Anyone ever spent much time working with the 338-06? How easy to resize the 30-06 case neck up and does it need to be new cases unfired or does it matter? What weight bullet and brand did your rifle prefer? What die set would you recommend and do you have a favorite powder or loads? Thanks in advance for any help.
Frank Glaser,Alaska Wolfman:"with a lung shot on hoofed game the .220 Swift killed quicker than any other gun I ever owned."That included caribou,moose,wolf,and sheep.
I shoot a bunch of 338 RCM which is very close to 338-06.
I use it mostly for moose. I have shot 185ttsx, 210 ttsx and 210 NP All with very good results. My favorite powders are BLC(2), Big game and 2520, but a bunch work well. I find that its pretty easy to get good accuracy from the RCMs.. not reason to think it wouldn't be true for the 338-06
I have made lots of 358 and 35 whelen from 308 and 06.
As long as you use adequate high quality lube (imperial for me) its not too hard. I mostly resized once fired. Make sure your expander ball is tapered. I typically use Redding dies. I can't remember if the ball is tapered as I bought the dies, but if not its just a few dollars to by one. Most of the major die companies have a tapered expander or you can by one from them.
If you find sizing tough you can anneal, just be careful to not get the case shoulder before sizing as an annealed shoulder can lead to a collapsed shoulder during the neck expansion.
The collection of taxes which are not absolutely required, which do not beyond reasonable doubt contribute to public welfare, is only a species of legalized larceny. Under this Republic the rewards of industry belong to those who earn them. Coolidge
I have made probably 20 of them and owned 3. I have hunted with them a fair amount. I have high praise of the cartridge. Overall I use the 210 grain Nosler Partition most, but also used the 225 as well as a few kills on deer with the 200 grain Speer Hot Core. The lightest bullet used was the Barnes 185 grain and I did shoot some Hornady 250s but never killed anything with one of those. Also I killed 1 big elk with a Speer 275 grain, but that bullet is not made anymore. I have killed deer antelope elk 1 bear and also a few cattle with my 338-06s. As a guide I have seen a lot more elk (thinking back I'd guess about 9) and 3 moose killed with them as well a a good number of deer. It's always been a solid performer on all game. Both the Hornady and Speer 200 grain cup and core bullets seem a bit too soft for shots under 100 yards, but not horrible. Good to excellent performance was common with most other bullets. For elk and larger game it seems to be at it's very best with Nosler Partitions, Accubonds and Swift A Frames and Sciroccos in weights from 200 to 225. For deer however I don't think it matters much and 200 grain Cup and Core bullet work well enough.
For brass I simply neck up 30-06. Lube the necks inside and one pass makes the shell. No problems at all.
Powders? 4320, RL15, RL19, 4064, 4350 and WW760. Different guns with different barrels seem to prefer different powders just like all other cartridges. If I were going to recommend 1 to start with it would be 4064. But the 338-06 is not a difficult round to load.
I found necking up the 30-06 brass to be rather easy as long as the brass is soft.I use once fired brass.Being fired it's a step in the right direction.You could use multi-fired brass,but it would be best to anneal it first.I use Winchester brass.It has a little more case capacity than Remington brass,maybe as much as two grains difference depending on the powder.Either one would work,just keep in mind there is a difference.As for dies,it's really a matter of choice and what's available.I'm using Lee dies for the 338-06 myself and for a lot of cartridges I load for.I like the ease of setup and they produce just as good of ammo as RCBS.Redding dies are probably the best dies I have.As for bullet weights,I like 200gr Noslers,but I'm sure other brands will work well too.The 200gr ballistics are similar to a 180gr in a 30-06.My rifle seemed to group the 200gr the best running them around 2700-2800fps with just about any powder with the burnrate between Varget and 4350.Here is some of my data with my rifle.Remember every rifle is different,so always start lower and work your loads up. My 338-06 was a Remington 700 Long Range 30-06 rebored by JES.It is one of the best shooting rifles I own.I really like the 200gr bullets,both the Silver Ballistic Tips and Accubond.My rifle shoots them both same POI.It's accurate with several loads.I have found it shoots well with so many powders,but I keep going back to Big Game because it always groups so well with it.I use the WLRM Primer and resized Winchester 30-06 once fired cases necked up on all of them.Here is my load data. 180gr Accubond 58.0grs Varget 3010fps 180gr Accubond 60.0grs Big Game 2940fps 200gr Accubond 60.0grs 760 This load grouped good just never got a velocity on it(checked later and it was around 2800fps) 200gr Accubond 62.0grs H4350 2740fps 200gr Accubond 63.0grs Hunter 2730fps 200gr Accubond 59.5grs BLC-2 2830fps 200gr Accubond 56.0grs Varget 2849fps 210gr Partition 54.0grs Varget 2721fps 200gr Accubond 59.0grs CFE223 2807fps 200gr Accubond 59.0grs Big Game 2812fps 200gr Accubond 61.0grs Accurate 4350 2661fps 210gr Partition 59.0grs Accurate 4350 2777fps
~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~ As Bob Hagel would say"You should not use a rifle that will kill an animal when everything goes right; you should use one that will do the job when everything goes wrong."Good words of wisdom...............
