Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles If a 338 Federal performs nearly the same as a 30-06, why not get the 06

I'm asking myself this - I've got both.

You can't write subject lines like this! My wife might see it

338 Federal 210-gr 3224 ft-lbs @ 2630 fps
Short action/short barrel compatible.

I never got excited about an '06, '08, or any 30 caliber.

That does not mean there was anything wrong with Ford's Black only autos at one time, just different tastes.

For my hunting at the ranges I hunt, a 20-21" short action 338F, 358, or 350 RM would make me just as happy, as would a 260 or 7/08.

If I had to rely on factory ammo only, I might have to concede to the Grande Ole '06, thankfully I do not.

At the same time, I would not try convincing someone to sell a good shooting '06 to buy another rifle, assuming it's handling their type of hunting. If we are going to be 'logical' about things, and not put in our own emotion in the equation.

Most cartridges w/reasonable bullets will kill most game at most common ranges, with Shot placement. At the same time, most any poorly hit animal is subject to being wounded, mortally or not, if shot placement is bad.

If my 6BR, 6.5mm's or a 7-08/7x57 cannot handle my chores, I'd jump right over the 30s and get a 338/358 bore, but that's just me. A one gun hunter can do very well no doubt as proven over a century w/an '06. Same can be said for a 6.5x55 or 7x57 properly loaded and aimed IMHO.

What doesn't a 30-06 perform nearly the same as?

Just remember that the same weight 30 cal bullet, as Apples to Apples as you can get it, has a higher BC.


That, and the General Store in the Ass End of Nowhere has 30-06 ammo on the shelf.

Because my 338 Federal is a wonderful Kimber 84M Classic with a gold engraved floorplate. Ain't that enough of a reason?? Where does this logic come from that one must have an all round rifle? It's brings much more satisfaction to me to open the gun safes and see them lined up, row by row.

Now I suppose that if the majority of my rifles were stocked in cold plastic instead of beautiful warm wood, I might not feel that way.

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaa? Send me your .338 Federale. That'll make two for muah. BTW, the quote regarding the wife seeing this is appropriate.

'Cause not everybody and his brother has one.

cause you can get a factory rifle that weights 5 pounds 4 ounces in one..

Great question.......

One can never have too many options....

CLB

I would have a 338 Federal if:

Kimber made the Montana with a slightly lower comb for using a quality receiver sight...or

If I could get a Savage 99 bored out to 338 Federal and have a correct magazine rotor.

Both would be very handy rifles of light weight.

that's what i'm talking about.

Your not getting mine !

you will see that lower comb right about the same time I see a montana in 22-250 with a 1-9 twist.

Well OK. I did get clarkut98's though. Sweeeeeet rig.

Bingo. It's pretty much centers around the rifle and and how you want to use it. There is a place for a quick handling, close cover little thumper that handles like a shotgun and has the capability to shoot big bullets.

Sometimes pi x r squared does equal better; not always, but under certain conditions.

Elmer Keith-always

+1

I've got a safe full of rifles that perform about the same. I'm more into variety than performance.

That's also one not for the wife!!