A Tale of Two Cartridges: Origins and History
The Rise of the 338-06
The 338-06, also sometimes referred to as the 338-06 A-Square, owes its existence to the desire for increased bullet diameter and improved ballistic performance in a standard-length action. It’s a wildcat cartridge – meaning it was designed and developed outside of mainstream ammunition manufacturing. The cartridge was conceived as a way to provide hunters with a .338-inch diameter bullet, known for its high ballistic coefficient (BC) and excellent sectional density (SD), while still using the popular .30-06 case. This allows for potent and capable performance without the need for a magnum-length action. The idea was to have a cartridge that could excel in a variety of situations.
The .338-06 was primarily created by hunters seeking a cartridge suitable for hunting larger game animals like elk, moose, and bear. It offered a balance of flat trajectory, substantial energy, and the ability to handle a range of bullet weights. It was seen as a step up from the .30-06 in terms of bullet diameter and energy, and a more streamlined solution than adopting a magnum cartridge. Although it had its early proponents, it struggled at first to get widespread acceptance from ammunition manufacturers.
The Legacy of the 35 Whelen
The 35 Whelen, in comparison, has a slightly earlier history. Developed by James Whelen in the 1920s, it offered a similar solution of expanding the .30-06 to a larger bullet diameter. It was intended to provide greater bullet diameter, and wound cavity, than the .30-06 while utilizing the readily available .30-06 case and actions.
This cartridge saw early success with handloaders who were impressed by its ability to launch heavy-for-caliber bullets. The 35 Whelen was often viewed as an excellent choice for medium-to-large game, particularly in areas where shorter-range shots were the norm and where a larger wound channel was desired. It provided increased energy on target compared to the .30-06 and boasted exceptional stopping power, even at relatively modest velocities. Despite its appeal, the 35 Whelen also wasn’t embraced immediately by ammunition manufacturers.
Comparing Performance: Ballistics and Beyond
To truly compare the effectiveness of these two cartridges, we must delve into their ballistic performance.
Bullet Weight and Diameter: A Key Differentiator
The most significant difference lies in the diameter of the bullets they fire. The 338-06 uses bullets with a diameter of .338 inches, while the 35 Whelen fires .358-inch diameter bullets. This seemingly small difference has tangible implications in terms of performance. The 338-06 typically utilizes bullet weights ranging from 180 grains to 250 grains. The 35 Whelen, on the other hand, excels with bullets in the 200-grain to 250-grain range.
Velocity and Energy: Raw Power Compared
Due to the heavier bullet weights typically associated with the 35 Whelen, it often produces greater muzzle energy. However, this difference is not always significant. The 338-06 can achieve flatter trajectories because it commonly uses bullets that tend to have a higher ballistic coefficient. The .338 bullets often have a better BC than the .358 bullets.
For example, a 200-grain bullet from the 35 Whelen may have a muzzle velocity around 2700 feet per second (fps), delivering roughly 3200 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. A 225-grain bullet from the 338-06 might travel at a similar speed, but might carry more energy because of its heavier bullet. These figures can vary depending on the specific load, bullet type, and rifle barrel length.
Trajectory: Charting the Flight Path
When hunting, knowing a bullet’s trajectory is crucial. The flatter the trajectory, the less holdover compensation a hunter must use at longer ranges. The 338-06, with its higher BCs in many cases, tends to have a flatter trajectory than the 35 Whelen, especially at longer ranges. This makes it slightly easier to accurately place shots at varying distances.
For example, if both cartridges are sighted in at 200 yards, the 338-06 will typically have less bullet drop at 300 yards, though the difference may not be extreme. The 35 Whelen, being heavier on the bullet weight, will drop further on the same distance.
Sectional Density: The Penetration Factor
Sectional density, a measure of a bullet’s weight relative to its diameter, is a significant factor in penetration. Higher sectional density generally indicates better penetration. Because of the bullet construction more than the diameter difference, both of these calibers are capable of deep penetration. However, given the weight and construction, the 338-06 and the 35 Whelen perform similarly.
On the Hunt: Real-World Applications
The ultimate test of any cartridge is its performance in the field. Both the 338-06 and the 35 Whelen have proven themselves on a variety of game.
