kidso Report post Posted July 29, 2014 I am planning an Alaskan brown bear hunt for fall of 2017. I am interested in using a .338 win mag so it could also double as an elk gun in our state. Because I mostly hunt archery now, I have not followed industry changes in centerfire rifles. I do not build guns, nor do I reload, but I am interested in purchasing a solid factory .338 win mag that is basically weatherproof and could handle rain and snow without failing. Anyone have any advice on great guns for wet weather hunting based on their own personal experiences? Any comments on the new Savage line or Mossberg centerfire rifles? I see Mossberg has a 4x4 .338 win mag for around $400 bucks and Savage has a 116 Trophy Hunter .338 for $150 more with an included Nikon scope. Anyone have any experiences with these lower priced rifles? I do have a Browning A-bolt Stalker in .300 win mag, which I love, but want to use a bit more THUMP than that for brown bear. I might just get another A-bolt Stalker in .338 or a Remmington 70, but was curious about the Savage and Mossberg models I brought up. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DesertBull Report post Posted July 29, 2014 Savage weather warrior. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
5guyshunting Report post Posted July 29, 2014 I have a ruger m77 mark 2 that has been in some nasty weather with no issues. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WinMag Report post Posted July 29, 2014 X 2 on the Ruger .... .72 grain 4350 IMR 200 grain Ballistic Silvertip Spitzer Great shooting weapon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Havasuhunter Report post Posted July 30, 2014 I have a RMEF browning x bolt Carbon fiber stock in 338 win mag for sale. First decent offer takes it. I also have ammo to sell. Gun is never fired, won it at a Banquet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dse Report post Posted July 30, 2014 My Remington 700 xcr 375H&H spent 4 summers on the west coast of Alaska laying on the banks of holes and getting rained on. Still looks and functions like new. Awesome gun that will take anything you throw at it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kidso Report post Posted July 30, 2014 Is the .375 H&H a beast to fire? My .300 win mag is fine for me with just its recoil pad. It even has less kick than my wood stock Savage .30-06. But, I would be scared to pull the trigger on a .375!! I will check that one out too. The Ruger Hawkeye all weather also looks interesting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dse Report post Posted July 30, 2014 I had a savage 111 in 300 win mag and honestly I would much rather shoot the .375. The xcr came with the limbsaver recoil pad, helps a ton. I also had A ruger Hawkeye up there it did not take it as well. The 375 has a deceiving kick, a big push rather than sharp jolt. Off hand or sitting down is very comfortable laying down you will notice it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Havasuhunter Report post Posted July 30, 2014 Limb savers are on all my harder kicking guns. Night and day difference. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dse Report post Posted July 30, 2014 From my experience when you have a 1000 lb Brown at 50yds throwing his head with strings of snot flying through the air and turning alders to kindling. Giving you every indication that things are about to get western, recoil will be the last thing on your mind. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wayno945 Report post Posted July 30, 2014 I'd do a 35 Whelen or 375 Ruger. Both can fling 300 grain bullets pretty well in a standard action. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted July 30, 2014 I personally wouldn't trust a hunt line that to a $400 gun..... And yes, I'd shoot a 375hh also. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kidso Report post Posted July 30, 2014 I guess I could try a .375 out at a shop or range and see if I survive! Plenty of time to build a bionic shoulder. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dse Report post Posted July 30, 2014 Kidso. If you want try them before you buy, I also have the 338 win and 375 ruger Both in stainless hawkeyes along with the H&H. An hour north of the valley. If you want, you'd be welcome to come burn some powder. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HuntHarder Report post Posted July 30, 2014 Great Offer Dse! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
