I WILL be buying a barrel. I currently have a Savage 110 in 30/06 so I plan on buying a 35 Whelen barrel or the 338/06. I won't need to change anything but the barrel with those choices. I'm leaning towards the the 35 Whelen mostly b/c I'm a skinflint and I believe it to be more versatile and flexible. I know that on paper the .338 bullets show an advantage in sectional density but there are so many more factory ammo choices for the 35 Whelen and you can also use handgun bullets (.357) for lighter/varmint loads.