.338 Win Mag - Ammo Test [And Fail]

[@andrewdeming5285]

Would love to see a follow up on this. Most of us are assuming it’s the scope, but could possibly be the bipod/sand bag setup. Maybe swap the optic to a different rifle and show results on that. Swap in a new optic here and keep the bipod and sand bag. Then add in the lead sled. I have to believe that hard recoil might come into play, but the old video shows you can handle it and make tight groups.

[@CM-nq3so]

Could be the bipod causing the stock to flex.

[@phild9813]

I’d try the bipod first. Seems like the most likely culprit.

[@michaelrooney5936]

I totally agree, I've have nothing but praise for that caliber, and I also have been asking him to do a vid on . 338 win mag. Dang.

[@carterthiessen2664]

My best guess is difference in front stock pressure on the barrel. Possibly in the sled it was free floating, but on the bags there was more upward pressure on the stock causing contact. Cheaper rifles have flimsy stocks and it doesn't take much to flex them into the barrel. Can cause lots of impact shifting.

[@mikehatch6647]

I've had the same thing happen

[@derralmalone6584]

I have a 6.5 Creedmoor Thompson Center compass Gen 2. It wouldn't shoot well until I put that little red piece of plastic that came with it up under the rifle barrel. If you take a dollar bill and slide it up under the barrel when you have it on the tripod you can tell if it is still free-floating. My experience with the Thompson Center Compass rifles is that they will not shoot well off of a tripod. The stock has to much flex in it to be shooting it off of a tripod. Remember, you are shooting a 338 wm. If you change the stock you won't have that problem. Watch Johnny Reload.

[@Bob5mith]

My T/C Compass (300 Win Mag) did the exact same thing first time at the range. It shot great groups with the first ammo, then went all over the place with the second kind of ammo. I had squirted some spray CLP in it and it sprayed more than I intended. The rail screws had come loose from getting some oil on them. I got a full rail and used some blue loctite on the screws. I put an SD Tactical Titan brake on so I can put my Form 1 458 can on it. It's a lot better now.

[@clintonlayne9253]

Adam I think having a bipod on the rifle can make some difference. I like Federal Fusion in my 280, 6.5 x55 and got some in 308 haven't tried them yet but the fusion kicks butt! lol.

[@faynebriskfmvnmac]

Its maybe, because of switching from the lead sled to bi-pods. Especially if everything on the gun and scope is tight-ey up all good. Either if your shooting of a bag or lead sled, or bi-pods. Stick to using one, or take lots a practice shots using the other...

[@davidderr2662]

I have a Winchester Model 70 Winlite .338 Win. Mag also that did the same thing. It shot decent new but accuracy went south. I kept the barrel very clean. Two scopes qnd two mounts later , no change. I am going to rebed and free float the fiberglass MacMillan barrel. I'm suspecting the heavy recoil changed the bedding in my 8.25 lb. rifle. Crossing my fingers. Good luck.

[@PreppinTexan]

I ran into this problem when testing some hand loads that I knew were good loads. What ended up happening is the glass in my scope came loose and eventually cracked and the scope was ruined. My guess is that there is something not right with the scope. Just my thought!

[@maxloader5278]

Lot of recoil for the stock on the Compass. May see what Boyd's has for it. Scope and rings should be fine. May try a brake on it. See if the free float is good. Take your pick, could be 1 or 10 things.

[@CM-nq3so]

I am also wondering if there isn't something touching the barrel somewhere. I have seen that open groups way up.

[@darvinclement3250]

Stock could definately be flexing. A might try bedding the recoil lug and rear of the action.

[@Planetcat2071]

I have 3 rifles in .338wm and Hornady SST’s in 200 gr. shoot great and perform great on game. The Barnes 210 gr and Federal trophy copper in 225 gr pills aren’t bad either. The lighter bullets are fast and noticeably recoil less. And lets face it, still more energy than most .30 cal magnum rounds in 180 gr.

[@russellaultman8866]

The 338 is tough on scopes. I put a Leopold vari X 3 on mine after two scopes prior and it has held up very well.

