I've got a PF model 70 action laying around, and I thought I'd barrel it up to one of these two rounds. I've got a Mcmillan stock to match.

I have limited to these two rounds, as I've got every other LA round I have even the mildest interest in, so these are the finalists. I've had 8mm-06s and 338-06s before, but never a 8mm-06 AI...

I'm thinking deer, caribou, and the occasional elk.

Thoughts?

338-06, based on a better bullet selection.

Otherwise, they're going to be virtually the same.

And, I could give two hoots about Ackley-anything, so it would be the "plain" version.

I have a 338-06 barreled by Wiseman that is the most accurate rifle I own. Wit 60 gr 414 and a 225 Accubond it is always under 1/2 MOA and consistently under 3/8" at 200 yards with 4 shot groups.

I have a 338 Win Mag that stays in the rack when I hunt elk or nigai because I can't tell the difference and the 338-06 is twice as accurate.

The 8mm-06 is also one hell of a caliber but I have no experience in the 8mm-06 AI.

I normally have little to no interest in the AI, but I would be loading the 8mm-06 AI in '06 cases, and I am very averse to have improper headstamps on similar looking rounds. I know 8mm-06 brass is available, but it is very pricey. Easier to get the AI, and therefore remove any risk of mis-use. I've already tested AI cases in the action, and they feed perfectly...

Try the 8mm-06 AI. If you decide you don't like it, sell it and rebarrel to something else. I've been tempted myself; my gunsmith says good things about it and has tried to talk me into building one on more than one occasion...

I'm also inclined towards the 8mm/06AI. From 125gr Hornady through to a 250gr Woodleigh, with an FMJ 196gr for plinking. Sounds like a great project!
Cheers...
Con

Ballistics are almost identicle so it's a matter of preference. Bullets for the .338 are more abundant. I am hoping that the .325WSM takes off so perhaps some bullet makers will expand their .32 cal line.

Nothing wrong with an 8mm; I have an 8x57 that I really like. BUT, given the choice between an 8mm-06 and a .338-06 I would take the .338-06 everytime.

With the exception of the 8mm 250 gr Woodleigh (and it's expensive!) there are no other 250 gr 8mm bullets that I'm aware of (well, maybe Hawk). The most common heavy 8mm bullets are 200 and 220 grains. There are plenty of 250 gr .338 bullets to choose from. Of course, I'm just a heavy bullet kind of guy, you may not be.

Here's how I think of them:

8mm-06 .323" 220 gr at 2400-2500 fps
.338-06 .338" 250 gr at 2400-2500 fps

For me the .338-06 would be the one.

-Bob F.

the .338-06 wins hands down over the 8mm-06....or any other AI IMO...the 8MM-06 suffers from bullets selection.

Since you ask, I think that both the 8x64S and the 8,5x63 (why would you use imperial measurements anyhow?) are excellent cartridges, but the latter is more modernly designed, and more versatile.

Carcano

Why not give the .338 Federal a try? Seems like a neat new cartridge if you want to be different.