Laker.... The .338 Win mag is gaining popularity no doubt amoung big game hunters and is more "versatile" period. I really like those 180 grain Nosler Accubond bullets for shooting (3200fps) fast and flat for mule deer and antelope. On those elk or moose, it is hard to beat the 210 Nosler partiton or 225 grain Accubond bullet (550BC) at 2880fps. The "Sectional Density" of the .338 caliber bullet (250 or 300 grain) is much better than any .375 caliber bullet. Meaning penetration is a lot deeper.
.375 Ruger, Nosler Partition. 260 grain bullet SD =.264 BC = 473
.338 Win. mag, Nosler Partition 250 grain grain bullet SD = .313,
BC = 473.
You can also bounce up the ladder to those 300 Woodleighs if need be, (big bears) in that .338 caliber making it a bears nightmare. Across the board, the versatility of the .338 Winchester magnum is very hard to beat, using bullets that weigh from 160 grains to 300 grains! One rifle caliber that does it all simply put ok.
So a hunter can hunt antelope up to the moose or elk without hesitation and bears to with heavy bullets using the same rifle. I should also indicate to you, that recoil from a 270 grain bullet going 2840fps out of that Ruger .375 caliber is NO cake walk what so ever in felt recoil!
I shoot a .375Wby using a 270 grain bullet and once over the 2600fps it gives you the feeling of....OUCH!!! It's Max is 2800fps heaven help me at over 50-lbs of felt recoil. The .338 Win mag has but 35-lbs or recoil or there abouts. Also your accuracy of the .338 bullet is going to be better down range. This will be attributed, to the fact it is mouch easier to shoot in the first place.
The .338 caliber is cheaper to shoot or reload for at the bench. I hope this and others have helped you gather enough in formation for your choice.
Last edited by Tonk; 04/18/09.
