The .338-06.
Don't know exactly why - but it sings to me.
First started "luring me into the rocks" when Reagan was President.
After copious research, I managed to talk myself out of the wildcat because, while it was an elegant cartridge, ...I had a perfectly good .270 Win, and the .338-06 needed to be blown out (AI) and run down a fairly long Bbl. to make the desired 225 gr. bullet velocity.
Since then - it always seemed to be the first irrational answer to any reasonable question rifle.
"Why not a .338-06?"
Fast-forward almost Four(4) decades.
- The cartridge/chamber is now SAAMI Standardized. (.338-06 A-Square)
- Head-stamped Brass is available.
- New .338 cal. bullets are available, both bonded and monometal (TSX).
- Reloader-17 Powder was released.
Now, w/ RL-17, the .338-06 can push a 225 gr. NP or Accubond well in excess of 2700 fps, and the 210 gr. NP/Scirocco/TSX close to 2850 fps, all out of a 24" Bbl, w/ only a small drop (40 fps?) when the Bbl. length goes to 22".
This gives the .338-06 the energy of (and, when zeroed at 200, a 300 yard trajectory/drop only about an inch greater than) that of the mighty 200 gr./.300 Win. Mag.
All with a .30-06 case and Ten(10) grains less powder.
Elegant.
Which brings me to my current dilemma.
Getting ready to drop the hammer on a new Stainless/Composite M70 .270 Win.
Still have the ole M700 .270 Win.
J E S can re-bore it for $250 shipped.
"...why not a .338-06?"
Comments/Questions/Concerns appreciated.
GR