Harry
I hope that you go with a 24-25 in barrel and have a muzzle brake put on it
it will reduce your felt recoil a lot. I love my rifle and would not ever sell it. I will hand it down to my son who is a avid hunter.
I have been shooting the 338-06 for 25 yrs and have taken deer out to 400 yards
and have not ever recovered any slugs yet. This is one very accurate round and is not real finicky on the bullet selection. I have shot bullets ranging fro 185-250 grns.
I hope this helps you on your decision process.