which one to build

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Bigbear

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Beaverlodge, AB
I am having a trouble deciding which one to build a 338 win mag or a 338-06.
I have a weatherby ultralight magnum action and a weatherby ultralight standard action. the magnum will weigh around 7 lbs and the 338-06 will be around 6 lbs. I have experiance with the 338 win mag. But none with the 338-06 (I have all up to date reloading manuals so I don't need to be told what they say) So any personal info you have or experiance with it would be greatly appreciated. I am building the gun for chasing elk in the rut. so lots of hiking.
 
I had a very nice little HVA in 338-06 IMP. Awsome ballistics and held 5 down. Been through all the 338 rounds, now back to the plain old WM. The only reason for the 06 is if its on a smaller action that can be made lighter. Even with the HVA it could have been a WM, being a small ring it was about the smallest CRF action suitable for the 06 at that time. The full size action should be a 338-378 (wicked round, I used one for a bit) build the small one on the small action.
 
338 Win Mag gets my vote.
My cousin who is an Elk nut (I know of no other term at this point) has build a 338 Weatherby Magnum (I think).

I am biased toward standard cartidges...hence 338 WIn Mag. Mine is a Sako...It has been Magna ported and is topped with a Leupold scope 3-10. Sako rings and bases.
 
Buy vs Build

Me, I'd "buy" a .338 but I'd have a .338-08 built.... ;)

2007-10-27_091302_1aCoffee.gif

NAA.
 
Nice to see this post, I'm thinking about the same thing, light weight elk smasher. I thought I was gonna get to chase elk this fall so I bought a Ruger 338. Really nice gun, but too heavy...sold it and bought a T3 LSS 338. Now that was a nice looking/feeling gun. I'll admit right off the bat though that I as having a hard time getting good groups time after time as the recoil was bothing me. I found out my elk hunt wasn't going to happen this year so I sold it. Now I keep wanting to get another one, or a 338-06 instead. I have an '06 (of course!) and a 35 Whelen, so the practical side of me says that a 338-06 is silly, right in between the 2. The 338WM is at least a step up in power and reach. Not sue what to do, I'm thinking of trying something with a different stock design and see it that helps tame the thump. I'll admit though that if I ever saw one of those Weatherby ultralights in 338-06 I sure would be tempted:D
 
338-06

Does anyone have and reloading info they used with velocities. I have owned all of the 338 cals. except the 338-06 it has always interested me. I would go with the 338-06 AI instead of just the 338-06. I am guessing with the 338-06 AI. 24" BBl I should get 2800-2900 with the 210gr bullets.
 
My Sako m75 Greywolf 338-06 AI shoots 225gr Accubonds 0.5" groups. LOVE IT !!

May try the TTSX's too. But as I siad before - the performance of the AB's at the raqnge and on big game out of the rifles I reload.....I had traded off all the TSX's I had in each caliber for more AB's.

Speed wise on mine...I do not know, but should be over 2800 for sure.
 
I have the 338-06ia model and shoot a hornady 200 gr interlock for around 2950ave out of a 24" bnarrel. I find them a lighter kick than the 338mag and my gun weighs at 7# mark. Buddy has one also and he gets the same velocity out of his and he has a gaillard barrel on his. A 250gr hornady interlock has a vel of 2650 out of mine.
 
I have a Model 70 in 338 wm with a Brown Precision stock,3.5x10 Zeiss.It is light,Recoil is not bad and you can pack it all day.It is nice to have that extra power.I am shooting TSX 225 gr at 2800-2900.
 
I really don't find that much recoil difference between a 338 Win. with an accuracy load and a full throttle 338-06.

The 338Win shoots very well at reduced velocities and for whatever reason you need more speed you can crank it up.
Not to mention that brass and loaded ammunition are readily available.

It is a real PITA fireforming AI brass....Been there done that...Wont be doing it again.

Good luck with your choice!
 
My choice would be a 35 Whelen (basically a 358-06). I'm sure that the 338-06 would be fine but why not go for the 35 Whelen with the slightly bigger diameter bullet.

I have a customized 35 Whelen and would not trade it for any other caliber in that range. My 35 Whelen goes at 6 lb 14 oz fully loaded and the recoil shooting comercial 200 & 250 gr. bullets is such that I could shoot all day without getting my shoulder all blue.

My second choice in that range of calibers would be a 340 Weatherby Magnum but the recoil is such that I would try shooting one before committing.

Please let us know your final choice and the reasons for making it.

Duke1
 
I have a lightweight 338-06 built on a BSA Featherweight action. With 24" barrel and 3-9x40 scope mounted it is under 8 pounds.

Velocities range from 3050 fps with Barnes 160 gr TTSX to 2600 fps with a 250 gr Hornady SP. The 2 loads I use the most are a 200 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip at 2800 fps and a 225 gr Hornady at 2740 fps.

I sold my Model 70 338 Winchester shortly after seeing what the 338-06 is capable of.
 
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