.338-06

[Zachary]

I read a fairly extensive article on this cartridge in the this rifle (the Weatherby you are talking about).  Unfortunately, I don't currently remember which one it was.

I think that the .338-06 cartridge should be great for what you are talking about.  I keep on thinking that one of the major gun manufacturers (Remington or Winchester) would come out with a .338-06 of their own, but so far only Weatherby has.  Frankly, I don't know why the .338-06 isn't as popular as it could be.

However, I am sure that you realize that your ammunition selection will be extremely limited, unless you handload.  If you don't handload, then you would be much better off with a .300 Win. Mag or a .338 Win. Mag. which have countless types and brands of ammo.

I was going to get this Weatherby rifle in the .338-06, but the article posted sub-par accuracy with the 210 Noslers (the only type available).  I think that the factory ammo posted something like 2" groups at 100 yards, with some handloads a little better, while some handloads were a lot worse.

I know that you don't need a gun to shoot better than 2" groups at 100 yards if you are hunting something as big as elk, bear, or moose, but come on...for over $1,000 for this rifle, I expect better accuracy.  This is the other reason why I didn't buy it.

I wouldn't buy the gun yet.  I would wait until Remington or Winchester offer their rifles in this cartridge, and hopefully manufacture their own factory ammo.  Until that time, I would look into something else.

By the way, I have a .338 Win Mag with a muzzle brake that kicks LESS than a .270.  This gun is a Winchester M70 Classic Stainless and will group PMC 225 grain Barnes-X bullets into about 1" at 100 yards.  Granted this rifle is a little bit heavier than the Weatherby ultralight, but when you compare all of the pros and cons, this rifle was the best over the Weatherby Ultralight in .338-06 hands down.  (Yes, I know that muzzle brakes are loud, but you can wear little hearing plugs and it won't make a difference.)

Hope this helps.

Zachary

[Plainsman]

I too, have been looking into the .338-06 and came to the conclusion that it would fit my needs nicely.  

First, it is based on the .30-06 cartridge so reloading would be easy.  I don't LIKE the magnum BELTED cases, so having a standard case makes it ideal.  This is the ultimate reason I didn't look at a Magnum.

Secondly, I have a .25-06 and felt jumping up to a .338 would be the best next logical choice in calibers.  

Finally, it is fairly flat shooting and has plenty of knockdown power at the intended ranges...

Now do I own one? No, because I find most of my shooting is much shorter range than even the .338-06 could be used for.  Hence, I'm looking at a .444 Marlin to match up with my .44's for a heavier hitter out to about 200 yards.

If money was falling from the sky, the .338-06 would be next though!

P.S. I'd have a custom/semi-custom bolt gun built on a Winchester Model 70 "Mauser" style action however!

[Dand]

After seeing how good my friend's 35 Whelan has been on moose and caribou, I'm thinking the 338-06 should be much the same - an excellent gun for nearly anything - as long as you reload.

If you are looking for a custom rifle, I saw a beautiful one at Arctic Gunworks of Fairbanks Alaska. Don't know what action its built on but it had fabulous wood.  Don't know the folks there much but they've been good to deal with on some reloading components through the mail.  They are real proud of their weather resistant rifle finishes too.

[Mikey]

Plainsman:  You would be well served with a 444 to 200 yds.  Your heavier bullets (265, 300, 325, 350) will travel more accurately to that distance and give you more wallop on the receiving end than possibly the 240 grain factory load.  I've been playing with mine trying to develop heavy cast loads that I can shoot to long distances.  The Triple 4 can do it for you.

Question though, wasn't the 338-06 an Elmer Keith design?  If so, that man didn't design anything that wouldn't shoot quarters off a fence post at 200 yds.  I don't believe the man was a lightweight rifle or barrel fan though and since you're talking about a 6 pound rifle, that barrel has to be somewhat whippy, doesn't it?  Possibly the 338-06's accuracy is more conducive to reloading, heavier barrels and different twists.  I think it's a fine cartridge but I would do a lot of research into its original design and development before I would spend for it.

Just my 2 cents worth.  Mikey.

[Zachary]

Guest,

I'll try and find that article for you. :wink:

[dutch]

http://www.chuckhawks.com/338-06.htm

[Tracker]

Jim
I am interested in the gun you had built.  I am curious what it cost you to have the action barreled.  I am loking at putting the same barrel in different contour on a Pre 64 action.  I have a friend that has taken 6 elk and three mose woth the 338-06 using barnes X 225's and all fell to one shot.  Out off a 25" lilja barrel he is geting 2770 FPS.

[Tracker]

Thanks for the pricing info.  How do you compare the Rimrock to the McMillian if you can.