To me…. I think 338 is a great round… it has the ability to shoot a wide range of bullet weights and will absolutely do the job. It also; in many cases has better sectional density than 375 h&h so it penetrates better. Lots of people who bear hunt use it religiously. With that being said…. The only negative I’ve experienced is that both the 338’s I own are pretty ferocious in the recoil department. My 375 h&h is almost two pounds heavier than either of my 338’s and one of my 300 wm weighs more than either of my 338’s with less recoil…… something to consider maybe?! I’m sure lots of the guys here shoot huge rifles more than I do but I’m not a huge fan on 338 recoil. I am a huge fan on the performance because 338:
Does more damage than 300
Is generally a smaller/lighter package rifle than a 375
Penetrates better (with comparable bullet weight) than 375 and shoots flatter.
Has a better selections of bullets than 300 wm (160-300 gr.)
What I dislike:
Rifle weight (imo too light to shoot 300 gr.)
Sharp recoil
The general availability of ammo and bullets
I guess for Africa the big difference is that you can hunt dangerous game with a 375 legally but not with 338. Which I get but I also don’t because I’m sure countless grizzlies have been hammered with a 338 wm over the last 70 years and I’m sure it would absolutely stop some dangerous game in Africa if the shooter was up to it.
For what you take in recoil and the availability of ammo…. I generally think 300 WM makes more sense than 338. Just my opinion.
Does more damage than 300
Is generally a smaller/lighter package rifle than a 375
Penetrates better (with comparable bullet weight) than 375 and shoots flatter.
Has a better selections of bullets than 300 wm (160-300 gr.)
What I dislike:
Rifle weight (imo too light to shoot 300 gr.)
Sharp recoil
The general availability of ammo and bullets
I guess for Africa the big difference is that you can hunt dangerous game with a 375 legally but not with 338. Which I get but I also don’t because I’m sure countless grizzlies have been hammered with a 338 wm over the last 70 years and I’m sure it would absolutely stop some dangerous game in Africa if the shooter was up to it.
For what you take in recoil and the availability of ammo…. I generally think 300 WM makes more sense than 338. Just my opinion.