Opinions for new SSK Carbine, 338, or 358?

[Robert]

I am considering a new SSK barrel for Deer, Elk and Bear.  What are the pro's and cons of the 338 and the 358?  I have a 375 and I think it is ridiculous.  Can bearely push 375's to velocity for proper expansion and bullet performance.  Great for all the machisimo stuff though....definately a hand cannon.

[jhalcott]

358 'cause I have one!
  Some guys say the 338 shoots as good as the 358 but I think the bullet
problem will be the same. 35's are made for 35Rem to 35 whelen. 338 bullets are made for the 338 mag and 340 weatherby. I have killed deer way past the 150 yard mark and STILL got expansion with 200 grain slugs.Closest deer was about 20 feet away! Not sure if THAT bullet expanded or not, but there was a BIG hole thru the deer.

[fyrepowrx]

i also agree...would have to say the 358 due to bullet performance. Fom my standpoint, since i also shoot rifles in .35 Rem & 350 Rem Mag, i always have plenty of loading components, & its partially a convenience thing, but all deer i have smacked with those big fat .35's dont get very far. Plus there are a better selection of lightweight slugs in the 170/180/200 grain class than are readily available for the 375's. I think they are discontinued now, but the Remington 150 grain .358 bullets shot fairly well in my .35's too.

[Duffy]

I have the 338 and while haven't tested it on live targets I can say that it expands nicely out to 200 yards in wet news print and also water jugs. Nosler BT's and Accubonds shoot great and the Hornady SST's ain't shabby neither. Even out to 400+ yards it thumps into the ground with authority.  The 180's run around 2450 and 225 are at 2250 from a 15" bbl.