338-06 or 35 whelen

moosesniper · #1 03-21-2018, 06:04 PM

I have a Parker hale 30-06 and am playing with the idea of a new barrel. Is going to a 338 or 35 an option and if it is what one do you suggest? Why? I do my own reloading and don't plan to shoot over 300yrds.

brendan's dad · #2 03-21-2018, 06:18 PM

338-06, you will find better projectiles in .338.

Salavee · #3 03-21-2018, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brendan's dad

338-06, you will find better projectiles in .338.

Having a .338-06, a .35 Whelen AI and a 9.3x62, I would suggest the Whelen. The .358 fits in nicely between the .338 and .375. For it's size it is comfortable to shoot, easy to load for, a real good variety of bullets are readily available and factory ammo plus properly headstamped brass is easy to obtain..
The effectiveness of the .35W on large Game out to 350 yds is outstanding as well. There is nothing not to like about it from my experience.

jayquiver · #4 03-21-2018, 08:05 PM

I just went through this exact process...more then likely I spent way too much time over analyzing it. haha.

I went with a 338-06, mainly for bullet selection, more grain options (Nosler) and better ballistics. I will resize 30-06 Lapua brass.

I went with a 22" barrel in a 338-06...should be here in a few months.

Big Lou · #5 03-21-2018, 08:26 PM

Can’t speak first hand about the 338-06 but I certainly wouldn’t turn my nose up at the option. This last November I went the Whelen route myself. Probably for the nostalgia factor as much as anything but I wanted a little more thump so I ended up in a .35. Chewed through the factory stuff about a week ago and started load development yesterday. A pleasure to load for and shoot. Feeds smooth like butter. After yesterday I have all the faith in the world it is capable of being a very effective 300+ yard rifle. I imagine the 338 would be a similar experience. Don’t think you could go wrong either way.

gerrygoat · #6 03-21-2018, 09:02 PM

The way I look at it between the two is if you really want a step above the standard 30-06 then go to the 35 Whelen or 9.3x62 as also mentioned. The 338-06 is a fine round but so is a heavy loaded 30-06. I have a Benchmark 1 in 12 twist 35 Whelen which I really like, can shoot anything from pistol bullets for the 357 magnum up to the 310 gr Woodleigh.

LiegeRiver · #7 03-22-2018, 07:58 AM

Picking up my 338-06 today!!!!!!

LR

58thecat · #8 03-23-2018, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiegeRiver

Picking up my 338-06 today!!!!!!

LR

Pics please.

moosesniper · #9 03-23-2018, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 58thecat

Pics please.

I agree let's see some pict please.

LiegeRiver · #10 03-23-2018, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 58thecat

Pics please.

I'll take a couple when I get home....posting them might be...challenging. I don't do near enough of it to stay on top of it.

Gord

fps plus · #11 03-23-2018, 06:05 PM

Get yourself some Trail boss and 158 gr pistol bullets and go put some whoop on gophers

Hawkeye · #12 03-23-2018, 06:11 PM

Trail boss and pistol bullets sounds like great gopher medicine!
Just got a 35 W chambered and need to take it out!

moosesniper · #13 03-23-2018, 11:08 AM

Thanks everyone for all the good advice and info. Looks like I will go with the 35 Whelen. Where does a guy go to get this work done? Or is it do able on my own? Does anyone do this stuff at home?

shorty · #14 03-23-2018, 01:40 PM

Order your barrel, Jury is a good choice. Henry Remple is a great option to get the barrel installed.

LiegeRiver · #15 03-25-2018, 04:11 PM

Don’t know what I’m doing...here goes...79E0DA2D-41B1-4D88-B82F-64408CB9945B.jpg

LiegeRiver · #16 03-25-2018, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiegeRiver

Don’t know what I’m doing...here goes...Attachment 144293

again

LiegeRiver · #17 03-25-2018, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiegeRiver

again

I don’t know why the pictures aren’t right side up...anyway, the rifle was a 700 CDL. I had Craige Douglas of AC Gunsmithing in Saskatoon re-barrel it with a #4 contour Benchmark barrel. He also trued the action, used a surface-ground recoil lug, adjusted the trigger to 2.75 lbs, and pillar-bedded it with Devcon steel putty. I can’t wait to shoot it.

