Who still makes a 338 Win Mag rifle these days?

Meroh said:
My friend had a model 70 in this caliber, and it was the recoil that convinced him to trade (that was back when ammo was affordable).
I don't have one, but recently acquired a 9.3 x 62, the same friend has fired it and found it to be "sharper" than the .338. I load my own, and while not cheap, it is much better than paying $60-110 dollars a box.After we each fired two shots through it, I concluded that 1) I needed a good recoil pad; and 2) I needed to shoot it more and work on my hold. With a slip-on recoil pad, and about 30 rounds through it, it still let's you know you fired a rifle, but no more bruising. LOL I rather like firing it, and it is surprisingly accurate.
Click to expand...

I'm curious to feel the recoil on these smaller magnums. I'm used to shooting my 375 but have read now from many that the recoil off lighter 300 and 338 Win Mags can be far more punishing even though the calculated recoil numbers don't appear to support that.
 
The 338’s recoil can be easily mastered. It has more recoil than a 270 yes, but it isn’t teeth rattling. Most of it is between the ears. Regarding expense, no big game rifle is cheap to shoot anymore.
 
Properly designed muzzle brake tames recoil I don't find my .338 WM Hawkeye recoil excessive w/o factory muzzle brake, but installed it recoils less than my .308 Win.

If you value your hearing. protection should be worn regardless when shooting.
 
Northern Shooter said:
So I'm currently considering a Tikka in 338, 7.1lbs bone dry. I'm guessing I will be around 8lbs with scope and rings. Going to be uncomfortable?
Click to expand...

A 338 Tikka T3 is going to be a rifle you don’t want to shoot very often. Maybe if it’s bulked up with a laminate stock, steel rings, new pad etc. If it needs a muzzle break it’s either too light, or too much cartridge. In my city opinion of course.
 
Northern Shooter said:
So I'm currently considering a Tikka in 338, 7.1lbs bone dry. I'm guessing I will be around 8lbs with scope and rings. Going to be uncomfortable?
Click to expand...

A Tikka in 338 will probably get sold pretty quickly if you don’t have a brake on it. Hell, my wife’s T3x in 308 with factory Sako 190gr ammo will give a real smack.
 
Buckmastr said:
A 338 Tikka T3 is going to be a rifle you don’t want to shoot very often. Maybe if it’s bulked up with a laminate stock, steel rings, new pad etc. If it needs a muzzle break it’s either too light, or too much cartridge. In my city opinion of course.
Click to expand...

It's the grey laminate stainless steel model. I'm guessing 7.1 is pretty light for caliber. Comes with a 24" barrel but no brake.
 
pathfinder76 said:
Petite maybe?

And by the way. Little people take recoil better.
Click to expand...

Then there should be no possible way you'd be able to shoot an 8 pound 338?

A 7.5 to 8 pound T3 in 338 with their current stock ergo's is very uncomfortable. Weight can be added, but the ergo's remain the same. The laminates are slightly better, and easier to add weight to... but it doesn't really help as it messes up the balance. A feller would have to add weight to both the front and back to overcome this. Not difficult to do, of course.
Would still suggest an older Sako. Better ergo's and a bit heavier in the weight department.

R.
 
Last edited:
Rman said:
Then there should be no possible way you'd be able to shoot an 8 pound 338?

A 7.5 to 8 pound T3 in 338 with their current stock ergo's is very uncomfortable. Weight can be added, but the ergo's remain the same. The laminates are slightly better, and easier to add weight to... but it doesn't really help as it messes up the balance. A feller would have to add weight to both the front and back to overcome this. Not difficult to do, of course.
Would still suggest an older Sako. Better ergo's and a bit heavier in the weight department.

R.
Click to expand...

I’m not shooting Tikka’s Russel.
 
Northern Shooter said:
I'm curious to feel the recoil on these smaller magnums. I'm used to shooting my 375 but have read now from many that the recoil off lighter 300 and 338 Win Mags can be far more punishing even though the calculated recoil numbers don't appear to support that.
Click to expand...

I don't know, I have never tried the 375; but I like what I have read and heard. A lot of people say tapered shoulders and steeper shoulders rather than flatter reduce the felt recoil many say. Why? Pressure builds more gradually? Who knows. According to the chart, this theory holds no water: https://chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm
 
pathfinder76 said:
I’m not shooting Tikka’s Russel.
Click to expand...

Never said you were, Charles...and yet, that was the question at hand. If you had, then you would have arrived at the same conclusions as those, that have...
As far as the general statement... Surely you can figure out what was being said?
We are very well aware of your unmitigated love for used wrong handed Model 70's and the Gatorade bottles full of spare parts that go with them...
What happened to the vaunted ignore double secret probation?

R.
 
Last edited:
I've owned a few 338's. Ruger, Remington, two Brownings, and a custom built on a 98 receiver. I don't find the recoil that bad on anything with a low comb. I changed the stock on the Remington. Used a win 70 in 338 for a hunt, the raised comb on that rifle was horrible. Fit and feel are important considerations when recoil starts to climb. Get a stock that fits you well, at least a 24 inch barrel of Magnum profile, and you should be fine. - dan
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom