I will say that they are not as fun to practice with shooting off the bench.
True.
I think that a lot of folks overlook the role of stock design in mitigating recoil. Even a fairly light 338 is manageable if the stock fits, doesn’t have too much drop, and has a good recoil pad.
Fortunately, the 338, the 30-06, and the 7-08 have almost identical trajectories with some bullet weights. Plus the 338 can push 225-grain bullets really fast with a 22” barrel, so it can be light, compact, fast-handling, AND powerful. The trick is to find a 338 load you like then match it with one of the lighter rifles. Use the light rifle for practice and hunting deer and save the 338 for stuff that needs to get pounded.
Okie John
