Using the same weight bullets to keep velocities comparable, is there enough difference to justify having both calibers? From what I see, they are pretty much neck & neck with the same weight bullets, but where the 338 shines is the availability of heavier bullets. I don't currently have a practical use for either, but from what I see, the 338 with lighter bullets is a perfectly capable 5-600 yard gun.
Input??
.........Imo, one of the better ways to compare two cartridges, is to play around with a downrange ballistics calculator such as the one that use to be and still may be on the Hornady website.
Type in the BCs of your bullet choices for both, the bullet weights, est MVs and then review the downrange results for trajectory drops and foot pounds retention at the various ranges.....Then decide which one best suits your hunting needs.
I have both calibers.....However imo, there is enough performance separation that justify me owning both. Whereas between the 300 RUM and the 338 Win, not as much.
If flatter trajectory is your top priority, then the 300 RUM is the better choice. If heavier bullets is the top priority, then go with the 338.