Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Should I give up the .338 win mag?

I have a stainless savage 110 .338 win mag that I've had for a while that I like to use for black bear. Over the last 6 or 8 years ammo had gotten crazy expensive for it and just about impossible to find. I was thinking about selling it and buying a .375 Ruger (I know it's overkill for black bear, but so was the .338. It might also have future use as well if I can make it up to Alaska). Ammo has been consistently more available and even more economic for the .375 Ruger. What do you think, should I trade the .338 win mag in for a .375 Ruger,? If so, which would be the better buy, the Mossberg Patriot or the savage brush hunter? Thanks

375 Ammo may be more available right this moment but, on average, I would think, making the switch to the Ruger over the WinMag seems like a step backwards availability wise.

The 338 will do anything that needs doing in Alaska. The main reason to switch to 375 is because you want to. A perfectly justifiable reason.

I wouldn't buy a Mossberg .375 Ruger, unless they've changed how they build them. If you love your .338 Win, why not learn to reload? If you don't want to reload and worried about ammunition availability get a .308 Win to hunt black bear.

I have to agree. The better rifle is the Ruger Alaskan or African in 375 Ruger.

There is a relatively new cartridge that came out in '06, no one can predict if it will become popular enough to assure ammo re supply, but it might be worth a look. Supposed to be versatile, bullet weight wise. Ammo boxes are marked, .30-06, whatever that means.

I would go with a 300 win mag if looking for ammo availability.

Reload and the problem is solved.

DF

There isn’t a rifle or chambering cited,that’s worth a fhuqk. Hint………

If concerned with factory ammo availability and price, and you're wanting to stick with a magnum, why not grab one of the new Rem 700s in 7RM with 8" twist?

M70 Stainless 375 H&H all the way, right Stick.

The 338 had been around and is proven. If you're finding 338 to be more expensive than 375 Ruger ammunition, you're not looking in the right places.

More guns get sold because "Alaska/out west someday" than any other reason lol.

I'd trip it for an appropriate black bear cartridge and shoot more often with the savings in cost of ammo. Assuming you don't reload based on comments in OP.

I've been of the belief that if a person REALLY needs more than a 30-06 - that's 375 and nothing in between is really the step up needed then. I'm not a 30-06 slut, don't even own one save a Garand. I'm more of "If I wouldn't poke it in the ribs with a 7-08, I probably shouldn't use something till 375 level of power either"

Keep the 338

Unfortunately,I suffer one. Hint………..

I tend to agree with this statement. Your best option is to reload, much more economical once you get set up.

Reloading will change the scenario and the options.

DF

I like the idea of shooting them right in the pump-station with a 7-08. That will work and work just fine.

Jordan,

Do you know if Remarms improved the SPS stock? Been meaning to check one out as overall quality has supposedly improved.

Jason

Strange that he is able to find 375 Ruger ammo and not 338wm??? I definitely would not be giving up on the 338wm though.

210 grain Nosler Partitions and 74 grains of Vihtavuori n-160. A 225 Hornady Interlock propelled by 75 grains of Hodgdon H4831. Good black bear loads and good for everything else loads. Keep the 338.

I haven’t fiddled with the new SPS yet, so can’t say. Though, I’ve heard the same thing.

Find a person who will reload for you. That’s all I’ve ever shot out of my 338. Components are not difficult to find.

Me too. I've owned 300 WM, 300 WSM, 338-06 and 35Whelen in the past. I concluded the 338/06 and 35 Whelen were actually a step backwards and the 30 caliber magnums only added about 50 yards of effective range over a 30-06. And 30-06 is already capable farther than I can shoot.

It may be hard to sell at a decent price because potential buyers will see the same issues as you. If I could get a fair price for it I'd let it go.

If not you may have to keep it. It's not cost effective to set up to handload for just one rifle that is shot as little as a 338 WM would be shot. If you already loaded for cartridges that you shot in high volume, then it doesn't cost much more to add another cartridge.

Another possibility is to rebarrel it to something else. That is fairly easy and inexpensive to do with a Savage and may be the most cost-effective option.

Bullets matter wayyyyyy more than headstamps. Hint.

Just saying……….

Yup
Hint

True......Unless a newbie has nothing on hand and components are impossible to get at the moment.....

I would be in this camp! 100% Then again I shoot better with less recoil! Most people do!

Thank you, sir.

