|
|
Post by mellonhead on Nov 30, 2011 19:14:41 GMT -5
I am thinking about having a Ruger 77 in 30-06 rebored to a bigger caliber. I just can't seem to decide on the caliber I want. It is a toss up between a 338-06, 35 Whelen or a 375-06. Let me know what you think. Thanks.
Toby
|
|
|
|
Post by kaytod on Nov 30, 2011 21:07:06 GMT -5
All are fine calibers. The 338-06 being "factory" via A-Square and formerly loaded and chambered by Weatherby. It is a dandy. A friend has one in the Weatherby Ultra light Accumark and with Leupold 2-8x, sling and magazine full tips the scales at a hair over 8 pounds complete with 24" barrel. It shoots a 210 grain bullet at 2740 from his gun.
The 35 Whelen is also no slouch, being "factory" and offered by Remington ( and others which I cannot remember) The nice part of the 35 is the availability to shoot pistol bullets with reduced loads for practice. In one of my many conversations friends more knoweldgable than I, the 358, or 35 Whelen would be the caliber of choice for a starter rifle for young'uns due to it's afformentioned flexibility. Though not thought of as a long range caliber it is far more capable than most shooters. If we are honest with ourselves, and truly 'hunt' and not 'shoot' game, it the 35 is a very capable cartridge.
I've no experience with the 375 Whelen, though the 375 Scovill has recieved a pleasant welcome being a modern rendition of the older cartridge the capabilies and performance remain nearly equal. It too would be a great choice.
Don't forget the 9.3x62 either. It is the "tweener" cartridge in your lineup and close kin to the 375 Whelen. It's track record includes all game animals in Africa as well, including Elephant.
Of the ones mentioned, the smaller calibers will give a bit more "slippery" bullet and perhaps a tiny bit better ballistic edge by comparison. Any way you look at it there is no loosers there.
If it were me, Well, I could make room for about any of them. I have a 338, a 358 and a 9.3 already. Therefore with my lineup, maybe I'd go with the 375. Then again, how about one of each and just make it a set.
Seriously, if you don't have a medium bore yet. The first two are hard to beat...
Let me know what you decide.
Todd
|
|
|
|
Post by Ken O'Neill on Dec 1, 2011 7:28:15 GMT -5
Toby,
I recommend you go with the .35 Whelen!
|
|
|
|
Post by subsonic on Dec 1, 2011 8:53:42 GMT -5
There have been people who had issues with headspace on the .375 Whelen because of the lack of shoulder. .375 is only a little smaller than the -06 body. The .35 and .375 would seem to be more "cast friendly" while the .338 would shoot a tad flatter and be more of a "jacketed" use round for me. How about 9.3x57? Gives more room for long bullets in a standard action and is no slouch. The .35 is the most popular and easy to get "stuff" for.
|
|
|
|
Post by subsonic on Dec 1, 2011 8:56:18 GMT -5
Lots of x57 cartridges to look at if you are interested. Just grab a cartridges of the world. With the bigger calibers, I like the concept of the x57 case to allow for more bullet length.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lee Martin on Dec 1, 2011 9:11:31 GMT -5
I don't think you can go wrong with any of those. If I had to pick however, I'd probably go with the 338-06 due to wider bullet selection. -Lee www.singleactions.com |
|
|
|
Post by boxhead on Dec 1, 2011 9:12:23 GMT -5
Toby, I recommend you go with the .35 Whelen! I shoot and enjoy them all, 338-06, 35 Whelen and 9.3x62, but I say go with the Whelen too. With the right powder 225's fly 2700-2800 fps. My old tang Ruger RS throws the 225 gr TSX at 2700 fps from its 22" barrel and that combo just works. |
|
|
|
Post by dougader on Dec 1, 2011 21:09:58 GMT -5
I chose the 338-06. I like the 35 Whelen, too, but there are fewer choices for jacketed bullets. I read and read on those 2 calibers for a few years before I picked up the 338-06.
|
|
|
|
Post by tek4260 on Dec 1, 2011 21:15:47 GMT -5
9.3x62. I have a couple and love them. I noticed about a year or so ago, all the gun rags started doing write up's on them for some reason, so there may be a resurgence in the ol round. Beside an '06 for comparison  |
|
mtnbkr
.30 Stingray
Posts: 294
|
Post by mtnbkr on Dec 2, 2011 7:15:07 GMT -5
I've been contemplating getting a cheap Savage 110 30-06 and building up a Whelen cartridge gun. Been torn between the 338 and 35 and keep coming back to the 338 for the reason Lee mentions. That said, I've also eyed the 375 "just because".  Then there's the 400 Whelen... Chris |
|
|
|
Post by needsmostuff on Dec 2, 2011 14:00:25 GMT -5
I too have a Savage needing change and have been eyeing the 35 Whelen. Free brass everywhere and I already have bullets for a 35 Winchester + .357 revolver. Abundent brass means lots to me.
|
|
|
|
Post by doghawg on Dec 8, 2011 13:20:02 GMT -5
I'd go with the .338/06. Mine is the 40 degree Ackley Imp version. Velocity gains with the A.I. shoulder are minimal and dies cost more so the standard version would be more practical. Here's the .338/06 A.I. along with a .270 and .30/06.  |
|
Then there's the 400 Whelen...