338-06

[Coyoteslayer223]

I've been wanting to build a new rifle for deer, elk, and black bear. I wanted something a little different. I came across this and thought it might be something pretty neat. I also saw the 6.5-06 which seems like a dandy. What are your guys' thoughts?

[Coyoteslayer223]

Also what would recoil be like?

[mattri]

I built a 338-06 off a 200 LA a few years ago. It was really accurate with 200-225gr bullets and not too picky re loads. Forming brass was simple, just lube some 30-06 cases and run them through a FL die. Everything I read on the round indicated it was perfect for what you're describing, supposed to be a real hammer on game and from what I saw on gongs etc I believe it. Never hunted with it but definitely wouldn't hesitate to. The only drawback I saw was the recoil, it hits pretty hard. I'm using a 7mm WSM now and the recoil isn't even comparable. Everyone is different, your mileage may vary. For long sessions at the bench it wasn't a lot of fun but I wouldn't hesitate to carry it in the field on big game.

[olddav]

I currently have one and the recoil can be a bit tough without a quality recoil pad (1").

[WinnieTheBoom]

You can always throw a brake on it too

[snowgetter1]

Recoil is stout on the 338-06.

[darkker]

I've been wanting to build a new rifle for deer, elk, and black bear. I wanted something a little different. I came across this and thought it might be something pretty neat. I also saw the 6.5-06 which seems like a dandy. What are your guys' thoughts?

Really comes down to what floats your boat.
MOST of the 338 bullets are built around the 338WM, so keep that in mind for velocity needed to properly open. Not a deal breaker, just keep it in mind.
The 6.5 is a really screamer, and the opposite argument. Most of the 6.5 hunting bullets come from slower cartridges, so using lighter bullets can damage a lot of meat if you hit poorly.
That said, the 6.5's of any weight will penetrate like a banshee. Do not think you are under-gunned with them on anything.

[Hotolds442]

Go with the 6.5/'06 or the 6.5x284 Norma. You won't be under gunned for your prey, and can even drop down to cats and coyotes if you want. The 338/'06 would be overkill for mule deer, cats, and dogs, but would get the job done. We have had no problem putting black bears down with the Norma and 123 SST's, but we're switching to the 140 AccuBond this year for a little better bullet performance.
Nosler makes brass for the 338/'06, the 6.5/'06 is a wildcat as far as brass prep is concerned, and I'd give the advantage to the 6.5x284 simply because of the availability of Lapua brass and factory ammunition.

[Coyoteslayer223]

Thanks guys. I started looking at the 6.5x284. I like it but I saw the creedmoore and that has factory ammo pretty readily available. I know both of the others I'd need to reload for but I like the idea of being able to purchase factory ammo if I needed to. A buddy of mine also brought to mind a 308. I just need to do a little more research and make up my friggin' mind!

[darkker]

For factory ammo quality, and ready availability, the Creed is VERY difficult to beat.
You won't be undergunned for game.

[thatguyshm]

I wouldn't trade my 338-06 for anything. I shoot 225 Accubonds at 2800 fps with an ES under 15. With a 100 yd zero, it's 4.5 moa adjustment to get to 290 yds, and very easy to switch back and forth.

I didn't get a chance to hunt with it this year, blew my shoulder out in the gym. If you are concerned about bench recoil, get a recoil shield. I think Caldwell makes them now, used to be pact. You don't notice recoil in the field and won't develop bad habits in extended range sessions.

Shm

[brtelec]

I really like the 338-06 and the 35 Whelen. These '06 based cartridges are very effective on what ever you need to put down. I agree with one of the other respondents about neither one of these cartridges being very finicky to reload for. I think for long range medium game the 6.5x284 is tough to beat. If you do not reload however it is really expensive to shoot with factory ammo. This stuff starts at about $40-+ per box. Recoil wise, I do not find either to be very bad. Recoil however is relative. If you think a 220 gr 30-06 is a stout round, the 338-06 will be a bit uncomfortable. If you regularly shoot 300 Win Mag without a brake, it will seem mild. I find the question of recoil a bit like asking how long is a piece of string.

[RyanG]

I bought mattri's barrel from him and I love the 338-06. I think that your are talking apples to oranges between the 2 chamberings. With that said a 6.5-06 is still on my list of "must haves". But I really like those rounds that not many other people shoot. Its just fun for me. You wont go wrong with either.... but my advice is to get BOTH.....

[65Whelen]

Excellent round. I've done a couple 35 Whelens and a big fan but if I was to do a "do over" it would be the 338-06. Ballistic are so much better for the .338 compared to the .358. As far as all the discussion about recoil, it's the price you pay for a kick-butt round that will take anything down.
Now if you want to talk 6.5s, I'm looking for a 6.5 Creedmoor barrel to put on my Savage. 12. I've got a Grendel in the AR and love it for deer but for elk or bear the Creed would be more effective.

[Dewey7271]

I have both. Someone else mentioned it, but it's comparing apples and oranges.
Nothing wrong with the 225 AB in the 338-06 but take a look at the 210 Partition. It's like that bullet was made for the cartridge.
If you want a hunt anything in NA rifle that puts stuff down right now, 338-06. Does it bump you? Of course it does. Stick a Decelerator or Limbsaver on it if you're a little recoil shy or use a Past Pad as someone mentioned. Only potential drawback, for most it's a 300, maybe 400 yard cartridge. For me that's not a deal breaker. Stuff dies right now with the 210 at 2800 or so.
As Darkker mentioned the 6.5-06 is a whole different animal. You can run 140s comfortably in the 2900s, lighter bullets obviously faster. If you go this way, get an 8 twisted barrel, mine are 26" but your call of course. Excellent medium game cartridge, IMO. No big recoil either.
Just depends on what you want it to do.
Or.....you can quit worrying about the decision and build both.

[Monkeymaster]

My 338-06 feels like a big shove against my shoulder, not so much of a sharp "kick".
Stevens 200 with A&B 24" Magnum countour barrel from midway.
30-06 brass ran through lee dies.
61 grns imr 4350
rem primers
Sierra 215 game kings
Speer 200 grn spt
Honest 3 shot 1" groups at 200 yds
Clover leafs at 100
I do not like recoil, but I do not hesitate to grab my 338-06 to punch holes.
Hope to punch 1 hole in a Colorado elk this fall.

Good luck which ever way you go.

[dawg4life]

I built a 338-06 on a Savage 110 that was a 30-06. I love my rifle. Good groups and recoil to me is less than the 300 win mag I used to have. I shoot hornady 225 grain sst's and imr4064. Haven't harvested a animal with it yet but it seems to be a good round.

[shagerott]

A while back asked about 338-06 in group of seasoned hunters, re: CO elk. It was highly recommended especially for one who handloads. Premium Nosler factory ammo is available mail order. Cost is about the same as 300WM for identical Nosler 180 or 200 grain. Spendy but I would not cheap out on big game anyway. Good reports confirm what I have heard. [emoji3]

Edit - oh, make sure you have your correct ammo if you take it hunting. Looooong way to drive to get it if you forget.