To compare the 338 to the venerable 30-06 is like comparing a pick up truck to a dump truck. Yeah, you can haul stuff in both but when you need to do some heavy work I know which I would choose.

I am not running down the 06. Its a great round. The 338 in my opinion is leaps and bounds above the 06. According to my data the 30-06 can push a 180gr. bullet at 2650 fps. (180 is as big as I have info on) where a 338 can push a 180grainer at nearly 3100 fps. At the muzzle the 06 delivers approx. 2900 ft/lbs of energy while the 338 is at 3600. At 250 yards the 338 is still delivering 2500 ft/lbs of energy while the 06 is below 2000. Now I don't have the data to support this but I am quite certain the 06 will perform even less admirably with heavier bullets, where the 338 really is just starting to shine.

My point was, if he was considering a new rifle, he should consider buying something that is significantly more powerful than his 270. With the 338 he could hunt anything on the continent including Brown bear.