.338-06 or .35 Whelen

[hawkeyesatx]

I’m having a serious conundrum going on.

I have my project Savage 111, but I have been pricing aftermarket switch barrels.
The .35 Whelen barrel, a 24 inch, 1 in 14 inch twist = $239
I found a .338-06 barrel, 24 inch, 1-10 inch twist = $206

I know, that both are pretty much equal when it comes to performance.

So what do you guys have to say?

I already know what Bob is going to say- that’s a given. LOL


Hawk

 

[sgt_zim]

Go with your gut on this one.

As I said in another thread on a similar topic, there is so little difference between them (and 9.3x62) as to make no real difference at all. It only comes down to a matter of taste.

 

[shark_za]

Are .338 bullets not easier to get than .358 ?

My local shop lists 22x option in .338 and 3x in .358.

 

[hawkeyesatx]

Are .338 bullets not easier to get than .358 ?

My local shop lists 22x option in .338 and 3x in .358.

Yes, .338 bullets are a lot easier to get than .358 ones.

Also, the .338 bullets have better BC and SD.

But, all in all, the cartridges are pretty much equal.

Hawk

 

[hawkeyesatx]

Go with your gut on this one.

As I said in another thread on a similar topic, there is so little difference between them (and 9.3x62) as to make no real difference at all. It only comes down to a matter of taste.

The only difference between the two, is the barrel rate of twist.

I’m leaning towards a faster rate of twist in the .338-06 because it will be able to handle the heavy .338 bullets better than the 1 in 14 twist of the .35 Whelen.

So for that reason, I am leaning right now towards a .338-06 barrel.


Hawk

 

[IvW]

I would not build such a rifle on a cheap budget 111 savage action....but that is just me....

 

[hawkeyesatx]

I would not build such a rifle on a cheap budget 111 savage action....but that is just me....

I’m curious…..

What makes new Savage 111 actions cheap?


Hawk

 

[sgt_zim]

The only difference between the two, is the barrel rate of twist.

I’m leaning towards a faster rate of twist in the .338-06 because it will be able to handle the heavy .338 bullets better than the 1 in 14 twist of the .35 Whelen.

So for that reason, I am leaning right now towards a .338-06 barrel.


Hawk

a 14 twist will stabilize even a 250 gr 358 bullet

 

[hawkeyesatx]

a 14 twist will stabilize even a 250 gr 358 bullet

Agreed, but what about the 300gr class of bullets in a .358?


Hawk

 

[sgt_zim]

14 will also stabilize Woodleigh 310 gr RNSN

 

[IvW]

I’m curious…..

What makes new Savage 111 actions cheap?


Hawk

Savage 111FCXP3 Review | The Hunting Gear Guy

www.huntinggearguy.com

It is a budget rifle....you want to use something to build a custom rifle of sorts at least start with a decent base...the actiin is the hart of a rifle...
Of course each can do as they please but personally I would not buy or build anything on a entry level action....

 

[hawkeyesatx]

Savage 111FCXP3 Review | The Hunting Gear Guy

www.huntinggearguy.com

It is a budget rifle....you want to use something to build a custom rifle of sorts at least start with a decent base...the actiin is the hart of a rifle...
Of course each can do as they please but personally I would not buy or build anything on a entry level action....

I can honestly say that my 111 has an accutrigger, and a blind magazine. Mine has the accustock, too.
So it’s not the cheapest Savage 111 out there.

Hawk

 

[hawkeyesatx]

Savage 111FCXP3 Review | The Hunting Gear Guy

www.huntinggearguy.com

It is a budget rifle....you want to use something to build a custom rifle of sorts at least start with a decent base...the actiin is the hart of a rifle...
Of course each can do as they please but personally I would not buy or build anything on a entry level action....

Oooo!
The reason I went after the Savage 111 is because I can switch the barrel myself, instead of waiting for a gunsmith, who might have it back in 3 months, if I’m lucky.
And, if I wanted a rebore, that will have to be sent off, and wait 2 weeks.
I will probably send off one of my other rifles to have it rebored/rechambered to the opposite of what I choose for the Savage 111.


Hawk

 

[John J]

Having the same discussion with myself for a while now, 338-06 may win out. But I prefer shorter barrels so how much velocity am I willing to loose is now the question. I'm thinking 21.5" barrel, so I'm going to get as many cross references and barrel lengths as I can on velocities. Deduct 1% per inch to see what I may wind up. I have found this to be accurate to a point, eventually you will have diminished returns. John

 

[sgt_zim]

Having the same discussion with myself for a while now, 338-06 may win out. But I prefer shorter barrels so how much velocity am I willing to loose is now the question. I'm thinking 21.5" barrel, so I'm going to get as many cross references and barrel lengths as I can on velocities. Deduct 1% per inch to see what I may wind up. I have found this to be accurate to a point, eventually you will have diminished returns. John

I wouldn't worry about the velocity loss. Nothing you shoot with it inside about 300 yards will ever know the difference.

 

[John J]

I wouldn't worry about the velocity loss. Nothing you shoot with it inside about 300 yards will ever know the difference.

Good point. The furthest animal I have seen taken was my son's antelope at 349 yards from a 16.25" 308 Win. Muzzle velocity at 10' was 2700 fps. Nothing spectacular just saw a slight flinch on impact, but down he went. 2750 fps is where 250 gr bullets exit my 21.25" 338 RUM. I'm quite happy with this barrel length.

 

[WAB]

I don't think you will go wrong with either caliber. I have always been intrigued with the .338-06, but now that I have a 9.3x62 it would be a pointless addition.

 

[Sarg]

I personally like the 338/06 as it can do it all with proper bullets from 160gr up & I get unreal velocity out of my Weatherby UL, I even have two more barrels lol .

I also have a 9.3X62 or two, three & very much like this cartridge to, to me it depends on what size & type of game you are hunting most & where. internationally I prefer the 9.3X62 as ammo is available in most areas .

We presume you reload as if you don't it is the .35 Whelen of those two & if traveling to hunt bigger game I think it would be the 9.3X62 ?

 

[jpr9954]

I'm doing the exact same switch right down to the Savage 111. I went with the .338-06. I disagree that it is a budget rifle even if I picked it up dirt cheap. The only reason I got for about $200 was the auction site listed it as a Savage 3 and no one bid on it.

I do plan to install a new recoil lug on it.

The advantage to doing it in .35 Whelen is that you could shoot .357-.358 pistol bullets with a reduced load for training.

You might want to check out the SavageShooters.com forum for info on making the switch. I know there are also a lot of good YouTube videos on replacing a Savage barrel or even making it a switch-barrel rifle.

 

[Art Lambart II]

My rule of thumb is "If you can't buy factory ammo for it don't buy the rifle". The 35 Whelen gets my vote and besides it's my go to hunting cartridge.