.300 Winchester Mag vs .338 Winchester Mag
Typical factory loads side by side: speed, energy, BC, twist, range and what each one is built for.
The short answer
With typical loads, the .300 Winchester Mag is about 180 ft/s faster at the muzzle (2,960 vs 2,780 ft/s).
The .338 Winchester Mag carries about 10% more energy at the muzzle (3,861 vs 3,502 ft-lbs), which usually also means more recoil.
On the same size target, the .300 Winchester Mag has the longer point-blank range (286 yd), so you can hold dead-on a bit farther without adjusting.
Side by side
| .300 Winchester Mag | .338 Winchester Mag | |
|---|---|---|
| Made for | Long-range elk and moose cartridge; also used on big bears and plains game. | Built for elk, moose and brown bear where heavy bullets and deep penetration matter. |
| Typical load | 180 grsoft point | 225 grsoft point |
| Muzzle speed | 2,960 ft/s | 2,780 ft/s |
| Muzzle energy | 3,502 ft-lbs | 3,861 ft-lbs |
| Typical BC (G1) | ≈ 0.40typical, varies by brand | ≈ 0.40typical, varies by brand |
| Twist rate | 1:101:9 for 200+ gr | 1:10 |
| Practical range | 500+ yd | 400 yd |
| Point-blank range | 286 yd6" vital zone | 273 yd6" vital zone |
| Recommended platform | Heavy rifle, 8½–9 lb+Heavy recoil; skip ultralights, consider a brake | Heavy rifle, 9 lb+Very heavy recoil; not for ultralights or beginners |
Which one fits you?
.300 Winchester Mag: Long-range elk and moose cartridge; also used on big bears and plains game.
.338 Winchester Mag: Built for elk, moose and brown bear where heavy bullets and deep penetration matter.
For most hunters, the right pick is the one you can shoot accurately and comfortably, in a rifle that fits how you hunt. Good shot placement and a bullet built for your game matter more than small differences on paper.
More
- .300 Winchester Mag profile
- .338 Winchester Mag profile
- 7mm Remington Mag vs .300 Winchester Mag
- .300 PRC vs .300 Winchester Mag
- .30-06 Springfield vs .300 Winchester Mag
- All comparisons
Speed, energy and BC are typical figures for the listed load; real numbers vary by brand, lot and barrel length. Always check the ammo maker's data for your exact load.