I have a couple of 338-06 rifles and really enjoy the caliber. I use a max load of Win 760 and Nosler 210 Partitions in one and Sierra Gameking 215 grain in the other, though I forget the powder I used. Both are tack driving hammers. I run 30-06 brass into an 8mm expander die and then a second pass in a 338-06 die. That may not be necessary but was recommended to me to prevent overworking the brass, though I am not sure it really matter. Its a great cartridge and hits harder than you might expect. I would not hesitate to use it on elk or other larger game.
I found necking up the 30-06 brass to be rather easy as long as the brass is soft.I use once fired brass.Being fired it's a step in the right direction.You could use multi-fired brass,but it would be best to anneal it first.I use Winchester brass.It has a little more case capacity than Remington brass,maybe as much as two grains difference depending on the powder.Either one would work,just keep in mind there is a difference.As for dies,it's really a matter of choice and what's available.I'm using Lee dies for the 338-06 myself and for a lot of cartridges I load for.I like the ease of setup and they produce just as good of ammo as RCBS.Redding dies are probably the best dies I have.As for bullet weights,I like 200gr Noslers,but I'm sure other brands will work well too.The 200gr ballistics are similar to a 180gr in a 30-06.My rifle seemed to group the 200gr the best running them around 2700-2800fps with just about any powder with the burnrate between Varget and 4350.Here is some of my data with my rifle.Remember every rifle is different,so always start lower and work your loads up. My 338-06 was a Remington 700 Long Range 30-06 rebored by JES.It is one of the best shooting rifles I own.I really like the 200gr bullets,both the Silver Ballistic Tips and Accubond.My rifle shoots them both same POI.It's accurate with several loads.I have found it shoots well with so many powders,but I keep going back to Big Game because it always groups so well with it.I use the WLRM Primer and resized Winchester 30-06 once fired cases necked up on all of them.Here is my load data. 180gr Accubond 58.0grs Varget 3010fps 180gr Accubond 60.0grs Big Game 2940fps 200gr Accubond 60.0grs 760 This load grouped good just never got a velocity on it(checked later and it was around 2800fps) 200gr Accubond 62.0grs H4350 2740fps 200gr Accubond 63.0grs Hunter 2730fps 200gr Accubond 59.5grs BLC-2 2830fps 200gr Accubond 56.0grs Varget 2849fps 210gr Partition 54.0grs Varget 2721fps 200gr Accubond 59.0grs CFE223 2807fps 200gr Accubond 59.0grs Big Game 2812fps 200gr Accubond 61.0grs Accurate 4350 2661fps 210gr Partition 59.0grs Accurate 4350 2777fps
I have a 338 06 AI that I shoot. I started with new Lapua 30 06 brass and ran it over a tapered expander. Easy peasy then fire formed the 40° shoulder.
I use 200 gr Hornady SST bullets for deer hunting and they are devastating on them. Probably wouldn't shoot larger critters with them though.
Varget gave best velocity and ES with mine. H4350 wasn't as accurate and the ES was around 70 FPS. Big Game powder looks like a good option and will give it a try at some point.
I myself have just started with the 338/06 ( about the only Medium bore I haven't loaded for or Wildcatted, ha) I use LEE Dies, they work great. I also use a LEE Factory Crimp Die ( the one for the 338 Win Mag is the same.) I use new Lapua and Winchester brass. My Lot of Lapua brass has tight primer pockets, only my CCI primers fit well. I'm loving it, Imperial Wax inside the neck, run into Sizing die for a snug bolt close, load and shoot! I also played with a 338 RCM awhile back, but I never cottoned to the rifle. I like this Wby UL LWT! Have a ball man!
