338 Winchester Magnum: Best Elk Cartridge?

How does the 338 Winchester Magnum compare to other 33-calibers plus 300 Win. Mag?
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Who is Ron Spomer
For 44 years I’ve had the good fortune to photograph and write about my passion - the outdoor life. Wild creatures and wild places have always stirred me - from the first flushing pheasant that frightened me out of my socks in grandpa’s cornfield to the last whitetail that dismissed me with a wag of its tail. In my attempts to connect with this natural wonder, to become an integral part of our ecosystem and capture a bit of its mystery, I’ve photographed, hiked, hunted, birded, and fished across much of this planet. I've seen the beauty that everyone should see, survived adventures that everyone should experience. I may not have climbed the highest mountains, canoed the wildest rivers, caught the largest fish or shot the biggest bucks, but I’ve tried. Perhaps you have, too. And that’s the essential thing. Being out there, an active participant in our outdoor world.
All loading, handloading, gunsmithing, shooting and associated activities and demonstrations depicted in our videos are conducted by trained, certified, professional gun handlers, instructors, and shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes only with emphasis on safety and responsible gun handling. Always check at least 3 industry handloading manuals for handloading data, 2 or 3 online ballistic calculators for ballistic data. Do not attempt to duplicate, mimic, or replicate anything you see in our videos. Firearms, ammunition, and constituent parts can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.
Produced by: @red11media
Disclaimer
All loading, handloading, gunsmithing, shooting and associated activities and demonstrations depicted in our videos are conducted by trained, certified, professional gun handlers, instructors, and shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes only with emphasis on safety and responsible gun handling. Always check at least 3 industry handloading manuals for handloading data, 2 or 3 online ballistic calculators for ballistic data. Do not modify any cartridge or firearm beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Do not attempt to duplicate, mimic, or replicate anything you see in our videos. Firearms, ammunition, and constituent parts can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.

[@mikechapman624]

I grew up in Colorado. I’ve used a Sako 338 Win Mag since ‘72. I hand loaded 210 Noslers at 2,900 FPS and effectively poleaxed numerous elk from 30 yards to 300 yards. It does the trick in short order.

[@mwnciboo]

SAKO... You sir, have some taste.

[@alaskajohn5695]

Excellent Job Ron. 20-some years guiding in Alaska, the .338 Model 700 Remington was my go-to-rifle. Shot a 225-grain bullet, dozen of bears, moose, mountain goats, and deer etc. My furthest shot was 469-yards on a mountain goat, 1-shot, DOA. Alaska was unpredictable what lurked ahead of you deep into the mountains. Years carrying that .338 caliber gave me complete confidence on all forms of harvesting wildlife. Thank You...

[@curtholder6694]

Nosler partitions in the 338 Winchester Magnum game over on elk

[@johnganshow5536]

I lived in Alaska for 37 years. 338 is a great choice...

[@jasonf.4107]

The 338 Win Mag hits game VERY hard, noticeably more so than the 300 Win Mag in my experience. It is also a surprisingly accurate cartridge. I hunt cow elk almost every year, and the 338 either drops them where they stand, or they stagger (NOT run) a short distance away. I’ve never had to wonder if my shot connected, nor wondered which animal in the herd I shot.

[@sartainja]

Amen. The 338 is big medicine on elk. Enough said.

[@rogerramjet7567]

Absolutely!!!! I use a 33806AI. I have taken 30 elk with it. Never a track job !!! Bulls and cows usually drop within two steps. 😀

[@Harleydude2016]

I love my 338 WM. I had one years ago and killed elk, mule deer and bear with it at long ranges. Had to sell if because I needed the money but swore one day I would get another. 20 years later, and I purchased one just like it and won’t part with it. Remington 700 BDL stainless with synthetic stock and a muzzle brake. This one even shoots better than my first one. It shoots a 1/2 “ Moa at 100 yards with factory ammo. And, the only thing that hurts is when you pull the trigger is when you buy ammo!🤣

[@edoellien239]

And no ear pro

[@62-62]

I know that’s right Gary!

[@craigleibbrand7761]

Has your rifle been checked by the recall some rifles will fire by pushing the safety off or lifting the bolt. People have been killed because of this defect and there have been lawsuits. CNBC did a full hour on Remingtons problem and the recall. Safety First.

[@Harleydude2016]

@@craigleibbrand7761 I don’t know about this particular rifle, but my other Remingtons have. I will check the serial number.

[@bobbyrobbins9816]

Wait a minute. I thought the 6.5 Creedmoor killed elk at 30 miles while blindfolded.

[@MrCptnawsm]

One of the positives for me using the 338wm is that it matches the trajectory of the 30-06 very closely, making it a no-brainer when switching between rifles, for different hunting scenarios.

[@jacobmccandles1767]

I didn't think about that. The '06 ballistics are pretty well seared inot one of my 4 brain cells. That might make .338 Win Mag an attractive caliber to re-acquire. I still have boxes of ammo... SURE! I was considering .300 Ultra, but I'm gonna dig out the books and take a 2nd look at the .338 WM!

[@williambarnes4612]

Jacob you just want to buy another gun so I say: Do it!

[@jacobmccandles1767]

@@williambarnes4612 lol...you're not wholly wrong...LOL

[@williammcclelland6789]

That is one impressive Gemsbok! Congratulations on a splendid trophy.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thank you very much!

