budget build project

[Slenk]

338-06 has a little more bullet selections than the 35 Whelen .And maybe a little better trajectory . And you do not have the recoil of a Magnum cartridge with either cartridge . With ALMOST the preference of the magnums . 338 Federal is a great Short action cartridge . 338-06 has a little more range . Just my opinions worth what you payed for them 0 .

[high country]

I have done some awfully nice things to stock savage triggers.....save your money.

[Slenk]

high country
 That's why all my Savage built rifle have the factory triggers .
They just need a little tuning sometimes. Have you tried making new springs out of .037 to .040 piano wire ? Works real good .
And they are all pre accu-triggers .
Slenk

[high country]

I concentrate on the sear engagement angle, and stoneing/honing the trigger/sear. even with the stock trigger spring I can get into the sub 3# area and have a good deal of safety holding power. I do not like to get light on springs as your risk of drop fires increases more than I will risk.....just me though.

[Slenk]

I have never had a drop fire with the .040 piano wire springs have them on 3 different rifles , right at 2 3/4 # on them. Have one rifle that has a .037 wire spring it is a little light . I am the only one that shoots it , and then only at paper for that one.Sear engagement angle on the savage can be real critical . A little off and you will get the drop fires . A little polish does a lot. Bought a couple of Savages' pretty cheap after someone else screwed them up them .
Slenk