If you can handle the added recoil of the 338 then by all means use it. I have a stainless laminated tikka T3 in 338 that only weighs 7.5lbs with a burris black diamond 3-12x50 scope. It was one of the most brutally kicking rifles I had ever shot until I had a muzzle break put on it, now it is not only light, but also kicks about as much as an 06 with lots more power.