338 win mag VS 375 H&H

[Hellydoc]

Alright, I was researching a new rifle after hunting season last year and never really came to a conclusion, so im in search of still some more wise thoughts.

Im looking for something with more power than my 7mm rem mag. I've decided to step past the 30 cals because there is just not enough of a difference from my 7mm. So now I'm thinking 338 win mag, but then 375 came up. Both are probably overkill for what I will hunt here and there are no plans for a safari etc.

What do you guys think?

One of each is what I decided on...

[B C BILL]

338 wm gets my vote.All you will ever need for everything.

[oldgutpile]

The 338 will do excellent for anything in North America. An excellent flat shooter with hitting power to spare.
If you ever plan to hunt outside of Canada, you may want to consider the 375 hh, as it is good for anything in the world! The recoil difference is minimal (my 338 actually kicked harder than either of my 375's) depending on the model you choose, and the fit of the gun.

[Floppy]

My vote is for the 375 hh but if you want to stay with a 7mm then maybe you might want to concider a n 7mm stw

[Homesteader]

For North American hunting I'd go 338 WinMag all the way, much better balanced ballistics for here. For Global 375 H&H would be the one. Your 7mm is good for most everything in North America as well, but for something bigger, the 338 fits the bill, and fits in a Standard action length.

[jaylow?]

there is some big 7mms you could look at still. the 7stw is one to look at and i doubt theres many things walking on earth that couldnt be dropped with a 7mm RUM.

[Headdamage]

338win is a great all around round

[Tone]

A 7mm Rem mag and a .338 Win Mag. Nothing you can't do in north america with the pair. A .338 barnes 225 gr TSX is a good pill for anything!

[Halfton]

I am with Sheephunter...One of each is what I chose too
But if I did have to make the choice I think I would take the 338 win. Mag., Loaded with a good 225 grain bullet at 2900 fps or a 250 at 2700 fps there is nothing in North America that shouldn't be Verrrrrrrrrrry verrrrrry Afraid.
Jim

[Hellydoc]

Thanks for the input guys. I thiink I am leaning towards the 375 but who knows maybe i'll end up with both i kind of like that idea

but who knows maybe betterto try the 338 in a package deal and swap some scopes around to try out the bigger calibers first. A little cheaper way to go than jump into a $1500 - 1700 375 first and find that I just don't need it that much.

WOW pretty good balance on this fence today. I guess todays not a decision making day

[duffy4]

I knew a fellow who hunted for years with a 7mm (really a 7X61 Shults & Larson or Sharpe & Hart something like that)

One day he shot a bull elk that did not die right away as he was used to.

He figured he needed a 338 mag.

The day after he showed me his new cannon, I put a 140 gr. slug from a .264 win mag in the chest of a 6X6 bull and it didn't go 10 yards.

Any time you want to try a new rifle/cartridge is a good time to.


I knew two guys and one had a .338Mag. and one had a .375H&H. They always both agreed that the other fellow had the inferior cartridge.

[greylynx]

.338 Win Mag all the way.

Here is one argument

The U.S. Forest Service made a study in the late 1980's to determine the best cartridge to kill bears a in potentially lethal situation.

Reason:

The .338 win mag had the stopping power, as well as the ability to reload and shoot again without loosing too much concentration from recoil.

Anyways, that is what Smokey the Bear says. I think these findings would be open to discussion.

Also Barnes have come up with some really neat bullets that I am currently trying out for reloading.

[greylynx]

.338 Win Mag all the way.

Here is one argument

The U.S. Forest Service made a study in the late 1980's to determine the best cartridge to kill bears a in potentially lethal situation.

Reason:

The .338 win mag had the stopping power, as well as the ability to reload and shoot again without losing too much concentration from recoil.

Anyways, that is what Smokey the Bear says. I think these findings would be open to discussion.

Also, Barnes have come up with some really neat bullets that I am currently trying out for reloading.

Also, they work quite well on all Alberta game, including coyotes

[6.5 shooter]

375 gets my vote

[ditch donkey]

Richard Mellon wrote an article in the latest edition of outdoor edge magazine, on the 338 win mag. He compared it to the 300 win mag, not the 375 H&H, but it still gave me a warm fuzzy feeling for just buying a 338. Nearly identical trajectory as a 300 wm, but delivers alot more energy.

I know that doesn't help to compare it to a 375, just putting my two cents in. But I would say the 338 is a more popular cartridge, and as a result there are more bullet options, and brass may be easier to find.

I am sure you will be happy with either of these heavy hitters. A 375 is on my to buy list, for no other reason than, I pay taxes, go to work each day, and keep my lawn mowed and my walks shovelled. I just want one!

[Halfton]

Originally Posted by ditch donkey

I am sure you will be happy with either of these heavy hitters. A 375 is on my to buy list, for no other reason than, I pay taxes, go to work each day, and keep my lawn mowed and my walks shovelled. I just want one!

