.300WN w/ 200 partion vs. .338WM w/ 225 partion

lhsako

Handloader
Jan 12, 2012
747
146
Practicing my field shooting for elk hunt in oct. Both weapons are shooting equally well, and I w/ them. Both loads are at max. vel. 1 MOA. I always like to have 2 weapons ready for any hunt. For the joy of discussion, which would you take?
 
...out to 400-450, it's pretty much a wash, I'd pick the one you're most comfortable shooting...
 
wildgene":1m463xd8 said:
...out to 400-450, it's pretty much a wash, I'd pick the one you're most comfortable shooting...

+1 Either will do the job, doing so with aplomb.
 
wildgene":24nu7kup said:
...out to 400-450, it's pretty much a wash, I'd pick the one you're most comfortable shooting...

That pretty much sums it up IMO. But, since you asked, I would take the 338 based solely on the fact that I love a 338 for elk.
 
I like both rounds/loads, but for elk, more bullet weight and more frontal area of the 338WM gets my preference. I have used the 185 XLC in a 338WM that was a real killer on elk. The larger frontal area made a bigger hole than any 30 caliber I use don them (or similar sized Plains game) But hey, a 200gr/300 mag bullet to me is the best 30 cal combo for elk too, just have a ball!
 
...a little more energy, weight, frontal area, vs. a little more velocity, sectional density, penetration, I still think it's still a wash, ballistically, & comes back to which rifle you're more comfortable, confident w/...
 
Unless you are packing in take both and carry the 338WM. If packing in then just take the 338WM.

OR like my brother did on his moose hunt: He took his 338WM and took my 338WM as a back up rifle :)
 
I am a heavy bullet/frontal diameter guy, I primarily hunt elk and have taken a few over the years. I have a perfectly good 300 Win Mag that took my best bull elk to date, at 324 lasered yards shooting a 180 Barnes XBT back in 1999. However, since having my 35 Whelen AI built in 2002, I have another 9 elk added to the count and I feel the larger diameter and ability to use a substantially heavier bullet win the day for elk. Go with the .338 WM and never look back! The 300 Win Mag (M70, CRF SM Classic) hasn't had a shot fired in anger since the Whelen came along, and I don't plan on pulling it out anytime soon. But I would probably choose it for a "one gun" battery if push came to shove and I could load for all bullet weights.
 
OU812":xjbwbrr4 said:
wildgene":xjbwbrr4 said:
...out to 400-450, it's pretty much a wash, I'd pick the one you're most comfortable shooting...

That pretty much sums it up IMO. But, since you asked, I would take the 338 based solely on the fact that I love a 338 for elk.

Yeah, same same, but man I love the hit factor with great bullets and a 338.. I don't believe it gets much better for elk sized animals. Both will crush leg joints though.
 
The 338 Win Mag with the 225 gr PT hands down. It will reach the vitals from any angle.

JD338
 
JD338":1a3spb6j said:
The 338 Win Mag with the 225 gr PT hands down. It will reach the vitals from any angle.

JD338
> I've taken all but 1 elk w/ .338. moose and bear too. it's going to Colorado guys. was fancying trying the .300 but can't quite the .33 bore..... frontal area and bone crushing penetration.... (y)
 
lhsako":7889sst6 said:
JD338":7889sst6 said:
The 338 Win Mag with the 225 gr PT hands down. It will reach the vitals from any angle.

JD338
> I've taken all but 1 elk w/ .338. moose and bear too. it's going to Colorado guys. was fancying trying the .300 but can't quite the .33 bore..... frontal area and bone crushing penetration.... (y)

Excellent choice (y)

JD338
 
I sold my 338 WM and I'm not too proud to admit I found it kicked just a little too much.

It wasn't helped by the fact it didn't quickly settle on a load that shot consistently well, necessitating extra time on the bench rather than being carried on a hunt.

Back to the 30-06 for big stuff for me, and the 45-70 for the real big stuff close in.
 
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