M77man

It definately could if he doesn't hold the rifle correctly. Safety glasses, hearing protection and time at the range are good investments.

person

What would you guys recomend 338 Winchester Mag or 325 WSM?

20GADBL

Both are nice big game rounds, but I would say go with the .338 just because ammo will be a lot easier to get any where with a large selection of bullet weights and styles to select from.

hinkleid

Agreed between the two, I would go with the 338 Win Mag. I am not sure of all these new WSM cartridges. I was trying to decide between the 300 WSM and the 300 WM and went with the 300 Win Mag. These are tried and true, have been around along time and will be. Everything on the WSM is just speculation at this point. Will they be around in 50 years, or is it just a fad?

person

Ok i'll probally get the 338 then. The people i found in my area selling these said they think its a little much for him? But that 2 against it and 8 or 9 that say he can handle it.

Thanks,

person

Ruger makes a good 338 dont they

younggun308

Ruger makes a good gun from whatI hear, and ,yes, they do make a .338 Win. Mag. , heck, they about make every bolt-action cartridge that a guy would ever need.

If I were you, I would think of the Browning BAR Safari, it's a highly rated auto-loader, but it does cost some dough. Otherwise, a wooden-stocked bolt-action should be okay.

hinkleid

Myself am still trying to figure out the recoil thing. I bought some Hornady 165 gr. BTSP and started with a load of 75 gr. RL-22. Before I shot 180 gr. with 71 gr. RL-22. Of course the velocity of these will be higher with the 165 grainers.

Went out today and shot again. These recoiled harder. According to the calculator recoil is around 30. I see at the Chuck Hawk recoil table that 338 is 33.1.

I am sure that he should be able to shoot it. However, might not be able to shoot as much as he wants. Each punch gets a little worse and after about 20-30 I am ready to put the 300 Win Mag up. I forced myself today ro shoot groups as I had time and it was a beautiful day. Shot 16 groups of 3 and I had enough!

person

I think im just gonna get a Tikka from the Local Outdoor shop its only 100 dollars more than the used Ruger.

Thanks, for all the information

Pioneer2

Can't go wrong with a Tikka[sister Co. of Sako] Finns don't make garbage! If he wants a .338 I would suggest a muzzle brake of some sort [I have mine Magna -ported]and it is a lot more pleasant to shoot.If you have access toa 338 he can try beforehand go for it as he will grow into it eventually.When hunting in snow I wrap the brake with one layer of masking tape including the muzzle to keep crap out of the barrel.No difference on paper as it blows off when fired.Some guys use electrical tape but I think it's too thick and may not be best in the cold.If you handload get some H-4831 74gr/Hornady 225/Win brass and Fed mag primer.Shot lots of moose,deer.elk and bears[blacks and one griz]with this one.If you have a .270 and a 338 what can't you cleanly kill?....Harold