I got my 338 win years ago to hunt elk and moose with but my 375 H&H I got for the same reason Ditch Donkey said he wants one and to be honest if you have one....you really don't need the other....BUT..... Its just one of those classic calibers everyone should own and use at least once, I feel along with say the 7x57mm, the trusty old 06, or the 270 win......"Insert your choice here"....Now I wonder where I can find a 220 Swift because that is the next rifle on my must have list.
Jim

[3Dshooter]

I've gotta say, "I love 'em both"! And I own and use both as well. I actually have 2 .338's (would like to have another 1 or 2, too) but only 1 .375. The .338's are both bolt actions; Sako and Winchester, the H&H is a Ruger #1. The bolt actions get carried more on hunting trips and the single shot gets the nod as a back up for grizzly/ moose/ elk and as "bear spray" when packing meat. All 3 have their purpose, all 3 get used... would probably lean slightly towards a .338, but it would depend on the rifle and its intended purpose.

Nothing wrong with a .30 mag, but I agree with the logic that if you already own and are going larger than a 7 mil (or .30-06 etc.) then go bigger. If you can put your thumb in the hole, even better!!

[209x50]

I've got both but really wouldn't have the 375 if I wasn't going to Africa.

[bigoldan43]

Originally Posted by Hellydoc

Alright, I was researching a new rifle after hunting season last year and never really came to a conclusion, so im in search of still some more wise thoughts.

Im looking for something with more power than my 7mm rem mag. I've decided to step past the 30 cals because there is just not enough of a difference from my 7mm. So now I'm thinking 338 win mag, but then 375 came up. Both are probably overkill for what I will hunt here and there are no plans for a safari etc.

What do you guys think?

338 Federal

[209x50]

Originally Posted by bigoldan43

338 Federal

While a nice niche cartridge it really isn't in the same league as the 338wm.

[Pudelpointer]

Originally Posted by Hellydoc

A little cheaper way to go than jump into a $1500 - 1700 375 first and find that I just don't need it that much.

You don't.

For a North American BIG game cartridge, the 338WM is more then adequate, and is probably the perfect balance of ballistics, recoil, and energy (more then enough of each). However, the 375 should not really be compared to it.

Heaviest practical bullet in the 338 is a 250 @ 2700, lightest practical bullet in the 375 is a 260 @ 2800.

Mostly, you will shoot 200-225's in the 338, and 260-300's in the 375. That is a lot of bullet (and recoil) difference.

The 7mag is a fantastic long range rifle, and I do not think the 338 will do much better. The 375 is a better close range stopper then the 338, and will still reach out past 300 with ease when needed.


Frankly, your 7mag will kill anything and everything you will come across in NA, including the big bears. If you WANT to step up, a 338 is a logical choice. However, there is something about the 375 that draws hunters like lions to a waterhole; you just know there is something special going on.


375 H&H, it just sounds right.

[Gypsy'Boy]

I didn't see anyone mention it here, but cost of ammo might help you to decide. I believe the 338 is at least $10 a box cheaper to shoot as well. I have to agree with the "one of each thought", but if only North American hunting is in the future, the 338 is probably the smart choice.

Just my 2c worth.

[rottie]

I have being shooting the .375 for a few tears now. Only harvested a couple deer with it but its a fun caliber to play with.

I have been able to get 2980fps out of a 235 grain gullet so it does shoot nice and flat,yet when it hots it does rip the tissue all up like some lighter calibers

Kind of the best of both worlds

Ian

[220swifty]

I had a 338 win mag in a ruger 77 stainless. I sold that one and picked up an Alaskan in 375 Ruger. I haven't had the opportunity to do a full on range test with the Alaskan, but recoil wise, it is no worse than the 338 was (stock and rifle design are a part of this)

Given the info I have so far, I prefer the 375, mostly because i have a more compact, harder hitting package. This will be more pleasureable to carry, and will still deliver accurate killing power at reasonable hunting ranges. If i am hunting big critters in an area where I am likely to shoot past 300 yds, my 300 Ultra will likely get the nod anyways.

[Okotokian]

Originally Posted by Hellydoc

Both are probably overkill for what I will hunt here and there are no plans for a safari etc.

I think you answered your own question. I wouldn't waste the money, but if you want to have one just to say you have one, have at 'er. Lots of folks have guns they don't need. From a "cool" perspective I'd say the H&H.

[7mmremmag]

I was in the same situation Helly, I owned a 7mm rem mag. I wanted something with more power. I researched a lot of calibers and decided on the .300 remington ultra mag. It has better ballistics than the .338 wm and its trajectory is unbelievable.
Just a thought for you, id buy the .300 RUM
just my 2 cents

[Homesteader]

Originally Posted by Okotokian

Lots of folks have guns they don't need.

Stop the crazy talk

[walleyechaser]

for me no question the 375 h&h, nothing cooler

[gitrdun]

Originally Posted by bigoldan43

338 Federal

You're so completely clueless as to compare a .338 round seated inside a .308 casing to a .338WM or .375 H&H that I think you had to be born last night or you're an offspring of an ostrich