I have owned both and while recoil from the .338 is less there is simply no comparison between the .338 and .375 for game larger than elk. I gave up my .338 and kept the .375 because I didn't feel I needed both and the .375 is so much more flexible... and would certainly be my preference for buffalo of the two (although I'd pick a .458 for that job in place of either). I felt that I might as well keep (and learn to shoot) the .375 even though it is more gun than I often need in North America but is so much more beneficial for large game when I need it. Presently I jump from 300 Weatherby to .375 H&H in my rifle safe. The .300 Weatherby does nearly everything I want but I have the .375 when I need it. The .338 didn't fit as well as those two combined and was redundant both ways.