Ruger Guide Gun .338 Win Mag Bolt Action Rifle, 20" Barrel, Silver – 47117 For Sale

How far can a 338 Win Mag shoot accurately?

The .338 Winchester Magnum is generally considered accurate for big game hunting at distances up to around 500 yards. However, with practice, a skilled shooter can extend this range to 800 yards or more for target shooting. Factors like bullet type, barrel length, environmental conditions, and shooter skill can all impact the effective range.

What is the best barrel length for a 338 Win Mag?

The best barrel length for a .338 Winchester Magnum typically falls between 24 and 26 inches. This range provides an optimal balance between achieving high muzzle velocity and maintaining accuracy. A 24-inch barrel is often preferred for hunting due to its manageable size and weight, while a 26-inch barrel may offer slightly higher velocity and improved long-range performance. Ultimately, the choice depends on the specific use case and personal preference.

What game is a 338 Win Mag good for?

A .338 Winchester Magnum is well-suited for hunting large game due to its high energy and powerful ballistics. It is particularly effective for big game such as elk, moose, and bear. It can also be used for hunting large African game, though it is sometimes considered on the lower end for the largest species like Cape buffalo.

What can you hunt with a 338 Win Mag?

The .338 Winchester Magnum is a powerful rifle cartridge suitable for hunting a wide range of game, especially large and medium-sized animals. Here are some animals you can hunt with a .338 Win Mag:

1. **Elk** – Its power is fitting for hunting large animals like elk.
2. **Moose** – Effective due to its stopping power and penetration.
3. **Bear** – Suitable for both black and brown bears.
4. **Deer** – While more power than needed for smaller deer species, it’s effective for large-bodied deer.
5. **Caribou** – Suitable for long-range shots in open terrains.
6. **Large African Game** – Can be used for animals like zebra and kudu.

It’s essential to check local regulations and use appropriate bullets for specific game.

Is 338 overkill for deer?

The suitability of a .338 caliber rifle for hunting deer can depend on several factors. Generally, a .338 caliber is considered more powerful than necessary for most deer hunting situations. It’s often used for larger game like elk, moose, or bear due to its greater stopping power and range. For deer hunting, many hunters prefer calibers like .243, .270, or .308, which provide sufficient power with potentially less recoil and better precision for the size of the game. However, if you already own a .338 and are comfortable with it, it can certainly be effective, though it may be more than required for typical deer hunting.

Is a 338 better than a 308?

The comparison between a .338 and a .308 largely depends on the context in which they are being evaluated. Both are rifle cartridges designed for different purposes, and each has its strengths and weaknesses:

1. **Purpose and Use**:
– The .308 Winchester is widely used for hunting medium to large game, target shooting, and military applications. It’s known for its accuracy, manageable recoil, and availability.
– The .338 calibers, such as the .338 Winchester Magnum or .338 Lapua Magnum, are typically used for long-range shooting, large game hunting, and military sniping. They offer greater power and range but also come with increased recoil and cost.

2. **Recoil**:
– The .308 generally has less recoil compared to .338 calibers, making it more comfortable for extended shooting sessions.

3. **Range and Power**:
– .338 calibers generally offer better performance over long distances and are more effective on larger game due to their higher energy and ballistic coefficients.

4. **Cost and Availability**:
– .308 ammunition is typically less expensive and more readily available compared to .338 ammunition.

5. **Rifle Options**:
– There are more rifle models available for the .308 due to its widespread popularity.

In summary, if your priority is long-range shooting or hunting large game, a .338 might be “better.” For general purposes like target shooting or medium game hunting, the .308 might be more suitable. Your decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences.

What barrel length do snipers use?

Sniper rifles typically use barrel lengths ranging from 20 to 27 inches, although the specific length can vary depending on the rifle model, the intended use, and the caliber of the ammunition. Longer barrels generally provide higher muzzle velocity and better accuracy at long distances.

What is a .338 rifle used for?

A .338 rifle is used primarily for big game hunting and long-range shooting. The .338 caliber, particularly the .338 Winchester Magnum or .338 Lapua Magnum, is popular among hunters for its ability to take down large animals such as elk, moose, and bear due to its powerful ballistics and penetration capabilities. Additionally, these rifles are used in precision shooting competitions and by military snipers for long-range targeting because of their accuracy and effectiveness over long distances.

What is more powerful, 300 Win Mag or 338 Win Mag?

The .338 Winchester Magnum is generally more powerful than the .300 Winchester Magnum. The .338 Win Mag typically offers larger bullet sizes and higher energy, making it suitable for larger game and longer-range shooting compared to the .300 Win Mag. However, the choice between these cartridges should also consider factors such as shooting distance, game size, and personal handling preferences.

