Author Topic: Recoil comparison question: 338Win vs. 375H&H (Read 2464 times)

Questor · « **on:** September 20, 2004, 03:42:34 PM »

How do the 338Win and 375H&H compare for recoil? I'm not assuming that gun weight will be the same. I'm assuming that an empty 338 without scope will weigh 8 pounds and a 375 will weigh 9 pounds. I'd be using 225 or 250 grain 338s, or 270 or 300 grain 375s.

crow_feather · « **Reply #1 on:** September 21, 2004, 05:03:38 AM »

There are a lot of variables besides stock weight. The size of the recoil pad, the fit of the rifle, and even the size and weght of the shooter. I have a Limb Saver Recoil Pad on my 375 Wincheter and there is little difference between it and my 338, although I shoot 200 grain bullets in the 338 and 270 grain bullets in the 375.

Con · « **Reply #2 on:** September 21, 2004, 11:37:38 AM »

A friend was recently comparing medium bore rifles and fired my 375H&H (Remington Classic Safari, pretty light weight) with a Norma 300gr factory load and a Savage 338WM using 225gr reloads. In his opinion the 375H&H definately smacked him harder and he felt slightly more comfortable with the 338WM. Using formulae for recoil, your 9lb 375H&H with 300gr recoils at 47fpe whilst an 8lb 338WM with 250gr recoils at 39fpe. Use a 250gr in the 375H&H and recoil falls back to 40fpe, so it's pretty close with like bullet weights. In my opinion there isn't anything a 338WM will do that the 375H&H won't do pretty much just as well, which is basically why I won't ever own or recommend a 338WM over the 375H&H assuming the shooter is comfortable shooting either. Going back to my friend that tried out both calibers, he did a really smart thing after trying both, he bought a 35 Whelen!!
Cheers...
Con

Lawdog · « **Reply #3 on:** September 21, 2004, 12:28:08 PM »

Questor,

According to my charts in rifles of the same weight, 9 lbs., the .338 Win. Mag.(250 gr.) has about 30 lbs. of free recoil and the .375 H&H(300 gr.) has about 44 lbs. of free recoil. The reason I used the 9 lb. weight is that is what my .338 Win. Mag. Ruger M77(old tang safety model) weights. Both of my .375 H&Hs weight 9 3/4 lbs. and are a joy to shoot. Handling the recoil of the .375 H&H is easy just make sure the stock fits you and if the recoil is still too bad than have a mercury recoil insert installed in the butt stock. I have C&H Research mercury recoil inserts in all my big bores. Tames those Tigers down to a pussy cats. Lawdog

george · « **Reply #4 on:** December 29, 2004, 02:40:15 AM »

Quote

if the recoil is still too bad than have a mercury recoil insert installed in the butt stock. I have C&H Research mercury recoil inserts in all my big bores. Tames those Tigers down to a pussy cats

Wow you make them sound great. From their website it seems they are targeted at shotguns?

How do you install them? With a hole drilled in the stock? Is the difference really that noticeable?

Thanks for your help (their website is quite light-on for detail)

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 29, 2004, 05:36:55 AM »

I have shot both the 338Win and 375H&H. My buddy has a Remington in 338Win and I have a Sako 375H&H. Guns are very close in weight. I found the 375H&H had a harder thump. But still manageable The .338Win was shooting 250 gr. bullets and the 375H&H was shooting 270 gr. bullets.

Lawdog · « **Reply #6 on:** December 29, 2004, 08:41:28 AM »

big_george,

Quote

(their website is quite light-on for detail)

[/b]

Yeah, they stick their instructions on how to install the insert in the box.

Quote

Wow you make them sound great. From their website it seems they are targeted at shotguns?

How do you install them? With a hole drilled in the stock? Is the difference really that noticeable?

Originally they were used by the Trap, Skeet and Sporting Clay bunch but the big bore shooters found out how well they worked at reducing recoil that they starting using them. Mercury inserts DONT just add weight to the stock(as some like to say), the mercury does absorb a lot of the shock of the sharp, heavy kickers. I shot my Win. M70 .375 H&H for a number of years before I added the mercury insert and the difference is VERY noticeable. Yes you drill a hole in the butt of the stock and the hole size depends on the size of the insert. If you dont feel comfortable doing the work yourself a gunsmith can do it for a small charge(only takes a few minutes). The very best part about mercury inserts is they DONT INCREASE muzzle blast, thus ruining your hearing for life, like another recoil reducer item does. Lawdog

george · « **Reply #7 on:** January 04, 2005, 12:33:01 AM »

Thanks Lawdog... a belated santa is winging one down here even as we speak! George.

oneb · « **Reply #8 on:** January 04, 2005, 01:11:27 PM »

I have a recoil avoidance fetish due to rotator cuff surgery and so I skip the 'modern' belted mags above 7mm rem mag.

But I own two .300 H&Hs and two .375 H&Hs with decelerator pads and find their 'bite' to be acceptable up to and including the 300 gr loads. I am persuaded that they distribute the blow over a longer time and do not slam you right now they way the sharp shouldered mags do...

In cruising gun shops and shows, I also have seen lots of .338 win Mags "only fired once" on offer.

oneb

Rockfish · « **Reply #9 on:** January 10, 2005, 11:23:59 PM »

Oneb... I must agree whole heartedly with your remark about the long push of the 375H&H verses the sharp smack of the 338... here in Pa I hunt a lot of state game land and if you don't anchor a deer quick you're highly likely to lose it to the next guy down the line... the 375 with 270 grainers does the job quick, neat and clean... and you can eat near up to the hole...

Questor · « **Reply #10 on:** January 11, 2005, 03:19:26 AM »

Rockfish:

That was a good post. I have been considering selling my 270 and just using the 375 for everything, including whitetail. I'm glad to hear you have good luck with it. Here in Minnesota we have the same problem, where tracking can lead to unwanted encounters with other hunters. Is there a particular bullet or brand of ammo that does the job best for you?

Thanks.

while99 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 23, 2005, 12:58:39 PM »

I've owned a couple of rifles in both calibers. The .375 H&H has more recoil because it is slightly more powerful. That is offset somewhat because rifles in .375 H&H tend to have heavier stocks and barrels and wider butt pads. Of the two, I prefer the .338. If I need a really big caliber, I use a Model 70 Winchester chambered for the .416 Remington Magnum.

Zachary · « **Reply #12 on:** January 31, 2005, 05:38:51 PM »

I also own both cartridges. To me. the .375H&H clearly strikes back with more authority. I use 225 grain bullets in my .338, and 300 grainers in my .375 (which also makes a difference.)

I put a muzzle brake on my .338 and now it's like a kitten compared to the .375.

Zachary