I was up the camp for bear this week and had a chance to fire a .338 Win Mag. I've shot a lot of different chamberings over the years but never the .338. I was curious about the recoil and managability of the rifle/cartridge. The rifle was a Savage 116 with a muzzlebrake and the ammo was factory Federal 250 load.
I shot 2 shots offhand, one with the muzzle brake open and another with it closed. Both shots only about 1 1/2" apart at approximately 75 yards. Although not a 'plinker', I was actually surprised at the relatively mild recoil from this combo. I also didn't notice any appreciable difference with the muzzle brake open or closed. The recoil to me felt the same as my Tikka T3 in 30-06. Now I don't foresee me needing a .338 WM in my near future at my age. But if I were to go on a rifle elk, moose or bear hunt (even sheep), this chambering would be at the top of my list for a new rifle.

I use that same Federal cartridge (250 grain Nosler Partition) in 338WM and it works awesome on elk and moose.

I own one in a Browning X-Bolt Stainless.

The recoil doesn't bother me even while shooting a whole box of ammo off the bench (all about good form IMHO).

The gun I carry when hunting in bear country (including a .357 revolver as a side arm) !

I've always been interested in the .338. I'll pick one up eventually.
-Jake

Got a Win Mod 70 in .338 Win Mag, killed a 10' Brown Bear in Alaska, 2 mulies & a bull elk in MT & it did the trick on all of them. Watch out if you're shooting uphill laying prone using a pack as a rest, I've been scoped twice but still haven't learned!

I got a Smith and Wesson(Howa 1500) in .338 WM when I graduated college way back when.I used it for antelope,whitetails,muley's and elk.I hand loaded 200 gr Speers for it.It would shoot 5/8 inch 3 shot groups all day long.It killed DRT with chest shots on game.I only recovered one bullet.It was a perfect classic mushroom.I killed game out to 604 yds(measured).
I got old and crippled up and can't handle the recoil anymore.It is a great caliber.
Bill

I have the Savage Trophy Hunter XP in 338 win mag,it's a keeper.