338/06 or 25/06?

[jruby]

I have been looking at a 8mm-06 as it's one of the few 06 based cartridges I dont have yet. I already have a 338-06 and I am not sure what I would gain. Another cartridge i have been looking at is a 375 whelen but I already have 2 9.3x62s. I am still looking and contemplating..

 

[375er]

It all depends on what you want to shoot. I have had a love affair with the 25-06 for the last 45 years. Was just out shooting mine today actually. For smaller to mid-sized game it is the most underrated cartridge ever.

 

[Jefferry404]

“and now for something completely different”
How about a 256 Newton

 

[jruby]

“and now for something completely different”
How about a 256 Newton

Isn't that the 6.5-06

 

[Russ16]

Of course there is 270 Winchester.

 

[Axle2010]

I have been looking at a 8mm-06 as it's one of the few 06 based cartridges I dont have yet. I already have a 338-06 and I am not sure what I would gain. Another cartridge i have been looking at is a 375 whelen but I already have 2 9.3x62s. I am still looking and contemplating..

Oh I do love a 375! I assume that's just an 06 necked up to 375? That would definitely be something nobody around here has, but then the 256 Newton would be too.

 

[jruby]

Trying to figure how a 9.3x62 would compare to a 375 Whelen. Any advantages one over the other?

 

[Sarg]

Trying to figure how a 9.3x62 would compare to a 375 Whelen. Any advantages one over the other?

I looked into doing a 375/06 many years ago & recently as I just bought a fast twist 375/08AI for suppressed work.

It is extremely efficient (as are most wildcats on the 30/06 case, Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree lol)

Wide selection of projectiles in .375 to, one I thought intriguing was a .375 on the 9.3x62 case, sort of an improved case without the hassle, run 9.3x62 reamer with .375 neck insert ?

This will run on a 30/06 plate form.

 

[1972RedNeck]

25-06 is great as is the 35 Whelen.

But the one thing (maybe the only thing) the government got right was the 30-06.

Extremely efficient and effective. Yes it's lackluster and extremely ordinary, but there is a reason - it's perfect in every way just the way it is.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

My vote, 338/06AI. Love mine.

 

[RedTag]

How about making it a .370 Sako Magnum?

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

I could be pedantic and point out that a few of the posted suggestions are not necessarily correct, they are based on the 30-03 case, not the 30-06(, 270, 280 etc.) but I digress.
But I would go for a classic, as mentioned, the 318 WR built as a blued and wood rifle if it was me, but then I have access to all the components to load for it.
Gumpy

 

[GuttormG]

Since I found me a Ruger African in 35 Whelen I have no use turning my Savage 111 06 into one. I've always liked the 2506 but I also had very insane for a 257 Wby so idk if the 25 would be wasted. But I also have a 338WM a 340Wby and now a 35 awhelen so maybe the 338/08 would be pointless too. What do guys think? Or is there another interesting 06 conversation caliber? Thanks

What is the project really? What are going to use the gun for? Kind of big jump from 25-96 to 338-06.

Spend the money on ammo instead.
I myself would not spend a dime on a Savage, it is OK guns for what they are (cheap working guns for does just need a rifle an do not care if it looks like the leftover-box in a hardware store), but as starting point for gunsmith work&cost? Nooe.

 

[BFaucett]

I could be pedantic and point out that a few of the posted suggestions are not necessarily correct, they are based on the 30-03 case, not the 30-06(, 270, 280 etc.) but I digress.
...<snip>...
Gumpy

I've read this logic / reasoning in various magazine articles and online forums. I think that's how an amateur handloader / wildcatter might look at it but not a commercial designer / manufacturer of ammunition.

A manufacturer doesn't think "Well, we better grab some .30-03 brass off the storage shelf so we can neck it down to .277" and make some .270 Win cases because a .30-06 case is too short." A manufacturer can draw or shape a cartridge case to whatever length and shape they desire. "Based on a .30-06 case" to me just means the same head and rim size and approximately the same overall case length. It's just a common way to describe and communicate the basic dimensions of a cartridge based upon a widely known standard cartridge as a reference point (the .30-06).

Just my two cents... Cheers! Bob F.

 

[Axle2010]

What is the project really? What are going to use the gun for? Kind of big jump from 25-96 to 338-06.

Spend the money on ammo instead.
I myself would not spend a dime on a Savage, it is OK guns for what they are (cheap working guns for does just need a rifle an do not care if it looks like the leftover-box in a hardware store), but as starting point for gunsmith work&cost? Nooe.

It's a big jump because those are the two most popular conversions that I've seen and I do like both cartridges. No i wouldn't normally start a project (I've never had a gun "project" before) from a Savage either but it's a rifle that was given to me as a gift and it really has no resale value so the only appeal it has is to be in a cool cartridge or at least one that i don't already have. I do like the 06 but 1 is all i need or want.

 

[F. Vaccaro]

Isn't that the 6.5-06

A 6.5-06 or .338-06 would be my choices.

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

I've read this logic / reasoning in various magazine articles and online forums. I think that's how an amateur handloader / wildcatter might look at it but not a commercial designer / manufacturer of ammunition.

A manufacturer doesn't think "Well, we better grab some .30-03 brass off the storage shelf so we can neck it down to .277" and make some .270 Win cases because a .30-06 case is too short." A manufacturer can draw or shape a cartridge case to whatever length and shape they desire. "Based on a .30-06 case" to me just means the same head and rim size and approximately the same overall case length. It's just a common way to describe and communicate the basic dimensions of a cartridge based upon a widely known standard cartridge as a reference point (the .30-06).

Just my two cents... Cheers! Bob F.

Problem is that if you follow that path of logic, they are then based on the German x57 case, in particular the 7x57
Gumpy

 

[Cheesehead]

My vote, 338/06AI. Love mine.

IMO the 338/06 AI is such a cool looking cartridge

 

[BFaucett]

Problem is that if you follow that path of logic, they are then based on the German x57 case, in particular the 7x57
Gumpy

Well, exactly.

Although I'd say the 8x57J (1888) started it all (rimless case) as it preceded the 7x57 (1892). Many magazine gun writers say the 7x57 because the US Army examined it after our encounter with the 7x57 during the Spanish-American War in 1898. That, of course led to the USA's .30-03 cartridge (soon followed by the .30-06 of course).

 

[Wooster]

I have both - my 338-06 is on a 1917 enfield that has been nicely sporterized. My 25-06 was built on a JC Higgins model 50. I have had these two rifles / cartridges for the last 25+ years so I know them well. I feel these two cartridges serve different purposes. The 25-06 is a superb deer rifle, not so good for larger animals. The 338-06 is better as a elk cartridge. Yes there is some minimal over lap. All depends on what you want to use the rifle for.

Same! My sporterized 1917 Enfield I inherited from my dad and converted to 338-06. Will be taking it to the Yukon for moose next year.