Which to use?

ArchAngelCD said:

There are only two cartridges in consideration but at least this thread went 12 posts before someone went off-topic. Never fails but thank you...

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If you want a caliber that's bigger than an '06, I don't see why it's unreasonable to suggest a caliber that's bigger than an '06.

For 250 yard+ elk hunting like you described in your OP, a 7mm Mag is nearly ideal.

Mosin Bubba said:

If you want a caliber that's bigger than an '06, I don't see why it's unreasonable to suggest a caliber that's bigger than an '06.

For 250 yard+ elk hunting like you described in your OP, a 7mm Mag is nearly ideal.

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Or a 280 rem ai. 30-06 case based, 7mm mag performance. But a 338 or 35 make a bigger hole

I've had both, sold em both and wouldn't go back. Both, with heavier bullets and full power loads recoil right with 300 WM. Same bullet weights will leave the muzzle at the same speeds for virtually the same recoil. If I'm getting hit with the same recoil, then I'll take the 300 WM every time. If 300 WM recoil is too much load a 30-06 with 200-230 gr bullets

A 30-06 with 200-230 gr bullets leave the muzzle 100-150 fps slower than 338-06 or 35 Whelen with similar weights. But the 30-06, or 300 WM for that matter will out penetrate both with similar bullet weights. The much better BC's of the 30 caliber bullets mean even a 30-06 hits harder at ranges beyond 150 yards. You can kill an elk at the muzzle with a 30-30, it is down range where retained bullet velocity and energy start to matter.

What about making a bigger hole? Wrap a strip of copy paper around a .308 bullet and it is now a .338 bullet. Make a 2nd wrap and it is now a .358 bullet. Do you really think the extra thickness of 1 or 2 sheets of paper will make a hole enough bigger to matter? All the additional bullet diameter does is mess up aerodynamics and limit penetration. There is a reason neither round is mainstream. The 30-06 beats both with considerable less recoil. For the same recoil 300 WM beats either handily.

And todays better bullets are game changers. I'd not feel the least handicapped taking elk at 400 yards with anything from 260 on up. While I'd not do it, there are hunters taking elk now at ranges closer to 1/2 mile with 243's and 6.5 mm rifles. Why do people seem to think we still need anything larger than 7mm or 30 caliber?

If your friend can't be talked out of it I'd choose 338-06 over 35 Whelen if I had to choose between those 2. It can be loaded with a wider range of bullets and is more versatile. The biggest advantage the 35 Whelen has is being able to use 357 pistol bullets loaded light. Some people like that, it would be a non issue for me.

He would be better served with literally anything in 6.5 mm, 7-08, 308, 30-06, 270 etc. If he just wants to be different from the crowd a 280 is a good choice. In reality it doesn't do anything the others listed above won't do, but it is "different" and is certainly not a handicap.

I tend to agree with jmr40. Hard to beat a .300 win mag. And if your rifle and and ammo are ever separated by an airline, a suitable factory load substitute can be purchased almost anywhere in elk or mule deer country.