338 Federal or 358 Win for Elk?

Question

I will be handloading and am looking at Ruger bolt guns.

Answer 1

Get a 30-06 it is more than up to the task of harvesting an Elk.* You really don't need to use a 338 or 358.* The 30-06 is more versatile and practical.*~~

Answer 2

both cartridges are based on the 308 case necked up to take larger bullets.

The 338 factory data is going to be hard for a handloader to duplicate, so that has a mark against it already in my book.

The 358 is a great handloader catridge, you can wring out a bit more power from it.   The cartridge's rarity on the shelf is negated by the fact you are reloading. On the other hand, it may be difficult to find a bolt gun in 358

Both are more than adequate for elk, but I have to wonder why you are choosing these two?  Sure, big bullets at less than magnum powder charges are nice on the shoulder, but why not just choose a 30-06?  To me the 338 federal is a marketing gimmic for guys who have been told you need a 338 for elk (meaning 338 winmag, and not true), the guys who fall for the latest gimmic, etc, and in no way superior to the old 30-06 or especially not the 338-06.  On the other hand the 358 is a wonderful cartridge in a levergun because it combines high velocity with a nice big bullet. It is great bear medicine in thick woods.  I don't really think of elk hunting as thick woods, I think of it as more shooting across the clearing hunting.  Hence your choice selection puzzles me.

Answer 3

the 338 is more than sufficient. You can take one down with a 308. a 30-30 will do the trick if you're within 100yds and shot placement is right.

Answer 4

The 338 is big enough for anygame in north america, you dont need any bigger. if you have another gun that is a big small it will do just fine too as long as its a 270. and up.

Answer 5

338 federal because it is ballistically superior to the 358 win and 338 bullets are easier to find not sure about the cases though but the easiest cartridge to reload for elk is the 338 win mag which is better for elk than the other 2 and the cases and bullets are easier to find and the 338 is a great average range gun for elk it is ballistically superior to the other 2 and if you forget your ammo 338 loaded ammo is much easier to find than the other 2

Answer 6

I've often puzzled at why 338 Federal isn't more popular, especially in short "mountain" rifles. I know there's a big gap in my own list of bolt guns between 8 and 9.3mm,  I've not looked into it, so take what I say with a grain of salt, but I suppose it would be a pick between the slightly better penetration of the former vs. the slightly larger frontal area of the latter, just as with 338-06 vs. 35 Whelen (note that rather than 35 Whelen, my pick in that bunch was 9.3x62, for what that's worth). The better choice might even come down to whether your rifle has a little more leade than standard. If you could load 338 longer than published OAL's, I think that would be wonderful.

Answer 7

well....."Generally" speaking the .338 is probably a better round overall. However, nobody asked what kind of terrain youre hunting in, etc.

The .358 would be an awesome choice for hunting in really think brush and thickets where you'll be shooting at relatively close ranges (under 100 yards).

If I chose a .358 for hunting in thick brush, I'd personally want it in lever action with open sights.....but that's just my 2 cents.

If you're shooting at longer distances in more open terrain, I'd pick the .338 over the .358 every time.

The .338 is considered by many to be one of the best overall big game rounds.

I have a .338 sako and I love it. It's extremely accurate and I'm very confident with it and ranges out to 300 yards.

cheers,

Greg Jackson

Tigard, OR

http://www.JaxonsGottaGun.com

Answer 8

I would suggest a .338 Win. Mag.  Where there are elk, there are often bears, and they may tnink that the sound of your shot is their dinner bell.  If one of them wants to discuss the matter with you, you may have to stop a large, angry carnivore at very close range, and you might want more power than either the .338 Federal or .358 Win. provide.  Depending on where you are hunting, you might even want a .375 H&H Magnum.  Good luck!