How can a .338 Win Mag generate more energy than 300 WM

[daisygordoninc]

What contributes to the greater energy from a .338 over a .300 when the size of
the case is actually larger in 300 Win Mag. (capacity of water)
Anyone investigated this some?

[AJMD429]

Typical bullet weights are more increased with the 338 than the trade-off of reduced velocity-squared...

Averaging about 221 gr vs 177 gr, and 2814 fps vs 2971 fps, for 3816 fpe vs 3395 fpe, according to their math.

That is from AmmoGuide.com, and the average figures are weighted averages based on the number of loads published on their site.

They show approximate values of 86.4 vs 82.7 estimated grains of case capacity favoring the smaller caliber case, as you said.

Wouldn't want to get shot with either one though.

I think that other than shot placement, bullet meplat and construction that I'd not worry about the difference in foot-pounds much.

[KWK]

The .338 has the greater expansion ratio. This has the same effect as a longer barrel.

There are other parameters to consider, but without trying it in QuickLoad or the Powley Computer, I'll go with this simple answer.

[siberian505]

Simple load a 275 speer in the 338 at 2600 and shoot through everything you need to. Oh and if you have any solids they don't stop.

[Griff]

Size of case has nothing to do with either velocity or energy. Bullet weight and velocity determine calculated energy at any range. Just looking at Federal Premium ammo, the 338WM has a higher muzzle velocity than the 300WM with the same weight bullets. A bullet's ballistic coefficient also plays a vital role in carrying that energy downrange.

[Blaine]

Such is the case (no pun intended) of 38 Special, and 9mm....The 38 Special has more capacity, but the 9mm generally has more energy.

[buckeyeshooter]

Shoot a 220 grain 300wm, then a 300 grain .338wm. You will quickly understand there is no comparison. The 300 will kick and the .338 will kick a lot! Works the same way on whatever poor creature you shoot with these things.

[claybob86]

250 is enough grains in the .338 for me, thanks!

[Old Savage]

Compare momentum.

[piller]

And now you understand that there is a whole lot more than simple case capacity or amount of powder to make the energy of a bullet. The 32 special is faster than the .30-30 with the same powder capacity, and the 338 Federal is faster than the .308 with the same powder capacity. The size of the area on which the powder gasses have to push makes for another variable in the equation.

[PriseDeFer]

The base of the 338 bullet has more area than the 30 caliber, more area for those Pounds Per Square Inch to push on. Given equal chamber pressures more energy will be transferred to the larger bullet.

[m.wun]

I agree with these last two . It's like a bigger tire will hold more weight with less air pressure.