Based on your screen name I'm guessing you have a 300WSM. Load it with some of the better 200-215 gr bullets and it'll do anything the 338 will do with 200-225 gr bullets.
The 338 will look better on paper at the muzzle, but you can kill an elk at close range with a 30-30. Beyond 200 yards or so the better BC's of the 30's will translate into more speed and energy than a 338.
I can see an advantage if you move up to 250-275 gr bullets, but will you ever hunt anything where that is needed.
This a common response when someone expresses they want a 338. People start rolling out all the reasons not to own one. Original poster here has a great opportunity to buy a 338 and you convince him not to buy another rifle. Congratulations.
Really the paranoia and guilt ridden responses over the 338 wm are facinating. "Too much recoil, ohh if you own one you can down load it to a 338 fed or 338-06, ohh by the way there is no advantage over a 300 but it's acceptiable to use it as a 338 fed... "
If you have a good opportunity to buy one and you are interested, then buy it! 338s have a great selection of projectiles and make good all around rifles. You can always compare cartridges. I prefer 338s/340 wby over 300s and prefer 30-06s over 300s. 338s can be housed in a relatively light weight rifle and have a lot to offer.
