factory ammo for mine, rather I bought 100 brass when I first got the thing and then another 100 more a couple years later. I worked up my loads and that's where it has been at ever since. The factory ammo is expensive and Remington left some change on the table with the way they load it. The caliber is far more capable than Remington's loads indicate. It is easy to drive a 225 grain Accubond in excess of 3150 fps and 250 grainers can routinely kiss 3000 fps out of a 26" barrel. Judicious handloading is the key though.