[@taco472]

Heart Attack Elk; I bought a Rem 700 .338 ultra mag in stainless w/ synthetic when they first came out and I really enjoy it . With out a muzzle brake and at only 8 1/2 # it is literally a PAIN to sight in. (One of these days I gotta get a ‘Lead Slide’) Shooting at game though I can’t ever remember feeling recoil from any rife and not on the shot I made with it (.338 RUM) on my biggest elk, a Western Washington 5x5. I and two hunting partners had just gotten out of our pickups when this bull busted out of the timber above us, we later ranged it at 260 yards . From the angle we were at there just was no way to get any kind of a rest, it was shoot off hand or watch him disappear. I think there were 8 shots fired , it must have sound like a war zone, I hit him with the 2nd (lucky) of the two shots I fired but did realize I was the one that knocked him down. One of my partners said that I had hit him when I couldn’t find the elk in my scope. About that time the bull stood up again and the other partner knocked a leg out from under him and this time he went down for good. Long story short the elk only had two holes in him one to the leg and one through the boiler room which was lodged in the far shoulder. We planned to look for the bullet when we hung it at home, but I never made it that far. It turns out I was having a heart attack and took a Life Flight ride to Portland my two partners took the elk to the butchers and we never figured out until a year later who made the kill shot for sure. One of the partners opened a package of meat and found a small packet the butcher marked’Kill shot’ with a bullet in it. We didn’t have to mic it , it was most of what was left of a .338 cal. 250 gr. SST. The other guys were shooting a .270 and a 30-06. The 5x5 did end up hanging at my house over my stair well, a perfect 5x5 with ivory tips.

[@duckwacker8720]

The 225gr Accubond are great out of the rum. That's what I've shot plenty of elk with. I did shoot a box of Swift A-frame. They work also, but not really necessary for elk.

[@kellylazurko6078]

Don't use a lead sled . I hear they damage scopes . Recoil has to go somewhere and a Leupold or other fine scope is too expensive to mess up.

[@62-62]

Glad you are ok now! Really enjoyed your story about your Elk hunt, a true adventure for sure and Congratulations sir.!!

[@DrBreezeAir]

Oh, Ron, you granted my wish. Feels like a birthday. It's not only an elk cartridge, it's a moose and brown bear cartridge. And if a hog gets really big. Thanks for sharing your stories, you're an inspiration. Not sure about the larger diameter, but I'm not shooting further than 300 yards. Maybe I'm a bad shot.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

My pleasure, Dr. Breeze. Thanks.

[@fedup3582]

You are ethical enough to limit your shooting to 300 yds. 👍👍👍

[@kyler-pj2vy]

@Jeremy_WA Hunter plenty safe as long as the case isn't mostly corrosion

[@jetboatingbc6192]

@Jeremy_WA Hunter I just shot 3 boxes of .338 win mag from 1982 out of a tikka t3 and it was plenty fine. Shot 1.5” moa at 100 yards.

[@bobgordon1754]

No, an African guide said if an animal was further than 300 yds he used an ancient technique,stalking.

[@davedechant7252]

Hey Ron, I own both 338 and 300. I hand load and find I can get better accuracy with my 338 out over 500 yards. I've owned both of these for over 30 years and my 338 is my go to for all big game. By far my favorite. Great video. Love the hunting story. Keep it up.

[@inglwud5625]

I hated testing bullets and loads but when it came to the actual end result I never even noticed the recoil when shooting elk I guess adrenaline was working.

[@davidfornkahl8374]

I have shot deer, Elk, black bears with a .300 Win.Magnum using factory 180 gr. Remington Core-Lokts. Not one of those animals moved after being shot I just bought a .338 Win mag though! Why, you ask? Because ,I didn't have one!

[@davidfornkahl8374]

Great video as always! Your one of my favorites.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks David.

[@charlessmith4242]

* That's the best reason!

[@danrussell785]

Been shooting a 338 WM for over 40 yrs, my favorite big game cartridge. Thanks for the Video Ron, always enjoy them.

[@jonrolfson1686]

Without having intentionally eschewed the .338s, my mid-thirties collection started with a Browning-branded Model 71 in .348 Win, and eventually came to include a pair of .35 Whelens: a Remington 700 and a Remington 7600. That may one of the reasons that folks at the club see me as half a century older than the date on my birth certificate would indicate.

[@blackie1of4]

I absolutely love both those calibers! Inside 300 yards no game can tell the difference between a 35 Whelen and the 338 Winchester... however... your shoulder will. My medium bores that I've used are the 350 Remington Mag, the 358 Winchester, and the 350 Legend. I'd say the 350 Legend is the modern day 35 Remington. The 350 Remington Mag is the short action 35 Whelen and the 358 Winchester is the ballistic twin of the 348 Winchester. Not a bad bunch!

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

I like the .35 Whelen too !

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

@@blackie1of4 : We don't hear much about the .358 Win. here in NWPA, however I realize its potential as one of the family of spin offs from the .308 Win.. The .243, 7mm08, the .308, and the.358 Win. . Back when Indiana state had 0.A.L. restrictions on rifle cartridges for deer they were wildcatting the , ".358 Hoosier" from .358 Win. brass. Today they allow some standard rifle designations.

[@blackie1of4]

@@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594 I absolutely love the entire family birthed/derived from the 308 Winchester! I'm from central PA.. was looking at the 338 Federal a few years ago and was just about to pick one up. Until I came across a add from Grice Gun Shop. They had Ruger American Predators chambered in the 358 Winchester. Apparently Ruger produced a special run of 400 and I grabbed one. Definitely glad that I did :) I haven't harvested anything with it yet.. but I'll continue to carry it during the annual rifle black bear season. I probably will take it this season during deer season.. just to see first hand it's performance. I don't think it's overkill for deer.. but there's plenty of other cartridges that are more suitable. Anyways.. good luck to you and stay safe my friend!

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

@@blackie1of4 : Best wishes with that .358 Win. , It's not overkill for deer and and is perfect for PA black bear, good luck hunting and stay safe too. We have a lease near Spring Creek, PA

[@justinmochi7323]

Fellow tree worker here! Good to see youre ok! I've nearly died about a dozen times in the last week. Dangerous work!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Be careful, Justin. I'm not really a real logger. Just removing fire ladders and felling dead timber to buck up for winter firewood supply. Need about 4 cords.

[@billyrowland12]

Often overlooked but the 8mm Remington Magnum is an outstanding round as well

[@michaelharvey588]

Agreed. Too bad it is obsolete. I load my own with surplus mil powder.