Salavee · #18 03-25-2018, 04:25 PM

Nice Piece !
What is the barrel length? Should be a great performer.

LiegeRiver · #19 03-25-2018, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salavee

Nice Piece !
What is the barrel length? Should be a great performer.

Oops, sorry!! The barrel is 24"...this rifle is going to Africa with me next year...probably going to shoot 200 grain Accubonds.

LR

Salavee · #20 03-25-2018, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiegeRiver

Oops, sorry!! The barrel is 24"...this rifle is going to Africa with me next year...probably going to shoot 200 grain Accubonds.

LR

My.338-06 loves those bullets. Ramshot Big Game might be your powder.

Mr Bartell · #21 03-27-2018, 12:46 AM

Both chamberings are fantastic big game cartridges. I prefer the 338 version, I feel it's a bit more versatile with bullets from 160 up to 300gr

rembo · #22 03-27-2018, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Bartell

Both chamberings are fantastic big game cartridges. I prefer the 338 version, I feel it's a bit more versatile with bullets from 160 up to 300gr

I'll bet that most guys on this forum own at lest three big game rifles thereby negating the need for "versatile" chamberings. To go from 160 to 300 grains I'd have three rifles, a 7mm bore, a 338 and a 375.....versatility in one rifle is an outdated concept to most.

Homesteader · #23 03-27-2018, 11:06 AM

I'd go Whelen inside 300yds. I'd also look at the 9.3x62 as mentioned. I didn't read all the posts, but for Alberta use, you're splitting hairs, pun intended.

I'd also sell yours, and buy one already done, but maybe not as much fun for you. Good luck.

Mr Bartell · #24 03-27-2018, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rembo

I'll bet that most guys on this forum own at lest three big game rifles thereby negating the need for "versatile" chamberings. To go from 160 to 300 grains I'd have three rifles, a 7mm bore, a 338 and a 375.....versatility in one rifle is an outdated concept to most.

true, and I am in that boat, owning a 280, 338-06 & 375 (throw a 308 & 300wm in the mix too). Nonetheless, I view the 338-06 as a more versatile chambering than the Whelen

LiegeRiver · #25 03-27-2018, 07:43 PM

Well, I have two 9.3x62’s, and a 375.....I think I have all the bases covered, lol. 😬

Salavee · #26 04-14-2018, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Bartell

Both chamberings are fantastic big game cartridges. I prefer the 338 version, I feel it's a bit more versatile with bullets from 160 up to 300gr

I agree that the .338-06 is a great cartridge and quite versatile but when it comes to launching 160 gr or 250-300 gr projectiles I think there are far better choices. .. namely the 30-06 Sprg and 9.3x62 M. My 10 twist 338-06's seem to like the 200-225 grainers by a fair margin. Has anyone tried the 185 TTSX with good results ?

fps plus · #27 04-14-2018, 11:37 AM

One day the 338-06 will develop out of the pupa stage and become a beautiful 35 Whelen

fps plus · #28 04-14-2018, 12:05 PM

I built a 338-06 for a fella and it loves the 185 x bullets and velocity is silly fast.

Thunder/FX · #29 04-15-2018, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salavee

I agree that the .338-06 is a great cartridge and quite versatile but when it comes to launching 160 gr or 250-300 gr projectiles I think there are far better choices. .. namely the 30-06 Sprg and 9.3x62 M. My 10 twist 338-06's seem to like the 200-225 grainers by a fair margin. Has anyone tried the 185 TTSX with good results ?

Yes sir!
Here is one out of my 2017 Elk.
351 yds. Win 70. 338 Benchmark barrel.
185gr TSX. Varget.338 tsx 185gr.jpg

2017 Elk.jpg

Salavee · #30 04-15-2018, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunder/FX

Yes sir!
Here is one out of my 2017 Elk.
351 yds. Win 70. 338 Benchmark barrel.
185gr TSX. Varget.Attachment 144994

Attachment 144995

Very Nice !! What was your MV and COL ?