Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles .35 Whelen vs .338-06?

Let’s say a fellow with more than a passing interest in rifles desired a hunting rifle in a caliber greater than the classic .30

Considering the availability of both .30-06 parent brass and actions, something descended from the grand .30-06 seems a good idea.

.35 Whelen and .338-06 both seem like good options.

Which would you choose and why? If your answer is something else, then why that instead?

I pondered that same question many moons ago...so my game plan was why not just build one of each?

after all, 30/06 donor rifles are a dime a dozen... plentiful..

so I started out with the 338/06... and picked up a Brand New Model 70 post hunting season in Butte Montana for $250.00

I had the barrel rebored to 338/06 from the 270 barrel that came on the rifle..

after playing with it, and hunting with it... I never built a 35 Whelen... just saw it duplicating the 338/06...

so that is why I would go 338/06... my original motivation was the bullet selection from Hornady..

If I had built the 35 Whelen first.... then I would never had built a 338/06....

not enough difference between either to pick one over the other...

I have both and like them both a lot and consider them equals, although the 338-06 has a slight edge if used at distances longer than say 300 yards, which I do not do, plus it has a better bullet selection.

That said, if you reload get the 338-06 and if not the 35 Whelen will be a better option due to the availability of factory ammo.

I'm liking my 338-06.I make my brass from once fired 30-06 brass.Lot of bullets to pick from with a wide variety of weights too.I found it to be very easy to load for.I picked 200gr Nosler Silver Ballistic Tips and Accubonds as my go to bullets.I can get 2800fps with every powder I tried between Varget and 4350 burn range.It shoots fairly flat at that speed.It has the energy level that is close to a 300 Win Mag with a 200gr bullet.I've shot two red deer with mine so far and it performed really well on them.It hits hard.As good as the 30-06 is,when it comes to the heavier bullets,either the 338-06 or 35 Whelen gets a little more power out of the 30-06 case.Either one is an amazing cartridge.

Definitely would shoot handloads for either choice. My bolt action rifles see 95% to 99% handloads. Some of them only see factory ammo once in a blue moon to get a chronograph reading with factory loads for reference sake.

With the rise of the “primitive” weapon seasons in some states that allow .35 Whelen from a hammer fired rifle the availability of Whelen ammo is pretty good. Ultimately not really a concern to me, as I have a nice stash of once fired .30-06 brass that would be put to use.

My first was a Mod 700 Classic 35 Whelan reamed out tot he Ackley Improved. Used it 20yrs, all the while trying out different .338 rounds, which I also loved. I never got my 338/280 going well as time/sorry Nickle plated brass at the time were an issue. I have used the 338 WM, 340W, 338 RUM and my furthest shot on any kind of game with them all was the 35 WAI and the 200X. 347 lasered yds. With a 24 inch barrel and todays powders, a standard Whelan can give a 35 WAI a run for its money! Same can be said for the simple 338/06 I think. My "problem" if you would , with the Ackley version is all my hunting loads were hot. The "cases" never showed me any indication, but the "math" of QL showed I was running around 72K. I only have one good eye left ( non shooting related btw!) so I quit it. Its much safer to gain speed/oomph via a bigger case. All it takes is "once"...:)

I've had both, sold both. Unless you move up to 250 gr or heavier bullets neither offer any advantage over 30-06 with 200-220 gr bullets. And even then the advantage is quite small and the recoil is not. But if I were tempted to go back to either it would be the 338-06.

+ 1.

In my case, I bought a Whelen on a whim 'cause of all the nostalgic tales here on the 'Fire, & I found a smokin' deal on one. Turns out the rifle handled like a dream, & shot extremely well. It whacked hogs hard, & took a nice Shiras moose for me.

Later on, I found a sporterized Mauser in .338-06. Even a small amount of range time found it to be the equivalent of the Whelen at the distances I shoot, and the rifle itself didn't handle nearly as well as the Whelen. Accordingly, that Mauser went down the road.

I've seen it opined that if one wanted to truly step up from a .30 cal, it would make more sense to just go up to a .375 H&H. I dunno that I'd necessarily disagree.

