When it comes to hunting big game, long-range shooting, and extreme accuracy, hunters and shooters have a wide range of cartridges to choose from. Two such cartridges that have gained a reputation for their performance in these areas are the 375 H&H Magnum and the 338 Lapua. In this article, we’ll compare these two cartridges to see how they differ and which one might be the better choice for your needs.
Here is the short answer:
The 375 H&H Magnum is a versatile cartridge that’s well-suited for hunting big game at moderate ranges. The 338 Lapua, on the other hand, is a long-range powerhouse that’s capable of taking down targets at extreme distances. While both cartridges are excellent in their own right, the choice between them ultimately depends on the intended use.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each cartridge, their ballistics, their best uses, and see how they compare in-depth.
In-Depth Look at the 375 H&H Magnum
The 375 H&H Magnum was introduced by British gunmaker Holland & Holland in 1912. It quickly gained popularity among hunters and shooters for its versatility and effectiveness on big game. The cartridge uses a 375 caliber bullet and has a case length of 2.85 inches.
The 375 H&H Magnum is a powerful cartridge that’s capable of taking down any North American game animal and most African game. It’s particularly well-suited for hunting dangerous game, such as elephant, buffalo, and lion, as its heavy bullet can penetrate thick hides and bone. At moderate ranges, the 375 H&H Magnum is an accurate and dependable cartridge.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 375 H&H Magnum with a 300-grain soft point bullet:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2530 | 4263 |
| 50 | 0 | 0.2 | 2397 | 3826 |
| 100 | 0 | 1.2 | 2267 | 3424 |
| 150 | -1.7 | 2.8 | 2142 | 3057 |
| 200 | -5.3 | 5 | 2021 | 2720 |
| 250 | -10.9 | 7.9 | 1903 | 2412 |
| 300 | -19.1 | 11.8 | 1790 | 2135 |
| 350 | -30.1 | 16.7 | 1684 | 1888 |
| 400 | -44 | 22.5 | 1581 | 1665 |
| 450 | -61.4 | 29.2 | 1484 | 1467 |
| 500 | -82.8 | 37.1 | 1394 | 1294 |
In-Depth Look at the 338 Lapua
The 338 Lapua, also known as the 8.6x70mm, was developed in the 1980s by Finnish firearm manufacturer Lapua. It was designed as a military sniper cartridge, but has since gained popularity among civilian shooters and hunters for its long-range capabilities. The cartridge uses a 338 caliber bullet and has a case length of 2.72 inches.
The 338 Lapua is a true long-range cartridge that’s capable of taking down targets at extreme distances. It’s well-suited for shooting at targets beyond 1,000 yards, and has been used to set numerous long-range shooting records. The cartridge is also capable of taking down big game, including moose and elk, at long ranges.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 388 Lapua Magnum with a 300-grain Nosler Accubond bullet:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2650 | 4678 |
| 50 | -0.1 | 0.1 | 2588 | 4461 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.4 | 2527 | 4253 |
| 150 | -1.3 | 1 | 2467 | 4053 |
| 200 | -3.9 | 1.8 | 2407 | 3860 |
| 250 | -8.1 | 3 | 2349 | 3674 |
| 300 | -13.9 | 4.4 | 2291 | 3495 |
| 350 | -21.3 | 6.2 | 2234 | 3324 |
| 400 | -30.5 | 8.3 | 2178 | 3159 |
| 450 | -41.6 | 10.6 | 2122 | 3000 |
| 500 | -54.5 | 13.2 | 2068 | 2847 |
In-depth Comparison
In terms of energy, the 375 H&H is capable of producing around 4,800 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle with a 300-grain bullet. The 338 Lapua, on the other hand, can produce around 4,700 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle with a 250-grain bullet. However, the 338 Lapua has a flatter trajectory and less wind drift, making it easier to shoot at longer ranges.
In terms of recoil, the 375 H&H has a significant amount of recoil, especially when firing heavy loads. The 338 Lapua also has a substantial recoil, but it is slightly more manageable than the 375 H&H. Recoil can be reduced with the use of a muzzle brake or a well-designed stock.
When it comes to hunting, the 375 H&H is an excellent choice for dangerous game like African elephants and Cape buffalo. The 338 Lapua is better suited for hunting larger game at long ranges, such as moose, elk, and grizzly bears.
Basically, at close range the 375 is a more deadly cartridge. At long range (long range being past 500 yards), the 338 Lapua far outperforms the 375 H&H.
Conclusion
Overall, the 375 H&H and the 338 Lapua are both exceptional cartridges with their unique strengths and weaknesses. The 375 H&H has a long history of proven performance in the field, especially for hunting dangerous game, while the 338 Lapua is a more modern cartridge designed for long-range shooting. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the intended use of the rifle and personal preference.