Slimbo said:
I starting a build on a 98 mauser action. Im building a bear gun, I want it to be short light and tough. Im still deciding between 338 win mag and 458 win mag. How short could I go with either of these calibers? is 20" too short for these big bores? Any help is much appreciated.
I have both, so I'll try to answer your question without trying to swerve you off your 'course'...
I'd go with the .338, and here's why.
- It works just fine out of shorter barrels, although I'd go to 21 -22 inches, not so much for velocity, but to get that gawdawful racket a little farther from my head! 21-22 inches is still plenty short. A good .338 shoots very flat, is capable of superb accuracy, and you can learn to shoot it well in short order.
- A .338 is very common, and you can pick up a box of factory loads anywhere. .458 has become kind of scarce recently, and I've even had a tough time scrounging up some brass.
- A .338 recoils less, and can be built in a considerably lighter rifle than can a .458. I have a .338 that's barely 7 pounds (in iron sights), but it fits me like a glove, and I can shoot it all day with full-bore 250 gr. loads. My .458 fits well too, but it's less comfortable, and 2.5 pounds heavier.
- A .338 has plenty of 'jam' for anything that walks, crawls or flies on this continent. Period. The only real reason for having a .458 is because we want one (and yes, that's reason enough!)...but a .338 is surely adequate, and a lot more versatile. I guarantee you'd use it more often, and probably enjoy it more. If you get the urge for some "thunder & lightning", just borrow a .458 for an afternoon...
Your choice of building on a Mauser is perfect, in my opinion.