As it is, I really don't see myself hunting anything necessitating the Whelen anymore, and its recoil with 250's is the very most I'd ever want to endure. Practicality says I should sell it & let someone else experience its joys, but it just shoots too well to leave the safe.

In summary - flip a coin: you're the only one you've got to please.

FC

I was in your situation few years back.
I love my 06, already have 270 and wanted something to shoot heavier pills. Using the 06 parent case.
Since I wanted to shoot the heavies, I ended up with 9.3x62.
The 9.3 did scratch my thumper itch, maybe little too much thump until I got limb saver. Anyways, looking back, sometimes I wish I would have had bought a stainless donor T3 , send it to JES and re bore to 338-06 as my original thought.
Lots of bullet selection compared to 35 or 36 cal.
But, I also love the fact my 9.3 can be used on anything

I had a 9.3x62, great round. I kept my .375 H&H, traded the 9.3.

I have a 338-06 and prefer the latter for my use.

DF

338-06

I've been shooting the Whelen for 35 yrs. or more and have always been satisfied with it so no reason to try the .338-06. One advantage the Whelen has is its ability to shoot .357 pistol bullets for small game and plinking.

Having had 9.3x64, 9.3x62, 35 Whelen, 350 Remington Mag, 338 WM, a bunch of 338-06's, and 30-06's.

I have a 375 H&H for the bigger end. Currently have one 338-06, with a suppressed and African style 338-06 in the works. All are Model 70 Classics.

I prefer the 338-06, it is a nice addition to my 270's. Have used one in various guns for close to 20 years. I have used mostly 200-210gr bullets, but have recently started shooting 180-185gr. Plan on taking one to TX in March for some hog hunting.

Don't neglect the 160 TTSX with Varget. Very accurate.

Have not yet killed anything with one, but reports are very good regarding terminal performance.

DF

All of the '06-based mediums are good choices, but if you need more than a 30-06, you probably need a LOT more. For me, that starts at 9.3x62.

CZ 550 is the ticket.


Okie John

I have a 35 and 400 Whelen and for a while had a 375 Whelen. I considered a 338-06 before I had the 35 Whelen but the classic won out in the end. To be honest I could be happy with any one of them, 338/06, 35 Whelen, 9.3x62, 375 Whelen or 400 Whelen if I was limited to one. My favorite of course is the 400.

Both are very good for intended need on larger game (700 lbs up) as well as 9.3x62. Even though it never got traction, Hornady’s 376 Steyr is a better fit for non-mag heavy hitter than all three in my opinion. Having flat trajectory and power to spare as well as many .37 cal bullets to choose from.

If you are buying factory ammo, go 35 Whelen, if you are reloading go 338-06 A-Square, I think that it's more efficient from a ballistic standpoint. If it were me, I'd probably go with the 9.3x62 if I wanted to keep the basic case size, or just download a 338 Winchester magnum.

First, thanks for all the replies. I see I’m in good Company here when it comes to interests in rifles

Second, I see a lot of references to the 9.3x62. I have no experience and little knowledge of this round. Is it based on a .30-06 case?

Uses the same rim size of 0.476 so it can fit in a standard 30-06 bolt and action. The round was developed at the start of the 1900's for the Germans in Africa that couldn't afford the 375 rifles for hunting. Kind of like the 6.5x55 and 7x57 with killing efficiency. I have one and that is my moose and bigger gun. Dropped a moose with one several years ago. Do a search on line for it.

Yes and a great round.

DF

No, it isn't based off the 30/06

It wasn't actually developed from the '06, you're right, but has very similar rim diameter and COAL

So, it fits in a 3.4" mag and uses an '06 bolt face, it's sorta in that family. At least that's the way I think about it.

DF

My answer is based upon the assumption that you’re a hand loader, and like versatility in your selection. Both have their advantages. With the .338 caliber, there is a large selection of bullets available both in weights and construction. The .35, while having a pretty fair selection as compared to 20 or so years ago .....still can’t complete with the .338. With velocities being very similar, a slight edge may go to to .35.....simply due to increased bullet diameter. In my mind, the biggest advantage of the .35 is it’s ability to shoot handgun bullets. Loading and shooting the handgun bullets, at slightly elevated handgun velocities, allow you to get a lot, of lower cost, lower recoil, year round practice with the firearm you will be hunting with in the fall! Or.....you could start casting Bullets for the .338, and accomplish the same thing! 🤔 memtb

If I did not have a 375 H&H, I would certainly have a 9.3x62.

