Author Topic: 338-06 vs 30-06 (Read 1751 times)

handirifle · « **on:** September 22, 2004, 09:59:52 AM »

I am considering making a 338-06 based on a Savage receiver. Don't really want to hear any idea or opinions on the receivers, just want to know if anyone has experience with this caliber specifically or 338 in general.

I've read the write-ups and know it'll handle 220 to 250gr bullets much easier than the '06 but does it have enough more punch to make it worthwhile over and '06?

It would be for deer, bear and elk.

Questor · « **Reply #1 on:** September 22, 2004, 10:21:39 AM »

http://quarterbore.com/library/articles/33806.html

handirifle · « **Reply #2 on:** September 22, 2004, 11:49:34 AM »

Thanks questor.
Good article, similar to what I have read. Interesting post script though that the author bought a 300 win mag. I understand his reasoning though.

Makes it kinda sad. The 338-06 seems like and ideal long range capable big game caliber for the US.

I think I'll pursue my goal of building one from a Savage receiver.

BigBrass · « **Reply #3 on:** September 22, 2004, 01:06:37 PM »

handirifle: I had my Model 70 featherweight '06 rebarreled and made into a 338-06 with a 24" barrel. The 338-06 will propel a 225-grain spitzer bullet at over 2700 fps (try H4350). It packs a lot of punch, with only a little more felt recoil than the '06. I like the caliber for all-around big-game use, up to 300 yards.

oso45-70 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 22, 2004, 02:07:50 PM »

handirifle,
I think you would be pleased with the 338-06. You would have the best bullet selection possable. Good for any thing from Varmints to Moose and every thing in between. I have given this some thought my self. Good plan go for it. Good luck.........Joe.........

Dave in WV · « **Reply #5 on:** September 22, 2004, 02:09:56 PM »

Even though you don't want opinions about the Savage receivers I'll give you a positive one. A local gunsmith told me when the Douglas barrel co. made up rifles for people their preferred action to use was a Savage. There is nothing wrong with one.

handirifle · « **Reply #6 on:** September 22, 2004, 04:46:32 PM »

Dave
Thanks, that what I have always felt :grin: . Nothing wrong with others, my sons both have Rem 700's, fine rifles, but I can do the work myself with the Savage and the barrel nut doesn't bother me at all. I'm not a real asthetics freak.

What is a good deer bullet in the 338-06 and what is accuracy like with the lighter bullets?

The deer around here are small, but it will get used for elk and black bear too.

safetysheriff · « **Reply #7 on:** September 22, 2004, 05:09:28 PM »

Handi'

I've never worked with one, but have read good things about the .338-06. I'd bet that a light-for-caliber bullet is the only one for whitetails, however, because the velocity is relatively low (for a .338 bullet) and the whitetail itself will not stress that bullet enough to open it up if it's too heavy. Velocity, bullet structure, and target resilience make up the equation for proper bullet selection. That being given, I'd move up to a 225 gr' bullet from this wildcat for black bear and elk. The .338-06 may be 300 to 400 fps slower than the .338 Win' Mag' with 200 grain jacketed bullets -- so you can see that this reduced velocity is a real consideration! Small deer may actually be outside the reasonable use for this caliber........no offense intended.

In my opinion the .30-06 is probably the better caliber for your small deer with 130 gr' bullets and then for handling black bear of any size, and elk to possibly 300 yds.....using 180 gr' projectiles.

Good hunting to you.

SS'

handirifle · « **Reply #8 on:** September 22, 2004, 06:04:59 PM »

SS
None taken. You've echo'ed thoughts I've already had. I was thinking of getting a 30-06 barrel for the Ultra V and making sure it shot well. If all goes well there, use it for deer and bear, and maybe rebarrel my Savage 30-06 to the 338-06. Then use the Savage for bear and elk, sort of a little overlap in power.

Deer and bear season run at the same time so if I ran across a bear I'd still be fine with the '06 and when specifically for bear or elk then the 338-06.

I wouldn't mind re-boring a Handi '06 barrel to the 338-06 but i got to thinking if that were my main bear gun, it might be nice to have aback up round available. :grin:

All just thoughts. Will have to see how it all unfolds.

Dave in WV · « **Reply #9 on:** September 23, 2004, 02:54:49 AM »

I've never worked with a 338-06 but it does call to me. The most often suggested all around bullet is the 210gr Partition. It's claimed to have about the same trajectory as a 180gr bullet in a 30-06 but more whollop when it connects. If I ever did have a 338-06 built up that's the bullet I'd look at first.

handirifle · « **Reply #10 on:** September 23, 2004, 07:02:31 AM »

Dave
I've read a quire a few articles and many report similar trajectories to the '06, with even 220 or 225gr bullets. End performance is said to be more like the 35 Whelen than the '06 out to 300yds and better than the Whelen or the '06 past that.

