338/375 ballistics comparison?

Jeremy

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Well since my Tikka vs Savage thread was not much help, I've decided that maybe an ammo comparison would be of better help to me. What kind of accuracy/range can I expect from these 2 rounds? Keep in mind that I don't reload. Any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
Like most cartridge comparison threads, it boils down to 3 things:

- The paper, theoretical difference. In this case, the award goes to the 375, hands down
- The actual, practical difference. Usually nil, but depends on number 3:
- Your needs. The game you're hunting, the ranges, what models it's available in, barrel length desired, weight, whether you handload, how much recoil tolerance you have, and many many others.

So, f*** what everyone else thinks (myself included) and just go buy one. Practise, and be happy.
 
338 Mag w/ Federal 225 Accubond @ 2800 fps

100 +1.8", 2635 fps, 3465 ft-lbs
200 0.0", 2475 fps, 3060 ft-lbs
300 -7.4", 2320 fps, 2690 ft-lbs
400 -21.4", 2170 fps, 2355 ft-lbs


375 H&H w/ Federal 260 Accubond @ 2700 fps

100 +2.0", 2510 fps, 3640 ft-lbs
200 0.0", 2330 fps, 3130 ft-lbs
300 -8.5", 2155 fps, 2685 ft-lbs
400 -24.5", 1990 fps, 2285 ft-lbs




flip a coin.............
 
The paper, theoretical difference. In this case, the award goes to the 375, hands down
Sounds good to me, but from the info that todbartell gave, it seems like the 338 beats the 375 by just a little bit in terms of the accuracy.
 
I'll see that and raise you a:

375 H&H Hornady Heavy Mag 270gr @ 2870fps

100 +1.8", 2628 fps, 4141 ft-lbs
200 0.0", 2399 fps, 3450 ft-lbs
300 -7.8", 2182 fps, 2853 ft-lbs
400 -23.0", 1976 fps, 2339 ft-lbs


and a

338 RUM @ 2860 (250gr)

100 1.7", 2647 fps, 3888 ft-lbs
200 0", 2443 fps, 3314 ft-lbs
300 -7.6", 2249 fps, 2807
ft-lbs
400 -22.0", 2064 fps, 2363 ft-lbs
 
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I could post the ballistics of the 225 gr. 338 Hornady Heavy Mag ammo, but the higher BC of the Accubond standard load makes it perform the same on paper past 200 yards anyways.

If you want the capability to load your rifle faster, go with the 338. Federal makes a 180 gr Accubond load @ over 3100 fps. Try and make a 375 do that ;)

since you already have a 458, I dont see the real point of having a 375, seeing how its only real advantage on the 338 Win Mag is using heavier bullets...:)


FWIW, handloads in my 338 Ultra spat out a 250 Partition @ 3060 fps, with a 26" tube and a grain under book max of H1000.
 
338 ultra's a pretty sweet cal in my books. Basically a poor man's 338 Lapua.

Then, in the 375 camp, we've got the 375 RUM, and the 375 & 378 wby brothers.

The 338 Mystic looks interesting, too, but it's out if you're not a reloader. As are the rest of the 'ultras,' as they're hard to find factory loaded, and there's a notable lack of selection. Plus they're $$$

Really, the only thing a 375 gets you is a bigger hole & more power. And it meets the minimum calibre restrictions in some areas in Africa, where 338's are out.
 
Accuracy is directly related to the types of bullets you will be using. Match bullets shoot better then a Cape Buffalo drop them at 20yds type slug.

Range is again up to the bullet you stuff in there. Target bullets are more accurate at distance and the distance is usually further due to better ballistics.

Ballistics on paper can be scewed to make just about anything look good or not. In the real world, a world you haven't yet defined, there are only a few options.

There is no wrong answer because you haven't defined what you want to use this rifle for. Add in the need for factory ammo and your options are limited.

Like saying I want to buy a sedan. Which is better two or four doors? Depends.

Jerry
 
Well for right now I do not reload. It is not something I'd want to start without some sort of hands on guidence. Unfortunately I do not anyone that could help me. I guess I should have mentioned the intended use of the gun. I do not live near a range nor do I have any interest in shooting at one (especially with my 458win). The gun would be used almost exclussively for hunting in Nunavut.
 
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