I ran a search on the 338-06 round, found a lot of old replies but nothing too recent with data. I have a .270AI that I use to hunt whitetail deer out to 400-500 yards that I feel confident with. I'd like to have another rifle in a larger caliber to complement this rifle. If at all possible I like to have a rifle to keep as a back-up rifle for the one I am hunting with. I've loaned that extra rifle on more than one hunt due to something falling out of a stand, getting run over (I know, who knew!!), a wrecked scope, or simply forgot ammo!! I already have a donor Ruger 77 in 30-06 and could just keep the "06", put a quality, 24-26 inch barrel (Bartlein/Lilja), blueprint the action and be on my way; twist the barrel to shoot the 210 ABLRs and it ought to do the job. But then I'm thinking that the 338-06 or 338-06AI ought to do a better job shooting heavier bullets, with a better selection, with less recoil and a lot flatter than the "06"? I recoil is a consideration with the build, and I do reload so that's not an issue. Then......"I'm thinking that I'm thinking too much" about this whole thing and perhaps all three cartridges will do what I want for the game that I'm hunting at the range/s that I intend to hunt; but, I have read that the 338-06 has a lot less recoil than the "06". Any input from would be appreciated. I've been kicking this around for a couple of months now, and not sure which way to go "06" or 338-06 or 338-06AI; my position is "ole school", it's going to be one or the other!!
