Smokepole, I had a .338-06 Weatherby I bought from Bill Krenz to be my ultimate backpacking elk rifle. Then we downsized and I gave up reloading making a .338-06 problematic, so I traded it for a Kimber .308. As I tend to carry rifles and not shoot creatures, the Kimber was an improvement for me. If I were to not be shooting big bears or moose, I'd feel better with the .338-06. Have also messed around with the .35 Whelen. Keith made an impression. However, after reading 17 pages of erudite (and not) postings, I am totally sold on the 9.3x62mm. It seems to be an inarguable step up from a .30-06. Looking forward to your decision and build.