I sold my 06's when I built a 7-08 and a 338-06 Ackley to spread things out a bit.

My 30-06's always shot 180's at 2800, a 338-06 shoots 200's at 2800 w/o beating you up.......

I went with the .35 Whelen. The 225 gr. TSX at 2700+ FPS has done in elk from 75 yards out to 350 yards which is about as I'd care shoot on anything. It just works.
Paul B.

I have owned both, several of each over the years. The only one I have now is a 338-06 JES rebored for me a few years back on an early 60's Rem 700. My go to bullet is a 210 Partition. Works great on deer and elk. I've used it out past 400 yds with ease and mine only weighs 7.5 scoped and loaded.

What's your go to load with the 210 NPT?

DF

I had both. Traded the 9.3, kept the .375 H&H. The 9.3 was one I had traded for, an AHR full custom that was just about too pretty to take in the brush.

I kept the .375 H&H, a SS NH M-70 with Tupperware. I had the barrel chopped and fluted to cut weight. No worry about scratching that one.

They both shot very well.

DF

Have had two Whelens. If I was to do it again the 338-06 makes more sense to me in a hunting rifle.

Agreed - having carried a 338-06 out West multiple times - you’ll find .35 Whelen ammo on the shelf long before 338-06. You’re reloading, so probably less of a factor, unless the ammo is separated from the rifle at some point in your travels.

here is a pic of 270, 06, 9.3 side by side

338-06
https://www.ballisticstudies.com/Knowledgebase/.338-06+A-Square.html

35 Whelen
https://www.ballisticstudies.com/Knowledgebase/.35+Whelen.html

For Me?
A 30-06 with a 200 grain spitzer.

Thanks for the links. That site seems pretty well written, so worth considering some of the author’s results.

That 9.3 is a beast. Looks like fun

I have had a Whelen, 2 338-06’s, and a 338-06AI. All are gone.
If you need something big then get a 375 H&H. For all other uses a 30-06 is better.

What are your experiences with the 9.3 and the .375? I’ve used the .375 for 19 years and the 9.3 for 7. During that time I’ve killed various brown bears, deer, and mountain goats with both.

Performance-wise I cannot tell a difference between my 9.3x62 and .375 with 286s and 300s except that one is lighter and holds more ammo.

Think both rounds are smashers on game. It is unfortunate for the 338-06 that A Square screwed up the name.
I'm pretty sure that game will never know the difference.
Since I really prefer to have properly head stamped ammo, I give the Whelen the nod.
MuleDeers writings make the 9.3 look pretty darn interesting.
On the other hand, they're all interesting.

I shot my first elk with a .338-06. I've had two .35 Whelens, a .35 Whelen Improved, a .375 Whelen Improved, and a .411 Hawk (similar to a .400 Whelen). All are gone now and none are missed.

Between the .338-06 and .35 Whelen, I'd probably go with the .338-06, probably because it can be made to shoot (a little) flatter. But, I think the .30-06 with a stout, accurate 200 grain bullet would be first choice over everything else.

It’s a hoss. Pretty close to a .375 H&H on an ‘06 sized case.

I like my 338-06 better.

DF

I have read the reports on the 160, but will probably not use it. When I went to the 110's in my 270 I started recovering bullets. I think maybe too light for caliber.

One of the reason I like mono's is two holes. I am hoping I can find a load with 185 GMX, or TTSX. If not, back to 200-210's.

If I already had a good .30cal rifle, I'd probably skip the .338 and move on up to the Whelen. They are somewhat like peas in the same pod though.

I hunt a Whelen and a .338WM that is loaded to .338-06 levels. Both are good at making leaky exit holes.

I like the 35 Whelen, 9.3X62, and the 400 Whelen. Be Well, Rustyzipper.

i have a 35 Whelen do i think its better not really just the same kinda.I just think the name 35 Whelen is neater that`s all.