Too bad Remarms didn't go faster twist with the 7mm-08, but it would still have the box limitation. A stainless 243 with 8-twist, or a stainless 223 with 8-twist might be in my future. Metalwork is supposedly improved on these Remarms.

Sorry for getting sidetracked, OP.

The new specs for a SPS ss 7 Rem mag is 1-8. Is that a typo?

The 7RM is GTG. The 7-08 is still listed as 1-9.5".

The problem with the .375 Ruger is the same with the .376 Steyr, 5mm, .303 Savage, 25-20, 32-20, 338-06, .338 Federal......etc. They were great and popular calibers, until they weren't and you couldn't/can't find brass or ammunition.

I'd stay with the .338 and reload.

100%

^^^^^^^^ This ^^^^^^^^!


While I love my .375’s…….the .338 WM is a slightly better all purpose cartridge. Unless hunting in Africa or similar where a .375 may be listed as a minimum cartridge……keep, love, enjoy your .338 WM! JMO. memtb

You certainly want 1-7” in 223 and it doesn’t hurt in 243 Win either. Too bad they don’t chamber a 7” RPM Seex Kreed. Hint……..

I have a 338 because I had an unemployed barrel blank, a reamer, a set of dies, and a bunch of bullets. I don't shoot it much and have a bunch of rifles which I am more likely to hunt with. Nonetheless, I don't have any urge to turn it into a 375 Ruger. As far as ammo availability is concerned, when you see some, buy some, and you're covered. GD

Locally, for a couple of years the absence of 338 Winchester on shelves has been a constant situation. And where there was 375 H&H, there was also 375 Ruger. Of course, at times both of the 375's were sold out. Last year, there were people from the lower 48 headed to Alaska, posting on forums looking for 338 Winchester ammunition.

It seems some 338 Winchester is beginning to show on shelves. An example, a couple of weeks ago about 12 boxes of Hornady 225 gr CX was on a local shelf. It was gone within 2 days. Although, I saw 2 other boxes at another store. Prior to this, I had seen 4 or 5 boxes of some sort of Winchester ammo. A long drought for non hand loaders. The new brass has also been lacking.

It appears the manufacturers are beginning to send some ammunition. Hopefully it will return to somewhat normal in a short time.

What’s the rest of your battery look like? Ether sit on the 338 or sell it, buy a new 700 stainless SPS in 7mag. Chop the barrel down to 22-23” and find a better stock.
S.

2 or 4 years ago I was in a small MI gun shop. Town's population is ~380

Great little mom/pop place. They were out of 243 and 270 ammo but had 458 Win Mag available. I've been all over MI - there's nothing there requiring 458 WM. yet there it was. Weird stuff happens.

I love mine.

I’ve had .338 WM, .340 Wby, .338-06 and 30-06, the ‘06 still here, others traded or sold. I also like my 7-08.

DF

The same thought as the OP crossed my mind. I've shot one bear with the 375 ruger (400 Ib weighed) and I can't think of a better set up especially with the Trijicon Accupoint which shows up excellent on that black hide. There are also reduced loads for the 375R which are nice to shoot even though I don't find recoil of the full loads a problem.
However I like 30 cal and bigger diameters and also can't/won't give up my 338s. I really have to shed this "need" and "practicality" thing, or maybe it's guilt of having "more than needed" when it comes to guns.
I would say however as far as brand, I would go for the Ruger over the Mossberg, and if you can keep the 338!
That bear by the way went 10 yds and rolled onto his back and...done. No tracking needed, guide was happy.

I’ve bought and sold several rifles that I regretted selling. The Winchester M70 .338 WM was not one of them. What a POS. Kicked like a rented Georgia mule and 3” groups about all it’d do. Good riddance.

Keep the .338 Win Mag and start handloading for it.

Just me, but for what I do, a jump from .30 cal to the .375 H&H works. YMMV.

The old ‘06 is amazingly versatile. Not much it can’t do with the right ammo. Again, reloading changes the equation, changes the questions and the answers.

DF

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1024312697
Way cheaper than a new gun and it's not like you use a 338 for target practice.

I wouldn't. All ammo has gotten expensive and much is hard to find. Sounds like you're buying/shooting factory stuff and if so, take up reloading. If .375 Ruger does seem more available in your area, and if I were relying on factory ammo, I'd buy 500-1000 rounds before picking up the gun 'cause I don't think it is going to stay more available, you've hit an unusual situation you're interpreting as normal. That doesn't mean .338 Win Mag is going to get "common." If you're changing rifles, I'd look at something like .300 Win Mag or .300 PRC. The heavy .30 cal bullets are not much behind .338 for shorter range use. High sectional density helps a good bit.

