338WM vs. 300 WSM
- Thread starter mmattockx
- Start date
Northman999
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Yukon
Sierra Gameking, I just looked it up online for my post as I didn't want to misrepresent anything.
BTW, Nosler lists a load for 250gr Partitions at 2780 fps right on their on-line reloading data as well.
I've used the Gameking in my 338 win mag for 20 years. It is extremely accurate and it is a very heavily constructed bullet (Sierra states only their .375 dia 300 gr bullet has a heavier jacket) that is rated for all 338 dia calibers, including 338-378 Weatherby. Penetration is very deep. My father shoots the 300gr Gameking in his 375 H&H and my 338 out-penetrates it every time. We have recovered several of the .375 bullets from larger animals like moose, and never recovered a .338 bullet.
or with a .30-06 for that matter. The 103 year old has enough umph to drop elk and moose out to 400+, if you can make the shot. I would stay with the .300 WSM as it's recoil bothers YOU enough already, why step up to a .338, endure more recoil, run the risk of developing a flinch or lose confidence that will bite you hard when you least need it.
Jordan Smith
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, AB
The shock transmitted to the animal is completely dependent on not only how much energy is transferred to the animal, but also how much tissue is displaced, and how QUICKLY energy is transferred to the animal. It does not matter how much energy the bullet had before it impacted the animal.
A larger diameter bullet displaces more tissue, and transfers more energy (through expansion and tissue disruption) quicker than does a smaller bullet, assuming equal bullet expansion characteristics.
Northman999
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Yukon
Under 200 yards the 375 has more immediate knockdown from what I've seen. After that the only difference is you have to aim way higher on the 375 H&H. The 338 overtakes the 375 in terms of energy around 275 yard mark, but the 375 does have that larger diameter, which is helps with killing powder. I think there's significant interchangeability between these two rounds, in terms of what they can do when hunting.
And note, there's more similarity between the .338 win mag and the .375 H&H than there is between the .338 win mag and the 300 WSM.
Ballistics Table in Yards
300 wsm 180 gr., .501 B.C. Sierra Gameking
Range (yards) Muzzle 50 100 200 300 400 500
Velocity (fps) 3000 2904 2810 2629 2454 2286 2125
Energy (ft.-lb.) 3597 3371 3157 2762 2407 2089 1805
Trajectory -1.5 0.5 1.4 0.0 -6.5 -18.7 -37.6
Come Up in MOA -1.5 -0.9 -1.4 0.0 2.1 4.5 7.2
Ballistics Table in Yards
338 win mag 250 gr., .565 B.C. Sierra Gameking
Range (yards) Muzzle 50 100 200 300 400 500
Velocity (fps) 2750 2670 2591 2437 2288 2145 2007
Energy (ft.-lb.) 4198 3956 3726 3296 2907 2554 2235
Trajectory -1.5 0.8 1.8 0.0 -7.7 -22.0 -43.9
Come Up in MOA -1.5 -1.5 -1.7 0.0 2.4 5.3 8.4
Ballistics Table in Yards
375 H&H 300 gr., .480 B.C. Sierra Gameking
Range (yards) Muzzle 50 100 200 300 400 500
Velocity (fps) 2600 2509 2419 2246 2079 1920 1769
Energy (ft.-lb.) 4503 4192 3898 3359 2879 2455 2084
Trajectory -1.5 1.0 2.2 0.0 -9.1 -26.3 -53.0
Come Up in MOA -1.5 -2.0 -2.1 0.0 2.9 6.3 10.1
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I have a 300 win mag and it is a brilliant cartridge for moose and elk. reasonable recoil and very deadly. If you have no intention of hunting anything but moose and elk then I would stick with the 300.
If you think you may be hunting grizzlies, or even hunting moose in alaska where there are a possibility of grizzly I would go up to the 338. You want to drop those puppies as fast as possible. Although the 300 can definitely get the job done on a griz it's nice to have that extra knockdown power so that your undies stay clean
If you think you may be hunting grizzlies, or even hunting moose in alaska where there are a possibility of grizzly I would go up to the 338. You want to drop those puppies as fast as possible. Although the 300 can definitely get the job done on a griz it's nice to have that extra knockdown power so that your undies stay clean
Most of the above mentioned Cals. will get the job done mostly it is personal preference I shoot a .300 ultra and can load it anywhere from 30-06 velocities right up to ultra mag velocity very versitile round if you hand load and I have shot every thing from Antelope to elk with a .375HH they are all good rounds my favorite being the .375
x2 buy another classic rifle from tradeex and your good to go.
.330Dakota
CGN Regular
- Location
- Northeastern ON
I'm a little biased but the .338 is the way to go, loaded with a 250gr or heavier bullet.
I am launching 250gr partitions 2850fps.
I am launching 250gr partitions 2850fps.
From a 24" barrel? Chronographed or from book data? That is a butt kicking load for anything that walks in North America.
I'm pretty much convinced. Does anybody in the Calgary area want to meet me at a range for a test drive? You can shoot anything in my safe and I will pay all ammo costs.
Mark
I have shot 338wm for the past 5 years and just bought a T3 last year on CGN. It sure does kick but it hits with authority. It is my 300+ yard gun and my 308 BLR is my short range gun. Both make moose equally dead however I have had to pass on shots with the 308 that I could have made with the 338.
Every year I get an honorarium cheque for some volunteer work I do and I make a point of buying a gun with the cash. This year I decided I need a short mag, just because. I am in the process of making a deal on a 300wsm. It may eventually replace the 338. Or it may not, I'll wait and see how it turns out.
Every year I get an honorarium cheque for some volunteer work I do and I make a point of buying a gun with the cash. This year I decided I need a short mag, just because. I am in the process of making a deal on a 300wsm. It may eventually replace the 338. Or it may not, I'll wait and see how it turns out.
I've owned both, as well as several .300 Winchester long magnums so I'll throw in my two bits. First I found my .338 to be easier on the shoulder then any of the .300's. It was more of a comfortable, slower push. The .300's (all of them, yes the WSM too) had a more vicious snap to them. I never liked the WSM, of course the whole feeding issue thing has been mostly corrected by now, I still believe longer, thinner cartridges are going to feed better. So if it were me and I wanted to buy a magnum, I would be comparing the .300 Win mag to the .338 Win mag. And if you did that both would be fantastic, but just from my personal preference, I'd pick the .338 solely because I prefered how it felt to shoot.
Whenever a bit of a controvery looms, the experts surface in abundance! Some speak from plenty of experience, some are "armchair" experts. Having shot and killed all manner of game with a plethora of chamberings, I am inclined to favor the 338 IF there is a chance you may hunt something that bites back. Otherwise, you will be well served with one of the various 30 caliber magnums. I have shot a couple of bears, one very angry and coming, with a 308 Norma Mag and the 200 Partition at just about 3000, and it is very effective. Some tout the larger frontal cross-sectional area of the 338 bullet, and that has some validity, particularly if the original plan falls apart. IMHO, it's a bit of a tossup, and you would not be sorry carrying either chambering. I shot a moose this year at close to 400 yds with a 300 WSM, and it was a quick, efficient kill, with very little elevation required. Regards, Eagleye.
Since the 338 WM and the 300 WM share the same parent case, the solution is obivious. Buy them both. The 300 WM for 150 to 180 gr. bullets and the 338 for 250gr bullets. I've been using this theory for years resulting in a fine collection of rifles. Then you'll need the 375 H&H magnum and after the grinnin' is over, you'll be able to keep a look out for 458 WM because it also shares the same case as the 338 and the 300. . Gotta love it, huh? Going smaller is just as much fun. . . 
