What is the real world difference between the two. I was thinking of having a 338-06 built or purchasing a Weatherby. Now that Remington is going to make the Classic in 8mm Mauser is it worth the expense of a custom rifle. From the little bit of reasearch I have done ther does not seem to be a real big difference in the two cartridges. I pan on reloading so I can load the 8x57 Mauser to its max load if needed.

Well, the .338-06 has both a larger case capacity and a larger bore, meaning that it will certainly be able to launch a bullet with more energy than the 8x57 (all things being equal, as they say). Whether the difference is significant to you is another matter.

To put it into perspective, many early post-WWII Mausers were rechambered to 8mm-06 since 8x57 brass and dies were not always readily available. The gain in perfomance, even in the same bore size, gave rise to the label of the 8mm-06 as "the Poor Man's Magnum". The difference wasn't really that dramatic, but a gain of 100 fps at similar pressures wouldn't be an unreasonable expectation.

As to your situation, you pay your money and you take your choice. Unlike a few years ago, there is an adequate choice of 8mm bullets available, and with the appropriate handloads, there's nothing I wouldn't shoot with an 8x57 that I would with a .338-06. If elk or moose are on your menu, the .338-06 would give you a bit more "margin".

I think the 8x57 is closer to the .308 than the .338-06. If you really wanted an 8mm, then get the Rem. & have it rechambered to 8mm06, fairly inexpensive. This will give you the performance w/ a 200gr bullet that will come closer to the .338-06 w/ 210grNPs @ 2700fps (my choice). It really depends on what you are going to hunt w/ it. Deer under 300 yds, just leave it as is. For elk in close, you are probably still ok w/ good bullets. You'll want the extra vel. when you want to push the 300yds envelope.

I don't know what Remington charges for their Classic rifles, but unless you're just really die hard, my opinion is that the 8x57 isn't necessarily worth it. Yes, it is a very capable cartridge, and when properly loaded is essentially the equal of a .30-06. However, the bullet selection really isn't as available for the .323" caliber as it is for the .308 or .338 calibers. I also shoot the 35 Whelen and find bullets in the .358" easier than I do for .323", and I live in a big city (Houston).



I have a turk mauser in 8x57 that I got for $100. With reloads and open sights, it shoots 3" at 100yds. It has taken wild pigs with no problem, and were it not for its 9+ lb weight, it would make a great hunting rifle. There are some original and re-issue k98K 8mm rifles out there that will certainly be cheaper than a new Remington limited run rifle. There are also hundreds of VZ-24s, M48's, and other surplus rifles that will shoot accurately enough to take game within the 8mm's range.



Money may not be an issue for your purchase, but why not spend the same amount of money on a more capable caliber like the .338 magnum? It can be loaded down to .338-06 levels and it is a very common cartridge. The money saved could get you a scope and mounts.



I don't know why the 8x57 was chosen for the Classic rifle, but I don't see the need to blow a bunch of money on it when a $100 rifle will shoot nearly as well and certainly well enough to hunt out to 200yds.

You would be in good shape with either and having hunting experience with both, I don't think there is any practical field difference.

My vote goes to the .338-06 but I also own one and its performed very well for me here in MT and on a RSA plains game hunt.

As far as making a caliber choice solely on ammo availability.......this is a rational that has always dazzled me. I've NEVER forgot ammo on ANY hunting trip. I've taken strange wildcats on trips out of state even out of country and always had ammo with me.

I'd go .338-06 if it was me.

FN in MT