[@michaelmoran8780]

Something that might help you find out what could be the problem is put it back in the sled and try that same sight in. Sometimes you can get used to the sled and without it the first few weeks especially with something that has such light weight and heavy recoil, of course it could be something else but this would be a very quick and inexpensive test that might help a lot or at least eliminate one the possible causes of such a dramatic shift in POI and MOA. It's definitely happened to me before going back and forth between the sleds and the bag or shoulder especially LoL, good luck buddy 👍🇺🇸!

[@Planetcat2071]

I had a .30-06 that I spent $100’s trying to get to group (less than 3-4 inches) with 5-6 different types of ammo, bullet weights, etc. It ended up being a Bushnell elite scope I had on it. I torque all my scopes per spec using a Fat Wrench. Same for action screws. New scope and the rifle was a tack driver. Old scope went in the trash.

[@maxgrimes6337]

I really like that you are so honest. With you, what you see is what you get.

[@darvinclement3250]

I've not had good luck with all copper bullets either. Make sure to get all the copper cleaned out of the barrel. That can affect accuracy.

[@PeaceCountryBoy]

This is the exact same three boxes of ammo I have for my 338 Win Mag sitting in my gun safe right now. Too funny. Love my Oryx rounds!

[@furmanmackey5479]

A friend of mine, and one of the four best rifle shooters I have ever known (one of whom was a sniper during the Vietnam War), owns both a .300WSM and a .338 Win Mag. It took him about three days and over 100 rounds to find the ammo his .300WSM liked best and nearly double that before his .338 Win Mag decided it was happy. To be fair, both rifles were "tuned" by an Old School Master Gunsmith and the loads my friend uses, with amazing down range effect, are VERY CAREFULLY handloaded. Oddly enough, my friend has found (no surprise to this Old Goober), that out to around 150 yards, his Marlin 336 in .35 Remington launching the "traditional" 200grn JFNSP puts every bit of the smack down any hunter worth his or her salt would hope for on Southeastern whitetail deer or hogs one would hope for with a newer, whiz bang, cartridge. I taught him that!

[@scubasteve3032]

Damn! You either knocked the dust off of that hog or it was his ghost getting the hell out of dodge!

[@unbalancedredneck5778]

My thoughts would be uneven forend pressure as some others mentioned below. The TC compass is a decent rifle but have a very cheap plastic stock. Use of bipod on plastic stocks will sometimes do really funny things due to stock flex when loading the bipod. Either upgrade the stock or simply take the bipod off and I’d bet you’ll be fine.

[@CraigDaniel1965]

Something I might pass along that I was told by a buddy who has competed in championship matches (when telling him about my Howa 1500 in .308 shooting wider groups than my other bing bangs) is torque the trigger housing bolts to 50 in pounds on the front screw and 25 inch pounds on the rear screw. He said if the front screw isn't 50 in pounds your trigger housing can move and your groups will spread. I followed his advice and got 1/2 MOA groups

[@Yewkii]

Really enjoy all your videos! Have you done a comparison on chokes for shotguns?

[@scottmoody3926]

Bedding Screws was my problem when I had a similar issue.

[@snakemanwilliams7231]

A few years back I picked up several boxes of Winchester 200 grain Power Points and Federal Premium 210 grain Nosler Partition ammo from a gentleman who had shoulder surgery and could not shot his 338 Win Mag comfortably. I have shot Winchester 230 grain Fail Safe & Black Talon as well as Winchester 250 grain Partition Gold all of these have very impressive recoil. After having a custom muzzle brake installed all of the ammo was much more manageable from the bench, however the Hornady 185 grain GMX and the Federal 210 grain Nosler Partition were the softest shooting and the 210 stuff held the best groups with my Ruger M77. If you can find some of the lighter bullets, install a muzzle brake for bench work, and lose the bipod you might get the results you are looking for. Maybe the heavier Norma will even return to your one-hole group . . . Hang in there, I know you will figure this out!

[@warrenjones3408]

Lots of great suggestions here Obvious different is tripod to rig Out of interest did you try a bore sighter thingy before you swapped it all around ? Keep up good work, enjoy your vids.

