I selected the 338 Win. Mag., but I'd be just about as happy with the 300 Win. Mag., which I almost voted for. The emphasis of this thread seemed to be on the heaviest and most potentially dangerous NA big game animals, so the 338 got my vote -- at least this time around!

As far as the 338 Win. Mag. is concerned, though, with premium bullets from 160 grs. (Barnes TSX) to 275 grs. (Swift A-Frame) available, there is simply no hunting task on this continent that the 338 Win. Mag. can't do well, and it's just as capable and versatile for 99% of the rest of the world's big game hunting as well. It's a standard world cartridge that has been used on every NA big game species, all of Africa's Big Five, and just about all points in between.

I like the high SD of .338 bullets, I prefer the belted case, plus you can build a 338 Win. Mag. that's light to carry up the mountain, yet won't kick like five mules, plus it's totally sufficient for hammering big stuff up close, as well as deer-size stuff at long range.

I don't know of anything that's more practical and versatile.........

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