[@andrewcleveland]

I would argue that the 8mm rem mag is possibly one of the greatest elk calibers ever made. I honestly don’t know if it’s chambered in a factory rifle anymore.

[@craigleibbrand7761]

Anything with a belt is obsolete the young guys will tell you as such with their beltless short magnums.

[@jeffreyplum5259]

I had a 8 mm Mauser. My dad had a 338. What struck me was the 338 ballistics at 200 yards matched my 8mm at the muzzle. Nice video

[@_Blobfish]

Just last night I was looking for a Ron Spomer 338 Win Mag video. I ended up watching a couple of your Alaska hunt videos … and now you post this treat, thanks!

[@donaldmcbride8322]

I have a Remington 700 in 8mm mag I bought new in 1981. What a great elk gun. I killed a 7x5 bull a few years back 400 yards with 200 gr Barnes triple shock. One shot light's out . Truly enjoy your videos

[@flyonbyya]

Ron is da 💣!

[@jefferywilliams7687]

That is a great cartridge that should have been more popular. It did give birth to the mighty 416.

[@markmuller3144]

I originally chose a 338 Win Mag for Moose hunting, and it performed very well, we are both the same age born in 1958. I also considered it a fine choice for Elk as well, and it certainly is, But truth is its a bit more gun than I need. If today I was looking for a new Elk rifle, and even Moose, or a Griz. I would go with a 30 Mag. I kind of like the 300 PRC, but the old 300 Win Mag is still hard to beat. But for me, I will stick with my 7mm WSM as it has served me very well. Shot placement is where its at, not just foot pounds of energy. as it turns out, my WSM is much more accurate than my 338 and when presented with a 540yd shot at an Elk that was just a few yards from safety, a single Nosler Accubond filled my freezer. Works for me. Shoot straight.

[@33736]

Great cartridge. I got my 338 win mag 34 years ago in Alaska for my 16th birthday and it’s been my go-to rifle growing up in Alaska. But I’ve shot many Elk with a .308 win and at ranges over 500yds no problem. It’s not about bigger, faster, but about a good bullet and shot placement. Thank you for the video!

[@genelord2693]

Really good report! Years ago I discovered the .338 Win Mag. I wanted to step up from my 30/06 for a stronger caliber. This cartridge caught my attention. I shot a couple of them, and have been convinced I need one. Finally got one recently. Only 4 shots and I determined I need a new and improved recoil pad! Love the rifle, and the information about it.

[@craigmcmullen231]

338-06. Love it. Almost the mag but less powder. Hand loading I can hit factory mag load data. Also less recoil and superior brass availability. Also it’s just different lol

[@jacobmccandles1767]

This makes me wonder: is the .338 Win Mag leaving something on the table ballistically, woth factory loads? It would seem to be, seing as how the case has a full 20gr more volume. Am I missing something, or os commercial. 338 WM that mild?

[@craigmcmullen231]

@@jacobmccandles1767 it can be mild. In most circumstances I believe a lot of factory loads let a lot on the the table. They’re trying to find an accurate load for everyone rather than a hot load that stretches the cartridges legs. But in the 338 Mag vs 338-06 with my load data from Hornady, it only has the the mag 100fps faster than the 338-06 with 200gr bullets. Is The 338-06 more efficient? Not sure. Kinda looks that way. But the 338-06 is sorta a wildcat so who knows.

[@jacobmccandles1767]

@@craigmcmullen231 i can see how a guy might go either way, especially in the 185-200gr loads.

[@craigmcmullen231]

@@jacobmccandles1767 I’d say another big consideration is recoil. With the extra powder of the mag, recoil is significantly more, all else being equal. Also, is the extra 15-20 grains of powder worth only 100-150fps?

[@jacobmccandles1767]

@@craigmcmullen231 tough call. I'm not too worried about the recoil, as I would like a finished weight of around 9 pounds. The extra powder...idk. My Daughter's "heavy" rifle for Elk and Alaska is a .35 Wheelen (though for the former she has stuck to her .257 Bob), but ammo for that is getting rare as hen's teeth. I'm not at home, but when I get there I'll compare sime highter BC loads and see what each had to offer. I am not currently handloading due to a lack of a dedicated space, but I'd like to start again.

[@shipjumper6068]

Love your reviews on different types of ammo. You’re the reason I went with a 7mm-08 for deer hunting in Texas.

[@Saa45MIV]

I’ve been hunting last few seasons with my uncles old husquvarna in .338-06 Ai and I have to say I really enjoy it.

[@davidderr2662]

That Gemsbok is huge, biggest I've ever seen! Trophy quality. Great job Ron. Wow!

[@tylerthody6940]

I love my .338 using 225 grain hand loads barnes, custom boyds thumhole stock. Taken plenty of Mule Deer and Elk. It defanitly is a one shot drop.

[@macdaddy32]

Love the hunting stories! I bet you have a ton of them. Would love to hear more!

[@MrHyde-dt1sx]

Probably my favorite cartridge of all time and I've owned a 340 Weatherby and still own a 338 Lapua. For all practical purposes the 338 wm does everything I need to do at less cost, recoil and accuracy in my rifle is excellent with the Barnes 210 grain.

[@georgemcarthur488]

That 210 Barnes TSX is phenomenal. I also have the Lapua and Weatherby, just missing the win mag lol. My 338-06 is my most practical of the 3 though. Loves that 210 Barnes at 2850fps. If I can't kill something with that I'm hanging up my hunting boots and going fishing.

[@frankhase5227]

Hello and thank you for your video. I enjoy your enthusiasm . In 1978 I moved to the Yukon and I had a 30-06 that I used for several years (mostly for moose). I traded that in for a 338 win and have pretty much used that for the last 35 years because of its great performance. I also bought a used 375 h&h at a gun show, but have never hunted with it. I just keep taking my small gun out.

