338 Norma vs 33nosler

[Brychan406]

Hey everyone,

I know this post is probably beating a dead horse…

But I’m currently starting a new build, I will be building a rifle strictly for elk hunting.

I am looking for insight on pro’s and con’s between the 33 nosler and 338 Norma.

I will be reloading and will be using a 3.850 magazine and will strictly be using a magazine and not single shot etc.

I will be putting a Bartlein 24 inch carbon barrel paired with a coup de grace bolt action.

Thanks so much!

 

[Mike TackleBerry]

Are you dead set on the 33s?

 

[Korn0341]

They will both kill elk easy. I'd go with what ever one is easier for you to find components/ammo for. My next build is a 338 br then if I was building a bigger one it'd be doing a 338 rpm

 

[SKWERLZ]

338 Norma is a pretty awesome cartridge.
Let component availability be your guide.

 

[Jay Rhyne]

I was throwing around the idea of a .338 build for a while. Decided on the .338NMI due to cool factor and not wanting to trim as often as the standard Norma…. Then decided to go the easy route and changed to an Edge. Mine will be a 22” barrel and plan to shoot lighter(200-250gr) bullets. The Nosler will be fine in in this class bullets but would not be my choice for anything heavier.

 

[Bubba Boomstick]

338 Norma has a 20 degree shoulder. Reloading requires frequent trimming. You can have issues with donuts and pressure spikes with reloading brass that has bullets seated deep into the case. Velocities are great especially if limited to 3.850 CIP magazines. Optimal bullets are the 250 to 280 grain class bullets. The improved version is better with 300 grain bullets.

33 Nosler is slower. I think loading them to 3.850 CIP magazines (custom throat possibly) is best to optimize the case. Otherwise, it is anemic and you will not have enough velocity to push the 250 grain high BC 338 bullets fast enough to make them worthwhile. Shoulder angle is great and it will work in cheaper rifles with only a magnum 0.535 bolt face long action. Most people top out at 225 grain bullets with the 33 Nosler.

In terms of components, only 2 manufacturers make quality 33 Nosler brass: Peterson and Nosler.

338 Norma has quite a few manufacturers making brass, but because of war, it can be hard to find.

 

[Orr89rocz]

Why 33 nosler and not a rum or edge with adg brass available

 

[SKWERLZ]

Why 33 nosler and not a rum or edge with adg brass available

Shooting 250ish grain bullets should work in a 3.85 magazine with 338 edge
I think my 300 Berger was 3.9xx”
300’s would probably fit a 3.85 magazine with 338 RUM