Ordering my 338 Win mag, barrel Length

[88man]

Im ordering my 338 but Im not sure what barrel length to order 22 24 26 they all have 1:10 twist.

What will the primary use of this 338 be? In brush or timber? Open areas? Your height and weight?
For a brush gun or dedicated timber gun I would go 22.
I am 6 3"" and hate to carry a big gun in the timber or woods and I typically carry a rem model 7 with 18" on those hunts.
In the open sage type hunts I don't care if the gun has 26in and even a brake 29 in is fine.

I had an old friend who had a custom 338 with a 21in barrel and the gun was sweet to carry and shoot>> it was his bear gun.

 

[Buckyranger42]

Im ordering my 338 but Im not sure what barrel length to order 22 24 26 they all have 1:10 twist.

Any update? I'm curious as I don't yet own a 338 WM (I'm a 30-06 and 7mm Rem Mag guy) but this cartridge passes my "cartridge confidence test" for that next step up. 338 WM or 375 Ruger...

 

[2rocky]

I agree, 26" is nice if you're hunting open country, and or not hiking vary far. Another thing to consider is muzzle blast. I notice a big difference between 22" and 26" with the magnums that I own (even without muzzle brakes). But that said, if you're hunting brush and timber, 26" can be a pain. I feel that 24" is a good compromise for most situations.

My dad with his 26" in .264 Win Mag. pre '64 Model 70



I'd say he hunts some thick darn brush



But he can point that thing like a shotgun...



That rifle has the balance I searched for when I bought mine. Although if someone had a light synthetic stock I could see how a longer barrel might upset the balance.

That said, does anyone look at the balance point on Rifles?

ETA: Google answered me...

 

[Sask hunter]

I have a 26” barrel on my 300 mag and I know inside a pop up for deer it’s a PIA. My 338 has a 24” barrel and I like it.