[@definit1on119]

I feel the pain. I have a ar10 in 6.5 that I love but it’s expensive to shoot. Not as expensive as that bing bang

[@johannengelbrecht9531]

I had exactly the same issue with a model 70 extreme weather winchester. After many rounds and many scope combinations as well as a bedding job it will still only group 2 shots touching. When the barrel heat up its every shot on a different continent.

[@christopherramsey1509]

I had an Extreme Weather in 30-06 that did the same thing. The 2nd shot would always go wide, 1st and 3rd shots would be touching, regardless of the ammo I tried. If I sent a 4th shot, it would be wide and next to the 2nd shot. After a lot of research, it seems that it was a very common issue with the rifle and most people cured it by getting a McMillan stock for it. Maybe there was a run of bad Bell and Carlson stocks where the bedding block was moving in the stock? I debated buying the McMillan stock for it and getting rid of the Bell and Carlson that came on it, but decided to just trade it back into the dealer I bought it from. I wasn't going to spend $600 to restock a $1500 rifle. Bought two special run Weatherby Vanguard rifles with a #3 barrel contour in .308 and 30-06, they both group multiple factory loads into less than 3/4" consistently for 4 shots.

[@josiahbruce6718]

I love the vids man,keep it up homie

[@jasonglaze7874]

Love the channel!!! Your comment about lack of accuracy with copper bullets. I have to say I have had terrible luck with copper Winchester or Sig Sauer copper. Terrible grouping. Tomorrow (Easter) I hope to go try my Norma White Tail 100gr that just showed up at my front door today. I will let you know how it goes. By the way, I’m shooting a Henry Long ranger 20” barrel 243.

[@geoffreyanderson4456]

Again, I certainly have a use for your brass since you seem to only do factory loads. Thank you very much in advance!! Love the videos!!

[@alfredwilliams5153]

I would recommend a Boyd’s stock and a good muzzle brake

[@jeroldmoreland5187]

Might be the tri pod on the budget rifle stock. I had the same issue with a remington 700 stock.

[@gdavis9161]

Happy 😄 to hear ur going to clean the gun I know u hate doing that but it will help. It could be the scope but more likely the rings. They look too flimsy to handle that recoil

[@kevinfidler8074]

I saw a video where someone was having the same trouble with a mossberg rifle, also in 338 win mag. I think they said the problem turned out to be the scope base screws weren't tightened down from the factory very well.

[@markgriffin9287]

This is why you always check before hunting with a rifle!

[@tbart2175]

Love the videos! 30-06 ammo test soon?

[@richardcolligon4277]

Hey Adam now you have me curious. I could see if I were shooting having group's like that, but you're a much better shooter than I.

[@coreyrowe2052]

I hope you get it sighted on the money Adam! Can't wait to see the video 😀😀. Also, I want to be one of the first to congratulate you on 400k subs!!🥳🥳🎉🎊🎊 I hope your old boss can see this!🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@YellowHammer26]

Always tough to figure those kind of problems out. Thanks for the video, hope you get it straightened out.👍👍

[@CplSkiUSMC]

My first thought would be the scope has failed under the magnum recoil.

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Nope. Already used it on another rifle and working great

[@scottcooksey5284]

@@WHOTEEWHO I bet it's a lighter recoiling rifle.

[@wiseguysoutdoors2954]

If you can find Hornady 225 gr interlocks, my friend's 338 loved it. I decided to install a muzzle break on my 375 Ruger in the Mossberg Patriot. Not overwhelming recoil but wanted to make sure that what happened to my son didn't happen again. He got into the scope and got laid open. Not something you want in the back of your mind when concentrations on making your best shot on a game animal.

[@jameshoward8491]

If using a bipod like you were . With that plastic stock if you move left to right or up and down the stock will flex against the barrel . I have had the same thing happen . I bet if you used the old vise again you can repeat the first results .

[@InTheYear]

Heck yeah! Thanks Who Tee Who for the great content!!!

[@th.burggraf7814]

Norma Oryx showed the "California Ballistics" - a little left and a little high. 😋

[@bootsandall3612]

The sled gives you much better control then the bipod. Look at the muzzle jump between the two setups.

[@timallen6035]

Good video. I think it's good to see when things don't go well. I look forward to seeing a follow-up video to see if it does better. I can't say that I am experienced enough with all this to add any suggestions on what might be going on.