1. Yes I have spent many years with the 338-06. 2. Easy, have only done this with new cases. 3. 200-210gr, I like T/TSX, Partiton, Accubond, BT, Interlock. In reality most bullets will work. Harder to find one that will not work. 4. Have had good luck with RCBS and Redding. Many powders work as it is easy to load for. My preference is Varget.
It is one of my personal favorites and would not hesitate to use it on anything except, elephant and rhino.
I ended up with one almost by accident. It was a custom built on an Interarms action in a Brown Precision stock that had been gathering dust for a long time at a local gunshop. I tried to buy the Ziess scope off the rifle; the shop owner was tired of looking at it and offered me the whole package for $1000, he had $2000+ on the price tag.
My plan was to take the scope and flip the rifle. But it came with a box of handloads. I figured it wouldn't hurt to shoot up the box 1st. I ended up buying dies and making brass from 30-06 brass.
Getting good brass was easy and I had no trouble getting accurate loads with 200 and 225 gr bullets. Never tried anything heavier.
But after using it for a couple of years it just didn't make sense. It was a lot easier to just load 200 gr bullets in my 30-06 and it would do anything the 338/06 would do with 225 gr bullets. A .338 bullet is only about 1/2 the thickness of a dime greater than a .308 bullet. That's nothing, it doesn't make a bigger hole and the 200 gr .308 bullet will match or beat the .338 in penetration. With a lot less trouble and recoil.
It was about 2 years later, but I did eventually keep the scope and sell the rifle.
It isn't that the 338-06 doesn't work, it does all of the great things you will hear about. But it doesn't do them any better than a 30-06 loaded heavy. For guys who love to tinker it is probably a great round. I prefer to keep it simple.
Most people don't really want the truth.
They just want constant reassurance that what they believe is the truth.
It isn't that the 338-06 doesn't work, it does all of the great things you will hear about. But it doesn't do them any better than a 30-06 loaded heavy. For guys who love to tinker it is probably a great round. I prefer to keep it simple.
That was always my take on the 338/06 as well.
Same could be said about the 338Federal as compared to the 308.
No "Surprise!",that every projectile cited thus far,is a piece of fhuqking schit. Hint.
The .650 BC 250gr Skinner is a fhuqking phenom at 2500fps+ and will put a 375 H&H on it's heels. Hint.
The '06 isn't even in it's Universe. Hint....................
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
It isn't like you were going to leave the couch and do something...you "lucky" kchunt. Hint. Congratulations?!?
Hell...you had to fhuqking steal your avatar. Hint.
The .650 BC Skinner is AMAZINGLY accurate,very robust,digs deep,sheds velocity begrudgingly and slip atmospherics exceptionally. It retains 2000+fps of impact velocity to 400yds+,makes 1000ft lbs of "energy" to 1000yds+ and is but a 2 Mil windage correction at the 1000yd line,in a full value 10mph influx. Hint.
Now you can say you've "seen" one,which makes this a VERY Big Day,for someone like you. My Aye Eye obviously squirts 'em faster,but that is a different discussion. Hint.
Fhuqking LAUGHING!.................
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
When it comes to non-magnum Medium Bores, personally (YMMV) I always felt the 9.3x62 was a great round, and one in which both the 338, 35, even 375/06 calibers do well to mimic/compare to. I have owned/played with 3 9.x62s, and they do have some thump. I just like the newer, lighter bullets in 338/35. To me the 9.3x62 makes sense with the 285gr or so, no doubt the 250 Noslers work swell, but hard to get! I even shot/loved the Woodleigh 310 in my 35 WAI loaded to 2400. Thats right there with the 9.3x62 But unless one shoots or has opportunity to take big thick hogs, elk size game and bears/moose, a 30-06 165 does it all, yes. However, I'm one of the few who does believe the Mediums )of any velocity, hit big animals "harder". I love the 30-06/200s, sure, but it and the 220 still really only shine on big hogs and up. Deer, even lengthwise, are just not a good example, again, in my way of thinking, ha. Lapua Scenars are used for hunting all over the world, and Sticks 300 I am going to have to try . I base that on my over 20yrs use of the 35 WAI, 338 mags, 375 H&H and Wby. Up to 250yds, I could never tell the difference! So, can we get along without the 338/06, why sure, but there's a reason thousands of Texas deer hunters use 223 to 22-250s! We looked at the 270/280/30-06s as "magnums", ha. Lots of bloodshot meat! Thats why my old friend shot the factory 220 SN in his 30-06 for deer, it didnt bloodshot them. However, you can use the right bullet in any Medium and eat right up to the bullet hole, as they say. But only handloaders really spend time/money on the Wildcats, ha. But they are tons of fun!
