Brad, do you feel there is any difference between the 338 and the 300 magnums? My father, who hunted extensively believed there was very little if any differance. He prefers stepping up to a 375.
I think the big 33's (338 WM/340 WBY) make more visual impact than the 300's. Guides like that because they can see hits better.
As far a killing difference, I think there's absolutely none.
For me, I like 22" barrels and the 338 WM works perfectly at that length, while not needing to be more than 8lbs all-up. A 300 WM/WBY should have at least a 24" bbl., and apples to apples will weigh a bit more (around 1/4lb) than the 338.
I find the 338 WM with 200's/210's about the same recoil-wise as the 300 WM with 180's.
So for me, a 22" bbl'd 338 WM stoked with 210 Partitions weighing around 7.75lbs all-up is the "ultimate" elk rig.
But that's years back. I haven't toted a 338 WM for over 10 years. I'm perfectly happy with 270/308 class cartridges. "Ultimate" is overrated...
“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