[@terrystull3159]

Other comments have already mentioned this, but make sure the stock isn't touching the barrel. Especially when using a bipod. Love the videos. Keep'em coming!

[@joelmcmahan7386]

I remember when you got this, I went next day to try and get me one and they were sold out. Sure shot great the first time you shot it. Hope you get it figured out. YA DA MAN WTW. 🎥💯👍💪🏽

[@michaelshaw8370]

Two things I would check try that scope on another rifle. One lens inside the optic may not seated correctly. Or with that type of synthetic stock/furniture the bipod can flex during the shot release. When you have rechecked everything and still nothing improves either, think outside of the box, you have missed something, or something is ten minutes pregnant? A polite alternative to fubar.

[@mainenorthwoodshunter3265]

Don't you love that? Why did you change scope and rings in the first place if it shot so well before? It seems to be the scope can't take the recoil of the 338. With ammo as expensive as it is now and as hard to find as it is right now, I feel your pain buddy, I got a new 7mm rem mag I need to dial in as well. Here in Maine we are now just finally getting rid of the snow so that will be on my agenda list soon. Good luck with getting her dialed in.

[@joelpalsson7711]

Hold the forend of the stock . Its a light rifle with heavy recoil, therfore you get a vertical spread with the norma oryx. Haft to hold the rifle so it doesnt jump around and throw the bullets aroud. Compare the video when you put them in the same hole. Norma oryx is a very good bullet i use it in 9,3x62 and 308 Norma Magnum and 338 Federal.

[@JimmyHinton]

I slang some bullets today with my .300winmag reloads it done great. The new scope I put on it is a tack driver.

[@brianklamer3328]

The hog shot was impressive, it never knew what hit him!

[@bradleyswasey6778]

I'm curious are you seeing any marks on the sides of your barrel? I really haven't shot with a bipod much but I wonder if your torquing the forearm from the recoil.

[@timeverett7828]

Bipod causing stock flex and bad harmonics... I have experienced this problem before... try shooting bag under front of the stock... should help...

[@rmc2340]

WTW if you can find some Hornady SST 200 gr. they could be a good choice. I've been shooting in my Winchester model 70 for years. Or just try a liter bullet.

[@martinfitzpatrick6632]

Did I see a break on that bing bang from the first sight in… maybe add that break on it again. Good luck either way. Love watching the magnums.

[@christopherramsey1509]

You said you checked the ring cap screws and the screws that attach to the base. Did you check the base screws themselves? Had a similar issue with my son's Mossberg Patriot and it ended up being loose front scope base. I couldn't tell with the scope mounted, the rear base still held it tight enough that it didn't wiggle in my hand, but when I took the scope off, the front base rattled when I shook the rifle.

[@smash710]

M carbo makes a spring kit that drops trigger pull weight and it cheap try loading the bi pod to stay on target it helps alot

[@thomasreece3903]

Interesting I noticed a difference in the wind but with those heavy Bullets I doubt that would affect it that much. Clean that barrel good and let’s revisit this on another day. Great video.

[@MountainSurvival]

Only solid copper boolots I like are Barnes! But I use them only when reloading. Cheers from ky.

[@squirlydan1750]

I have two .300 win mags. one 13lb and one 8lb rifle. the 13lb rifle shoots .5-1 inch free recoil method. The 8lb rifle shoots a 2.5 inch group using free recoil. goes down to .5-.75inch group shooting traditional (pulling rifle into your shoulder). I have replicated it multiple times. I think this may be what you're experiencing. cheers

[@timothylear2770]

as Andrew just stated, I would also love to see a follow up video with different scope and rings.....the sandbag and bi-pod shouldn't have made that much referents surely? 😎👍Aus

[@robertstojcevski1098]

I wonder if cleaning the barrel between ammo change will help?? WTW maybe try the lead sled again?