I don't see your problem for the life of me. This the USA get them both and figure out which you like the most by using the hell out of them. Ideally when you die there is enough assets to cover your funeral expenses any extra to pass on is a waste. When you get done shooting an 06 any cold beer will do. When you get done shooting your 35 Whelen or your 338-06 drink a premium beer because what you just did is out of the ordinary and special so celebrate it. MB

if your post is directed with a negative post about me ? here`s my answer to you: the 35 Whelen is a commercial cartridge and i have a 35 Whelen in a real nice Ruger #1 they are worth plenty. 338-06 is great wildcat cartridge that has not been made as a commerial cartridge but rifles rechambered in a 338-06 don`t have near the value for resale, but 338-06 is a good wild cartridge, will i ever hunt with either probably not. when i need a bullet that size to hunt with i will use either my 338 Win. Mag. or one of my 375 H&H rifles. >maybe reread what i posted and try and be more positive bobby.

Not really a wildcat. It was legitimized by A-Square, SAAMI standardized it, WBY chambered a rifle in it, and you can get factory ammo for it. The only downside is as far as I know there are no production rifles currently made for it.

Probably a better round for a Loony who reloads.

That’s me and a host of Fire contributors.

Would not be my recommendation for a casual shooter who buys ammo at a big box store.

DF

You make good point. I'd love to "get both", but realistically need to pick one or the other as a starting point. I enjoy reloading, and particularly like the idea working with cartridges that are outside the mainstream.

But yes, in no way do I see this as trying to decide which choice is "better" than the other, just figuring out my priorities.

Tann, well said the 338 offers I think a more versatile selection of component bullets than the 35 cal. Eeny meeny ….. MB

I worked thru similar decisions when I was re-barreling a old 8x57;
8mm-06, 338-06 or 35W or 9.3x62

I choose the 9.3x62 with the 286 grain bullet as I already had a 30-06,
thinking the heavier bullet would be significant step up.

It was !!!

.

25-06
30-06
35-06

Make your life easy with factory ammo, and symmetry.

There's no wrong answer on this one. I've had a Mauser .35 Whelen AI for almost 30 years - love it. Recently got a Mauser .338-06 - love it too. About to get a circa 1934 Springfield rebored to 9.3x62 - pretty sure I'll love it too.
Reality is the 35 WAI (using the awesome Power Pro 2000-MR powder - game changer in the Whelen) beats the other two, but who cares, they're all fun and they are all great medium bores.
Cheers,
Rex

Probably a better round for a Loony who reloads.

That’s me and a host of Fire contributors.

Would not be my recommendation for a casual shooter who buys ammo at a big box store.

>>> very good answer and your right 338-06 is better for a loony,maybe someday i will find a 338-06 that i can play with. i do plan on going bear hunting this fall 2020 and i have not decided for sure what to use ? maybe just my simple 30-06 BLR ? 350 Mag. Savage ? Ruger #1 375 H&H ? Savage 99 284 Win. ? or maybe just my old reliable killer Ruger #1 in a 257 Weatherby Mag. yes >Loony`s have many decisions on what to use & when to switch ? what handload to build for what cartridge ?

A Loony's work is never done...

DF

Amen!

In his Pet Loads articles, Ken Waters discussed his preference for the .338-06 and .338 Federal (formerly, .338-08) over their .35 counterparts.

That he did...

Ken wasn't bashful about telling us what he was thinking...

And, he was pretty good at showing how he came to those conclusions.

DF

Did something happen to make it look like I said what pete53 actually said and then made it look like Dirtfarmer said what I actually said.

What’s the best way to get a .35 Whelen or .338-06 rifle at a modest price?

Savage rifle with a barrel swap? JES Rebore?

Tanhauser, pick up any bolt action of your preference in 30-06 or 270 and send it to jess. No medium bore hunter ever needed a match grade barrel for hunting. Leave that to the creed-crowd, where somehow match shooting and sniper wannabes have influenced the hunting rifle.

In open country, on 400-500 yd shots on caribou and moose, sometimes I wish my 9.3x62 was a 338-06 with 250 grain bullets.

Though I've put away thousands of lbs of moose and caribou meat with the ole nine-three, I don't hesitate to admit that the 338-06 is far more versatile.

The Ruger Hawkeyes in 280 or 06 for under 500 bucks on CDNN would make a helluva 338 or 35 Whelen. JES might not be match grade but they are plenty accurate.