It isn't like you were going to leave the couch and do something...you "lucky" kchunt. Hint. Congratulations?!?
Hell...you had to fhuqking steal your avatar. Hint.
The .650 BC Skinner is AMAZINGLY accurate,very robust,digs deep,sheds velocity begrudgingly and slip atmospherics exceptionally. It retains 2000+fps of impact velocity to 400yds+,makes 1000ft lbs of "energy" to 1000yds+ and is but a 2 Mil windage correction at the 1000yd line,in a full value 10mph influx. Hint.
Now you can say you've "seen" one,which makes this a VERY Big Day,for someone like you. My Aye Eye obviously squirts 'em faster,but that is a different discussion. Hint.
Fhuqking LAUGHING!.................
What’s the floor on FPS for that 250 to open well?
No such thing. They CRUSH schit Subsonic,as it has the mass,ass and diameter to obviously do same(less expansion). Hint.
They are Wickedly Fhuqking RELIABLE and have no equal. Hint.
Bullets matter wayyyyyyyy more than headstamps and the .338" 250 Skinner is a fhuqking PEACH. Hint.............
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
Your nothingness is a synonym for having to steal an avatar and setting upon your couchbound kchunt. Though "luckily" you can Google me...you "lucky" kchunt. Hint. Congratulatons?!?
Fortunately for you,Imagination and Pretend are free,so even YOU can "afford" to "contribute". Hint.
Fhuqking LAUGHING!..........
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
No such thing. They CRUSH schit Subsonic,as it has the mass,ass and diameter to obviously do same(less expansion). Hint.
They are Wickedly Fhuqking RELIABLE and have no equal. Hint.
Bullets matter wayyyyyyyy more than headstamps and the .338" 250 Skinner is a fhuqking PEACH. Hint.............
Anything that requires a 250 grain .338 bullet is a very tough critter and needs a very tough projectile such as a Barnes mono or bonded bullet with high weight retention. If the game isn't tough enough to require that, then you are way better off using a good .270 or 7mm bullet.
Little Stick does all his testing at metal plates at 600 yards or little 100 pound blacktail (or similar) at less than 100 yards. There are no elk where he lives.
Little Stick does all his testing at metal plates at 600 yards or little 100 pound blacktail (or similar) at less than 100 yards. There are no elk where he lives.
Understood..... so just maybe he is talking out his azz??? hahahahahah nooooo
Originally Posted by Judman PS, if you think Trump is “good” you’re way stupider than I thought! Haha
Pardon Deer,Bears(Brown/Black),Moose,Elk,Goats,Woofs and the like being but 10 miles from the house. Hint.
I do enjoy your Tragic Tears...you "lucky " kchunts. Hint.
Fhuqking LAUGHING!..............
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
BS is kinda right on this one, although his wimpy azz is stuck on low vel rounds because he can't do recoil like most men can
338 cal out of cases bigger than the '06 case means a "man" must have the ability to control the firearm and direct the rate of fire accurately.. A muzzle brake helps and is indispensable for controlled accurate fire
Some old fart gundummies will fart n wheeze extinctively (haha) that "muzzle brakes" are loud and obnoxious ? WTF grandpa it's only 5pm ...... Ear pro ? Ear Pro...... ? EAR PRO .... ?????
"The welfare of humanity is always the alibi of tyrants".
Hmmmm...Jeezus Fhuqk,you kchunts are a hoot! Hint.
Seasons are long,bag limits liberal and Droolers needn't apply. Hint.................
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
Pardon Deer,Bears(Brown/Black),Moose,Elk,Goats,Woofs and the like being but 10 miles from the house. Hint.
I do enjoy your Tragic Tears...you "lucky " kchunts. Hint.
Fhuqking LAUGHING!..............
So, now you are claiming POW island has brown bears and elk? when is the hunting season for said critters? And why have you never put a Scenar in one?
Little Liar Larry is misleadingly saying that the mainland is 10 miles from his trailer home and on the mainland are moose, elk, goats, wolves, brownies. He is trying to pretend that he only has to drive 10 miles to hunt these animals.