[@ianharper1189]

Old Savage 110 3006 loves wichester super x 150 grain power core 95-5 copper hollow points. Just wish I could find them again. Gun loves them deer drop in their tracks. My local shop has had them on back order for at least 2 years now

[@johnisgoodjohnisgreat5449]

It may be possible you have Cartridge Overall Length shift in the magazine, although that’s more a handloader problem… I’d suggest a pair of calipers next visit to the range and once you fire the first round, check the 2nd round to see if the COAL shifted or not… single loading is what I always do when testing new ammo or bullets for my handloads, then I’ll worry about checking COAL shift… severe COAL shift definitely affects accuracy

[@timwarren6352]

Free float the barrel And bed contacts in the stock. Definitely need a brake too. Heating the barrel by shooting multiple rounds doesn't help either. Scope maybe a big issue too

[@margodawson4671]

I think you should stay with the same ammo. On my 22.250 I always used the same ammo and relouded t he same powder and lead. i ALSO check every batch of reloud and never hand any trouble with anything I shot. One time I changed the amount of powder and had a wreck. Darrell Thanks for all the info.

[@GoldCountryTrapping]

Scope, stock, ammo, rings, screw loose behind the trigger....LOL Lots of factors at play. No matter what its not going to be cheap to figure it out unless you get really lucky.

[@dwaynekirk5553]

Just my thoughts! Those bipods will kill accuracy if you have a stock that has flex in it. I noticed on your first video you had more support under the front with your hand and vise. I would shoot off sandbags before any changes.

[@fartzr.schmelli3351]

I bet a heavier rifle would help out. I've got a Remington 700 in 338WM that I've never fired. Its got a nice weight though! Hefty. The ammo has always been expensive! No excuses... gotta get this rig going someday!!

[@ExF1Guy]

Could be the way you are sitting down on the rifle. The bipod may be flexing the forend enough to push on the barrel. Some rifles that have particularly flexible stocks have this problem.

[@randyadams03]

Thanks Adam for your hours !!!

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Thanks for watching Randy

[@williamgoldston5803]

I have the same rifle, from kygun. It was very accurate the last time I could afford to shoot it. I have it in 300 win mag as well. I hope and am sure you will get it shooting again.

[@Roninx1980]

I have the same problem with my .20 gauge H&R single shot. Being that you’ve had same hole groups I’d say it’s the scope. I’d put that scope on something else and try it and see if you have the same results.

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Just did that. Scope worked great

[@radiowaveguitarist1332]

How fast was the wind? I thought I hear the wind blowing. In your first video when you are shooting, it's quiet. No wind. Also, temperature has a lot to do with it! I say it's the weather! GOOD LUCK 🤞!

[@regriemer2351]

Would love to see a follow up after you get a good Leopold scope for it and try that, after that maybe a Browning or other more expensive non plastic 250 dollar gun would help. Interesting video thou, nice to see most of the rounds hit about the same areas.

[@patobrien7009]

The first scope I put on my 300 wsm had problems like that. It turned out to be the internals of the scope. Some scopes just can't handle the recoil.

[@bmghunter5966]

first time out it looks like 3 shots in single hole, BUT, third shot never showed any changes to the hole. either it was a perfect two shots in one hole, OR third shot was off the paper completely. so its POSSIBLE this rifle dont shoot.

[@joshh5853]

I’d also see if you can either find a way to either stiffen that stock or swap it out. That bipod may be pushing the stock onto the barrel. I was also never a fan of copper until I tried some of the Barnes ttsx factory ammo. Two of my rifles (25-06 & 270) like it more than anything else I tried through them and it’s rough on those TN whitetails

[@chadyoak1633]

I’m sure you’ve figured out the issue by now but on one of the hand loading channels the guy has a TC Compass in 300wm and it ended up having a very long throat. Which means that you need ammo with the bullet seated just as far out as you can get it and still cycle through the gun. Hopefully you had some other issue that you got fixed. I’m looking for the next video now😂

[@paulottobre5883]

clean bore you could use a magnum recoil pad works wonders on mag cal gun straps on shoulder

[@toddk1377]

Lots of suggestions here. Watching the old video then this one, the change was the optic and rings. I finally sighted in my 50 cal yesterday with M33 Ball ammo and got it dead on. About 20 shots later my zero was off. My scope ended up sliding forwards on the rifle. Apparently what I thought was tight enough, was not tight enough, but after checking the rings, most of the screws came loose, and I even put blue loctite on all of them! Sometimes Murphy doesn't know when to stay home, lol.

