Last thread narrowed it down to these two.

J

Jayph

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I have decided that it makes the most sense to go with the .338-06 or the .35 whelen. After reading through some articles on the internet it seems that one of the two will fit best with the 2 I already have. I would like to hear first hand expierience with the cartridges likes, dislikes. I read that the .338-06 can't push the premium .338 bullets fast enough as they were designed for the .338 win mag velocities. I also know not to believe everything I read on the internet.

Basically just looking for info and help in deciding which one is a better choice. Untill my other thread was started I would of never considered either of these cartridges and I know very little about them. Also wondering if the .338-06 improved is worth the hassle. Thanks in advance.

Edit: what is the optimum barrel lenght for the .338-06 22/23/24/25 and what twist rate for 225gr bullets
 
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I have a whelen that is very accurate, but I haven't yet found anything it does better than a 300 win mag. It will push a bigger bullet slower, but I remain unconvinced that that is an advantage.

It will probably be for sale soon, it's a like new 700 CDL.
 
338-06

I'm hoping to get the parts sent away here soon for a 338-06 build. Went with a SS RKS 1-10 twist that will get finished at 22".

So yeah, another vote for the 338-06. As earlier posters have noted, it is a hand-load only proposition though.
 
Jayph said:
I read that the .338-06 can't push the premium .338 bullets fast enough as they were designed for the .338 win mag velocities.


Edit: what is the optimum barrel lenght for the .338-06 22/23/24/25 and what twist rate for 225gr bullets
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Most bullets - including the so-called premiums - are designed to perform within a ~1000-2000 fps performance window. The 100 - 150 fps difference between the 338-06 and 338 Winchester is a definite non-issue.



I have a 1 in 10 twist in my 338-06 and it has no problem stabilizing bullets up to 250 grains. My barrel is finished at 24" and the chamber was cut with a Weatherby-style long throat. As such it will push a 225 grain Hornady SP at ~2740 fps which is getting close to 338 WM performance.
 
TheTooner said:
Me too. I read that on the internet.
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i read on the internet that you shouldn't believe what you read on the internet.

that said LOL, i've had a 338-06 and a 338-06 improved (more of a 338 Hawk), and played with a couple whelens.

IMO, if you think you need more than what a 30-06 with a stout 180/200 grain load will do, bypass them and get a 338 Win Mag.

Everybody gets 338-06's or Whelens and then searches manuals and the internet for loads that will drive 250 grain bullets at 2500+. Easiest way to do that is with a 338 WM. If you handload and don;t need all that velocity, the 338 WM will still do 250's at 2550-2600 with low low pressures and no issues.

Don't be fooled into the idea about lesser recoil. A 250 grain bullet at 2500 fps will have significantly more recoil than 30-06 levels, whatever the case headstamp says. Factory 338 WM runs around 2625 fps and there is no difference recoil-wise to speak of, if you can shoot one you can shoot the other.

Also don;t be fooled into the idea that the magnum will "need" a 24-26 inch barrel. They will do 250's at 2700+ in a 24 inch barrel, and will do fine with 22inch barrels.

People worry about 'efficiency'. I worry about pressure. Anything a 338-06 or whelen will do in a 22 inch barrel, a Win Mag will beat by 100+ fps with lower pressure in that same 22" barrel. A lot lower pressure. Its a win-win.

On top of that, you can buy ammo everywhere in BC and you will be able to sell the gun if you ever decide to.

I have a couple 9.3x62's which are basically the same as the 338/06 and Whelen, but they are toys. If i needed one medium bore rifle to do what a 30-06 is on the light side for, I'd have my 338 WM and not bother with anything else.
 
Interesting thanks for the first hand info.

rgv said:
i read on the internet that you shouldn't believe what you read on the internet.

that said LOL, i've had a 338-06 and a 338-06 improved (more of a 338 Hawk), and played with a couple whelens.

IMO, if you think you need more than what a 30-06 with a stout 180/200 grain load will do, bypass them and get a 338 Win Mag.

Everybody gets 338-06's or Whelens and then searches manuals and the internet for loads that will drive 250 grain bullets at 2500+. Easiest way to do that is with a 338 WM. If you handload and don;t need all that velocity, the 338 WM will still do 250's at 2550-2600 with low low pressures and no issues.

Don't be fooled into the idea about lesser recoil. A 250 grain bullet at 2500 fps will have significantly more recoil than 30-06 levels, whatever the case headstamp says. Factory 338 WM runs around 2625 fps and there is no difference recoil-wise to speak of, if you can shoot one you can shoot the other.

Also don;t be fooled into the idea that the magnum will "need" a 24-26 inch barrel. They will do 250's at 2700+ in a 24 inch barrel, and will do fine with 22inch barrels.

People worry about 'efficiency'. I worry about pressure. Anything a 338-06 or whelen will do in a 22 inch barrel, a Win Mag will beat by 100+ fps with lower pressure in that same 22" barrel. A lot lower pressure. Its a win-win.

On top of that, you can buy ammo everywhere in BC and you will be able to sell the gun if you ever decide to.

I have a couple 9.3x62's which are basically the same as the 338/06 and Whelen, but they are toys. If i needed one medium bore rifle to do what a 30-06 is on the light side for, I'd have my 338 WM and not bother with anything else.
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I decided to chamber my build for the .338-06 using a Model 70 Featherweight for the basis. The Pac-Nor barrel will be one step up from their featherweight contour to keep this build as close to the original fwt's as possible but utilizing a .33 bore and finished at 23". To get the weight down to the original, the barrel will be fluted. Although I like the .338 Mag, the additional 100 fps or so isn't required for 99% of the shots I've taken over the past 35 years of hunting. I'll have a lighter, handier rifle that will do anything within 300 yards that my magnum did. And as a handloader who hunts mostly in British Columbia, I couldn't care less about the availability of factory ammo. In fact, I went as far as to sell my Ruger .338 Mag last week! Hey Gary, I'll likely be pestering you for load info from what you get out of your BSA .338-06. And you'll be getting emails too Amphib :D
 
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If you are going the .338 route then you might want to consider the Ruger .338 RCM...same as (or close enough) to a .338 Win. but in a short action lwt. weight little rifle...The only down side I see for now is that the brass and dies may be hard to come by for awhile....:)

Edit: Looking around on different dealer websites I find that none of them list the .338RCM yet... Another downside I would say if you need a rifle for this hunting season..
 
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BC Bigbore said:
Hey Gary, I'll likely be pestering you for load info from what you get out of your BSA .338-06. And you'll be getting emails too Amphib :D
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IMR 4064, IMR 4350 & Hodgdon 4350 are the 3 powders I have had the best luck with. My rifle prefers 200 and 225 grain bullets above all else with the 225 Hornady SP being king.


rgv said:
People worry about 'efficiency'. I worry about pressure. Anything a 338-06 or whelen will do in a 22 inch barrel, a Win Mag will beat by 100+ fps with lower pressure in that same 22" barrel. A lot lower pressure. Its a win-win.
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"Pressure" is good. If not for pressure smokeless powder would not work. Excess pressure is to be avoided but so is low pressure. Low pressure with smokeless powder results in inconsistent ignition which causes erratic velocities and a prematurely dirty barrel due to excess residue from the partially consumed powder.

A 338 WM can be loaded to lower velocities if desired but design chamber pressures should be maintained.
 
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