That’s kind of what I did. I found a nice SS model 70 from New Haven and had it rebored by JES BEFORE I shot it. Ya know what they say about shooting the donor. Anyway, it turned out great and shoots wonderfully just like the 338 Federal and the 9.3x62 also done by JES.

Now just to figure out which one to carry any given day.

Take care, Les

I found mine, a 98 FN here on the Fire Classifieds. I re worked the bedding and painted it. Unknown barrel maker. Looks new thru the bore scope and shoots really well.

If building one, I’d look for a well used Pre-64, get it rebored, put it in a synthetic stock, refinish in a protective coating. Some of those prices are coming down. But, all done, that may not be so cheap.

Not a Salvage fan, but they seem to shoot pretty well even though barrels can look pretty rough thru the Hawkeye. Probably not an issue with a rebore.

May not be a real inexpensive way to get there, short of finding one like I did.

DF

DakotaDeer was spot on, symmetry in all things.

Yep.

Making a 338-06 round is real easy with just one pass thru a FL 338-06 sizing die with tapered decapper/expander.

Same with those others he mentioned. Easy to do.

DF

Damn that sound sweet!

9.3X62 should be in this somewhere. Just look at that photo of the three involved here, and make sure the load is the famously deadly 286 gr RN. Be Well, Rustyzipper.

I appreciate all the responses. I’m starting a search for a donor rifle on Gunbroker now

35 Whelen just because I already have bullets, brass, and reloading dies. Sold several Whelen rifles along the years....but kept my components just in case.

I found my donor rifle and have decided on a 35 Whelen. I’m almost certain a 338-06 will be another other than down the road.

Anyone interested in following the discussion there’s a thread here

35 Whelen out of a short barrel

I'm a bit late to the party, but my two primary hunting rifles are chambered in 338-06 and 35 Whelen, both built on a 700 action. I intended for the rifles two have two different purposes, but in reality, they have a lot of overlap. I have shot many deer with both rifles and both put them down without much trouble, and all projectiles have exited the deer. 225 grain TTSX's in the 338-06 and 250 grain partitions in the Whelen. Subjectively, I find the 338-06 has a bit sharper recoil. Six of one, half dozen of the other. It's just splitting hairs - you can't go wrong with either.

Ignore the 300 win mag in the background.
Middle is the 338-06, intended for general woods hunting.
Front is the 35 Whelen, intended for thick woods and when I finally get a moose tag.



Edit: I can think of one advantage for the 338-06...338 caliber suppressors are easy to find. I've never come across a 35 caliber (or larger) suppressor that wasn't a 50-cal specific suppressor. (But I chose to build a 338 Federal for use with a suppressor instead of the 338-06.)

Well, save the best for last do you speak. Those are fantastic looking rifles, and I’m sure every one a shooter.

I decided to go with 35 Whelen as the donor rifle I found is a Rem 700 with a post-factory shortened barrel to 19”. Mu thinking was the 35 Whelen was probably a marginally better choice for a shorter barrel.

I'd agree with that. Best of luck.

No, What do they say ??

Don’t shoot the donor too much or too carefully or you may decide not to use it for a donor after all. Then you need to start looking for a new donor

I was in the Same boat couple years back, as I love the 06 parent case. I Was going to send a donor tikka to JES.

Since I can shoot 220s with 06 and I wanted to shoot heavies, I ended up with a 9.3 to really shoot the heavies.
While the sauer 100 is really a great gun and 9.3 is everything I wanted and then some.
There are days I wish I would have stuck with my original idea of 338-06 and send a tikka to JES.
But then, If I ever go to Africa, I know I’m set.

Very good explanation!

. Lol! Thanks,

I have both cartridges.
.35 Whelen in a custom built Rem 700 rifle running 250gr Hornady Interlock.
.338-06 A-Square in a 17” MOA Maximum Specialty Pistol running 200gr a win Ballistic Silvertip.

Both have their draw and place. Just depends on the need and situation. If I had to choose one cartridge regardless the platform, I’d probably go .338-06 A-Square because of the larger bullet selection and slightly better external ballistics. But, I love the historical aspect of the Whelen.