Pardon my possibiliies,as you fret suffiering being you. Hint.
Boats are "handy" and I only own (3). Hint.
Fhuqking LAUGHING!..............
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
Pardon Deer,Bears(Brown/Black),Moose,Elk,Goats,Woofs and the like being but 10 miles from the house. Hint.
I do enjoy your Tragic Tears...you "lucky " kchunts. Hint.
Fhuqking LAUGHING!..............
So, now you are claiming POW island has brown bears and elk? when is the hunting season for said critters? And why have you never put a Scenar in one?
Little Liar Larry is misleadingly saying that the mainland is 10 miles from his trailer home and on the mainland are moose, elk, goats, wolves, brownies. He is trying to pretend that he only has to drive 10 miles to hunt these animals.
Just has to turn on the computer and virtually hunt and long range shoot. Then post pics from 20 years ago thinking he can BS the masses. Lol. Little Liar Larp Larry
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
Pardon Deer,Bears(Brown/Black),Moose,Elk,Goats,Woofs and the like being but 10 miles from the house. Hint.
I do enjoy your Tragic Tears...you "lucky " kchunts. Hint.
Fhuqking LAUGHING!..............
So, now you are claiming POW island has brown bears and elk? when is the hunting season for said critters? And why have you never put a Scenar in one?
Little Liar Larry is misleadingly saying that the mainland is 10 miles from his trailer home and on the mainland are moose, elk, goats, wolves, brownies. He is trying to pretend that he only has to drive 10 miles to hunt these animals.
Just has to turn on the computer and virtually hunt and long range shoot. Then post pics from 20 years ago thinking he can BS the masses. Lol. Little Liar Larp Larry
Look I know Little Liar Larry has his faults, such as extreme little man's complex, dressing up in women's clothing, pretending to hunt long-range, pretending to hunt big game, being a hoarder (filling his trailer with guns, scopes, components that he'll never use) but despite all this, he's still a kchundt.
Ain't it a HOOT,you haven't the loot,to even begin to shoot...you "lucky" kchunts. Hint Congratulations?!?
Bless your poor poor(literally) hearts.
Hint.
Fhuqking LAUGHING!..............
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
A fellow gun head picked up a NIB Weatherby Mark V in 338-06 several years ago. I found it kind of odd that a firearms company would chamber a wildcat round, only one I have ever seen in a factory rifle.
I am considering the 250 scenar out of my 338 WM. Haven’t found much info on expansion characteristics of the 250 on game. Everything I have found says they are a tough bullet.
And yes, all of the above species are available over the counter and accessible from POW. Takes some logistics and weather.
The State's best Deer,Elk,Goat,Black Bear and Wolf genes are in the front yard. Such simplistic facts,confound Couchbound Kchunts,who DREAM aloud. Hint.
Fhuqking LAUGHING!.............
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
I am considering the 250 scenar out of my 338 WM. Haven’t found much info on expansion characteristics of the 250 on game. Everything I have found says they are a tough bullet.
And yes, all of the above species are available over the counter and accessible from POW. Takes some logistics and weather.
While not a 338-06, I am testing them in my .338 Sherman Mega now to see if I can find a good load for them. If I can, I will be testing them on Nilgai come January. If I can't I will be using a 230 grain ELD-X or a 225 grain SST.
I am considering the 250 scenar out of my 338 WM. Haven’t found much info on expansion characteristics of the 250 on game. Everything I have found says they are a tough bullet.
And yes, all of the above species are available over the counter and accessible from POW. Takes some logistics and weather.
Duh.... yeah, you are an Alaska resident..... Stick is trying to paint a narrative that he has elk and brown bear accessible from his residence.... like so much he tries to portray here is misleading... a lie .... but typical of leftist he plays word games and obfuscates the truth. He has lead everyone to believe he has thousands of yards available to shoot from his front yard, yet he lives in town... he's a phony.
Originally Posted by Judman PS, if you think Trump is “good” you’re way stupider than I thought! Haha
Someone likes to steal punctuation...the "lucky" kchunt. Hint. Congratulations?!?
I can only see 2300yds from the porch,the Critters you relish,are none too distant and "town" is rather modest. Hint.
The Hurt Feeler Reports are EPIC,the Brokedicktitude real and The Angst GenuWhine. Hint.
Fhuqking LAUGHING!.............