Is 338 better than 50 cal?

The question of whether a .338 caliber (commonly referring to .338 Lapua Magnum) is “better” than a .50 caliber (commonly referring to .50 BMG) depends on the context in which you’re comparing them. Here are some factors to consider:

1. **Range and Accuracy**:
– The .338 Lapua Magnum is highly regarded for its long-range accuracy and is often used in sniper rifles for engaging targets at ranges up to about 1,500 meters.
– The .50 BMG also offers long-range capabilities but is generally used for extremely long-range shots up to and beyond 2,000 meters.

2. **Stopping Power**:
– The .50 BMG is known for its immense stopping power due to its larger size and weight, making it effective against armored or fortified targets.
– The .338 Lapua is powerful and effective against personnel and light vehicles but has less penetrating power compared to the .50 BMG.

3. **Recoil**:
– The .50 BMG produces significantly more recoil, which can impact shooting comfort and follow-up shot speed.
– The .338 Lapua has less recoil in comparison, which can be more manageable for shooters.

4. **Application**:
– The .338 is often favored by military and law enforcement marksmen for anti-personnel roles and situations requiring precision at long range.
– The .50 caliber is typically used for anti-materiel roles, including disabling vehicles or equipment and long-distance target engagement.

5. **Cost and Practicality**:
– Ammunition and firearms for the .338 Lapua are generally more expensive than other rifle cartridges but are more affordable than .50 BMG options.
– The .50 BMG is typically more costly in terms of ammunition, firearm, and accessories.

In summary, choosing between these calibers depends on the intended use, such as the type of targets you are engaging and the priorities for range, power, and cost. Each has its advantages and is better suited to specific tasks.

What is the difference between 338 and 338 Magnum?

The difference between .338 and .338 Magnum typically refers to the distinction between two types of rifle cartridges.

1. **.338 Winchester Magnum**: This is a popular magnum rifle cartridge introduced by Winchester in 1958. It’s known for its powerful performance and is often used in big-game hunting due to its ability to deliver high energy at long ranges.

2. **.338 Lapua Magnum**: Another .338 magnum variant, this cartridge was developed in the 1980s as a long-range sniper round. It offers superior accuracy and is used by military snipers and long-range competition shooters.

The key difference lies in their intended use, performance, and design specifications, with magnum cartridges generally being larger, more powerful, and capable of delivering better performance at longer distances compared to standard .338 cartridges.

What is a 375 Ruger good for?

The .375 Ruger is a versatile rifle cartridge that is suitable for a variety of hunting applications, particularly large and dangerous game. It is comparable to, and sometimes exceeds, the performance of the .375 H&H Magnum, making it effective for:

1. **Big Game Hunting**: The .375 Ruger is powerful enough to take down large game such as moose, elk, and brown bear, offering a good balance of power and accuracy.

2. **African Game**: It is also used in Africa for hunting dangerous game like buffalo, lions, and other large species due to its stopping power and penetration capabilities.

3. **Versatility**: Due to its range and power, it’s suitable for hunting in a variety of terrains and conditions, from dense forests to open savannas.

4. **Long Range**: While primarily intended for larger game at typical hunting distances, the .375 Ruger can perform well at longer ranges compared to some other big game cartridges.

Overall, the .375 Ruger is an excellent choice for hunters looking for a potent and reliable cartridge for a wide range of game, providing confidence in scenarios that demand both power and precision.

What is the effective range of a 338 rifle?

The effective range of a .338 rifle, specifically those chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, is typically around 1,500 meters (1,640 yards). However, this can vary based on specific rifle models, ammunition, environmental conditions, and the skill of the shooter. Some specialized setups and skilled marksmen can achieve accurate shots at even longer ranges.

How accurate is a 338 Win Mag?

The .338 Winchester Magnum (Win Mag) is known for its excellent accuracy, particularly at long ranges. It is popular among hunters and marksmen for its ability to maintain a flat trajectory and deliver significant energy to the target over considerable distances. While the inherent accuracy of the cartridge is high due to its design and ballistic characteristics, the overall accuracy also depends on other factors like the quality of the rifle, the skill of the shooter, the type of ammunition used, and environmental conditions. Under optimal conditions, the .338 Win Mag can achieve sub-MOA (minute of angle) accuracy, making it a reliable choice for precision shooting and big game hunting.

What is the effective range of a 338 federal rifle?

The effective range of a .338 Federal rifle is typically around 400 to 600 yards for hunting purposes. However, this can vary based on factors like bullet choice, rifle barrel length, and shooter proficiency.