6mm Creedmoor with 7-twist would be ideal for me. I'm really curious how good these new barrelled actions from Remarms are now though. New machines and processes in place. Might be good enough for nutless prefits is my hope.

Wow, sorry that I missed an opportunity on that one…..would have loved to have another one around the house! The .338 WM ( especially in a Model 70) is as near perfect as an “all around- do it all cartridge” available in a factory loading that can be had!

My wife loves hers…. another would be a good “loaner rifle” for friends/relatives when they come over to do a little hunting! memtb

Just for gigglesnshits I went to cabelas USA and Canada websites to see what was available off the shelf for all the listed here, number of options available for each cartridge:

USA
308 - 63 choices
30-06 - 43
300wm - 16
338wm - 0
375r - 0
375hh - 2

Canada
308 - 27
30-06 - 22
300wm - 17
Zero for the rest

I like flintlocke's suggestion with that new 30-06 whatever that is suggestion lol and also Calvin said 300wm if it has to say magnum then that's a solid horse too. My last two rigs bought are 308 but I only hunt Alberta, which I just hunted exclusively with a 6.5 Grendel for 6 years with so not sure what that means but maybe less is more? Good luck with your choice, do what turns you on.

Side note, both countries carried 10 each for 7 rem mag, USA carried 10 options for 7-08 and Canada 5 options.

I do this periodically to see how they all look compared to each other, have seen the 308 as high as 75 options on USA cabelas and 30-06 46.

The OP isn't wrong, it's easier to get .375 Ruger right now. There isn't a great selection of either.

I've never bought a box of 338wm ammo. Those prices are horrifying and shocking!!!!

Maybe WAM doesn't know how to shoot a big magnum?? I know your wife does well with hers. I've never found them all too hard to shoot.


I can't remember ever having a poor shooting 338wm either. Even the Ruger model 77 mkII's have shot lights out. And, honestly, if ammo is that damn expensive, the OP better learn how to load his own.

Yep BSA, a blend of proper shooting technique and desire. Of course a high quality recoil pad is pretty darn beneficial in reducing felt recoil! Plus, you don’t pretend it’s a .223 Rem., and go shoot a few hundred rounds over a Prairie Dog town! 😉

I am constantly amazed at how many people do not reload/handload! I can’t even get my grandkids interested!

I started at 14 or 15 with absolutely no one to help me……if I wanted to shoot anything other than a 22 RF, I knew that I had to handload!

By the way…….that’s a darn respectable group! 👍 memtb

Cost and availability of that ammo would just about drive a non-reloader into the reloader camp. Pretty strong incentive.

DF

for a box of shells a year? I guess it's a sliding scale of how much cf do you wanna shoot, if he's just a regular freezer filler with an AK approved cartridge then reloading will never make sense but ditching a rifle he can't get ammo off the shelf for reliably would...that's what I'm sensing from the op

300wm or 30-06 would be logical choice for that imo but even 308 for 0-500 yard freezer filling and defend yourself is good 3rd option, 7 rem mag would do it all well also and should be able to feed that for a long time too, that would round out his top 4 choices imo

I have a 338 Win Mag that got a lot of use when I was younger. I find it to still be the best of the medium bores for anything. Handloading exposes the true capabilities of the 338 Win Mag. The 338 Win Mag throws 160 gr loads at 3,300 fps up to 275 gr loads at 2,600 fps with 180s, 200s, 210s, 225s, 230s and 250s in between and a few 300 grain bullets as well. It is another chamber that balances well for power, versatility, rifle weight and manageable recoil. The 338 Win Mag is one of those chambers that can do just about anything you wish to do in the field anywhere on the globe. Plenty of deer sized game have been taken as well as several cape buffalo with the 338 Win Mag.

I agree. The .338 Win. Mag. can be loaded down to .30-30 levels, or maxed out to hunt anything you choose. I'll never get rid of mine.

I found that my model 70 loves H4350 too. And with some bullets, Accurate 3100 will surprise you.

