Mauser build 338-06 or 338 Win mag

[RBlevins]

I have a 1908 Mauser action that I'd like to build my next rifle on. I have about one of everything but what I do not have in the safe is any 338 cartridge. I'm between a 338-06, 338-06AI or opening it up and going with the 338 Win Mag, I plan on this being my "Alaskan" rifle. What's the pros and cons and your thoughts? and I will be reloading either of this so factory ammo isn't a huge concern.

 

[tigerwerkes]

In my experience you may want to make sure you have an action that can take 338wm pressures... I'm not sure if an 08 (small ring?) is in that category. The 338-06 (AI?) is a great cartridge but even that may be pushing it, although should be close to the 8mm Mauser

 

[RBlevins]

In my experience you may want to make sure you have an action that can take 338wm pressures... I'm not sure if an 08 (small ring?) is in that category. The 338-06 (AI?) is a great cartridge but even that may be pushing it, although should be close to the 8mm Mauser

The 1908 is a 98 design Large ring

 

[del2les]

Mixed thoughts here. While personally, I like my 338WM's, my brother was a die hard 338-06 guy. Both worked well at shorter ranges, but I always liked the velocity edge my 338WM had over his for the longer shots. Though, the 338-06AI version does intrigue.

 

[066wally]

338-06 or 338-06 AI, less work than 338 wm, reliable feeding.

 

[Hugnot]

Don't mess with the great Mauser M98 control feed & magazine design intended for .473 head diameter cartridges.

 

[Sockeye66]

Checked out my friends new build this weekend, 338-06AI on a 700 action, he is very happy with initial load development. I'm a wee bit jealous.

 

[MagnumManiac]

My very first build when I learned gunsmithing was a Mauser '98 switch barrel. It is a Brno VZ24 action in 257AI & 338-06, both barrels being 24".
I absolutely adore my Mauser, and either cartridge, but for our large Sambar deer, the 338-06 with 210g Partitions gets the nod most of the time.
I thought about a 338-06AI, but didn't see much difference in capacity, so kept it standard. Totally up to you which one you choose, but the dies for the AI version were quite a bit more expensive.

Cheers.

 

[FEENIX]

I have a 1908 Mauser action that I'd like to build my next rifle on. I have about one of everything but what I do not have in the safe is any 338 cartridge. I'm between a 338-06, 338-06AI or opening it up and going with the 338 Win Mag, I plan on this being my "Alaskan" rifle. What's the pros and cons and your thoughts? and I will be reloading either of this so factory ammo isn't a huge concern.

The cost difference between the .338-06/AI die might be a wash to the cost of opening up the bolt head to accommodate the .338 WM. As @MagnumManiac noted, it is a personal choice. My choice would be the .338 WM. Good luck!

 

[MagnumManiac]

@FEENIX, the cost of going from 3.25" mag length to 3.4" on a Mauser '98 is another consideration if you want to go 338WM, the bolt face, feed rails and bolt stop/ejector all need alteration to feed the 338WM case correctly.
Another reason to stick with the 338-06/AI.

Cheers.

 

[FEENIX]

@FEENIX, the cost of going from 3.25" mag length to 3.4" on a Mauser '98 is another consideration if you want to go 338WM, the bolt face, feed rails and bolt stop/ejector all need alteration to feed the 338WM case correctly.
Another reason to stick with the 338-06/AI.

Cheers.

Good point, Tony! If OP is willing and able to absorb the additional cost, the .338 WSM (dies are pricey) resolves the COAL/mag length issue. As you noted, the .338-06 AI is the most cost-effective conversion.

 

[RBlevins]

Good point, Tony! If OP is willing and able to absorb the additional cost, the .338 WSM (dies are pricey) resolves the COAL/mag length issue. As you noted, the .338-06 AI is the most cost-effective conversion.

I was leaning towards a 338-06 any way due to less work, I'm the gunsmith who will be doing the work to my own gun, was just kind of looking for that extra assurance that I didn't need to go up to a Win Mag.
I looked at a 338 WSM before when I built my 358WSM. The 358WSM has given me great results thus far and is more reason I probably don't need any 338 cartridge other than I want one.

 

[FEENIX]

I was leaning towards a 338-06 any way due to less work, I'm the gunsmith who will be doing the work to my own gun, was just kind of looking for that extra assurance that I didn't need to go up to a Win Mag.
I looked at a 338 WSM before when I built my 358WSM. The 358WSM has given me great results thus far and is more reason I probably don't need any 338 cartridge other than I want one.

LOL! Often, that want is the driving factor. I have a Kimber 84L in .30-06 that I could have left alone, but I wanted to AI it because I already have a -06. However, I ended up re-chambering it to .30 Gibbs because I wanted it. Good luck!

 

[Husky user]

I was planning to buy a Husqvarna Mauser 98 in 30-06 rebarrel it to a 338 RPM Weatherby.
No hassel fire forming brass(you can buy once fired brass from Weatherby for $1. each + shipping.
I came to my senses when I realized I don't need a 338 !