A Look Back: Historical Origins and Development
The 7mm Remington Magnum
The evolution of these cartridges tells a tale of innovation and the pursuit of superior ballistic performance. The quest to reach farther, hit harder, and improve on existing calibers drove the development of both the 7mm Rem Mag and the .338 Win Mag.
The 7mm Remington Magnum, a brainchild of Remington Arms, arrived on the scene in the mid-1960s. Its genesis was rooted in the desire to create a high-velocity cartridge that could deliver exceptional long-range performance, building upon the success of the 7mm Mauser, a cartridge that already had a strong following. Remington’s engineers wanted a cartridge that delivered flatter trajectories, making it easier to hit targets at extended ranges. The 7mm Rem Mag achieved this by utilizing a belted magnum case design, giving it significantly more powder capacity compared to other 7mm options available at the time. The result was a cartridge that could push 7mm bullets at impressive speeds, making it an instant hit among hunters and target shooters alike. Its flat trajectory and relatively manageable recoil made it appealing to a broad audience. It quickly became a favorite for hunting deer, elk, and other medium to large game at distances beyond what traditional cartridges could comfortably reach.
The .338 Winchester Magnum
On the other hand, the .338 Winchester Magnum was conceived with a very specific purpose in mind: to provide hunters with a cartridge capable of taking down the largest and toughest game animals on the planet. Introduced by Winchester in the late 1950s, the .338 Win Mag was designed to bridge the gap between existing medium-bore cartridges and the larger, more powerful offerings available at the time. Its introduction was a response to the growing interest in hunting larger game species like elk, moose, and even dangerous game such as brown bears. Winchester saw an opportunity to offer a cartridge that could deliver significant stopping power while still being relatively manageable to shoot in terms of recoil, when compared to the much larger .375 H&H Magnum. The .338 Win Mag quickly became a popular choice among hunters who needed a cartridge with serious punch at moderate ranges. Its reputation for excellent penetration and its ability to handle heavy, high-sectional-density bullets solidified its place as a big-game hunting staple.
Under the Microscope: Examining Technical Specifications
Bullet Diameter
A detailed understanding of the technical specifications is essential for a proper comparison. Several key metrics define the capabilities and limitations of these two magnum cartridges.
Bullet diameter plays a crucial role in determining a cartridge’s trajectory, energy transfer, and potential effectiveness on game. The 7mm Remington Magnum uses bullets with a 0.284-inch diameter, commonly referred to as 7mm bullets. This diameter, combined with the cartridge’s high velocity, contributes to its flatter trajectories and excellent performance at medium to longer ranges. The .338 Winchester Magnum, in contrast, employs bullets with a .338-inch diameter. This larger diameter provides a heavier bullet with a greater frontal surface area, allowing for increased energy transfer and deeper penetration, particularly important for taking down large or dangerous game.
Case Dimensions
Case dimensions offer insights into the volume of propellant each cartridge can handle, directly affecting velocity and ballistic performance. While both cartridges are based on the belted magnum design, their case dimensions differ significantly. The .338 Win Mag cases are larger in diameter and overall length, giving it a higher powder capacity than the 7mm Rem Mag. This larger capacity allows it to launch heavier bullets at substantial velocities, contributing to the massive energy it delivers on target. The 7mm Rem Mag’s case, while still capable of holding a considerable amount of powder, is designed to efficiently burn a different range of propellant types, optimized for achieving high velocities with lighter, high ballistic coefficient bullets.
Bullet Weight and Selection
Bullet weight and selection contribute significantly to a cartridge’s versatility. The 7mm Rem Mag typically handles bullets ranging from approximately 140 to 175 grains. This offers excellent flexibility, allowing hunters to choose lighter bullets for flatter trajectories and less wind drift, or heavier bullets for increased penetration and energy transfer on larger game. The .338 Win Mag excels with heavier bullets, with the typical weight range between 200 to 300 grains. These heavier bullets are highly effective in delivering devastating energy on impact and facilitating deep penetration, crucial for taking down large animals, or those with thick hides.
Velocity and Energy
When discussing velocities and energies, the differences in performance become clear. The 7mm Rem Mag, with its high velocities, is lauded for its flatter trajectory. It can maintain a relatively flat trajectory at longer distances, making it easier to estimate bullet drop and hit the target with precision. This makes it a superb selection for hunting at distances that would challenge some other rounds. The .338 Win Mag also delivers impressive velocities, but the key advantage is in delivering substantial energy at all ranges, especially with the heavy, high-sectional-density bullets. This makes it an exceptional choice for penetrating dense muscle and bone, giving it a great reputation for dropping large game in their tracks. Ballistic tables illustrate the differences, showing the 7mm Rem Mag with a slightly flatter trajectory over longer ranges while the .338 Win Mag excels in retained energy.
Performance in the Field: Hunting Applications Examined
The intended purposes of these cartridges significantly impact how they’re used in the field. The selection process involves careful consideration of the targeted game, the terrain, and the expected shooting distances.
