Power was not/is notreally the issue, just a fun sideline toan instace where, yes a 338WinMag (though nota archtypical goat gun)worked fine for antelope, besting the laser-wand-264, andlacking nothing includingdecent trajectory.
In this case,the 338WinMagprovidesthe only other rifle already available to the author....tuned, sighted, and familiar to boot. The author appearsnot to be a recoil pantywaste (not that a 338WinMag is that much of a kicker) so for him it is a win-win-win.
The author asks:
So canI take the rifle and not look like a fool?
Answer (IMO): Yes you can take it and it is likely that someonewho tries to "make you a fool" over it may find the tables reversedcome hunting day.
NJheadhunter71, I'd recommend a 200 yard sight in.
Sorry to hear about your NEF, may well bea blessing in disguise.
Just for fun, listen for the bullet impact.