338win mag. VS 375H&H

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badbrass

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So I was thinking which one has the most recoil? I have shot a 338lm. 45-70. 300win mag. max loads in 30-06. If you were to pick one, which one? And I would question on brand of rifle. I have heard that the 375 is more of a push than a regular recoil. Is it that different than a 338 win mag. If you are doing a African hunt for plain's game which would be the better? Thanks.
 
Much of felt recoil depends on the rifle and how it fits you. I've owned both and in similar rifles I find the recoil similar. By plains game do you also mean Buffalo? If yes, then check the country you plan on hunting in as some have a minimum .375" rule for certain game.
 
Well a buddy of mine went and hunted plains game with a 300 WSM and everything was ok, but he said if he went again he would take a 338 or bigger just for the bigger, slower 250gr bullet??
 
I have definitley heard from others that the 338 has a much sharper and stronger recoil than the 375, but I guess it is personal preference to what you can handle, or want to handle
 
Recoil free energy depends on:
  • rifle weight
  • bullet weight
  • muzzle velocity
  • powder charge

What is in the real world but is not included in the equation is:
  • rifle design/construction (type of stock, recoil pad, muzzle brake)
  • burning rate of powder (sharp combustion or strong slow push)
  • effect of muzzle blast (big problem with slow burning powder in magnum)

What I can guarantee you is that if you that the same rifle model for the same manufacture, use a bullet of the same weight and use a similar charge of similar type of powder, you won't be able to tell which rifle is a 338 Win Mag or a 375 H&H!

This experiment could be done with a 200gr bullet and H4350 powder. The 375 H&H cartridge would need more powder but they would basically generate the same level of recoil, with the similar amount of powder burning at the same rate.

The problem when comparing recoil is that few rifle allow a direct comparison and external factor mix everything up. Still the M1 Garand rule is a very good yardstick, anything over 30-06 in 9lbs rifle should be shot in moderation!

Alex
 
I shoot both fairly regularly and agree that the 338 wm is a bit snappier, but they are both similar; and if you can handle one, you can handle either. If you want to compare these cartridges for some reason, look for another factor to be the deciding one besides recoil.
 
I find the .338 more comfortable than the .375. For North America, I prefer the .338 as it shoots a bit flatter, recoils less, and is better suited to what I hunt. If I was going to Africa, kodiak island, or just had a case of nostalgia, I would choose a .375.
 
i think its based on weight. shoot a 8lb 375 and an 8lb 338 there will be more recoil on the 375. most 375's are pretty heavy vrs 338's. my 375 wieghs 8.5 lbs scoped ready to go. my 338 7.75 lbs scoped. from the bench the 375 wins the recoil race. the 375 is noticibly harsher.
 
Powerful rifles are going to kick, we know that going in, and now that we know it, we can forget about it. Once you are at the level of power generated by a .338 Winchester, a .340 Weatherby, .358 Norma, or some flavor of .375, if you can shoot one well, you will not be intimidated by another, provided the stock fits you correctly and the recoil pad is adaquate. I would also ensure the scope's ocular does not extend much behind the bolt's cocking piece; you don't want to be tagged by a scope mounted too far rearward on one of these guys.
 
The only time that I've been able to make a realistic, apples-to-apples comparison of these two rounds was when I owned Sako Hunters in both chamberings. The .375 recoiled slightly more, but realistically, the weight and stock design of the gun you shoot them in is going to make more difference than which cartridge you are shooting....so you may as well just get the classy one: the .375H&H.;)
 
My personal choice would be the H&H, call me old fashioned. According to Mr. Hawkes the two are about the same - approx. average recoil energy 35 (ft. lbs.) & about 16 (fps) recoil velocity, I hope I got that right check it out, Google <rifle recoil graph> you'll find it. FWIW --- John303.
 
I find the recoil of a 338 snappier than the 375, though a lot depends on the individual rifle.
I have a Tikka M695 and Ruger M77 in 338 and both have a quick, sharp kick.Both sport a wood stock and not much of a recoil pad. The Tikka is relatively light, but the Ruger is pretty heavy. My 375 H&H(Sako) and 375 Ruger(Hawkeye African) seem to have more of a heavy push.
 
Last time I went to South Africa/Namibia I took my .338 for a spare gun and proved it can kill
80lbs critters.The people I hunted with in Namibia had a minimum calibre rule 300win.
When I told them I was bringing a.270 (see pic) they replied "good calibre we use it all the time".
I have both .338 and .375H&H but have never had them at the range at the same time.
My .338 is a LH700 with a wildat stock and a decelorator recoil pad, pretty light .
I always expect it to kick harder than it does,the .375 isn't much worse but the rifle is heavier.

I quite like my.338 but I think it will end up on EE.
 
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