Skeeter

1- I agree, the break does cut down recoil at the price or busting your ear drums. Thanks to modern technology you can buy hearing protection that not only amplifies small noises, i.e. cruching, twigs snapping, conversation, ect., but also cuts off when the noise reaches harmful levels, such as the report from a 338-378.

2- Yes a shooter does need to shoot a rifle however many times it takes to be proficient and comfortable with the said rifle. But, beyond that the gun is a big game/ dangerous game (Bears) rifle. Not made to take the constant barrel abuse that round after round inflicts. This is not a small bore, target rifle. Not made for fun weekend shooting trips, but for Hunting. Plain and simple, its a gun that will slam elk, moose, bears, or pretty much any animal that you dare to shoot, possibly excluding elephants, lions, and water buffalo... maybe.

So end line, it does come down to what makes you comfortable. It’s not the size of the bullet but the placement, or so i am told. If you want a purely big game rifle and you can handle it, then why not go with the biggest, baddest, and arguably best .338 caliber? If that doesn't make you comfortable then sure, get the .338 in any of the other lighter calibers, or perhaps a .323 WSM, or even a .300 win. All will do the job I’m sure.

When I was trying to figure out what rifle I wanted to be my all around big game rifle I chose the .338-.378. I studied all the different chambers, and even got the chance to shoot one before I decided it was the gun for me.

Good luck choosing!