Originally Posted by Dirtfarmer
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


All of the below links are for loads chrono�d with a 20� barrel 338RCM. There is measured data within as such:

200grainers: handloads maxed out in the 2800 to 2850 range

225grainers: handloads maxed out in the 2650 to 2700fps range

250grainers: handloads maxed out in the 2500 to 2575fps range

http://www.realguns.com/archives/170.htm

http://www.gunsandammo.com/content/338-rcm?page=1

http://www.rifleshootermag.com/ammunition/RS_0108_01/index1.html

http://www.gunsandammo.com/content/hot-couple?page=3

http://www.loaddata.com/members/search_d...eloading%20Data


I personally was unable to reach the same performance level with my beloved short barrel 338-06 as can be reached with the short barrel 338RCM. I have no experience with the 338-284. But, it does sound by your post above, you are undercutting the performance potential of the RCM, especially when talking about a 20-inch barrel. The RCM is very efficient from a short barrel.

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