[@GeorgeSemel]

Well, I hunted in Alaska for the whole time I lived there for almost 20 years with a Sako 75 SS in 338 WM. It's one of the rifles I kept when I paired down my collection some years back. I have a 330 Dakota, that I had built on a Ruger # 1 action. I shot a few elk with that one. Right now I am thing about maybe I really need a 338 Federal why I don't know, just a Tikka so chambered would be nice to have. As for the 338 Winchester, I really like 210 gr Barnes X bullets, I got a bunch of them. A gun shop mixed up an order so I ended up with 20 boxes of them. Once I settled on a load, they shot great out of the Sako. They work really well on everything I shot with them. I still have plenty of them for whatever hunting I have remained in my life. Bought them just about 30 years ago. The only thing is that power and primers are hard to come by right now.

[@davidlafaber2269]

7mm Remington Magnum in Remington 700 BDL Deluxe... Darling for Elk! 🦌

[@gizmocarr3093]

You hit a sweet spot showing off the 338 Win. Mag. When I was young; I took beating bench testing a 338 Win and 375 H & H magnums to see the difference in accuracy. Two bullets made the top of the heap. I could get groups under an inch from the 338 and the 375 was shy of that by a tiny bit. Both were Sierra GameKing SBT bullets. The .338 was a 250gr and the .375 a 300gr bullet. They came fifty to a box. They cost a lot back then; and they cost a whole lot more now. Both had #5 Douglas contours 26-inch pipes. The barrels look more like water pipes than rifle barrels. One was a Mauser and the 338 was a Sako I built. I am pretty sure I shot more of both of them than most people ever have. When hunting rifles reach this level; adding a barrel lug is an option for both. If you are shooting 300 yards wind has little effect on a football size bullet; that’s a fact Jack! The 338 was going 2,850 and the 375 was going 2,650 fps pretty regular. Hunted Groundhogs with both a few times; a little footnote to mention; they are so loud that anything not deaf; hides for hours. It cuts shooting opportunities close to zero from one big boom. Fact is; it echoes in a valley like thunder. What else is cool; is you can see the impact of a 300gr bullet every time; no difficulty there either. The down side to them is they use powder like a dragster uses fuel. And the bullets cost a fortune. They do reduce ammo consumption a bit. My buddy wanted the 375; so I sold it to him. A couple years later the scope hit him above the eye and detached his retina. I am pretty sure a 338 is ample for dinosaurs much less an elephant. Big bores shoot just as accurately as little ones however; it costs more and hurts a lot more doing it. 🦖🐘🦏🐃🐳 no problem ✨

[@mattrickard3716]

any photos or videos of the groundhogs you hit? AHP has videos of hunting rabbits with a 243 and a 270. The 270 leaves about 10 metres between it's arse and it's eyeballs so I'm curious to see what (if anything) was left of a groundhog hit by a 338

[@gizmocarr3093]

@@mattrickard3716 No pictures; but let’s say the end was quick and quite destructive with both the 338 and 375.

[@Sceptis]

This channel is so good, thank you for sharing your experience!

[@johnleahu9503]

I love your hunting stories! I could listen to your hunting stories for a long time! Thank you sir, for sharing!

[@Greyzonecompliant]

What happens in Africa does not stay in Africa. 👍

[@lawrenceallen8096]

Hornady makes some great loads for this round: .338 Win Mag ELD-X, 230 grain, 2,810 fps., 4,032 ft/lb.

[@Winkler_B_Rudolf_1911]

I have a cousin who's in law enforcement in Europe and he loves the .270 Winchester as well as the .338 Win. Mag. and he told me that those 2 rounds would be excellent for what they have to do. And anyway very interesting video as always.

[@koroharris]

I love my 338 wsm shooting 300 bergers the energy it puts on game is phenomenal especially at longer ranges

[@swishswish386]

👍👍👍 Excellent, you always learns something in here and it is always supported by facts, bravo !!! - I have never shot any rifle cartridge beyond 30-06 so this was a very informative vid. Wow those recoil numbers on those big bangers is daunting to say the least and with that in mind and considering the type of hunting I do etc. I will be content to stick with 30 caliber 👌

[@georgemannsr8708]

I think the Old 270 Winchester is still the best all around cartridge. They will kill an elk with the best of them.! My choice is reinforced by my old friend George Hoffmann ( the developer of the 416 Hoffmann/ 416 Remington) who took over 60 elk with his .

[@jaydunbar7538]

Finally found a few boxes for mine today, nice to be able to take it back out of the safe. Not that I ever ran out, but not knowing when I'd find more I didn't want to use what I had.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

280 Remington will beat the 270 winchester in every way.

[@randygerhart5076]

@@TexanUSMC8089 except in popularity!

[@fedup3582]

@@TexanUSMC8089 opinion. I prefer the 280 AI over the standard 280, any day.

[@davesullivan972]

GREAT Video! Thank you. I've owned a 338 since the early 80's, living in Alaska, and loved it! Used 210 Noslers for Moose and Sitka Blacktails (on Kodiak Island). Have two perfectly mushroomed bullets from stem-to-stern (and vice-versa) shots on the deer with the Patritions. I usually carried a 7 Rem Mag loaded with 160 Nosler Partitions for the first three-or-four days, then the 338 as bears would move into the area to feast on the carcasses (limits in the 80's and 90's were 4-5 deer each). I once gut-shot a buck with the 7 and that Partition killed it instantly!!! Tried the Winchester 230 Fail Safe for years and they were great, tough bullets (only recovered one from a moose). Ran out of those, so went back to the 210's as this seventy-some year-old body doesn't like to get beat-up by recoil anymore! Now I'm living in Idaho and have been using a 7STW and a light 270 for deer and Elk, but once I find the 30 shells I loaded with 210's before moving here, that's gonna be my Elk gun as the country is heavily timbered and steep, so I want 'em DRT!!!!!

