Recoil is a factor of 4 things. Bullet weight, bullet velocity, , guns weight and powder weight.
I own both 338-06 as well as several 30-06 rifles. 57 gr of H4350 gives me 2800 fps with 180's from a 22" 30-06. 60 gr of the same powder gives me 2700 fps with 200's in the 338-06 from a 24" barrel. Those loads are 1-2 gr below max and I could get a little more speed from either, but accuracy is where I want it. I doubt if 2800 fps is possible in my 338-06 safely. Probably 2750, which puts it pretty close to the 338 RCM.
Accoding to this website
http://www.handloads.com/calc/recoil.asp
The 30-06 will have 21 ft lbs of recoil with 180's from an 8 lb rifle
The 338-06 will have 23 ft lbs with the 200 gr bullets in an 8 lb rifle
In the real world I doubt any game animal will ever notice the difference. The 180/30 cal has better sectional density. The 338 is .03" larger diamter and slightly heavier.
I own both 338-06 as well as several 30-06 rifles. 57 gr of H4350 gives me 2800 fps with 180's from a 22" 30-06. 60 gr of the same powder gives me 2700 fps with 200's in the 338-06 from a 24" barrel. Those loads are 1-2 gr below max and I could get a little more speed from either, but accuracy is where I want it. I doubt if 2800 fps is possible in my 338-06 safely. Probably 2750, which puts it pretty close to the 338 RCM.
Accoding to this website
http://www.handloads.com/calc/recoil.asp
The 30-06 will have 21 ft lbs of recoil with 180's from an 8 lb rifle
The 338-06 will have 23 ft lbs with the 200 gr bullets in an 8 lb rifle
In the real world I doubt any game animal will ever notice the difference. The 180/30 cal has better sectional density. The 338 is .03" larger diamter and slightly heavier.