The 338 RUM has the best ballistics hands down but at a price. I fired a 338 RUM "3 shots" and the recoil wasabsurd.The guy that fired it before mehunts witha 300WSMand he shot the 338RUM one time, and let a few expletives fly and did not shoot again. All we heard the next morning was how his shoulder hurt. I can only speak for myself but I would be afraid of that gun after a range session. I have also shot a 300 RUM and it was manageable compared to the 338. It is hard to believe how different the 338 recoilwas from the 300.