There will come a time, likely in your lifetime, that ammunition will become totally unavailable or illegal to possess! A few days of watching news other than that from the alphabet networks should make that perfectly clear! Having a good supply of ammunition isn’t just about hunting! memtb

If you do reload, consider a 30 cal or a 7mm or even a 270. The bullets are available, even in most small gun shops.

I’ve had 338’s and I like the caliber. I have or had a few 375’s, just not a Ruger. I’ll likely never need the bigger cartridge rifles I own, but I guess that’s not the point.

If you’re going to keep with factory ammo and if you're recoil shy I think you’ll find the 375 to give you quite a bit more kick. I’m at the age where shooting something with less kick seems like the thing to do. Consider a 300 Win Mag for factory ammo if you need the power. But like others have stated, a 30-06 is a most versatile cartridge. Ammo can be found most anywhere and it’s inexpensive.

(I have not shot factory ammo at animals other than my 17 Hornet and 22 rimfires.)

Good point. Hoard powder, primers and bullets until you have a lifetime of options. Roll’em as you need. Options are about infinite.

DF

Good man. I didn't think anyone else uses AA3100. I've used that powder for almost 30 years. Lucked out and found an 8 pounder earlier this year. Paid $200 for it:


Another good powder is RL19.

Rel 19 and 3100,two of my favorites in the 338

I know where a XTR stainless in the tupperware stock is for under $600
Mine is a classic and it doesn’t shoot 3” groups. I was just doing 5 shot groups a inch and under using 210 partions and 210 Barnes TTSX

Yes mine never seem to kick that much, mine is a Classic Stainless in a Brown Precision. The magazine box has been opened and the ejector and bolt stop changed and modified.
Ive used to take both deer and elk.

Sounds like a damn sweet rifle. Similar to mine, made on a pre 64 H&H receiver though. Holds 4 in the mag box too. It's a pretty potent combination, especially considering how well it shoots.

Where's beretzs at? He likes the 338wm as much as we do. That RL19 was the ticket for lighter pills. Like 210 partitions. IMR4350 is always a winner too. A 210 launched at 3,050 fps is a holy terror!!

That load with the 225's is pretty mild, as is the 250gr load I used to run.


Accurate as sheet and knocks the hell out of elk. That was a slow load with a 250gr Sierra gameking. Easy on the shoulder is a good thing. That's some of the benefits of loading your own.

I’ve had a pretty long history with the 338wm and 340 wby. I use to think the 338 was THE ideal elk cartridge, but if asked today, it’s a pretty $hitty choice. Not because it’s not effective, it will hammer an elk but mostly because what I consider ideal has changed and it has not as much to do with terminal performance. Still have a 338 though, and 340.

470 Evans will work just fine!

NO.

Love the 338.. I have used 4350, 19, 22, 26, 17, 15, H4831, etc.. It's an easy cartridge to load for. Something around 200-225 and it's a pretty great big game cartridge.

I don’t remember why I stopped loading rel 22 in mine! Maybe i ended up with a bunch of 19 and 3100 is why. 4350 works for me also.

Isn’t 3100 pretty close to H-4831?

I picked up a big jug of H-4831 at a gun shop couple years ago. Paid $189. I’m guessing that’s pretty close to their cost. And it was a couple yrs ago. Hard to not take it home at that price, even back then.

DF

That's an excellent deal DF. AA3100 is very close to IMR4831 and H4831. It burns a little dirty, but it isn't bad. You can usually find a good load with little fuss with it. Just like my experience with H4831. I like the stuff, but really bought it for a buddy that I know will be bugging me for some powder, once he gets started in handloading his own stuff. I'm supposed to help him build a loading bench after the holidays. I've been buying stuff for him in anticipation to him starting his new venture. Should be good for him and an eye opener.

Before the introduction of more recent powders, I found RL-19 best in the .338 Win and Rl-22 best in the .340 Wby. As an aside: I've written a lot on .338 magnums, especially on the .338 Win Mag compared to it's nearest competition, and the most hits I've gotten on any cartridge is the .338 Win Mag. . . even recently.

Bob
www.bigbores.ca

i like shooting my 6 BR at paper but if i am going after a big bear in Alaska give me a 338 Win. mag. in my Winchester model 70 s.s. which i own.

My .375 Ruger was a good rifle but it's gone, mainly brass and ammo were a pain, and there were small details on my Ruger guide gun I think Ruger could have done better. My .338 Win Mags [Tang safety M-77 and custom F.N. Mauser], and .375 H&H's [Pre-64 M-70 and custom Rem 700] shall stay with me forever. I can generally always find components or ammo for them, or form the brass from something else based on the belted case.