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
I have never considered the Scenar from my 338 WM. There is just no reason for it. I won't be shooting it at 1000 yds; I have other rifles which are intended for that purpose, and bullets to use in them. The 338 won't be used at anything over 400, and for that, the 225's are just fine. Oh, by the way, I literally can shoot 1000 yds off my porch, I just wouldn't bother doing it with the 338. Some others might want to, for whatever reason, and they are welcome to do that. GD
The State's best Deer,Elk,Goat,Black Bear and Wolf genes are in the front yard. Such simplistic facts,confound Couchbound Kchunts,who DREAM aloud. Hint.
Fhuqking LAUGHING!.............
What do you know! You haven't gotten off the couch in 10 yrs.
My 338-06 is an FN custom with a 24" barrel the potential for top velocities is all there for the cartridge. Don't need it for that, have a 338 win mag for that. Allways thought I'd like to have a m86 33 win but they are damned expensive. So a couple of gunshows back I stumbled on to a pile of 200 gr flatnose hornady's in 338. The ones made for the 86 in 33win someone selling an estate. Bought them they have the bc of a beer can but with light loads in my 338-06 I'll have 33 win performance levels without buying the gun. Won't need a 338 federal either. The real question is easy , will any of these loads be significantly better than 200 gr npt's in the 30-06?..mb
" Cheapest velocity in the world comes from a long barrel and I sure do like them. MB "
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
A fellow gun head picked up a NIB Weatherby Mark V in 338-06 several years ago. I found it kind of odd that a firearms company would chamber a wildcat round, only one I have ever seen in a factory rifle.
I never saw one on any used gun rack or Gun Show either. I found mine on Gunbroker. It weighs 6 3/4 pds scoped up. I had a Trigger Tech Special put in mine, I love it!
I built a 338-06 in 1999. A nice round, that's simple to size brass and load for. I never really thought it did anything more than the 30-06 already does, and at the time I'd sooner hunted with my 22" bbl'd 338 WM, so I sold it off. Regardless, a rifle-looney has got to scratch an itch
“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
I built a 338-06 in 1999. A nice round, that's simple to size brass and load for. I never really thought it did anything more than the 30-06 already does, and at the time I'd sooner hunted with my 22" bbl'd 338 WM, so I sold it off. Regardless, a rifle-looney has got to scratch an itch
I got a set of lee dies and resized a bunch of Winchester 30-06 once fired brass without any problem. Loaded Speer 225gr.btsp and 51gr.imr 4064 and zeroed the irons in 3 shots. Now I need to get a Leupold scope. I'am thinking 3.5x10 or 1x4. Rifle is a old much used Winchester pre,,-64 that was a 270 with original barrel just bored out.
Last edited by keekeerun; 11/27/23.
Frank Glaser,Alaska Wolfman:"with a lung shot on hoofed game the .220 Swift killed quicker than any other gun I ever owned."That included caribou,moose,wolf,and sheep.
If you run across 35 Whelan brass, it is easier to size down to 338-06 than size up 30-06 brass.
Redding 338-06 dies have a well designed tapered expander ball and it is a painless 1 stroke operation with once fired 30-06 brass as easy as it gets.mb
" Cheapest velocity in the world comes from a long barrel and I sure do like them. MB "
My 338-06 was built on a Husqvarna 9000 series action from a S&W C in 30-06. It has a 24" barrel and is half of a matched pair of rifles, the other being chambered in 256 Newton. I like the 210 grain Partition, as it provides a nice balance of accuracy potential, penetration, expansion, and velocity.
I haven't had any trouble making cases for it by necking up 30-06 brass using Imperial Wax and Redding dies.
A fellow gun head picked up a NIB Weatherby Mark V in 338-06 several years ago. I found it kind of odd that a firearms company would chamber a wildcat round, only one I have ever seen in a factory rifle.
A-Square legitimized it in 96 I believe. WBY chambered it shortly after. as I remember.
A fellow gun head picked up a NIB Weatherby Mark V in 338-06 several years ago. I found it kind of odd that a firearms company would chamber a wildcat round, only one I have ever seen in a factory rifle.
A-Square legitimized it in 96 I believe. WBY chambered it shortly after. as I remember.
