Bolt action vs semi-auto for big game gun?

Both the BAR and a good quality bolt action would be great for your purpose however both would have their pros and cons. The semi auto would provide quick follow up shots (nobody is the perfect shot and even if you are confident anyone can still make a bad shot and even 1 good shot through the vitals sometimes will not stop the tough animals quick enough) the semi auto will also reduce recoil by quite a bit. The BAR is usually very reliable.

The semi auto BAR may be a little less accurate than high quality bolt actions but will still be very accurate (probobly more than some bolt actions). The BAR will also be a little harder to find and more expensive.

Honestly its up to what you want and whats available to you. If you like the BAR you have get another.

The Browning BAR rifles are probably the most excellent sporting semiautomatic rifles you can buy (sorry Remington). If you just love the BAR that much, then get the .338. I guess my argument for having a bolt action in that caliber, as opposed to the semiautomatic, would be that I would want a little variety. It starts to look a bit "redundant" when you have several rifles of the same make and model--even if they are chambered for different ammunition.

Make sure semi auto's are legal where you will be hunting. The 308 is just a bit behind the 06(less than a 100 fps in most loadings). Neither the 06 or the 308 are good for elk and moose at long ranges. Both are good up till about 300 maybe 350 for the 06. If semi autos are legal for hunting where you intend to hunt it would allow a fast follow up shot which would be useful, provided one makes a good first shot and doesn't depend upon the fact you can make fast follow up shots.

30-06 is more than enough for moose and more than enough for black bear. It only enters into the 'marginal' or entry caliber level when you're talking about brown bears.

Odds of a 'quick follow up' with a 338 winmag are pretty low on a charging animal.

The accuracy difference between a bolt and a semi isn't going to be evident in 90% of shooters. For hunting accuracy you'll never know the difference. For long range and benchrest type shooting, assuming you're a good enough shooter, you might notice.

bolt... for me anyways. i have my reasons, bolt guns generally can tolerate heavier ammo and they're usually more affordable.

338 win mag isn't a weak cartridge. i doubt you need the multi shot capability and the recoil will throw the aim of making quick follow up shots without a gigantic brake unlikely... brakes aren't real popular for hunting. they make the gun loud as a cannon, meaning if you missed you probably won't see anything for the rest of the day.

if your game is really that dangerous i'd go with a bigger caliber... i would rather have bigger, heavier bullets at lower velocity than smaller, faster bullets at higher velocity.

If you are tough enough to go after "dangerous game" and if you are a responsible shooter, don't you think you have a sufficient advantage over the animal just using that caliber rifle?

If it is all about skill, and you would not take a poor shot (because that's not something that a responsible shooter would do), then you should believe that your shot will kill. So what in the world do you need a semi-automatic weapon for?

I've never understood this.

A young Maasai moran (he may be 13-14 years old) on his first olamayio, will face a male lion with only his assegai, a spear with a short handle and a long, double-edged blade. To take more to the hunt is considered a dishonor to the prey. Honor in hunting - now there's a concept.

A bolt action in 338 would be cheaper than a BAR in 338....more money to spend on optics, ammo and practice.

Ok ---- I'm going to give you a non-scientific ~ probably makes no sense answer --- So here it is.....

Get a rifle in a bolt action........ I do like semi-auto rifles in less powerful calibers like .223.... But for some reason, powerful calibers in semi-auto gives me the creeps..... It just doesn't sit well with me having such a powerful cartridge going off so close to my face with a semi-auto.... All those moving parts, cartridges, etc, etc..........

Go bad? dangerous game?... Have a side arm like a powerful revolver for that.....

Well if you've had good luck with a BAR in .30-06 why not try the one in .338 ?

Ahh it just warms the cockles of my heart to see the thumbs down idiots are out and about

I understand the browning is quite reliable and accurate. However, if you choose to go that way find the exact load your rifle likes and stick to it, they can be picky