In a rifle that weighs about 8 1/2 or 9 lbs, the 250 gr bullets loaded hot will get your attention right now, but not a hell of alot worse than what you're shooting. I shoot 200 gr bullets at about 2700 for whitetails, and its not much worse than a 06. Not so much that you really notice the difference. I think you will like the 338 for its killing qualities. Thats something that is more noticable than a 06, the way those big bullets will slam a critter. I wouldnt advise a 7lb 338 though.