I completely disagree with the notion the 338 can be less aggressive than any of the standard 300 mags in equal rifles.
At the range yesterday a friend was shooting my new 6# 8oz 30-06 and his 338 700XCR... He was not liking the 338 at all, yet the ultra-light (he shot 150, 165, 180, and 200gr bullets for group) he found pleasant enough he wants one.
Because the 338 is so common I have seen more people afraid of their 338 than any other and by a wide margin.
art
I have that exact .338- the M700 XCR- and find it completely easy and fun to shoot. Though it weighs several pounds less than my .300, I'd do any position for as many rounds, with the .338 as I'd do with the .300.
Now, is it a 30-06? No. But it's a similar recoil impulse. Just more of it.
To each their own I guess.