The 7mm Remington Magnum in Action
The 7mm Rem Mag is frequently deployed in hunting medium to large game animals such as deer, elk, pronghorn, and caribou. Its advantages lie in its flat trajectory and impressive ballistic performance. It allows hunters to engage targets at longer ranges with a greater degree of precision compared to cartridges with more pronounced bullet drop. The relatively light recoil of the 7mm Rem Mag also contributes to quicker follow-up shots, an important attribute when hunting animals like elk or mule deer that may travel considerable distances after the initial shot. While effective on most medium-sized game, it may prove less suitable for the largest and toughest animals, where deeper penetration and greater stopping power are desired.
The .338 Winchester Magnum at Work
The .338 Win Mag truly shines in scenarios where brute force and devastating impact are critical. Its primary domain is the pursuit of large and potentially dangerous game. Hunters frequently employ this cartridge when pursuing elk, moose, brown bears, grizzly bears, and other species that demand a round with superior penetration and energy transfer. Its ability to drive heavy bullets deep into the target ensures effective penetration, even through thick hides, muscle, and bone. Though some hunters use this cartridge for medium-sized game, its power can cause excessive meat damage. However, the cartridge’s effectiveness is undeniable when hunting animals that require substantial knockdown power.
Making the Right Call: Hunting Scenario Considerations
Choosing between these cartridges requires evaluating specific hunting situations. The 7mm Rem Mag is ideally suited for open terrain where long-range shots are common, and the target is relatively lighter. The cartridge’s flat trajectory minimizes the need for complex adjustments and allows for accurate shot placement at extended distances. It is an excellent option for hunters who prioritize precision and range. The .338 Win Mag is a much stronger performer when hunting in dense forests or when encountering larger, tougher game. It is highly effective for stopping power and achieving penetration, and offers a considerable advantage when hunting dangerous species, where a quick, decisive shot is paramount. Its heavier bullets retain energy and momentum, making it a wise choice for close-range encounters where powerful impact is essential.
The Human Factor: Recoil and Shootability
Recoil characteristics significantly impact the shooting experience and a hunter’s capacity to achieve accurate and rapid follow-up shots. The 7mm Rem Mag is known for its more manageable recoil compared to the .338 Win Mag. This is beneficial for hunters of all experience levels, particularly those who might be more sensitive to recoil. Easier shooting translates to better shot placement, improved accuracy, and enhanced confidence in the field. The .338 Win Mag, however, has a more substantial recoil. This increase in recoil stems from its heavier bullets and higher powder charge. While the .338 Win Mag offers tremendous power, the heavier recoil can make it less comfortable to shoot for extended periods and potentially hinder accurate shot placement if not properly managed.
Cost and Accessibility
The cost of rifles and ammunition, alongside the availability of those items, plays an important role in the decision-making process.
Rifle Options
A wide selection of rifles is available, chambered in both the 7mm Rem Mag and the .338 Win Mag. Rifles chambered in 7mm Rem Mag can range from budget-friendly options to premium custom builds, offering options to suit every budget. Similarly, the .338 Win Mag is a common chambering for bolt-action rifles from various manufacturers. The prices of rifles often differ based on the maker, quality, and features included.
Ammunition Availability
Both cartridges also enjoy widespread availability. The 7mm Rem Mag, being a very popular cartridge, has many ammunition choices available. The cost of ammunition varies based on brand, bullet type, and load, but it’s generally accessible and relatively affordable. Ammunition for the .338 Win Mag is readily available from major manufacturers. The cost of ammunition will often be slightly higher than for the 7mm Rem Mag due to the increased cost of the components, such as the larger bullets and the more potent propellants.
Pros and Cons Summarized
Each cartridge possesses its own advantages and disadvantages. The 7mm Rem Mag is a superb option for a versatile hunting round. It offers a combination of flat trajectory, good range, and manageable recoil. The limitations include a potentially lower energy level when used on the very largest animals. The .338 Win Mag is renowned for its power and stopping power, making it an excellent selection for big game. The downsides include higher recoil and a slightly more limited effective range due to bullet drop.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the 7mm Rem Mag and the .338 Win Mag depends on the specific hunting scenario. The 7mm Rem Mag excels when flatter trajectories and medium-range performance are priorities. The .338 Win Mag is the superior choice when the target is a very large game animal, or when the situation demands maximum stopping power and deeper penetration. Carefully evaluate your hunting needs, assess the types of game you’re most likely to pursue, and the terrain in which you’ll be hunting, before making a final decision. With careful consideration, you can choose the magnum that will truly reign supreme in your hunting endeavors.
A Final Thought
The debate surrounding the “best” cartridge will always continue among hunters. The ideal choice reflects individual priorities, hunting styles, and the game species. Take time to research your prospective prey, assess the terrain, and then select the cartridge that best aligns with the goal to make a clean and ethical harvest. Happy hunting!
