338 Norma vs 33nosler

Disclaimer: I have no firsthand experience with either cartridge. These are just my observations from reading the internets

Do you really need the extra everything of 338 Norma? It’s a physically larger case(.588 bolt face like the 338 Lapua) so an action that will support it will potentially be larger/more expensive and could make for a heavier rifle.

Edit: sorry, I overlooked that you’re using a CDG action

Depending on which ammo you go with you could be dealing with a bit more recoil as well. Case capacity looks to be a bit more in the Norma so if you reload you’ll be able to squeeze a bit more velocity out of it but if this really is strictly for elk that’s irrelevant.

33 Nosler looks to be a 338 WM equivalent just as 300 PRC is a 300 WM equivalent, elk have been filling freezers from either of the WM cartridges for quite a long time. If you think you even need something that big, 33 Nosler would be perfectly fine.

But what this really boils down to is ammo availability. If you can’t find one of these somewhere then your rifle isn’t going to do you any good. If you reload, the only relevant questions are; Can you find a good source of brass? -and- Which one do you really want?

Sorry for making this more confusing…

Since you already decided on an action that will handle either. I would go Norma. Designed to shoot heavy for caliber bullets and should feed easier due to the tapered design. Cost for reloading will pretty much be a wash.

If it were me I'd go norma.

338 Norma improved. Utilize that that big based case to its full potential. 338 Norma if you don't hand load. 33 nos is the smallest capacity of all the nosler line.