I like a slightly stiffer pad on hard kicking rifles, but I also want the rifle to come straight back during recoil for rifles up to and including the .375. .416s and larger rifles ("big guns" to me) I have to let the rifle to rise and flex with the recoil or it beats me up too much. I shoot "big guns" from standing, even to the point of using a standing rest for sighting in.
The recoil of a .338 WM is stiff and sharp, but you probably don't want the rifle to "pivot" during recoil. Too much pivot and not enough flex may equal a scope in the face. Grip the fore end firmly and let it come straight back into your shoulder and you may find the recoil is heavy, but not too bad.
Good hunting.
Last edited by Big Uncle; 01-23-2013 at 06:34 AM.