I have been following discussions of the various non magnum .338 ctgs. with interest. I have a .338-284 in an Alpha Arms Alaskan and really like the gun. In checking loads at Loaddata.com, it seems that the .338-284 out performs the other two ctgs. I know the 284 case reportedly has about the same powder capacity as the 30-06 case, but the shorter, fatter configuration may be more efficient.
200 gr. 225 gr. 250 gr.
338RCM 2,800 2,600 2,450
338-284 2,880 2,780 2,600
338-06 2,740 2,640 2,530
338-06AI 2,800 2,640 2,550
These data were gotten from Loaddata.com, picking the fastest published velocity for each round at three bullet weights. Although the 338-284 is pretty close to the 338-06, I wasn't expecting to see it performing slightly ahead in most categories. I'm not sure about pressures, etc, or the details on how these loads were developed. Just thought I'd post these velocities. In 338-06, the AI version doesn't seem to run that much faster than the std. 06 case. I'm sure others have their data. I briefly reviewed currently published data, looking for the hottest loads to compare these three rounds.
DF
Last edited by Dirtfarmer; 02/06/11.
