Not much difference in recoil. 36.1 lbs for the 375 H&H and 33.3 lbs for the 338. However IMO, the 375 is a LOT more rifle on the business end.

I reload so I never really give a thought to if a cartridge will survive. There are plenty of good 8MM bullets and if you prefer a short action then I would still opt for the 325WSM. I like short actions thus my interest in the 338 Federal.