Maybe as the new year rolls around, in the meantime on on the hunt for a low price Savage receiver to build from.

Dave in WV · « **Reply #11 on:** September 23, 2004, 12:51:03 PM »

FYI, I bought a Savage laminated stock from Midway USA for my son's M110 .243 and the stock really looks good. The stocks are fully inletted and he took his to a smith and had it bedded. He's pleased with the stock.

JC · « **Reply #12 on:** November 08, 2004, 09:31:24 AM »

Handi,
I have a 338/06 and highly reccomend it, I also like the ugly simple action of the Savage. My 338/06 is on a Mauser Action with a 26" barrel. I was using the sierra 215 over 61 grains of DU 4350. I was getting good accuracy , but I called a friend of mine and he told me the 215 was more of an elk bullet. He suggest the 180 Balistic tip for deer. I will be hunting the 100- 200 lbs deer. I think that loaded with the lighter bullets that I have on their way this will be like lightning on the deer. I am predjudiced but I say that the 338/06 is the best all around cartridge you can get. There I opened a can of worms, lol... happy shooting....

:sniper:

JC · « **Reply #13 on:** November 18, 2004, 02:43:24 AM »

Handi,
I just shot the 180 Balistic Tips, I put them over 57 grains of 4064. I hit one inch high at 125 yards. It was a clover leaf. Recoil was like that of a 30/06. I am not a big nosler fan but when the person that reccomends it works for a different bullet company I would say that it is a good bet. I can sen you a pic of the group.

:sniper:

handirifle · « **Reply #14 on:** November 18, 2004, 02:01:32 PM »

JC
Thanks for the feedback and yes I'd like to see the pic. If you can't post it send it to handirifle@adelphia.net

I just did a baked on paint job on my Savage and am going to order the '06 barrel for my Handi. If that shoots good, I'll upgrade the Savage.

For up close deer, elk and bear I have my 375 Win 94. :grin:

JC · « **Reply #15 on:** December 21, 2004, 09:45:04 AM »

Handi,
Trying to get the pics in, but having troubles there. I got two does with my 338/06. One was at 75 yards and the other was 165 yards. Those are walked off / guestamated yards. They were shot within 5 minutes of each other and both went about 15 yards. The little 180 balistic tip blew their hearts into jello. Supprisingly there wasn't alot of meat damage. My rifle is at the gunsmith where he is fitting a stock for me as mine seemed to be cracking. While the 338/06 vs. the 30/06 debate still goes on. In a pinch I would use either.

Ramrod · « **Reply #16 on:** December 21, 2004, 01:07:20 PM »

handirifle, I believe that a bear or elk at 300 yards would have a hard time telling the difference between the .338-06 and my regular old .30-06 loaded with a 200 grain bullet at 2600 fps. They would both be just as dead. What alot of folks don't realize is that it takes an enormous increase in bullet energy to notice any significant increase in killing power. I'm talking on the order of 50% or more. Tweaking bullet weights by 25-50 grains or so, or increasing velocity by a couple hundred fps. looks good on paper but doesn't work out in the field. Penetration and bullet performance is alot more important, as is shot placement. I think your money would be better spent on good factory ammo for the .30-06, or working up good loads with good bullets. personally I don't own anything between a .30-06 and a .375 H&H. Just don't see a need. And I do own alot of smaller calibers. There's my :money:

Triple4 · « **Reply #17 on:** December 21, 2004, 07:09:17 PM »

A 30-06 with a 200gr bullet is a far cry from a 338-06 and 215gr bullets,
they both will exced 2700fps but the 338 bullet has an advantage with it's diameter, a bigger diameter bullet will always seem to do more damage and seem to kill very well. If a smaller bullet was better then a 300Weatherby and 200gr plus bullets should rule with big bears but as we all know a 338mag has the honor as the prefered big bear getter, just ask any good guide.

As stated by others the 338-06 is one of the bright spots on the 30-06 family of cartridges, ( I'll throw in the 25-06 as well ) the biggest problem has been no-body makes a cheaper rifle in 338-06, something like a Remington 700 mountain rifle would be a wonderful elk country rifle I would also like to see Ruger come out with a 338-06.

I built my wife a Mauser in 338-06 for elk hunting and feel that it will serve her well with Noslers 210gr Partitions.