Indecision

[Questor]

I'm in a bit of a quandry about whether to use the 338 magnum or 375 magnum for bison meat hunts and as a backup gun for hog hunting with my son and perhaps elk and black bear hunting. Rationally, the 338 seems like a better gun because it's adequate, and works in a lighter and less expensive rifle. On the other hand, the extra diameter of the 375 is attractive. What do you think.  The only 375s I'd consider are the ones of appropriate weight, like around 8.5 - 9.5 pounds empty and without a scope.  The Ruger stainless/synthetic is a pretty attractive 338.

[safetysheriff]

I'd go with the .338 in the Ruger.....partly because of how I like those very strong rifles, and partly because the .338 with the right projectiles is more appropriate to the game you will be hunting most of the time.

I've never hunted buffalo, but believe that if the .338 ammo' meets the manufacturers recommendations for buff' then it is the better choice.   The weight and construction of the bullet would be the key here.    I'd go with the heavy-for-caliber projectiles for buff', and with the mid-weight projectiles for large elk and black bear.     For grizzly I'd try a premium bullet, actually.    

The .338 certainly is a more versatile caliber for use in the lower 48 states, including against grizzly if you ever do that one day.    The .375 H & H magnum is just too heavy in the recoil department, and lugging around a heavy rifle to tame it just wears out the hunter.   Why bother?

I'd get the .338 and never look back -- if the ammo' meets the requirements for your game.

[7magWoodsman]

I'd go with the .338 in the Ruger.....partly because of how I like those very strong rifles, and partly because the .338 with the right projectiles is more appropriate to the game you will be hunting most of the time. The .338 certainly is a more versatile caliber for use in the lower 48 states, including against grizzly if you ever do that one day. I'd get the .338 and never look back.

I would also get the Ruger M77 in .338 Win. Mag.

The Ruger stainless/synthetic is a pretty attractive .338.

I agree, the M77 Mark II ALL-WEATHER is an attractive rifle if stainless is your thing. It is also reasonably priced too.
 
Stay Safe. Happy Hunting/Shooting.

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Or do what I did----get both.