My favorite Hunting rifle 338wm - what is yours?

[Certus]

At present it’s my Howa 1500 in .30-06 (on the right)

 

[HannuS]

My favorite is also Sako 85, this one is Black bear in 30-06.

Well, it's my favorite only because it was with me on my so far only African hunting trip Other than that it's bit of a love and hate relationship with this rifle. It's really nice rifle to handle, compact and good balance, smooth action and I love 85 magazine system. Usable open sights also. But first problem is the caliber. Nothing wrong with 30-06 but doesn't really seem to shine with short barrel, velocities are bit disappointing and lots of muzzle flash. Other options for this model are .308win and 9.3x62 and both would be better options I think. Or. 338 Federal which it was offered also at some point.

Secondly it had bit of a famous 85 ejection problem. No issues with reliability but cases were hitting the turret. I got a tip from somewhere that extractor tension might be the issue, took it out and gave it a small tuning with a hammer. To my great surprise it actually solved the problem and now cases eject at the correct angle and do not hit anything, but bit disappointing to have this issue to begin with.

And Sako maybe could have moved away from their scope mounts around the time scopes started to have windage adjustment. New models use Tikka mounts and they should have made the switch long time ago I think.

All in all I still like the rifle, it's not perfect but it also gives it some character.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

You're a good man, Bob, and we really need to head out again...
But I don't have a .338 anymore... but, just but, I just might be picking up something soon, mate... keep your eyes peeled!

Russ

@Badboymelvin
Russ
I will be down in Ballarat in about three weeks mate. Don't worry about getting another 338.
I can do you a great deal on a 35 Whelen AI complete with dies and sixty fire formed cases on a full custom Enfield done in a REM model 30 style. I'll even throw in a P14 bolt so if you don't like it you can re barrell it to 338 and not worry about modifying the bolt.
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha.
Bob

 

[Rare Breed]

If I had to pick just one of my rifles it would be my Rigby BGR PH model in 404j. I will easily take every animal in Africa

 

[7x57Joe]

My favorite is my old sporterized M.98 in 7x57 that has never let me down with no more than a single shot.

 

[SStomcat]

At present it’s my Howa 1500 in .30-06 (on the right)View attachment 778021

Are these feral goats ? and where do you hunt them?

 

[Certus]

Are these feral goats ? and where do you hunt them?

Yes and that is in Australia and yep went into the freezer

 

[SStomcat]

Yes and that is in Australia and yep went into the freezer

thought so.. man I love goat meat, specially the 10-12 Kg ones...wish they were available to hunt here

How much do these weigh?

 

[Xpraetor]

My # 1 rifle - a lowly Win M70 in .30-06Spg. Black Shadow (paid $350 for it) - it was the first hunting rifle I ever bought, due to inheriting the other hunting rifles I have. Unfortunately, it is at the Gunsmith getting re-barreled, as soon as I get it back I will add a picture. It has been unbelievably durable & holds zero despite being abused, as it lives in a saddle scabbard or hunt camp 50% of the year.
Swift Scirocco II 165gr & Swift A-Frame 180gr w/ IMR4350;H4350
or
Woodleigh 180gr PP SN & 240gr PP SN w/ R19

However, the rifle that is truly my favorite is my Win M70 in .358W (it was originally a .308), for the south & deep south it is an absolute stellar caliber for heavy brush. And, I also do not have that rifle in my possession, being that my Son also considers it to be his "favorite" and won't put it back in the gun locker .... haven't seen it the last 2 seasons.

My surrogate for the .358W is a Win M70 in .338WM

 

[Certus]

thought so.. man I love goat meat, specially the 10-12 Kg ones...wish they were available to hunt here

How much do these weigh?

I didn’t have a scale and couldn’t really estimate, sorry. What I can say though is they were beautiful with no gamey taste whatsoever. Almost disappointingly so!

 

[Mike Van Horn]

Now days it’s a Weathby Ultra Mark in .257 Weatherby. It all l need hunting around home.

 

[John Telford]

I’m also lovin the .338 WM . Mine is a humble Howa with a Boyd’s stock and a warrior silencer. It has 4 Blue Wildebeest and a nice Kudu bull so far this season.
My second fav non DG rifle is the 6.5 Grendel. Cheap to shoot and deadly on medium sized game .

 

[coreydb]

Honestly, I have no favorite gun.