[jmr40]

Run the numbers though a ballistics software program. Shooting similar bullet weights any 33 caliber will be faster at the muzzle than a comparable 30 caliber rifle. Lots of guys look here and no farther, but the better BC's of the 30's will always surpass the 33's at some point down range. It really depends on the exact load and bullet but often as close as 50 yards and rarely farther than 200 yards.

The better sectional densities of the 30 calibers mean better penetration than 33's at any range. The difference in diameter of a 30 caliber bullet vs a 33 caliber is about the same as the thickness of your fingernail. In other words it won't have any effect on game.

If you compare any 30 vs 33 built on similar case sizes such as 308 vs 338 Fed, 30-06 vs 338-06, 300 WM vs 338 WM and on up the only thing you gain with the 33's is more recoil. All of these factors contributed to the military giving up on the 338 Lapua and going with 300 WM for their long range rifle.

If you feel a 30 caliber isn't big enough to do the job skip right over everything else and go straight to 375 mag.