[@KevinSchwinkendorf]

I bought my Winchester Model 70 in .338 Win. Magnum for Alaska-Yukon moose. I haven't had a chance to go yet, but I'm not dead yet either! A guided and outfitted hunt is a lot more expensive than the rifle, so it's my last bucket list item - hunt of a lifetime. I'm going some day 👍

[@timeverett7828]

338-06 A Square best all around choice. Great b.c.'s and not to much recoil. For 338 bore.

[@TheWin338]

The 338 win mag is a great cartridge for sambar deer here in Australia. Paired with a 250 grain Nosler Partition it is very capable. Have used this combination for several years with good success. In recent times I have used a 340 Weatherby on a Remington 700 action. This does a great job and is a bit more of a good thing. Love the Nosler bullets, they are accurate and just work.

[@RandoCalrisiann]

I love your videos Sir. You come across great, full of information, and you actually have the field time to back it. I hope you grow fast in popularity because you are a voice with something to say thats always worthy of hearing. My hats off to you!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

So nice of you. thanks.

[@mountainview540]

Glad you are okay. Thanks for the great info. I sent this to my cousin in Montana

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks for sharing

[@haroldlee5510]

I shoot the 338 for the oomph at the end and really like it. A little overkill for deer so for deer I use my 30-06. Love your videos and your articles. Thanks a lot.

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this video. VERY interesting! I like and respect the .338 Win Mag's capabilities. When I realized I would never hunt outside the USA, I decided the .300 Win Mag was all I would ever need. Maybe in my next life, a .338 Win Mag...

[@raymondmathewson4817]

Been shooting the 338 for a long time! My favorite caliber. Shoot antelope, deer and elk. No, it doesn't destroy the meat.

[@HernanMoragaMmHs]

Oh man, we should have story time with Ron Spomer. It would make some good bedtime stories! Love your content Ron!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks Hernan. The grandkids get story time.

[@dbutler5584]

That is “If” not when you could go to sleep from Ron’s hair raising stories. At least those of us that still have a little hair left-

[@bobpetersen1277]

338 WinMag is an excellent cartridge and will work very well for elk. Interesting story though, about 15 years ago maybe a little bit more now probably 25, in a conversation with Mr. Bill Steigers of Bitterroot Bullet Company, he said as good as the 338 is, the 35 Whelen will put a note down harder and faster.

[@ingemarfalle8670]

1

[@mississippichris]

I use a .338WM and a .300WM for feral hog hunting. Both are excellent. I only notice recoil when shooting at a paper target....never when shooting at the real thing. I enjoy your videos and the hunting stories. Keep up the good work.

[@stevenmartens6692]

i like running the nosler 200 gr. ballistic tip for elk .... does a GREAT job!!!

[@doubleutubefan5]

Great video Ron! Thank you! Side note: if you're in the northeast come by and say hi at the largest Cabela's on this side of the country. Guns and ammo in .338 or .375 H&H come in and go right back out the door, so keep checking!

[@reggierico]

Hi Ron, Great post on comparing these great cartridges! I have two .338 Win Mag rifles. One is an older, very beautiful Kimber of Oregon model and the other is the Legendary Arms Works rifle that you touted a couple of years ago. Both fantastic rifles for a great cartridge!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Should have a review of the NEW Legendary Arms Works rifle in 9.3x62 soon.

[@nmelkhunter1]

Great video and I really like these cartridge comparisons. The 338 has always intrigued me, but I really can't justify one since I have a 300 Win Mag the performs very well with 180 and 200 grain Accubonds. Keep the videos coming.

[@TheKetamineSquid]

Ron, i admire your no-nonsense approach to this style of video. it is very evident that you say everything as it is, even pointing out issues that you and others experienced with the ever popular 375 H&H. the fact that that article is still up shows your integrity as a writer. your videos are incredibly well laid out, clear and well put forward. your knowledge in the field is also unbeatable. thanks for creating these great videos and articles, you are a great asset to the shooting and hunting community.

[@philliphill4763]

A refreshingly informational history of the .338 Winchester cartridge. Thanks Ron! Keep these terrific lessons coming our way.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

You bet!

[@alexkalish8288]

Ron, you have a great channel which I have never found fault with. My favorite Elk cartridge is the Wby 300 but it has a heck of a kick. That said, the last Elk I took was with my F-250's rear view mirror. A huge buck ran into my drivers side mirror on the road from Chama to Taos. It was chasing 3 doe across the road. What a beautiful Eland you took - Congrats !

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

There are less expensive bullets than that F-250, you know.

[@vinpribek3903]

I had a Win Mod 70 in .338 WM but found it to be heavy with a stout recoil. I decided I could go to a Kimber 8400 Montana in .325 WSM and reduce both weight and recoil at the same time, while sacrificing nothing in performance. I believe the .325 WSM is a very underrated round that should be much more popular. It a great choice for anyone who is thinking about getting a .338 WM or a .300 WM.

[@zechnarwilliams8019]

very nice sir! Great stories and love the info!

[@Smokincreekadventures]

It’s a beast of a round

[@yooper7753]

Great video Ron. I liked the idea of a .338 caliber rifle cartridge, but I didn't want a belted magnum case or high powder capacity case either. My personal first choice became the 338-06 A-Square cartridge. Stellar cartridge, plenty of energy and velocity. I use less expensive 30-06 Springfield brass too. My second choice is the 338 Federal cartridge. Another stellar performer with great accuracy and energy. I use less expensive 308 Winchester brass for my reloads.

[@kjatexas3679]

I’ve had a .338 WM for years. The recoil with 250gn bullets is pretty stout. I settled on the 210gn Nosler Partition as my elk bullet. Still kicks pretty good but less than the 250. The trick with the .338 is to hold the rifle tightly into your shoulder. If you let it get a running start, it will rock your world. I have used the .338 200gn Speer Hot Core on deer, and it puts a buck down, faster than any other caliber that I have used.,

[@halbennett4491]

My experiences exactly.

