Browning BAR 338 Win Mag recoil

[sp-10]

I’m looking for some peoples experience on the recoil of a 338 win mag recoil in a browning bar mark 2. In the past I have used an x bolt in 300 win mag as a big game gun and am consider buying a browning bar in 338 win mag. I am wondering how much of a felt recoil difference there would be between the two? The bar would be a pound heavier and in a gas semi auto.

I am worried the recoil might be too much. I can accurately shoot the x bolt in 300 but I would say it is towards the upper end of what I would want for recoil but it is manageable. If they are both around similar levels of recoil I would call that acceptable. I don’t notice it on game but I find load development day at the range to be a pain in the ass.

Has anyone shot the two guns or ones similar? I figure the recoil should be comparable between the two being that the 338 would be in a semi that’s a pound heavier. I have looked at the numbers from online calculators but just wondering if anyone has any real world experience to share?

 

[wannabe]

very little....its a heavy gun with a greatly reduced recoil impulse...often very accurate...try for the mk2 or newer

 

[madtrapper143]

I owned one. It was more of a push than recoil. Very accurate and easy to shoot.

Darryl

 

[conor_90]

338 wm recoil in a heavy gun is pretty underwhelming. Lighter loads kick like a heavy 300 win load and heavier ones will let you know they’re there but won’t cause any lasting harm

 

[Saskmadeguy]

I have an xbolt and Mk3 in 30-06. I don’t feel the recoil in my MK3 until the next day. The gun is very accurate.

 

[Buckmastr]

I had one in 300 mag. The weight of the gun and the semi auto action definitely tame it down a lot.

 

[dan belisle]

I carried one when i worked in bear country, hmm, early 80's . Easiest shooting 338 I ever had. - dan

 

[Mike Webb]

Recoil is comparatively mild in BAR 338 noticably lighter than many .300 win mag bolt guns. I find that many 300 mags are just too light and carry hockey puck "recoil" pads from the manufacturer. In my mind a 300 magnum should be around 9 lbs scoped for easier shooting and the trend to lighter rifles has been taken a little too far.

 

[Puma]

Recoil is comparatively mild in BAR 338 noticably lighter than many .300 win mag bolt guns. I find that many 300 mags are just too light and carry hockey puck "recoil" pads from the manufacturer. In my mind a 300 magnum should be around 9 lbs scoped for easier shooting and the trend to lighter rifles has been taken a little too far.

This is a pretty accurate comment. I have never found a .300WM that I was comfortable with. I have a FN Browning BAR in .338 and have no problem shooting it at all.

 

[Upland28]

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