300 weatherby vs 338 win mag

[powerguy]

With the exception of hunting coastal browns is there any benefit of switching from a 300 weatherby to a 338 win mag? I know you can go up to 250gr. in the 338 but for elk,moose or say grizzly would there be any justification besides just wanting a new rifle.  Not that that is anything bad at all, but would you see a noticable difference if shot placement is equal.

[jro45]

I'd go with the 338. These are big animals. You  could do it with a 300, But I would want a bigger bullet.   

[fatercat]

why not get a 35 whelen and have the best of both worlds?

[victorcharlie]

why not get a 35 whelen and have the best of both worlds?

+1

[beemanbeme]

I've never shot a moose.  Shooting an elk, I couldn't tell any difference between a .300winnie and a .338. That said, I've never shot an elk beyond 200 yards.
Shooting a grizzly, I'd want the biggest thing I could carry and shoot. Preferably something with wheels under it.  Of the choices, I'd opt for the .338.  I've never shot a grizzly neither. 

[corbanzo]

There is nothing in AK you can't kill with a .300 weatherby, no matter what anyone says, that is fact.

Anything bigger diameter is just your preference.

If you aren't that great of a shot, larger diameter might help you.  Maybe.

[Grumulkin]

With the exception of hunting coastal browns is there any benefit of switching from a 300 weatherby to a 338 win mag? I know you can go up to 250gr. in the 338 but for elk,moose or say grizzly would there be any justification besides just wanting a new rifle.  Not that that is anything bad at all, but would you see a noticable difference if shot placement is equal.

I would be perfectly happy hunting all of those animals with a 300 Weatherby Mag.  Two hundred twenty grain bullets in .308 caliber are readily available and if you must have them, there are probably some heavier ones available though I haven't shopped for them.  Go with Barnes bullets and you'll be fine.

[Sourdough]

Ammo availability is the question.  .338 WM ammo is everywhere in Alaska, since it is by far the most popular cartridge here.  Every store and trading post carries them.  Once you get out into the villages only if someone in the village shoots a Weatherby will there be ammo there.  That is the only real difference, both will do the job.

I personally carry .338s all summer when in Big Bear country.