Why a .338 WM in Africa?

[dogcat1]

Why would anyone use a .338 WM in Africa???
Favorites are .375 HH and .300 WM or 7mm REM.
Convince me I need one!

 

[JimP]

Why not?

On both of my safaries I used a 340 Weatherby and know a number of other hunters who use various. 338's

 

[CZDiesel]

Hey DC! Easy, first the 338WinMag is one of Winchesters Holy Trinity! The 264, 338, and 458 have all gone on to be iconic cartridges that to this day are really not surpassed…
Second among the three cartridges that you listed it hits as hard as a 375 H&H and shoots as flat as the 7mm or 300!
So you have a cartridge that, if loaded with the right round, even if taken for PG can also be very useful if you stumble on DG

 

[Tundra Tiger]

"It has proven so effective and so versatile that it has been the only rifle I have taken on several safaris."

"... the .338 WM would probably be my caliber of choice if I were limited to hunting with one rifle."

Jim Carmichel, Nosler Reloading Guide Number Four

 

[Northern Shooter]

I’ve heard PHs say it’s one of their favourite cartridges for the largest of plains game. Hits with more authority than 30cal, manageable recoil.

 

[Scott CWO]

Love my .338 WM with 225 grain Swift A-Frame bullets for PG, crocs, elk, any bear on earth, moose, etc…. If you grew up shooting a 30-06, it’s about the same trajectory but with more authority. I’ve found it to be an inherently accurate round as well.

 

[Green Chile]

Love my .338 WM with 225 grain Swift A-Frame bullets for PG, crocs, elk, any bear on earth, moose, etc…. If you grew up shooting a 30-06, it’s about the same trajectory but with more authority. I’ve found it to be an inherently accurate round as well.

Very true. I use my 338 very little but it's just because I like trying other things not because there is anything wrong with it. I could easily sell 1/2 dozen other guns and just use the 338.

 

[ftrovato]

Why would anyone use a .338 WM in Africa???
Favorites are .375 HH and .300 WM or 7mm REM.
Convince me I need one!

I love my 340 WM. But honestly, if I had a 375 H&H I'd just take that.

300 or 7MM compared to a .338? Please!!!
That would be like showing up to a gun fight with a knife!

;-)

 

[Mark R]

338WM is a great pg rifle. My first safari in 2009 I took it to hunt everything from impala to eland including sable and kudu. I never got my eland but that wasn’t a calibre/cartridge issue……

 

[Hunt anything]

I’ve had a couple of PH’s tell me I could shoot a buffalo with my .338 WM with quality 250gr ammo. That reason enough for me.

 

[CZDiesel]

I’ve had a couple of PH’s tell me I could shoot a buffalo with my .338 WM with quality 250gr ammo. That reason enough for me.

@RayAtkinson I believe has taken multiple Cape Buffalo with the 338WinMag… Woodleigh used to load a 300gr for it with 375 H&H velocities! I’m sure that it would have made a serious impression on Buff

 

[Houston Bill]

I am taking my 338 WinMag for Bongo this year. Great caliber for plaines game and my rifle is very accurate.

 

[Hunt anything]

I am taking my 338 WinMag for Bongo this year. Great caliber for plaines game and my rifle is very accurate.

Good luck on you bongo hunt! Can’t wait to hear about it. Be careful though, you may have to stretch the barrel on that thing to at least 10 yards!!