.338 Win. Mag Review: Pros and cons of the .338 Win. Mag

The .338 Winchester Magnum is a powerful cartridge that has been a popular choice for hunters and long-range shooters since its introduction in 1958. It is capable of taking down large game at long ranges, making it a versatile cartridge for a variety of hunting and shooting scenarios. In this blog, we'll explore the pros and cons of the .338 Win. Mag.

Pros:

1. Power - The .338 Win. Mag is a powerful cartridge that generates high muzzle velocity (2,489-3,280 feet per second) and energy (3,866-3,918 ft-lbs of energy). This makes it capable of taking down big game animals like elk, moose, and brown bear at long ranges. It is also an effective cartridge for hunting African game.

2. Long-range capabilities - The .338 Win. Mag is an excellent choice for long-range shooting due to its ballistic coefficient and high muzzle velocity. It energy retention also makes it affective at longer distances than other rounds.

3. Versatility - The .338 Win. Mag is a versatile cartridge that can be used for a variety of hunting and shooting scenarios. It can be loaded with 200-275 grain bullets with multiple profiles and styles. This allows for it to be used on everything from medium-sized game to large, dangerous game.

4. Availability - The .338 Win. Mag is a popular cartridge that is widely available and can be found in most gun shops and sporting goods stores.

Cons:

1. Recoil - The .338 Win. Mag generates significant recoil (36.2 ft-lbs of free energy, which can be uncomfortable for many shooters. Such high energies can tire out experienced shooters very quickly.

2. Ammo Cost - The .338 Win. Mag is a relatively expensive cartridge compared to other hunting cartridges, floating between just under $2 and over $3 per round.

3. Barrel Wear - The .338 Win. Mag is a high-velocity cartridge that can cause rapid barrel wear, particularly if the barrel is not properly maintained.

4. Limited Magazine Capacity - Due to the cartridge's size, rifles chambered for the .338 Win. Mag typically have a limited magazine capacity, which can be a disadvantage in some hunting scenarios.

The .338 Winchester Magnum is another magnum load meant for long distances and tough game. It has some drawbacks, including recoil, ammo cost, and barrel wear, but for those who are willing to put up with these challenges, it is an excellent choice for hunting and long-range shooting. As always, it's important to choose the cartridge that best suits your needs and shooting preferences, and to practice safe and responsible firearm use.

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