Rightio.
I've used a 35 Whelen as per the user handle, an then went lighter weight rifle in a similiar Cartridge in form of 9.3x62.......... former a Ruger, latter a Tikka..
I've not used the 338 Win Mag an perhaps wont because the fact it is a "Magnum" , everything is bigger- from the Bolt face to the Brass and powder consumption.. for me theres no need for one but it is a highly common Sambar Rifle down under..
I chose the others for use of Standard brass 30-06 or similiar in terms of the x62mm... .366 Woodleighs are fantastic , 232gr up to 300gr.... (250gr/286gr)
The recoil is not wild in the Ruger but is a little punchy in the Tikka, i wouldnt like to shoot a stout 338 win mag in a Tikka, but no worries in the Ruger...
Totally depending what yer huntin an where ya huntin an how ya huntin it
id say the 9.3 just cos, im using mine back here in Aus for the Fallow and Sambar this month!