Author Topic: .375 H&H or .338 Win? (Read 1215 times)

CEJ1895 · « **on:** July 01, 2004, 06:27:09 AM »

Hi all! I'm trying to decide between two rifles and I'd like your opinions. The first is a Sako M995 in .375 H&H for around 700.00 and the second one is a Belgian made Safari Grade Browning FN in .338 Win Mag in excellent shape for around 1100.00. My problem is I've already got a custom made .35 Whelen which sort of covers most of what the .338 can do. The Sako on the other hand would cover my heavy rifle needs and it seems to be a good price but I don't know anything about this model. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks CEJ... :grin:

Lawdog · « **Reply #1 on:** July 01, 2004, 10:13:43 AM »

CEJ,

I know almost nothing about the Sako M995 but Sako is one of the better names in firearms. I vote for the .375 H&H as everyone needs to have one in their gun safe. To make the .375 H&H perfect run a .375 Weatherby reamer through it. Now you have the best of both worlds in .375. You ever run out of Weatherby ammo you can always switch over and use H&H ammo. Small groups and tight lines to you. Lawdog

lgm270 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 01, 2004, 12:05:22 PM »

CEJ: YOu didn't say what you're going to use it for and you live in connecticut. Personally I think the .375 H&H would be best. I've used and owned both but the .375 really is a different proposition than the .338.

I agree with Law dog and my recommendation is for the .375.

Best

Yukon Jack · « **Reply #3 on:** July 01, 2004, 01:11:52 PM »

Depending on your use for the rifle, if either of the two will do, I'd go for the FN over the Sako.

Typically, rifles chambered for the 338 are more compact and lighter in weight than 375's, so they are easier to hunt with. There's not much in the U.S. that you need either for except for the big bears. Either of the 2 cartridges would serve well in that capacity, with the 375 probably having a little more edge using the heaviest of bullets.

For elk, moose, caribou, or anything else here in the States, I doubt the animal would ever know the difference between the two. The 338 might be a little easier to tote over hill and dale for the shooter though.

If the FN Browning Mauser is in really good shape and doesn't have a saltwood stock, that's a really good price, and they are really fine rifles.

CEJ1895 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 02, 2004, 09:19:52 AM »

Thanks guys for all of your advice!

lgm270 - You're right about not being able to hunt much in this state with a .375 H&H, but I think I'm going to follow your's and Lawdog's suggestion and add the Sako .375 to complete my battery! Lawdog, I think I'll leave it stock for now but that's a great idea you have about the Weatherby... Thanks again! CEJ...

Yukon Jack · « **Reply #5 on:** July 02, 2004, 09:28:01 AM »

One thing to think about, the Sako M995 is still being made in several variants, the Browning FN Mauser isn't. If you get the Browning, you could always, at a later time, pick up a Sako. You might not be able to do that if pick up the Sako and want the Browning.

If you do a search on the web for guns being sold, the Browning typically commands a bit higher price, unless the Sako has been customized.

pc · « **Reply #6 on:** July 02, 2004, 09:56:47 PM »

The .375 H&H is very versatile you can load the speer 235 gr bullets for a lighter load. I run the 300 gr Hornady RN's in my cz .375 and there not a bad bullet for what I hunt.