Interesting that a .338 is no different than a .270, (agreed for smaller game as both are enough) and one of the reasons why I still use a 7x57 and .30/06 as they are the same and then we jump to 9.3 which has similar same ballistics as recommended using 250gn bullets to a .338/06 which also thrives on 250gn and more bullet weights all the way up to top end 9.3 weights and it seldom if ever gets mentioned?
Now if a .338 Winchester performs similarly to a .270 even though it brings velocity to the table and bullet weight, again, up to the equal of the 9.3 what is the missing link?
I believe there is an understated value in caliber, which means bullet upset, wound channel, an initial thump value that can be seen/observed with larger calibers over smaller, even though similar/same bullet weights and velocity and even case size and powder volume is compared.
What keeps this as an unsaid, is that you need to cross that .35 caliber barrier to see it and it is better demonstrated on slightly larger animals even though they may still be classified as medium game.
African has a lot of 4-700pound and more game that is sufficiently heavier than the deer sized animals most of us hunt, the reason why hunters are seeing a difference visually. A threshhold has been crossed ballistically that is not seen again until you get into the .416-458 cartridges which is a much larger jump but made more practical in recent years with lighter and pointier bullets in recent decades.
Just as RinB has reduced his plains game cartridges down to .270 and seen no compromise, I have buds that have gone down to .257, 2 in particular, that dropped to .25/06 and the other a .257 Weatherby using 100gn and 90gn X bullets respectively for game up to Kudu and Zebra in Namibia. One had multiple trips dropping caliber for each and the other a 6 week safari for plains game.
The cartridge debate largely, has always been hot air in support for what one has, rather than what has objectively recorded efficient performance, or we'd recognise that locals use .243's which a visitor would never consider.
The value of this thread is that contributors have taken game and are reporting on their results/findings. The value to the reader, is that they don't have to spend the money and time on research, as it is laid out plainly for those who would learn.
Great thread, well done and compliments to all.
