338 vs 375 for Alaskan brown bear?

[BAKPAKR]

@Arken7mm, Have you considered a 223 with a 77 gr TMK?

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Thread '.223 for bear, mountain goat, deer, elk, and moose.'

Jun 3, 2019

DON'T HAVE TIME TO READ 176 PAGES? HERE'S THE CHEAT SHEET.

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“Bullets matter more than headstamps.”

“Spent primers offer the supreme tutorial”.

I’ve read it here and elsewhere online. It got my attention. I started digging and asking questions and listened.

The 77gr TMK delivered by a .223 is where I ended up after many discussions and objective data regarding bullet performance and numerous pics of field results.

Now for the delivery system. Accurate. Repeatable. Reliable. Reasonable weight to afford steady shot placement and the ability to spot my own impacts...

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• Replies: 11,988
• Forum: Firearms

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[BCDJR]

Here’s just a thought. I had a Win pre 64 action that was used to build a .375 HH for Africa trips. I used 300 grain both in solids and expansion bullets. Shot a zebra facing me in the chest at 150 yards. Bullet penetrated all the way thru the body and stopped in rear ham area. Dropped a cape buffalo one shot. I had the gunsmith add a front in sight that sort of glows. Forgot that product name. So I fitted gun with a 1 x 6 power scope and used the Talley quick detach rings. The idea of course was to remove the scope quickly in the brush if needed. I personally tested the rifle many many times removing the scope and putting it back on and it never changed zero. I put a type of stock from McMillian that was really old school…..no high cheek piece. That idea came from my builder who at a one time worked for Mauser. That stock is a real pleasure to shoot. I’ve shot a 9 ft grizzly with a 300 win mag and broke the shoulder and him. Think you can’t go wrong with your ideas

 

[AKAV8R]

I am digging the 90's Abolt stainless/stainless scope setup. You never see that anymore.

That’s my future Son-in-law Will’s Model 70, .338. Found it used, like new. That’s his first ever big game animal, and the moose was his second. He made 2 great shots on that walking bear, 322 yds, complete pass though chest shots broadside. Furthest shot I ever witnessed on a BB. Impressed again with the caliber and modern bullets.

 

[AKAV8R]

Here’s just a thought. I had a Win pre 64 action that was used to build a .375 HH for Africa trips. I used 300 grain both in solids and expansion bullets. Shot a zebra facing me in the chest at 150 yards. Bullet penetrated all the way thru the body and stopped in rear ham area. Dropped a cape buffalo one shot. I had the gunsmith add a front in sight that sort of glows. Forgot that product name. So I fitted gun with a 1 x 6 power scope and used the Talley quick detach rings. The idea of course was to remove the scope quickly in the brush if needed. I personally tested the rifle many many times removing the scope and putting it back on and it never changed zero. I put a type of stock from McMillian that was really old school…..no high cheek piece. That idea came from my builder who at a one time worked for Mauser. That stock is a real pleasure to shoot. I’ve shot a 9 ft grizzly with a 300 win mag and broke the shoulder and him. Think you can’t go wrong with your ideas

That’s a great set up! Sounds like a fine rifle for Alaska. I have an old .375 M70 that may get such treatment. It weighs over 11 pounds currently, a real chunk.

 

[gbflyer]

My neighbors who guide for a living (guides seem to not get a lot of respect on this forum of DIY when it comes to ballistics and shooting) request .375 min with soft nosed bullets. I suspect they have seen most everything in 50 years and have come up with this not because they want to punish their clients but because they prefer to keep the post-shot rodeos to a minimum.

I have seen a bear go down from a .338 WM with little drama. Wide open spot with little to no chance of getting into the thick alders. I think the area may dictate what I would want to carry.

 

[Northern Safari]

~9.0 lbs is generally the recommended weight class for 375 and that’s for the HH not one of the hotter RUMs.

 

[BCDJR]

That’s a great set up! Sounds like a fine rifle for Alaska. I have an old .375 M70 that may get such treatment. It weighs over 11 pounds currently, a real chunk.

Mines pretty hefty as well. I was really shocked at the groups with factory ammo.

 

[112Savage]

Lipsey’s just came out with 35 Whelen and 9.3x62 “Alaskan bush rifles” 20” Stainless with non-adjustable LOP stocks. Neither of those compare to the 375RUM in long range potential but should carry more ammo. A 250 in the whelen or 286 in the 9.3 should be comparable to 338WM or 375H&H when loaded hot from the same barrel length. I would probably go 375 ruger because that’s what I have.

I have an 8.5 pound 9.3x62 and with hot loads, it recoils hard. My 375 ruger is 9.5 pounds and is similar

 

[49ereric]

9.3x62 is worth considering

 

[FOS373]

Any of your choices will be fine. Took a moose with a 30-06

Used a 375 H&H with Barnes 300 gr VTX successfully on a blacktail and brown bear last week. Guide was also carrying a 375 H&H.

 

[minas stiris]

I prefer the .375 over the .338...no good reason, just do. This might be more meaningful in Africa but in N.America either has the stuff for the biggest critters here...but if you've got the stuff to shoot a .375 well it will be a real performer. For an accurate comparison compare the 250gr .338 to the 300gr .375.

 

[Northern Safari]

Ron Spomer made a video comparing the two cartridges. The 338 overtakes the 375 around 125m.