Its a matter of velocity. Extended range is a result of higher velocity (and higher BC but the sake of this particular argument, we are sticking to velocity. The 340 is a longer case, and has more powder, so it should shoot faster which will equal flatter, longer trajectory. The big argument here is the cost vs result. The 340 "costs" more in recoil because of the larger amounts of powder. It also plain costs more in price too lol.

What does flatter trajectory have to do with anything?

Why would it not have to do with anything? I mean if we are splitting hairs between equal weight bullets in the same caliber with the velocity, a flatter trajectory is going to be one of the results of the increase in speed, as is energy. If one was to desire a faster cartridge, is it not because of the that, as well as more energy?

quote:

Its a matter of velocity. Extended range is a result of higher velocity (and higher BC but the sake of this particular argument, we are sticking to velocity.

Exactly what I was thinking when I asked my question.

But I don't have enough post count to be "credible," so I just get one word responses without the courtesy of clarification.

JWP 475,

What does flatter trajectory have to do with anything? Well, once upon a time there were no laser range finders. The flatter the trajectory the cartridge, the less guess work you can take out of the equation.
There are many instances where you do not have the time to take all your "gadgets" out of your kanpsack. range it, check it yada yada set up , hold over etc.
Many time if you are in tough terrain, you may not want to haul all that gear.
Make things simple! equipment breaks or can fail (electronics).
Take as much guess work out of your equation as possible.
When I took my 340 to the tundra country of northern Alaska, there were legitimate 500 yard opportunities at Caribou. These animals seldom stop moving. You cannot head them off in that terrain or catch up with them. The wind is always blowing.
I loaded at what then was called a Jensen J26 (225 gr) which is essentially what Swift copied and calls a scorrico today.
I could load these at about 3100 FPS and sight in 2.75" high at 100 yards and could hit a caribou at 500 yards with the cross hairs at the top of his back ( with a harris bi pod). For ranging,All I had was the Leupold 2.5 X 8 VXIII with their little cross hair duplex ranging system.
In instances like that when you require simplicity, act fast, reduce guess work. It makes very good sence. In the windy areas the less flight time the less time wind has to act on the projectile moving it around (again less guess work, time and fewer gadgets to haul around).Personally, I always plan a simple system for hunting with the least opportunity for equipment failure or guess work to spoil my hunt.

Couldn't agree more, the simpler you can keep things while hunting the better chance you have of succeeding. Even with a range finder I identify a perimeter of 300 yards knowing if an animal is inside that I don't have to think - just hold in the center of the chest and squeeze.

I've been thinking about replacing my 7mm Rem Mag for Elk with a 340 Weatherby - it looks like I can use the 225 grainers and have almost exactly what I am used to ballistically with 150 grains in the 7mm. Keeping my brain from having to adjust is always good when adrenaline is flowing. It doesn't look like the same is true of the 338 WM - but that is just reading tables not after careful attempts at reloading.