[@fbdutoit5243]

Ron, great channel , you always raise topics that invite great interest and response. The .338 Win in my view is a great calibre , a good all rounder for hunting most antelope and deer over long and short distances . Bullet choice in .338 vary from 180 gr up to 300 gr . This calibre in my view is probably the best calibre to own if you were only allowed to have one rifle and if you reloaded your own cartridges ! I had my .338 Win hunting rifle custom made using a lothar walther match barrel which was slightly machined down to shed weight ( as I hunt on foot and have to carry my own rifle ) . A WW2 mauser K98 bolt action was used due to its loose tolerance . The accuracy of this hunting rifle is incredible !

[@lonnieeichele2498]

I've got a 338 Express in a Marlin Lever gun. Not at all in the same league as these 338's but I was hoping for a great lever action deer gun. Hope you can look this over someday if you haven't. Love the comments on Elmer Keith and the 333 OHK. Really appreciate your shows. Keep up the good work.

[@ronnieskata9002]

You forgot the .338 marlin express! That a good little cartridge also

[@nelsondoan8271]

Really like your videos. I hunted deer, bear, and elk for many years with my first rifle, a .300 Weatherby. Never had a deer or bear move out of its tracks when hit. My first elk ran 100 yards, but it dropped. I switched to a .270 for deer, and I’ve had several run 20 to 30 yards before they drop, which I believe is acceptable, for deer. A family member acquired a .338 WM, and it has been very good on elk, not always instantaneous, but it hits hard and slows them down enough for a second shot, no losses. An elk is a very heavy animal, a 100 yards is a very long way to drag something that heavy through difficult terrain. Just converted my .300 to .338. Seemed like a good idea, although the .35 Whelan could be better in our circumstances. None of our observations are in any way scientific, just our experiences. Elk can be difficult…

[@georgekonyi2690]

Interesting we hunted Elk Vapi in Hungary some wore as heavy as 350 kg. We head the 7×64 m Branake with a 154 gr torpedo bullet. Also used the 162 gr And 172 gr. Belivet or no 154 grm bullet if properly placed from the 7 mm will kill anything that walk on earth. I didn't say it Stops. SO IF .300 Mag ineffective then a .338 or .375 or may be 460 Weatby. Will get a job done.

[@brianrobbins3499]

I love both cartridges my 300 win mag and my 338 but I always carry my 300 in Montana every fall .

[@MrZeke701]

Hi Ron. Thanks, I love this cartridge.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

My pleasure!

[@darcynowdlak9742]

338wm and a 375 ruger for our beluga/narwhal hunting season. Barnes bullet of choice. Nunavut Canada

[@oncall21]

Great video Ron as always. It's interesting with the comparison because technically you could substitute the 300 Win Mag with 300WSM and say that the 300WSM with a 210gr pill is on par with the 338 Win Mag (with the exception of bore size). I think the 338 Win Mag is a bit like the 243. It can handle lighter 55-58gr projectiles and can also go up to 100gr pills. But wouldn't you be better served with a 22/250 and 25/06 or 270 instead? Down here in Oz the .338 Win Mag does have a following for sambar deer hunters from close up thick scrub hunting to long range fringe dwelling ranges. But in all honesty the 300 Win Mag is by far more popular. To take advantage of the 300gr pills I think people are better off going straight to the 375 H+H. When it comes to the 338 Win Mag it certainly is a very versatile cartridge but like most hunters, people generally stick to the one bullet and one load. Also for sambar I've noticed that the 35 Whelan and the 9.3x62 have become far more popular over the past decade that the 338 Win Mag is starting to get left behind. Either way, the 338 Win Mag has been around for a while now and I know it will be around for a long time to come. Thanks for sharing.

[@georgemcarthur488]

The 338 caliber was similar to the 6.5 mm in a way. Ahead of it's time. Heavy for caliber bullets. I think it's really only been in the last 15-20 years manufactures picked up on the demand for high B.C. and S.D. bullets. With today's bullets like a Barnes TSX, you wouldn't be under-gunned for an elk with a 243 inside 300 yards.

[@meiam1130]

I have a 15.75” T/C Contender in 338 JDJ #2 that I love ! :)

[@sladeleason4338]

Been my cartridge since i was 19.... lol turning 49 this year. Hopefully i get 30 more years out of it. Elk, moose, deer unwinds their main springs right quickly.

[@solosambarhunter]

About the best Sambar deer cartridge available. Heaps of punch out far and perfect for close bush stalking too. Can see it used in my hunting videos. 225g is the way to go. Awesome cartridge.

[@geoffreyjohnston6483]

Make sure the neophyte to the .338 learns to shoot it really well, which means learning to deal with the shocking recoil. Too many buyers do not shoot and practice enough to be effective users, resulting a lot of unnecessary grief in the field. I'm sure you know the scenario,"buy big gun go hunting", only to find that they aren't in tune with the riflre and cannot make a competent shot to make a humane and sporting kill.

[@danielhansen9443]

Thanks for posting, very informative as always.👍

[@mikelworthen1352]

My Winchester .338 mag sporter kicked like a mile,but now I have a brake on it & I love it. Hits game like the hammer of Thor!

[@tonywoconish6695]

🗣Love the .338 WM. Been shooting my RUGER 77 for 20 years now. Stainless barrel with the synthetic PADDLE grey stock. I installed a really soft recoil pad and the Gunsmith installed 4 viles of hydraulic fluid … 2 in the fore arm and 2 in the lower stock. This has greatly reduced felt recoil to just above a 30/06 and below the 300WM. I also reload .338’s. My “go to” load is Hornady 225gr SP-RP at 2800 FPS. I have shot 2” groups at 300 yards with Hornady 185gr GMX at 3000 FPS. All loads according to the Hornady Manual. My longest kill is on a Texas whitetail at 125 yards. I have taken several Oklahoma 🤠 deer 🦌 as well. Thanks Ron 🇺🇸.