Yes a leupold 2x8 scope would be perfect and they balance great on winchester 70. I got a great deal on the 225 speers I want to try the 200-210 bullets next. The old rifle I got is a 1961 and it came from Montana. It looks like it has been hunted with extremely hard for years just like you would imagine a Sheep or Bear guide would carry all those years in high rough trails. Thats one thing that I liked about it from the start. It feels and handles and looks good like a great worn out pair of cowboy boots and has that "welcome good friend "look sorta like a old hound dog that's always glad to see you. The metal has been taken care of pretty good but the stock has many battle scars and shows it's been carried a whole whole lot. You know its alot like many oldtimers here at the campfire ...been there and done that. That to me makes it special.It takes a lot of years and hard hunting work to get one in that kind of "honest hunter condition". It being chambered in 338-06... well that's just iceing on the cake! Thanks bigtime to everyone for all the great help and happy shooting!
Last edited by keekeerun; 11/27/23.
Frank Glaser,Alaska Wolfman:"with a lung shot on hoofed game the .220 Swift killed quicker than any other gun I ever owned."That included caribou,moose,wolf,and sheep.
Frank Glaser,Alaska Wolfman:"with a lung shot on hoofed game the .220 Swift killed quicker than any other gun I ever owned."That included caribou,moose,wolf,and sheep.
So far, I've only necked up new Winchester and new Lapua '06 brass for this rifle. Lee Dies. I have a new Leupold 2.5x8 mounted on Tally LW mounts. My Mark V was lightly used, not NIB. I love rifles, but don't accumulate, so for me, I don't mind selling/trading to get a new toy. I started as a teen using (periodically at first, old 1917 Enfield) the 30-06, with it and newer ones loading from 110 to 250gr, no, I never "would have needed" anything else. BUT, I suffer badly from the Loony syndrome...just got to try it! ha
So far, I've only necked up new Winchester and new Lapua '06 brass for this rifle. Lee Dies. I have a new Leupold 2.5x8 mounted on Tally LW mounts. My Mark V was lightly used, not NIB. I love rifles, but don't accumulate, so for me, I don't mind selling/trading to get a new toy. I started as a teen using (periodically at first, old 1917 Enfield) the 30-06, with it and newer ones loading from 110 to 250gr, no, I never "would have needed" anything else. BUT, I suffer badly from the Loony syndrome...just got to try it! ha
No need to explain or justify Loonyism. We understand.
How much does seating depth matter? I looked at the speer book and the Hornady book and got different C.O.L. for the 225gr. bullets. If I load slightly shorter I will have more pressure but if I load longer I will have less right? Does it matter that much? 3.240" speer 225 hodgdon data max.50.5 gr.imr 4064 3.330" nosler 225gr.
Frank Glaser,Alaska Wolfman:"with a lung shot on hoofed game the .220 Swift killed quicker than any other gun I ever owned."That included caribou,moose,wolf,and sheep.
Good question, I ran about the full length of the 700 box, and had a full charge of powder. My chamber had been cut for 250s, but it shot great with 200 - 225.
How much does seating depth matter? I looked at the speer book and the Hornady book and got different C.O.L. for the 225gr. bullets. If I load slightly shorter I will have more pressure but if I load longer I will have less right? Does it matter that much? 3.240" speer 225 hodgdon data max.50.5 gr.imr 4064 3.330" nosler 225gr.
Is probably do a test cartridge and figure out where your lands are at. Depending on who did the chamber and stuff like that your throat could be enough difference those Speer and Nosler’s won’t be valid in your gun.
This throat kisses same at 3.515". 225 Speer Form Loads,are halfa fhuqking foot shorter. Hint.
Just saying.............
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
How much does seating depth matter? I looked at the speer book and the Hornady book and got different C.O.L. for the 225gr. bullets. If I load slightly shorter I will have more pressure but if I load longer I will have less right? Does it matter that much? 3.240" speer 225 hodgdon data max.50.5 gr.imr 4064 3.330" nosler 225gr.
If you load shorter you have less pressure, if you load longer you have more pressure. As you get close to the lands by loading longer pressure increases. The increase in pressure from loading longer near the lands outweighs the decrease in pressure by having more case volume by loading further out.
Frank Glaser,Alaska Wolfman:"with a lung shot on hoofed game the .220 Swift killed quicker than any other gun I ever owned."That included caribou,moose,wolf,and sheep.
