Is .338 Winchester Magnum faster than .375 H&H Magnum?

At the top of the range, .338 Winchester Magnum is faster — 2,750 fps versus 2,530. Real velocity depends on the specific load and barrel length, so check individual factory loads before you decide.

Which hits harder, .338 Winchester Magnum or .375 H&H Magnum?

.375 H&H Magnum carries more muzzle energy at its top load (4,263 vs 3,778 ft·lb). Energy alone doesn't decide terminal effect, though — bullet construction and placement matter more.

Cartridge comparison

.338 Winchester Magnum vs .375 H&H Magnum

.338 Winchester Magnum is faster at the top of its range (2,750 vs 2,530 fps); .375 H&H Magnum carries more energy at its hottest load (4,263 vs 3,778 ft·lb).

Representative trajectories · velocity only, no drag model · 100 yd zero0–800 yd

.338 Winchester Magnum2,750 fps .375 H&H Magnum2,530 fps Zero

Velocity only, no drag model: this is the shape gravity alone gives the advertised velocity. Drag would steepen it. The tool below solves real loads through their published G1 or G7 model.

Open in Ballistic Compare

Side by side

	.338 Winchester Magnum	.375 H&H Magnum
Type	Rifle	Rifle
Introduced	1958	1912
Bullet diameter	0.338″	0.375″
Case length	2.5″	2.85″
Velocity	2,750 fps	2,530 fps
Energy	3,777–3,778 ft·lb	4,263 ft·lb
Max pressure	64,000 psi	62,000 psi
Recoil	20–28 ft·lb	40–55 ft·lb
Effective range	500 yd	400 yd

Highlighted cells hold the clear edge where both sides have a number. Every figure is a range maximum from the reference; typical loads run lower.

Case profiles, to scale

Drawn to the same scale, so the proportions are true. Physical size varies with your screen.

ToolOverlay .338 Winchester Magnum and .375 H&H Magnum trajectories with real loads in Ballistic Compare

FAQs

Is .338 Winchester Magnum faster than .375 H&H Magnum?: At the top of the range, .338 Winchester Magnum is faster — 2,750 fps versus 2,530. Real velocity depends on the specific load and barrel length, so check individual factory loads before you decide.
Which hits harder, .338 Winchester Magnum or .375 H&H Magnum?: .375 H&H Magnum carries more muzzle energy at its top load (4,263 vs 3,778 ft·lb). Energy alone doesn't decide terminal effect, though — bullet construction and placement matter more.