Toss up between the 2 mentiones cartridges for a Stiller Precision Predator action. Not concerned w. die price or anything like that. Simply performance inside of 400yrds.

Thanks for your input.

338-06: (pro)
1. more & better bullet choices
2. better sectional density
3. generally found with a twist rate suitable for all available bullets
(con)
1. a wildcat offering

35 Whelen: (pro)
1. factory standard calibre
2. larger frontal area
3. reasonable selection of hunting weight bullets
(con)
1. most older rifles found with twist unsuitable for heavy bullets

This is a quick list done from memory. Both are excellent hunting calibres, but I give the nod to the newer .338" diameter.

Buckshot pretty much hit it. I have no first hand info as to the twist rate on older 35 Whelens.

neither are "400" yard rounds, MV and BC aren't going to work in your favor .. that is, they are NOT 25 to 400 yard guns ... MPBR (max point blank range) will be about 265 yards .. which means "hold on hair, not air"

since you ask, i'll answer a larger question .. the AI isn't work doing.. go one bullet weight lighter, and use a monometal bullet, and get all the BC you want, with the vel changes.

As these are both mediums, the optimal SD is .250, which is what, 225 gr for the .358 and 200 for the 338? Where did i come up with .250? Ackley and OConner

If you really must have long range, do a 270 or 280/7x64 .. same basic things, but the SD comes with lighter bullets at higher vels...

pro on the 35 AI ... you can use CHEAP pistol bullets for fireforming

I can see the 35Wheelen having issues out to 400yrds but the 338-06 as well? I would have figured this one good on Elk to the 400yrs mark.....please elaborate.

curious about the more and better bullet selection? I mean honestly, these days....there are not many bad choices or calibers that don't have more then enough options. Both 338 and 358 have Accubonds, Partitions, TSX, A-Frame, NBT, Interbonds/Interlocks, as well as cheaper C&C fodder.

The .338 has the better bullet selection, and better S.D.
Between the 2 I prefer the .338, but not much difference between the two as far as the animal is concerned.

I have used both in Africa with modest loadings of 225gr TSX @ 2550fps in the 338-06, and 250gr NF @ 2450fps in the Whelen. Took all manner of PG with the exception of eland, out to just under 300 meters. With the exception of one zebra I hit too low and too far back with the Whelen, all went down in a heap. Shot another zebra with the Whelen and he was dead before he hit the ground. Several oryx, notoriously hard to anchor with a single hit, went straight down. Couldn't tell the diference between the two calibers in actual field conditions.

I've have a 35 Whelen had a 35Whelen AI had a 338-06, 338-06AI and now my own wildcat 340PDK. Pretty much a 338Gibbs or 340Howell. My wildcat replaced my 338Wmag. If I had only to choose one it would be a 338 something. If you just want to pop water jugs get a 35Whelen and load pistol bullets. I happen to have replaced 210PT with 200 accubonds. Just never had luck with Barnes as to accuracy but never tired the new ones either. I have no problem with 400yds shots. With a 4" kill radius my MPB zero is 278 and max pbr is 326 13" low at 400. I also shoot a lot out to that range. Closer is always better.

quote:

Originally posted by BISCUT:
I can see the 35Wheelen having issues out to 400yrds but the 338-06 as well? I would have figured this one good on Elk to the 400yrs mark.....please elaborate.

Read some of the other threads on the 338-06. It's a great round, but the bullets are going to start slowing down below their performance envelope. They are designed primarily for the 338winmag. You'll be below 2000fps impact vel. beyond 350yds & the bullet is likely to not expand much or at all. I have taken game to just at 350yds & the 210grNP showed signs of limited expansion. Even at 325yd, it's getting iffy. The 35whelen is just too slow for 400 yard shooting IMO, same reason, likely poor bullet performancew/ the heavier good SD bullets of 225gr-250gr. You can compenaste for drop, but the bullet still needs to work as designed on impact.

Thanks for the replies. I was a bit concerned I was only making an additional safe queen Not that thats a bad thing. I always wanted a 338-06, 35Wheelen, etc.... Been leaning toward the 35WheelenAI and keeping the good old reliable 338WM but wanted to hear your thoughts.

I stepped into a 338RUM Rem 700 and after restocking into a McMillian fell in love. Just ramblin I guess....time for bed!