Ive got a Tikka T3 action that Im thinking of getting rebareled into a dedicated bush elk/bear gun. Was thinking 338 Federal or 358 Win....Most shots on elk we have had have been anywhere from 20-50 yards but would like a thumper that has a range of 200 yards.....some open areas I may try. What cartridge would you guys reccomend and what barrel length?
338 Fed or 358 Win for elk?
- Thread starter scott_r
- Start date
I’d go 35 Whelen as well. I have a 338 federal and a Whelen. My Whelen dumps animals faster then any other rifle I own. It transfers energy to the target like crazy and makes for spectacular kills. Plus it kills out to 400 yards pretty easy with the right driver even though people say only 300 yards max.
No matter what you pick 22” barrel is all you need
No matter what you pick 22” barrel is all you need
I have a 338 Federal and a 338-06 A Square - I'm a 338 cal FAN over 35 cal because of the BETTER Ballistics ! 
jmo RJ
jmo RJI own both and have had great success with both, with more game harvested with the 358 as I have had my BLR for 18 years, and my 338 for just 3 years.
You cannot go wrong with either choice. Whichever you choose will work very well on elk, with proper bullet placement of course, and you and the game will never really know the difference from one to the other. And you will enjoy shooting and hunting with either of them!
For me, I do prefer the better BC for the 338 bullets. I guess it is why I now have a bolt action and a lever action in 338 Federal (both custom).
A 22" barrel will give you the best balance of velocity and handling in whichever caliber you choose. But if you do prefer a handier rifle for the environment where you mostly hunt, you will not be handicapped with a 20" barrel.
My bolt action has a 22" barrel, while my lever action sports a 20" barrel. I built the lever for use in the thick timber.
You cannot go wrong with either choice. Whichever you choose will work very well on elk, with proper bullet placement of course, and you and the game will never really know the difference from one to the other. And you will enjoy shooting and hunting with either of them!
For me, I do prefer the better BC for the 338 bullets. I guess it is why I now have a bolt action and a lever action in 338 Federal (both custom).
A 22" barrel will give you the best balance of velocity and handling in whichever caliber you choose. But if you do prefer a handier rifle for the environment where you mostly hunt, you will not be handicapped with a 20" barrel.
My bolt action has a 22" barrel, while my lever action sports a 20" barrel. I built the lever for use in the thick timber.
I got both, hunted with the 338fed . I shoot factory 210 nosler. Shot a few deer from 70-110ish yards.Put them down hard.
I wouldn’t hesitate to use the 338fed for close game.
Both are good calibers imo. But if you don’t reload 338 fed has more factory offerings and better availability
I wouldn’t hesitate to use the 338fed for close game.
Both are good calibers imo. But if you don’t reload 338 fed has more factory offerings and better availability
338—06 with a 20" barrel. Just because I didn't see anyone else mention it. Lol
Or, seeing as it's a Tikka, 9.3x62 has that wonderful Euro-vibe going on.
The 35 cals give you the option of plinking/small game loads using pistol bullets though. For that reason I'd go with the 35 Whelen that others suggested, but I reload and like to mess around with stuff.
Or, seeing as it's a Tikka, 9.3x62 has that wonderful Euro-vibe going on.
The 35 cals give you the option of plinking/small game loads using pistol bullets though. For that reason I'd go with the 35 Whelen that others suggested, but I reload and like to mess around with stuff.
leveractionjunkie
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Kamloops, BC
YUP ! in a 338 Fed or 338-06 A Square ! jmo RJ
Didn't you have a wonderful vibe going for 9.3x57? Where has the love gone? Lol,...