Effective Range: Putting Ballistics into Practice
Determining the effective range for both cartridges requires a careful consideration of trajectory, energy, and the hunter’s skill. While both rounds can be used at various distances, the 338-06, with its flatter trajectory and higher BCs, may offer an advantage at longer ranges. However, this is a matter of personal preference and the hunter’s comfort with bullet drop.
The 35 Whelen is best suited for shots within 300 yards, where its substantial energy and larger bullet diameter deliver maximum impact. The 338-06 is likely to perform at its best at around 300 yards or beyond.
Game Suitability: Matching Cartridge to Prey
Both the 338-06 and the 35 Whelen are well-suited for medium-to-large game species.
338-06: This cartridge excels on deer, elk, black bear, moose, and even larger game, especially when loaded with premium bullets that provide excellent expansion and penetration. Because of its flatter trajectory, some hunters prefer the 338-06 on open-country hunts, where longer shots are more common.
35 Whelen: The 35 Whelen performs exceptionally well on deer, elk, black bear, and other similar-sized game. Its wider bullet diameter creates a devastating wound channel, leading to quick incapacitation of game. Hunters who prefer hunting in thick cover often choose the 35 Whelen for its close-range effectiveness.
Wound Channel and Penetration: Impact on the Target
The 35 Whelen, with its larger bullet diameter, creates a wider wound channel, potentially leading to more immediate knockdown power. However, penetration is also crucial. Both cartridges, with appropriate bullet selection, can provide excellent penetration, even on the toughest game. The choice often comes down to the hunter’s preference for a wider wound channel versus a slightly flatter trajectory.
Rifle and Ammunition: Practical Considerations
Understanding the practical aspects of rifles and ammunition is essential when choosing a cartridge.
Rifle Platforms: Finding the Right Fit
Both the 338-06 and the 35 Whelen are typically chambered in bolt-action rifles, which offer excellent accuracy and reliability. These cartridges are often found in popular platforms such as the Remington 700, Winchester Model 70, and various custom rifle builds.
Recoil Management: Feeling the Kick
Both cartridges generate a moderate amount of recoil, which is manageable for most shooters. Recoil characteristics, however, vary with bullet weight, load, and the weight of the rifle. Shooters sensitive to recoil may find the 338-06 to be slightly easier to handle due to its flatter trajectory, but a recoil pad and proper shooting technique will mitigate the force.
Ammunition Availability and Reloading
Factory-loaded ammunition for both cartridges is readily available, though options for the 338-06 are more common. Both cartridges are well-suited for handloading. Handloading offers hunters the ability to tailor loads to their specific needs. For this reason, handloading is also a key aspect of these rounds’ longevity.
Advantages and Disadvantages: Weighing the Trade-offs
Each cartridge has its pros and cons.
The Strengths of the 338-06
The 338-06 provides excellent long-range performance, and a selection of factory loads. Its flatter trajectory makes it a good choice for open-country hunts and situations where longer shots are anticipated. Its relatively high ballistic coefficient (BC) in some bullet weights contributes to its performance at longer distances.
The Strengths of the 35 Whelen
The 35 Whelen is a powerful and effective cartridge for close-to-medium-range hunting. Its larger bullet diameter often results in a wider wound channel and excellent knockdown power. Its popularity has also made it easier to find specialized bullet options.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Fit
Choosing between the 338-06 and the 35 Whelen is a matter of personal preference and the specific hunting needs of the individual. The 338-06 offers a flatter trajectory, making it a good choice for those who prioritize long-range performance and versatility across a wide range of game animals. The 35 Whelen provides a powerful, hard-hitting option with excellent knockdown power, best suited for medium-range hunting situations, and hunters who prefer a wider wound channel. The best choice depends on the anticipated shots, the game hunted, and the hunter’s preferences.
Whether you choose the 338-06 or the 35 Whelen, you can be assured that you will be equipped with a capable and effective cartridge.
It’s important to remember that both the 338-06 and 35 Whelen are excellent choices for big-game hunting. The decision should ultimately be based on your specific needs. Before heading into the field, it’s essential to carefully select the appropriate bullet for the game you intend to hunt and to practice with your rifle to ensure accuracy. Choose wisely, and enjoy the hunt!
