Comparison of .338s ... # 2
I appreciate everyones' input regarding various .338s. I had intended to put my comments and appreciations as an "edit" on the topic before it was locked, but got locked-out before responding, so I'm having to open #2.
I'd been following the topics, but was out-of-state/country taking care of some personal business and made it difficult to respond.
I read-up re. a number of the 338s. Have never owned one, just very limited opportunities to try friends or acquaintances' at the range. I'm aware of many of the benefits. And also aware of the fact that I'd want a longer (28 or +)barrel, some good overall weight and with a serious compensator for certain for my potential purposes. I've never been particularly shy of the kick ... (but, never shot much above the various .30s either). I've enough bad habits, without getting recoil-shy!
The question back to me regarding the purpose was right-on of course. I had intentionally kept the question non-specific (not out of uncertainty, but) to get feedback from varied backgrounds / experiences.
Had heard that the Federal, .338-08, .338-06, are sweet for brush and thick timber elk, etc.
The Winchester and Weatherby Mags. have been around, known and appreciated by many ... and more than adequate for anything in the Americas (and just about anything, anywhere!). Saw many in Alaska years ago used by many for about everything. (Also noted a number of guys with some serious flinching and missing even at very reasonable distances.
For my purposes, I figure that I'd be most interested in a 28 or +" barrel, heavier rig than most and efficient compensator, for certain. I'd rather "prove" myself, to myself with the accuracy rather than absorbing the maximum recoil.
I've never been particularly recoil-shy, but have not shot much above the various .30s either. I've got enough bad habits, without getting into flinching.
I have no particular interest in looking for big bears. I lived and hunted a bit in Alaska years ago. I did my best to avoid and stay clear of all the bears when possible. The black and "smaller" Grizzles were more than enough concern, without looking for bigger, potentially, even more serious troubles!!! If I were ... I'd surely take the heaviest hitting round that I could reasonably handle, and not fret about the velocity at all.
Had a hunting partner that used a 375H&H shorter barrel, lighter stock (than most) for close in, brush and woods. Many of our encounters, were unplanned, unexpected, brief and too close. He wanted his rifle to be easy to carry, quick handling and hit with a heavy hunk of lead. We were interested in foot pounds and dependability, rather than any great concern for velocity.
For bear-protection many folks also used: Short pump or double, shotguns with the max slug loads. Winchester model 71, with the venerable .348. Most of the hard hitting, deep penetrating, heavy-lead rounds that we have all heard. Knew of guides that carried and used authoritively, what we'd think to be African dangerous game rifles, for the big bears.
Had heard of very remarkable accuracy, especially notable at 500 meters and beyond for the newer .338s. However, I had read that several of the "newer" .338s were already hot enough to burn barrels quick enough as factory loaded and to not load hotter? (Can see where that might be a reality with 7mm RUM and such.)
I'd thrown my questions into the expert forum for some obvious reasons. Not owning any .338s, I have no direct knowledge or experience and no ready way to compare/contrast. I've found great interest in the reports of the potential for unbelievable accuracy at what I would consider to be longer ranges, with some of the newer .338s. Of course they are more capable of greater accuracy than I am.
Thank you, everyone that took an interest and had the opportunity to respond, much appreciated!
PS:
All things considered, which would burn barrels out more quickly?
Is it simply a matter of increased velocity / decreased barrel life?
It would seem if all loaded for the same velocity, the rounds with a broader base or larger base diameter might be more forgiving on the barrel life expectancy?
Would those rounds also be expected to have many other benefits?
I'd been following the topics, but was out-of-state/country taking care of some personal business and made it difficult to respond.
I read-up re. a number of the 338s. Have never owned one, just very limited opportunities to try friends or acquaintances' at the range. I'm aware of many of the benefits. And also aware of the fact that I'd want a longer (28 or +)barrel, some good overall weight and with a serious compensator for certain for my potential purposes. I've never been particularly shy of the kick ... (but, never shot much above the various .30s either). I've enough bad habits, without getting recoil-shy!
The question back to me regarding the purpose was right-on of course. I had intentionally kept the question non-specific (not out of uncertainty, but) to get feedback from varied backgrounds / experiences.
Had heard that the Federal, .338-08, .338-06, are sweet for brush and thick timber elk, etc.
The Winchester and Weatherby Mags. have been around, known and appreciated by many ... and more than adequate for anything in the Americas (and just about anything, anywhere!). Saw many in Alaska years ago used by many for about everything. (Also noted a number of guys with some serious flinching and missing even at very reasonable distances.
For my purposes, I figure that I'd be most interested in a 28 or +" barrel, heavier rig than most and efficient compensator, for certain. I'd rather "prove" myself, to myself with the accuracy rather than absorbing the maximum recoil.
I've never been particularly recoil-shy, but have not shot much above the various .30s either. I've got enough bad habits, without getting into flinching.
I have no particular interest in looking for big bears. I lived and hunted a bit in Alaska years ago. I did my best to avoid and stay clear of all the bears when possible. The black and "smaller" Grizzles were more than enough concern, without looking for bigger, potentially, even more serious troubles!!! If I were ... I'd surely take the heaviest hitting round that I could reasonably handle, and not fret about the velocity at all.
Had a hunting partner that used a 375H&H shorter barrel, lighter stock (than most) for close in, brush and woods. Many of our encounters, were unplanned, unexpected, brief and too close. He wanted his rifle to be easy to carry, quick handling and hit with a heavy hunk of lead. We were interested in foot pounds and dependability, rather than any great concern for velocity.
For bear-protection many folks also used: Short pump or double, shotguns with the max slug loads. Winchester model 71, with the venerable .348. Most of the hard hitting, deep penetrating, heavy-lead rounds that we have all heard. Knew of guides that carried and used authoritively, what we'd think to be African dangerous game rifles, for the big bears.
Had heard of very remarkable accuracy, especially notable at 500 meters and beyond for the newer .338s. However, I had read that several of the "newer" .338s were already hot enough to burn barrels quick enough as factory loaded and to not load hotter? (Can see where that might be a reality with 7mm RUM and such.)
I'd thrown my questions into the expert forum for some obvious reasons. Not owning any .338s, I have no direct knowledge or experience and no ready way to compare/contrast. I've found great interest in the reports of the potential for unbelievable accuracy at what I would consider to be longer ranges, with some of the newer .338s. Of course they are more capable of greater accuracy than I am.
Thank you, everyone that took an interest and had the opportunity to respond, much appreciated!
PS:
All things considered, which would burn barrels out more quickly?
Is it simply a matter of increased velocity / decreased barrel life?
It would seem if all loaded for the same velocity, the rounds with a broader base or larger base diameter might be more forgiving on the barrel life expectancy?
Would those rounds also be expected to have many other benefits?
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AR
Concerning barrel life, it's real simple. In any given caliber (bore diameter) the cartridge that is burning the most powder will "roast the throat" the fastest.
Case shape, base diameter etc has nothing to do with it.
How YOU shoot it does have something to do with barrel life, IE rapid fire shooting will toast the barrel faster than slow fire does0
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