The Differences Between .338 & .358 Ammo
All .338- and .358-caliber cartridges are powerful; the cartridges are suited for taking large game such as elk, moose, brown bear and feral hogs. The ammunition is used to hunt African plains game-animals such as kudu and gemsbok. A .358 is normally referred to as a ".35 caliber."
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Bullet Differences
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A .338-caliber cartridge uses bullets of .338 inches in diameter; the .358-caliber cartridges use bullets of .358 inches in diameter. The nominal difference between the two calibers is .020 inches, which is significant in ammunition terms. A .338 caliber bullet is available in weights from 185 to 300 grains; a .358-caliber bullets is available in weights between 200 and 285 grains.
.338 Caliber Cartridges and Uses
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The .338 cartridges fire bullets -- with high ballistic coefficients -- at velocities sometimes exceeding 3,400 fps. These cartridges are used for hunting large North American game -- or African plains game -- at distances in excess of 400 yards. Some .338 cartridges are used by police and military snipers for long-distance, anti-personel work.
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.358 Caliber Cartridges and Uses
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Most .358-caliber cartridges have relatively slow velocities, but lighter-weight bullets are driven in excess of 2,900 fps. Some .358 cartridges -- developed for early lever-action rifles -- have bullets with blunt noses and have lower ballistic coefficients. These cartridges are not as aerodynamic as bullets with higher ballistic coefficients. A .358-caliber cartridge is best used on large, dangerous game-animals at close range. Effectiveness is derived from the bullet's large diameter and weight, rather than speed.
Firearms
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Some rifles chamber either cartridge, but the .358 cartridges are of older design. There are bolt-action, single-shot and lever-action rifles chambered for .358 calibers. The .338 caliber cartridges are newer in design, being chambered in bolt-action and semi-automatic, modern sporting rifles.
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References
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