[@fedup3582]

If you don't shoot over 125 yds, a 30-30 with hornady leverevolution ammo will poleaxe whatever you are hunting, but where is the fun if you can't use what you want? Enjoy your choices and have fun. Good luck.

[@tonywoconish6695]

@@fedup3582 🗣hello, I have a .30-30 and taken many deer with it here in North Eastern Oklahoma. I especially like the Hornady FTX 160gr load and very glad when they came out with it. The THICK woods where I hunt allow 50 yards or less shots. Great for the OLE .30-30 rifle.

[@fedup3582]

@@tonywoconish6695 you have that right, those ftx bullets are great.

[@laughingdog6010]

Thanks, excellent presentation, I like the 338 caliber, but if I need a magnum I go to the 375 H&H.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Right on

[@cabochris100]

I feel the 338 Win is one heck of a balanced North American big game hunting cartridge. If I needed a magnum, I'd jump up to 416 Rem or Ruger. I've experienced situations which demonstrated, as much as I like 375s, they may not be the stopping cartridge some think! If I had an angry bear, Sasquatch or Buff... even a ferral Bull looking to stomp me give me a 416! Seiously, I once had a scary up close experience -encounter with what looked like a 2000lb angry bull, while toating an 06 and why I went with a 338. It's a bit more comforting in the Wilds! For general hunting I love the 338 Win.

[@TranquilFire]

Great video Ron, I enjoy the informative content. I've got a Henry brass side loader 45-70 on order, will see how the +P loads go

[@tacman2893]

I shoot a 300 Wby Mag for the big stuff in North America so never thought about getting a 338, but still looks like a cool cartridge and caliber. Thanks Ron.

[@hillbillyscholar8126]

Elmer Keith recommended the .375 H&H for elk. Before we had excellent expanding bullets it was probably good advice. I think you can make due with considerably less horsepower now. I know of locals who currently use the .270 Winchester for elk and find it to be adequate. I have seen a .338-06 drop a large bull moose like lightning. I would probably use a 7mm Mag or larger for elk myself. With a 225 grain bullet the .338 Winchester Magnum would be a wonderful all around choice in elk country too.

[@bustabass9025]

Elmer Keith never met a big banger he didn't like. If it didn't leave a deep bruise on your shoulder, or a heavy sprain in your wrist, it wasn't enuff gun...period. Surprised he didn't recommend a 500 Nitro Express; bullet notwithstanding.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

In addition, Elmer seemed to take a lot of what he called "raking" shots. Back to front, mostly. Cup and core bullets back then weren't what you'd call optimum for penetration.

[@hillbillyscholar8126]

@@RonSpomerOutdoors You know his hunting style well! Of course I have Ron Spomer to keep me straight nowadays. ;-)

[@jefferywilliams7687]

Elmer Keith is the original father of the 338-378 Weatherby. Called it the 338-378 KT. Called it the best Elk cartridge he ever used.

[@phild9813]

I know folks who hunt elk with a 243, and do it well. Know your gun and your ammunition well and hold yourself to its limitations and you will do well with whatever you choose!

[@ericstrabel4365]

I like the 338 win mag because within normal hunting ranges (

[@georgekonyi2690]

Any .300 mag vs .338 Win.Mag difference is the 300 is nothing more then a stalking rifle. .338 vs .375 both great stopping guns.

[@derekedgley5074]

330 Dakota with 250g A Frame works very well in Africa and 215g Sierra in Scotland. I’ve used several Lapua 338 in Africa all with similar great results and 338 Titan, but the brass was very poor for reloading. Fabulous Oryx. A very insightful video

[@caseroj6020]

My favorite is the 300 win mag. I own more rifles in that caliber than any other but I did buy one, just one, Savage 110 Storm in 338 win mag recently. I purchased it for a few reasons. First I wanted a larger caliber bullet for a future hunting trip to Alaska for Moose but also for protection from mountain grizzly bears. Second, I always liked the Savage 110 Storm and it was the only model that I could find at the time. My preference would have been to get a Tikka T3X Alpine or Wideland in 338 win mag but I don't think they chamber for it. So I went with the Savage 110 Storm instead. It's a really nice gun with some really cool features and it comes in at a very reasonable price. For $740 you get a stainless steel barrel and action with 5R rifling and the accustock and the accutrigger. I also like the fact that it has a partial embedded rail for stiffness. It is heavy which is a plus in such a powerful cartridge. What I don't like about it is the fact that it doesn't have a muzzle brake. I made a promise to myself that this was the biggest caliber bullet I would ever shoot and that I would only have one rifle chambered for it. For me it is sort of a specialized hunting rifle for really big game like Moose or Grizzly bear. For everything else I stick with my 300 win mag rifles.

[@DaBellyMan318]

My daddy's favorite round! He shot it over 30 years!

[@johnnash5118]

IMHO, bullet composition is more effective than bullet caliber. Nosler and Barnes are the Great Equalizers.

[@DL-ij7tf]

Even the mainstream bullets like Hornady Interlock and Federal Fusion are pretty solid. Any of the reasonable calibers, and any of the reasonable hunting rounds, should work for Elk within reasonable distances (even with Elk, very few shots are beyond 200 yards and very few beyond 300). Elk aren't that wide of an animal so reaching their vitals isn't that much harder for a well constructed bullet to do than a big whitetail.

[@northman77]

@@DL-ij7tf it's not legal here in canada but I heard about 22-250 at 200 yards for moose... And apparently it worked.

[@DL-ij7tf]

@@northman77 I know people have taken American Bison with .243. Hell, some of the big game hunters in Africa like WDM Bell killed hundreds of elephant with 7x57mm and .303 rifles with fmj round nose bullets. Really proves that shot placement is key. I feel like people don't often realize how advanced and effective modern cartridges and rifles have become.

[@northman77]

@@DL-ij7tf yep, agree!

