338-06 vs 300WM?...

Late-Bloomer

338-06 vs 300 Win Mag out to 375 yards for elk and Nambia plains game...

Could you help me with the pros and cons of each?

Thanks...[:D]

perry shooter

First question I would ask is do you reload? Both cartridges are good choice but if you go on that once in a lifetime hunt pack some 338/06 ammo in 10 different places in case your bag gets lost ETC WALLY WORLD don't have no 338/06 Just my $.02

Late-Bloomer

Yes I do reload...

Balistically how do they compare?

ern98

Well if you start by comparing bullets with similar cross sectional density then the 180g 30cal is .271 and will hit a velosity of about 3000ft/sec, in general. The 225g 338cal is .281, a little higher, but will only get you something like 2650ft/sec according to my Nosler reloading book. Even the 200g 338cal, SD: .250, gets up to 2800ft/sec. Sure you can mix and match different bullets and barrel lengths and get different numbers. But, an 06 case with a bigger and heavier bullet just will not keep up with the magnum case. Not to mention that the 300 winmag is to my thinking the benchmark for fast 300 mags. So, if those are the only two choices then I'd use the 300winmag. If you really practice with the 338-06 you certainly could use it at those ranges, but the trajectory will look like a rainbow and you will want to be using bullets that will still open and penatrate well at the reduced velosity. I personally hunt with an old spoerterized M98 in 8mm-06, but I keep my shots at under 250yds. Have fun......

Mobuck

I have rifles in both these calibers but only limited experience with them. I would prefer the 300 win mag if shots were going to be over 300 yards due to the flatter trajectory. At shorter ranges and using proper bullets I'd go with the bigger diameter(that's the reason I built the 338/06). That whole ammo thing is the big sticker. Some countries won't allow handloads leaving you with only a couple of choices with 338/06 and almost no chance of local purchase. The area where I was elk hunting actually had the best supply of Wby 338/06 ammo I ever saw.

nononsense

Late-Bloomer,

Have you asked your PH yet about his thinking on cartridge selection? That's usually the place to start because it saves time, theoretical math and lots of components wasted at the range.

Next, sectional density has nothing to with solving this problem or others like it. SD is an element used in more advanced equations to solve for other data. It was never intended to be a stand alone element.

"Balistically how do they compare?"

That's a lot to ask out of a short question. There's also a wide range of game available with regard to size, from Dik-Dik up to Zebra and the largest of the Kudus and Wildebeest. That's a tough range to accommodate with one load for one rifle. You could load for specific game but you need to be very careful about keeping track of which loads you take out each day. Mistakes happen.

You're not looking for the ultimate hyper-velocity cartridge and bullet but rather the combination that will deliver the necessary energy on target with the best trajectory. Shot placement and energy are critical as these animals can be tougher than we suspect. Wounded, lost game gets charged to you and you will pay for it. You have to have the confidence in your rifle, cartridge, bullet and personal ability.

The .338-06 lags slightly behind the .300 WM in both retained energy and trajectory. But the .300 WM lags behind some other cartridges that might be more suitable for your safari.

I suggest that you look at the 9.3 x 64 Brenneke loaded with a good 286 gr. Barnes TSX. This is a common cartridge on the Continent and Africa. Components are readily available here and it fits in a standard length action.

The ultimate in my opinion would be the .375 Ruger which fits in standard actions, too. With this cartridge you have the best of both worlds; lots of energy from reasonable velocity.

Best.

Late-Bloomer

Thanks!!!

Generally speaking I wanted a rifle that could give me a bit more "oomphf" out to those ranges if need be for that type of game...

Something that was somewhat light and easy to point and shoot and moderate recoil...

I'm not really interested in the large cartridges and magnums like a 338 WM or more if I don't really need one...

Since I'm shooting a 30-06 with 180gr NP's I was hoping to find a cartridge in my battery that could give me a little more energy in a larger caliber...

Hence the 338-06 or 300 WM....

Is there something else I should consider with moderate recoil...

tsr1965

Like Nononsense has explained, you want to keep your ammunition common, and the amound of different loads down also.

From my stand point, and the between the two chamberings you have listed, I would take the 30 caliber, just for the versatility all over the world. That 300 Win Mag with a Barnes 180 grain Barnes TSX should do everything you want to in Africa...Unless you are going after something that can stomp you into the dust of the earth where you came from, or eat you.

If I were going to look at something different, or larger, it would be a 325 WSM, or a 375 Ruger.

sandwarrior

late-bloomer

+1 on the .325 WSM. Although, you probably won't find rounds for it over there. A couple of PH's that I've talked to surprised me with what they carry as an extra rifle for safari customers...a 30-06. Round commonality all over the world. Beyond that I would think the 300 WM would be a popular round.

As nn pointed out checking with your PH would be the best idea. Some areas have caliber restrictions...even though you may not be hunting dangerous game. Some guides/PH's have caliber mandates. Again as noted if the 9.3x64 is big over there, that is an advantage. Another favorite of mine would be the 9.3x62 with either a 250 to 286 gr. bullet. CZ makes that standard for their model 550. They also make it in safari grade as well as the .375 H&H. That can be had for under a grand. I suggest you spend the money for a tip off scope system(CZ also makes the rings) so you can add that for long range shots and carry open sights for moving around in the bush.

Late-Bloomer

Sandwarrior,

Hey that was my other choice...CZ's 9.3x62...

I'm going to start another thread as this one's adding up...

How does the 9.3x62 compare to say a 300 WM...

That was my first choice but I thought about the 338-06 cause I could do a rebarrel on another 06 chambered rifle I own...

Thanks to all for your contributions I'm learning and tightening my options...

I'll start the new thread...[:D]

Late-Bloomer

Thanks to all for your generous contributions and I'm still mulling it over with some others...

Thanks again!!!