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: 13,372
• 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.

 

[gbflyer]

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

Lots of Whelen fans in AK. That should be a decent seller. The 9.3 is just plain cool. I have a X64 which is basically a .375 H&H using hard to come by ammo lol.

The old Ruger boat paddles are great rifles, whatever grade stainless they used really stands up well to the saltwater. I don’t know if it’s the same today. I watch for them, they are rarely a bargain.

 

[270quest]

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

Thats a Winchester 70 SS

 

[Quandary]

35 Whelen or 9.3x62.

 

[Sinistram]

Thats a Winchester 70 SS

You can't know my shame for mixing them up.

 

[Snowwolfe]

I am a fan of the medium bores (.338-.375) for Alaska hunting. They aren't needed 100% of the time but it sure is comforting carrying one when you are headed back to a kill site to retrieve another load of meat.
They are also overkill for blacktails and caribou. But once again, we have the comfort factor knowing the horse power is there if needed.
I want a rifle that will work under a worse case situation. Not one that will do the job when the animal finally steps clears of the willows or alders and offers a perfect broadside shot.

 

[wyosteve]

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

I weighed my Rifles, Inc. .375 H&H before this spring's trip. 7 lbs., 13 oz. with scope, but no rounds in the magazine. Recoil is a non-issue.

 

[Arken7mm]

Has anyone succeeded in building a lighter weight maneuverable 338 Lapua suppressed as a hunting bush gun ? I've seen some people build a 22" inch barrel 375 RUM.

 

[LightFoot]

I'm in the market for a new rifle for Alaskan brown bear and moose, for hunting but also for incase of stopping a charge. I've narrowed it down to the 338 vs the 375 RUM. Unless, you convince me the 416 Rem is superior.

For 375, I'd like a little extra so going with the 375 RUM.

Which specific 338? 338 win mag, 338 RUM, 338 Edge, 338 Lapua? Are there any 338's that outperform the 375 RUM, is my question?

270gr to 300gr ammo preferably. 350gr?

I keep reading conflicting posts about the 338 vs 375 in terms of velocity, energy on target and penetration. Some claim the 338 has better sectional density which leads to better penetration over the 375.

I'd like to see if I can either find the rifle on the market or have one built that is a lightweight mountain rifle for long hikes, 6.5lb, 20" to 22" inch barrel suppressed.

If you could build your own Alaskan rifle, what direction would you go?

I moved to AK and had my “nearly perfect” AK rifle built.

P2 Summit Ti Action
PBB 3B 20” 35 Whelen
Stockys Carbon Fiber Sporter
TriggerTech
OEM M700 BDL BM

Same POI with and without Rugged Alaskan 360ti.


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