338 Mag T3

[300Ultra]

Hey everyone. I've very recently become the owner of a Tikka T3 in 338 Win Mag. Anyone here piloting one of these? I'm looking for input regarding pet loads or other points of interest. Target pics. Dead critter pics. You know,the good stuff. Thanks,R.J.

 

[moosetracker]

Hey everyone. I've very recently become the owner of a Tikka T3 in 338 Win Mag. Anyone here piloting one of these? I'm looking for input regarding pet loads or other points of interest. Target pics. Dead critter pics. You know,the good stuff. Thanks,R.J.

I've been using one for 3 years moose hunting. To reduce recoil, I've had mine Magnaported and I added a Limbsaver pad. I put a Near Picatinny base on it and a Swarovski 1.7-10x40mm with TDS reticle and Warne QD mounts. For stillhunting I switch the scope for a Xeiss z Point (takes less than 30 seconds - no tools). Here's a couple of photos:

I use 2 loads depending on the type of hunting - one for short range and one for long range. For short shots (400 yards or less) I use 210 Barnes TSX over 72 gr of H4350 and CCI 250 at an OAL of 3.34" (magazine length). For long range (up to 650 yds) I use Accubonds 225 gr over 72.3 gr of H4350 and CCI 250 at an OAL of 3.475" (single shot @ .010" from rifling).

So far I've shot 3 moose with the rig from 34 to 475 yds. Some photos to attest to that statement:

 

[300Ultra]

Now that's fantastic 8). I would love to hunt moose. Looks like you have it dialed in too. Thanks for the load notes and pics. I appreciate it. Those are 2 of the bullets I've been looking at for the initial go around with the Tikka. I'll have to give them a try.

Here is a pic of a moose I met while elk hunting in Colorado last fall. Cool critters for sure.

 

[CADDIE5]

In the reloading section I have a review of the new to be released Berger 338 OTM 250gr hybrid tactical bullet along with an excel spreadsheet for 338 win mag. Berger will release these bullets first then they will offer this bullet in a hunting bullet-thinner jacket material. They shot great in my rifle and I will use them if I am lucky enough to pull a Maine moose tag one of these years. Steve

 

[bozo699]

I don't own a .338 in the T3 but if there anything like the other T3's I have been around there not picky, very accurate factory rifles!! my newest is a 7mm-08 and it will clover leaf,...1/4"-3/8" most of the time with no load work, just loaded 40 grains of Varget behind a 140 Accubond and started pulling the trigger, I definitely would brake or magnaport one myself
Wayne.

 

[300Ultra]

I have to agree. I picked up a 7 Rem Mag last Nov. It was only a couple weeks to deer season so the load development was minimal. I threw together a few 150gr balliatic tips over some 4350 and went to the range. 1/2 MOA first time out. That was the load I used all season and ended up taking a doe under the chin @ 300yds +/- a yard or two.

I may put a brake on the 338. I'll have to try it out first though. I don't want to add any length to the overall if I don't have to. I bought it with elk hunting in mind,and the handier the better. I carried a 10 1/2 lb 300 RUM last fall and was glad it was over at the end of the week. I'm not a kid anymore. 2 lbs of rifle is a big deal at 11,000 ft for a PA boy. I was surprised to find a long shot in the country we hunted was 400 yds or so. Well within the abilities of the 338. We're slated to be back in there in 2013,so I have time to "tweak" the Tikka a little. My traveling buddy bagged on me this year in favor of a new boat. A very expensive boat at that. So, no license draw this year. Just a bonus point.

I'm glad the 225 AccuBonds were a hit with you Moosetracker. I've been eyeballing that pill as an "all around" bullet. That would be sweeeeet 8).