Folks, I am preparing for a few upcoming hunting trips that will include elk and bear so I have decided on the .338 Win Mag. I am not looking for a caliber debate, but I am looking for your help with a rifle and optics combination. I am trying to stay below $1500 for the rifle, and I would like to stay below $3000 for the whole setup. Your input is greatly appreciated.
New Hunting Rifle - .338 Win Mag
- Thread starter stonebl
- Start date
My first choice would be a stainless steel M70 Classic, second would be a new M70 Ultimate Shadow stainless again, third choice would be a Ruger Hawkeye All Weather. All of which will be far under $1500 and you would have money left over to upgrade the stock. Scopes for me would be a 2.5-8X36 or 3.5-10X40 VX3 with CDS MOA dial, but I'd lean more towards the 2.5-8 both are under $500. More money left over to spend on that bear or elk hunt.
Sure Shot Mc Gee
New member
Having 3-Grand to spend. Normally I'd say nothing wrong with American made. But on this occasion having deeper than normal pockets for something special in rifles. Those Shooting Enthusiast that happen own one love em. The rest of us rifle connoisseur's wish were as lucky. Actions & triggers smooth as silk and they shoot!! Preferred plus: Having options available other rifle manufactures wish they too could offer. But don't.
(See the links)
http://www.sako.fi/pdf/specs/75Hunter.pdf
http://www.sako.fi/sako85models.php?deluxe
(See the links)
http://www.sako.fi/pdf/specs/75Hunter.pdf
http://www.sako.fi/sako85models.php?deluxe
New Hunting Rifle- .338 win Mag
Congrats on the right caliber, I have one on a M70 Win. I hand loaded back when I was hunting and developed 3 bullet weights all using the same zero. The M70 was high end enough for me, I think I paid $275.00 for it in 1981 dollars. I used it in Alaska once but I mainly took white tails and did it fine, probably over gunned for them but it was a fun round. The only problem ever was the 1.5x5 power variable scope, that gun would shake it out of kilter so back it would go to the factory, twice only tho, after the second repair it went on a M70 in .270 and there it remains. The .338 is a safe queen for all intents these days. Good luck on your choice but remember the M70 is the "riflemans rifle". Words from a renowned author and shooter, not mine but worth remembering.
Congrats on the right caliber, I have one on a M70 Win. I hand loaded back when I was hunting and developed 3 bullet weights all using the same zero. The M70 was high end enough for me, I think I paid $275.00 for it in 1981 dollars. I used it in Alaska once but I mainly took white tails and did it fine, probably over gunned for them but it was a fun round. The only problem ever was the 1.5x5 power variable scope, that gun would shake it out of kilter so back it would go to the factory, twice only tho, after the second repair it went on a M70 in .270 and there it remains. The .338 is a safe queen for all intents these days. Good luck on your choice but remember the M70 is the "riflemans rifle". Words from a renowned author and shooter, not mine but worth remembering.
Westcoaster
New member
Excellent choice, the 338wm is a very versatile round that does little meat damage. Mine gets used for everything although most of what I shoot is elk, moose and bears up here in northern BC.
I chose a New Haven Model 70 SS Classic, now mine is somewhat customized but suffice to say the modern version of it is the Extreme Weather Model 70. Stainless steel with a Bell and Carlson stock. IIRC they run just over $1000 before any taxes. That leaves plenty of money to put a decent scope and mounts on.
I have a Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x32 on mine although now that they have a NXS 2.5-10x42 I would probably go with that. Excellent scope, good glass, tough, very repeatable adjustments, and some good reticles. Mine has lived on my 338 for years without issue and I shoot more than average through out the year to stay sharp.
Regardless of the scope you choose - do put decent mounts on it. I used Nightforce mounts and rings but other nice mounts are made by Talley, and Badger to name two. I think this is an underrated area that folks should also expend resources when buying a new rig.
Lastly is bullet choice. I see some folks talk about shooting 210's for deer, 225's for moose and 250's for bear - I don't see this as rational. Unless you compromise the potential of each combination they are all going to have different points of impact (POI). I prefer 250's but whatever you pick (because the animal is not likely to notice the difference) stay with one bullet weight and style and get good with it.
I have found the 338 to be a very accurate and effective round. This may be in part that I just shoot one bullet weight and style with one load. Good luck on your selection and post what you end up with.
I chose a New Haven Model 70 SS Classic, now mine is somewhat customized but suffice to say the modern version of it is the Extreme Weather Model 70. Stainless steel with a Bell and Carlson stock. IIRC they run just over $1000 before any taxes. That leaves plenty of money to put a decent scope and mounts on.
I have a Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x32 on mine although now that they have a NXS 2.5-10x42 I would probably go with that. Excellent scope, good glass, tough, very repeatable adjustments, and some good reticles. Mine has lived on my 338 for years without issue and I shoot more than average through out the year to stay sharp.
Regardless of the scope you choose - do put decent mounts on it. I used Nightforce mounts and rings but other nice mounts are made by Talley, and Badger to name two. I think this is an underrated area that folks should also expend resources when buying a new rig.
Lastly is bullet choice. I see some folks talk about shooting 210's for deer, 225's for moose and 250's for bear - I don't see this as rational. Unless you compromise the potential of each combination they are all going to have different points of impact (POI). I prefer 250's but whatever you pick (because the animal is not likely to notice the difference) stay with one bullet weight and style and get good with it.
I have found the 338 to be a very accurate and effective round. This may be in part that I just shoot one bullet weight and style with one load. Good luck on your selection and post what you end up with.
