To be clear, it matches the 338 Win Mag in certain bullet weights in factory loadings and I don't see it as an either/or situation. The short, handy rifle it comes in is the 338 RCM's claim to fame. It's use certainly isn't restricted to close-cover situations (witness pile of plains game shot by Ruger CEO in Africa), but that's where it really shines.
I also have the 338 Fed in a Hawkeye all weather. It's my designated Calif. rifle as it happens to shoot the (mandatory) copper very well.
As you can no doubt tell, I tend towards rifles specialized for the particular job at hand... gives me plenty of excuses to keep acquiring more.