Seems weird as hell to me that someone would be thinking about trading in their 338wm for a 375 Ruger and that brass and ammo would actually be easier to find for the 375. That baffles my mind.

I don't think my Ruger .338 will ever go anywhere. Darn thing shoots too well, and at this point has killed a lot of critters. I don't shoot it much, but when I do it hits where it's supposed to.

Getting rid of your 338 because of current ammo squeeze would be stupid. Getting rid of your attitude that 338 win mag ought to be as availible as a candy bar in a con store is what needs to go. You either start to reload or buy in case lots that simple. Times have changed but your not keeping up with a damn..mb

I love the Ruger m77 mk2's. I've had 4 or 5 of them chambered in 338wm. They were always great shooters.

It’s pays big time, especially NOW, to reload your own ammo, regardless of whether or not it’s rifle, pistol or shotgun.

Sounds like the OP has a more modest rifle selection. If he did decide to reload, he could easily download the 338wM and shoot the fire out of it. I seem to recall buying 800 or so 185 grain .338 bullets this year (or was it last year?) for about $0.18/each. Couple that with some reduced charges of 4895 and he can shoot the rifle to his heart’s content. Well, maybe if primers didn’t cost $0.10/each. Sheesh. Still beats paying $70 for a 20 rd box of factory ammo. Ridiculous. Nowadays, if you shoot any volume at all beyond a box or two a year, you should be reloading.

Handloading has always paid off big time. Some guys are just slow to learn that.

I would keep the .338 if it was me.

I have used annealed 7 mm rem mag brass necked up to 338 win mag works good .I have used the 338 win mag 35 years still like it just ad good .The ammo price is crazy use to be $18 a box 18 years ago now $100 box crazy its a must to reload for it

I have a.338 (M70 SS Classic - barrel shortened to 23 in) and a .375 H&H (A Kimber Talkeetna - barrel shortened to 21 in). Based on my experience I would keep the .338. They are much more flexible as far as available loads go and perform better at long range.

Of the rifle choices, I would go with the Savage. Since I mostly handload, I dont see avaailability as a concern.

NOT for the 338/06. I have one, a rebored 270 Win. I have plenty of 06 brass and it is nothing to easily neck a shot round, up to 338 bore. My most commonly used load is with a 250 grain RN, which I've got plenty of since coming across a post hunting season sale, at a big out door store over in Idaho like 20 years ago... they put in a big order and the Hornady 250gr RN bullets showed up after the season was over..

One thing I like with my 338/06, is 50 grains of 4064, with a 200, or 225 or 250 grain bullet... ALL have pretty much the same POI at 100 yds, and their MV is pretty much 2500 fps. I find this sorta handy.

H380 with the 250 grain Hornady will give me 2650 fps MV if I need it, and that is only like 50fps behind my 338 Win Mags I have ( a pair of them, a Browning A Bolt and a Model 70 ). And its recoil is noticeably less...

and if one reloads, a 338 Win Mag can be tamed down quite a bit. Consult cast bullet load data for it.

I've loaded it with 4198, SR 4759, 3031... heck even Blue Dot ( yup! ya read that right), Unique, Alliant Steel..

and you don't have to use max loads with IMR 4895, 4064, RL 15 etc.

a heavy bullet is going to work well, even if you slow it down some... in fact PROBABLY better if it is slowed down, because less recoil, the shooter can place their shots better. Put the bullet in the right spot, a regular Soft Point should do its job.

I don't know why everyone seems to want a 1000 yd capable elk load, to take an animal at a couple hundred yards, which is the distance most game is taken at.

Took a kid out hunting with one of mine, who was 14 at the time. The load was 22 grains of Unique, with a 225 grain SP Hornady. 2000 fps MV... the bullet had no problem going in one side and out the other on a Blacktail... he went elk hunting with Dad the next season, and they wanted to use the same load, because he could handle it... he brought home a pretty good sized cow elk, which was downed with 1 shot... dad said it was shot at approximately 100 yds..

Try thinking outside the box a little Boys! you don't have to get rid of that 338 WM if you don't have to... just load it with cast bullet data with a SP bullet.. you're way below SAAMI specs for pressure.. and a high sectional density 338 caliber bullet is awfully forgiving and would easily do a job on an elk or a black bear.