Thanks folks. I hadn't considered Sako, but I am looking at them harder now. I don't want to hurt any feelings, but I have never really been a M70 fan. I think I have narrowed my choices down to Browning X-Bolt, Nosler M48 and now throw the Sako into the mix. For optics I am considering Leupold, Vortex and NightForce. I am leaning towards Nosler Accubonds in 225 or 250 grains if anyone wants to share any load data I would appreciate it.
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Magnum Wheel Man
New member
Browning is also a good choice... my 338 is a Browning stainless stalker... wearing an older Burris Posi-lock 4.5-14 X scope... it is my go to rifle penetration of the 338 Win Mag is more than my 375 H&H, & my .416 Rigby with a tough bullet ( like trophy Bonded Bear Claws )
USMC 77-81
New member
Savage.
ligonierbill
New member
Yeah, I got a Savage "Weather Warrior" in .338. Not pretty, but its function is flawless and it's accurate. One caveat - it's kinda light. Not for the recoil sensitive. My "go to" load is a SGK 250 over 71.2 gr Reloder 19 for 2,700 fps (Std 8.2). I have tried everything from 200 Nosler Accubonds to 275 Swift A-Frames, and they all shoot well (<1 1/2"). I am working with Barnes' 210 TTSX. It goes 2,860 over 70 grains of IMR-4350 with a Std of 10, but I haven't fired a serious group yet. If I could find the Sierras, I would probably stay with them. Moderate velocity avoids meat damage up close, and the outstanding BC of these bullets carries, literally, a ton of energy way downrange.
PS: Reading Elmer Keith's autobiography, and he has just concluded that a 30-06 with 220's is no elk rifle. Seems his rounds failed to penetrate his bull end to end! He'd love the .338/250 combo. No disrespect to the '06; I think it's plenty. And Elmer killed elk with much lighter calibers. But it's hard to beat the .338 Win Mag.
PS: Reading Elmer Keith's autobiography, and he has just concluded that a 30-06 with 220's is no elk rifle. Seems his rounds failed to penetrate his bull end to end! He'd love the .338/250 combo. No disrespect to the '06; I think it's plenty. And Elmer killed elk with much lighter calibers. But it's hard to beat the .338 Win Mag.
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steveNChunter
New member
Give the Remington model 700 XCR II a close look. It's far enough under your budget limit that you could replace the stock with something better, and even upgrade the trigger if you so desire.
reynolds357
New member
If you want a pretty Rifle, CDNN has a Winchester Supergrade for $1,199. Grade 4/5 stock. It would be a truly beautiful rifle. They also have Ruger 77's for $569-$599. The Savage 116 would not be a bad choice, but not nearly as pretty as the above mentioned.
As to optics, it really depends on what you prefer. Minox new HD line is impressive to say the least. Meopta is the brightest optic I have ever seen. Leupold and Night Force always are in the conversation but I mentioned Minox and Meopta because most people are not yet aware of how truly good their scopes are.
As to optics, it really depends on what you prefer. Minox new HD line is impressive to say the least. Meopta is the brightest optic I have ever seen. Leupold and Night Force always are in the conversation but I mentioned Minox and Meopta because most people are not yet aware of how truly good their scopes are.
Reread your post and assume that you have existing rifles?
If so, have you considered rebarreling, as a solution?
If you have the 30-06, rebarrel to either: .35Whelan, 8mm-06 or the .338-06.
You gain using a familiar action and optics. Gives more money for other items???
Good luck.
If so, have you considered rebarreling, as a solution?
If you have the 30-06, rebarrel to either: .35Whelan, 8mm-06 or the .338-06.
You gain using a familiar action and optics. Gives more money for other items???
Good luck.
The Howa package with Zeiss scope will be hard to beat. Very strong and dependable action, lots of aftermarket stocks.
The Nosler rifle should also make you happy.
Don't forget about the:
Ruger Hawkeye African - 338 Win Mag with muzzlebrake - $850
Incredibly, they also have the standard Ruger Hawkeye in .338 for $551.00. That's all the gun anyone would need from a quality standpoint. Claw extraction, walnut (easily changed to synthetic) stock, decent trigger.
Personally, I'd get a Winchester 70 Alaskan, but if you don't like the Winnies, nothing can change that.
Any of the rifles you mentioned should serve you very well.
The Nosler rifle should also make you happy.
Don't forget about the:
Ruger Hawkeye African - 338 Win Mag with muzzlebrake - $850
Incredibly, they also have the standard Ruger Hawkeye in .338 for $551.00. That's all the gun anyone would need from a quality standpoint. Claw extraction, walnut (easily changed to synthetic) stock, decent trigger.
Personally, I'd get a Winchester 70 Alaskan, but if you don't like the Winnies, nothing can change that.
Any of the rifles you mentioned should serve you very well.
The .338 is my go to hunting rifle and simply works for everything from hogs to WT deer, nilgai to scimitar horned oryx to gemsbok. The 200 grain NBT's work great on scimitars and smaller game but I prefer the 210 gr. NP for larger game. I'm very fortunate that my rifle shoots both bullets to same POI @ 100 yds. Took 1/4 moa right windage and down 1 moa after shot 1 w/210 NP and fired #2 w/ 210 NP, then #3 w/200 BT. on tgt. below. W/100 yd zero, the 210's w/2970 MV are 1" low @ 200 and 7" low @ 300.
Oh, the rifle? It's one of those old ugly Savage 111's; you know, the ones with the flexible Tupperware stocks?
It's a pre-accutrigger at that. May not be much to look at, but beauty is as beauty does. 
Which ever rifle you choose, you can't go wrong with the .338.
Regards,
hps
Oh, the rifle? It's one of those old ugly Savage 111's; you know, the ones with the flexible Tupperware stocks?
It's a pre-accutrigger at that. May not be much to look at, but beauty is as beauty does. 
Which ever rifle you choose, you can't go wrong with the .338.
Regards,
hps