Thoughts On The 338-06 Caliber, Or Re-Barrel?

[KMLampson]

I agree with others, try shooting it first before considering a re-barrel. I have a 338-06, great cartridge. Load some 180 gr bullets, and if it shoots well, go kill some deer.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

I just put together a 338 Sherman. After seeing what a muzzleloader does to our whitetails, I like big holes...

 

[nwhunter]

I agree with all the previous posters. I have a pre 64 model 70 in 338/06(rebored 30/06) and love the rifle and cartridge. The only load I have is a 186-grain hammer at 3000fps. Not much meat wasted on a deer.

 

[del2les]

338/06 is a great round. Several people around and my brother use this round for deer using the 160-185gr bullets, and it is a very good performer. Step up to mono's, and elk are on the menu. Even with the 180AB, elk routinely fall.

 

[HunterMann]

I am a huge fan of 338 caliber cartridges and the 338-06 is one of the best improvements on the original 30-06.
Your Cooper is worth more $ intact than as as donor platform.
Shoot it a while and if you don't like it, sell it or trade it to get something else.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

I just ordered some 175 HH for mine.

Lookie there, advertisement for a Sherman and Hammers...

 

[rando8586]

Think you will be surprised at how accurate it is and how it drops game .

 

[derfssor]

The 338-06 is a very versatile cartridge. It is the 06's big brother. I would not rebarrel it if it shoots well. You can take it anywhere and not be under gunned except africa in some cases. Very lucky find.

 

[mdmiller]

Rock Jock, getting ready to order a 338-06 barrel for a 98 Mauser for my build!

 

[Silent Hammer]

338-06 great cartridge, the difference between it and the 338WM is about the same as the 308 and 06. And the WM is the step up from all the 300 mags! But it should be greater with the 200 plus grains.
The 06 should have better BC and specs with 180s

 

[Calhntr]

Like many have said,, Keep it 338-06 and load up some 185's or 200's for deer and it won't disappoint you.

 

[hunter67wa]

I bought one. Loaded 210 TTSX and first group 3/4 inch at 100. Shoots 180 AB to 1/2 inch. If I had one rifle it would be this one. Do not change it, it will sell for much more.

 

[JMW67]

I just ordered some 175 HH for mine.

Lookie there, advertisement for a Sherman and Hammers...

Careful brother they may come for ya

 

[NCWshooter]

I picked up a Cooper repeater that is chambered in 338-06 and I'm thinking about re-barreling it to a 25-06, or 7x57. I would like some opinions as if
I should leave it in the caliber that it is now or go ahead and re-barrel it? I live in Nebraska so Whitetail would be what I would be using it for. I don't know anything about the 338-06 so any opinions on this caliber would be greatly appreciated.

There is nothing wrong with that caliber for whitetail and the ranges commonly associated with them. The recoil is a bit more than the calibers you mention, but if you can get past that the only problem might be what bullet weight shoots well in it. I don't think I saw anywhere that you reload or will be shooting factory, but I sometimes assume that most here on LRH do.