Oddball request - lower recoil .338 Win Mag loads

D

DesertRam

Director
Staff member
Okay, this may seem a bit odd, but work with me here. I'm trying to sell a .338 Win Mag because I want to replace it with something that will lob a nice-sized chunk of lead at a moderate velocity with modest recoil. I've been eyeballing a .338 Federal or .358 Winchester in a short-stocked rifle that the wife could handle.

I've had this thought (I know, scary
grin.gif
) that I could probably download the Win Mag to .338 Federal performance levels, pick up a used wood stock and cut it off, then have her try it.

Does anyone out there have any experience with downloading the bigger mags like the .338? I have a pile of 200 grain Speers that should do real well at about 2400 fps or so. I would appreciate any input. Thanks!
 
A good muzzle brake is probably your best bet.Ear plugs would be a must every time, I have a 300 Mag and after surgery on my back needed to reduce recoil. The muzzle brake reduced the felt recoil to feel like my wife's 257 Roberts but the noise is bad without ear plugs.
 
I'd research Hodgdon's "60% Rule" with H-4895 powder. That would allow you to bring it done quite a bit. I'd do that over a muzzle brake, if you don't need max performance. I doubt it will ever be ideal for a lower recoil shooter, but maybe you can get close.

I've done some lower recoil ammo for my 300WSM with H-4895 & 150 grn bullets, worked fine.
 
Man, there are all kinds of possibilities out there for a large cartridge like the mighty .338 Win Mag. I have some of the other calibers you mentioned and they are fine for certain applications. However the .338 Win Mag can be loaded with a 200 grain pill to approach 3100 FPS and exceed 4200 Foot Pounds of energy. On the other hand it can be downloaded to around 1300 FPS using a 150 grain projectile. And that is a little more than a half hunting load for a .30-30. Pretty impressive.
 
DesertRam, I have loaded quite a few different cartriges using Trailboss for a very light recoiling load for kids. I have not tried it in any mag. cases but you might look it up and see if they have a recipe.

drscott
 
I shoot the .338 mag in a Ruger 77. After taking a beating on the bench testing my reloads I put a brake on it. It is now almost pleasant to shoot on the bench. I would look for a brake that comes with a collar to screw on when the brake is removed if the brake bothers you hunting.
Jim
 
X 2 on what Bear said about a Muzzle Brake. Get a good one and they work great. Check out Mac's Gunworks, Shawn Carlock at Defensive Edge. Kirby Allen at Allen Magnums. Jim See at Centershot Riles.
 
Got a brake on it, just looking for other options to make it less intimidating. It's a big cartridge, so half the battle is psychological in this case. If I can show it being shot with very little recoil to me, I have a shot of getting Mama to try it out (assuming I can get a shorter stock for it). It'd be better to sell it and move on, but I'll work with what I have.

drscott, thanks for the tip on H4895. I found a short article about it on Hodgdon's website and should be headed in the right direction if I can scrounge some of that powder.

For anyone else interested, take a gander at this Hodgdon website.
 
DesertRam,


200 gr. Jacketed

SR-4759
39.5 gr.
2335 Vel.
2422 Energy
54000 cup
25.0 inch tube
3.330 COL


IMR-4227
38.0 gr.
2300 fps
2350 energy
53500 cup
25.0
3.330


These loads were developed using Winchester pointed, soft-point bullets. The velocity measurement is by chronograph.
Winchester cases and Winchester 120 primers were used in development.

(From the IMR Handloader's Guide for Smokeless Powders
IMR Powder Company)

Enjoy

Three 44s
 
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