[@mrhamburger6936]

I think it's like the other scope that you had on

[@ALPHAOUTDOORS117]

Not tryna hate or anything Mr whoteewho but you looked like you were flinching and I can understand 338 is big and has a lot of recoil and can cause flinching which decreases accuracy

[@Dwayne7834]

I think you have a problem with sighting or maybe the barrel has heated up. Lots of recoil with rounds. Thanks for the video.

[@airguns_rc]

Try some Eagle Vision Adjustable Scope Mounts, and a Athlon Scope, Hawke Scope, Vortex Scope, Element Scope, something a little higher in quality.

[@robertpowell2746]

Hey guy I have that Thompson center compass in 7MM-08 with 5R riflings and it'll shoot MOA all day long.

[@tjgrossman]

You are experiencing bi-pod bounce due to the flimsy plastic stock. The recoil is bouncing the stock into the barrel. Use a thick towel under the bi-pod folded into 1/3’s.

[@TheAdventureCowboy]

I think you wore that same hat when you were out here in Montana.

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Yes!!!!

[@apostolicoutdoors]

Been lookin’ for .338 Win Mag ammo. It seems to be more rare than .410!! That’s pretty rare!! 😳

[@jaydunbar7538]

I’ve had luck getting 410 on midway USA, it doesn’t last long but it seems to come in semi regularly. Obviously not much for selection but at least I’ve got some rounds for it lol

[@beanieweenie9543]

I keep seeing people complain about not being able to find .410 but it has been on most all of the bigger name internet gun stores fairly regular. Like Jay mentioned it doesn’t last long so if you see it in stock you better not hesitate but even if you do they have been restocking pretty regular and quick. Not sure if you are aware of ammo seek website just type in what bullets you are looking for and it will show you what sites have it in stock.

[@OnTheFritz602]

Back to the original scope and rings? I fix things that aren't broke all the time, and constantly have to clean the slate because I like to tinker. At present it happens to be guitars. Live and learn! And try it again, and again!

[@codyrivenburgh7645]

I put it back in the lead sled and shoot a test group and see what it does....if it gets better don't shoot it off a bipod....if it don't help.... I'd call both Thompson center and crimson trace and see if there's any gun or scope issues.....I remember going thru 3 scopes when I first set up my smith and Wesson 500 magnum revolver because recoil destroyed them........another issue is that stock could have some how flexed I now no longer free float...had that issue on a few flimsy 22 lr stocks destroying groups

[@NotBOB-81]

I bet you the issue is the rifle. Most likely the stock and bedding of the action. Also the Compass doesn't have a very good reputation. It's a budget rifle they cut corners in places to save money. Not a bad thing necessarily bad thing depending on what corners they cut.

[@felag9077]

2:07 Have a seat, lol!

[@lyndonellis7285]

Why did you change scopes on something that was shooting one hole groups? Some times we change for the sake of change. Put the original scope back on and see if you are close to where you started.

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Cuz I am poor and I needed the scope for a different rifle

[@t-rex3813]

Check the action screws they should be at about 60-65 inch pounds

[@robertgehringer6162]

Mine Loves Reminton Core Loks and Federal Trophy Bonded Bear Claw ammo Moose and Grizzles hate them 🤣🤣🤣

[@jdhenry6300]

Even with a 338, the way that wind looked like it was blowing, could knock the precision off any firearm. If you have a side wind, like it looks like you did, it is surely going to nock your group around. We learned that in the service, and through many years of shooting afterwards.

[@MrSparty8]

Doubtful, for 5.5" inches of dispersion at 100yds he'd be shooting into 40mph switching between full left and full right or 80mph full left or right one way. Roughly going off a 225gr lead bullet @ 2800fps.

[@russellaultman8866]

Spend money on a very tough scope. When I got mine it destroyed the scope in ten shots. I went to a Leopold vari X 3 and fixed the problem.

[@ericrich9422]

really don't like the bi pod on the compass stock. have seen that cause problems on other compass guns. the other is try a different scope

[@alexbrown2742]

When are you going to get a 6.8 SPC

[@RMM--uv7uk]

1st thing I would do is clean the barrel. You have said in the past you don't break in barrels or clean them regularly. That's the 1st thing I would do.