[@johnnash5118]

@@DL-ij7tf Perhaps for your area, but my frame of reference are 8-900 lb. Roosevelt’s here in Western Oregon. Last year, I still-hunted for Black-tailed bucks to a position behind a large fir log. After hearing obnoxious rustling in the brush, out came a @4 year old 700 lb. 4x4 and a @3 year old 3x4 bull together. I watched them no further than @100-150 feet from me while I filmed them. A week later elk season opened, so I hunted the surrounding area for a week, not a sign of them.

[@criticalbo]

Ive happily carried a 7lb scoped and loaded .340Wby for the last 15 years. The recoil is not bad and Nothing better for Elk hunting.

[@johnnydawson7675]

Thanks, Ron, for the video!

[@vernonlarson7016]

Hey Ron. Just got my 338-06 ai back from oregunsmiting in Oregon. Should be a great elk rifle. I'm going to shoot 210 Barnes's ttsx out of it with rl15. Going elk hunting this fall. I'm taking that and my 8mm mag that wayne york built also. Thanks again Ron.

[@gym55rat]

Love to get. 338-06 one day

[@vernonlarson7016]

@@gym55rat I might sell it.

[@gym55rat]

I'll throw you for a loop you don't happen to be a lefty and live in Canada like me?

[@vernonlarson7016]

@@gym55rat maybe I'll sell u mine

[@gym55rat]

@@vernonlarson7016 sorry I'm not good with tech can you pm me

[@chrismyers7017]

I choose the 338 win mag over the 300 win mag because of “felt recoil”. Yes the 338 has more recoil but because it’s more of a push instead of a punch it feels like less recoil to me

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

That is a common trope in shooting, Chris, but I've found no evidence supporting it. In fact, just the opposite. The 225-grain 338 load I cited in an 8# rifle has recoil impulse of 4.56 lbs.-sec. with recoil velocity of 18.33 fps, recoil energy 41.75 f-p. The 210-gr. 300 WM load has 4.4 .lbs-sec impulse, 17.7 velocity, 38.96 f-p in same 8# rifle. How can the faster and heavier recoil in all categories feel more like a push?

[@leifhoklin2681]

Anyone I've heard describe the .338 win mag's recoil invariably use words such as "heavy", "aggressive", and "sharp". I've never heard it described as a "push", though that seems to be a common opinion held by the .375 H&H crowd. Here's my opinion. I think that folks who subscribe to the "push" idea, have rifles with good fitting stocks, and are simply used to snugging up that stock butt squarely into the crook of their shoulder, taking care to ensure that each time they throw up the rifle, that stock butt has maximum coverage over the shoulder, and is able to disperse that energy over the widest possible area. How one mounts the rifle makes the largest impact on the shooter's experience of recoil in any rifle. When I first got into shooting centerfire rifles, I had a somewhat heavy Marlin X7 that I put in a laminated stock. The rifle beat the piss out of me on the bench. I couldn't understand what was wrong. I've hunted with 12 gauges, and have shot box upon box of 12 gauge at clays and have never had a problem in the past. Also, I'm a bigger guy at 6'1"/220lbs. It turned out that the stock style wasn't optimal, but much more importantly, the way I mounted the rifle while sitting at the bench was setting me up for failure. If anyone has similar issues, it's worth taking a little extra time to ensure your stock is snug and centered properly prior to shooting, especially on the bench. When you get this down you'll be surprised how much recoil you can handle comfortably.

[@chrismyers7017]

My 338 is a Ruger M77 Hawkeye All Weather. My personal experience with it, and several others, is that it feels like more of a push whereas every 300 I have shot feels like a punch. Maybe I have a special rifle where everything is “just right”. I’d never doubt your figures, ever, but I am going off my experience. Love the videos, blogs, social media posts, and podcasts when you can produce them

[@jays9611]

i would have to say there is something to that, as ive shot both in the same model rifles with very similar scopes, 200g 300wm and a 250g 338wm, there was more recoil in the 338 but easier to manage than what the 300 gave they were for sure very different on the shoulder with my preference going to the 338, and it seems like the ammo sticks around shelves a little longer

[@chrismyers7017]

jay s, completely agree

[@trickymick6229]

I took my .338 win elk hunting. Started loading with nosler 225gr accubonds . But after practice and sighting in I could only find nosler 250s . Started to panic but was pleasantly surprised. Recoil turned into a push not a sharp slap. Took my first elk at 215yds. Nosler accubond did it’s job and kept going. As for me, a .338 , nosler 250 and RL17 are my standard. Thanks for the video

[@jefferywilliams7687]

Had a 338 Win Mag and sold it. Kept went back to the 300 Win Mag. Bought a 340 Weatherby Magnum. With new powders, shoot a 225 Barnes TTSX loaded with RL 26 and Federal 215M at 3,135 FPS with an SD of 2 and ES of 4. The recoil is stout. It does the same with a 225 Partition.

[@adamelam6385]

I always held the .300 win mag in really high regard as an elk cartridge

[@georgemcarthur488]

It's an "Everything" cartridge.

[@adamelam6385]

@@georgemcarthur488 yeah, I just don't live in elk country so it's way overkill for whitetail in this area. The biggest thing I use is a .270 wsm.

[@georgemcarthur488]

@@adamelam6385 I agree. I shoot deer in Michigan inside of 200 yards. I just use a 223 with a Barnes. I shot one with the 300 win once, ruined half the deer. Probably would have been fine if it was 600 yards away 😆🤦‍♂️

[@MrJtin69]

Should compare it with the 35 whelen

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

www.ronspomeroutdoors.com/blog/35-whelen-poor-mans-375-hamph?rq=35%20whelen

[@MrJtin69]

@@RonSpomerOutdoors I ment buy or get one to test with different loads as in that video I remember you saying you hadn't owned a 35 whelen ! :)

[@gogart3]

Great info, Thanks Ron & get well soon

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thank you, I will

[@petew6974]

I have a 338 win mag I love this gun. Used it from everything from Black Bear to whitetail deer. I recommend before getting one you check ammunition to availability I have been trying for the last year to buy one box of bullets.