Finally got to shoot some of my new loads in my new rifle. I can't get the first couple rounds to eject after firing with the magazine loaded with 5 rounds. The bolt pulls them back easy they just lay in front of the bolt instead of flying out like they should.No matter how hard I pull the bolt back. The last 3 will eject just fine,what does this mean? Maybe a worn ejector or the pressure of the lower 3 rounds is enough to keep the ejector from working properly? I feel like i'am sorta fire forming this brass now anyway, has anyone had a issue like this before with resizing once fired 30-06 brass to 338-06 in a old pre-64 Winchester 70? Got to thinking after posting this and came back to edit. I can put 5 loaded rounds and run them thru and everyone ejects like a champ😁 What is going on different when they are fired & spent?Shrinkage & weight?
Last edited by keekeerun; 01/02/24.
Frank Glaser,Alaska Wolfman:"with a lung shot on hoofed game the .220 Swift killed quicker than any other gun I ever owned."That included caribou,moose,wolf,and sheep.
Check out the ejector, may be sticking a bit. Also, pull the bolt and see if a cartridge will slide into the extractor and sit firmly on the bolt face. If it won't sit on the bolt face, pull the extractor and give it a little bend to tighten it up.
Sounds like a weird problem with it being so intermittent though.
I wonder if the the bolt face has been cleaned/ polished to much & is smidge loose makes it seem the extractor is short? If that is the case what would be the fix I will have to buy a new extractor to test?
Frank Glaser,Alaska Wolfman:"with a lung shot on hoofed game the .220 Swift killed quicker than any other gun I ever owned."That included caribou,moose,wolf,and sheep.
Frank Glaser,Alaska Wolfman:"with a lung shot on hoofed game the .220 Swift killed quicker than any other gun I ever owned."That included caribou,moose,wolf,and sheep.
My 338-06 is on a pre-64 M-70. Prefers 210-225 gr with Nosler 210 PART getting the nod. Accurate. Early 3-X Leupold works well.
Other than new cases, anneal case necks.
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena-not the critic"-T. Roosevelt There are no atheists in fox holes or in the open doors of a para's aircraft.....
Would a 8x57 Mauser have enough meat in it to be made into a 338-06?
I'd think at worse you might need to lop a thread off, but maybe compare a chamber drawing to see for sure.
I'm not tracking - why would you need to set back a thread to turn an 8x57 into a 338-06? Or is "at worst" the operative phrase? Even then, there is so much steel to work with in the difference between an 8x5 and a 338-06 chamber that I can't imagine having to set back a thread in the course of a rebore.
Would a 8x57 Mauser have enough meat in it to be made into a 338-06?
I'd think at worse you might need to lop a thread off, but maybe compare a chamber drawing to see for sure.
I'm not tracking - why would you need to set back a thread to turn an 8x57 into a 338-06? Or is "at worst" the operative phrase? Even then, there is so much steel to work with in the difference between an 8x5 and a 338-06 chamber that I can't imagine having to set back a thread in the course of a rebore.
Maybe I'm missing something. Rex
Yes, exactly. Worst case scenario. You're right though, plenty of meat on the bone for a single swipe in about any case.
I set Feesh Rods aside for a bit yesterday afternoon and shot through the new Garmin,to see .616 BC 230 ELD Smooches right at 2700fps,in formed cases. Hint.
Seems like a nice place to be,to me. Hint.............
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
4064 is very good, perhaps better for 200s and lighter.
4320 for the win, 225s - 2670 with WW partial sized brass, 23" Hart, 1/2 MOA.
Enjoy.
Don't know if anyone has ever noticed this with the 338/06. But:
50 grains of 4064 with a 200 grain, 225 grain and 250 grain Hornady, each have an MV of 2500 fps?
That is what I commonly load in my Model 70 in 338/06, which was a rebore of a brand new 270 barreled Model 70, that had never been fired.
For the fastest velocity with each of those bullet weights, I use H 380, which is very darn accurate also. Still under SAAMI pressure specs but I load 65 grains with the 200 grain Hornady ( which needs a crimp), 62.5 grains of H 380 with a 225 grain Hornady SP, and 60 grains of H380 with a 250 grain RN ( which I prefer over the SP). Each load is very accurate in my rifle along with the fastest MV out of each bullet weight.
Scope I use on my Model 70 is a Leupold 2 x 7 Shot Gun Scope, with the heavy duplex.
"Minus the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the Country" Marion Barry, Mayor of Wash DC
“Owning guns is not a right. If it were a right, it would be in the Constitution.” ~Alexandria Ocasio Cortez
Has anyone tried the 338-06 loaded with Speer 250 Grand slam bullet on game or shot for accuracy?
Frank Glaser,Alaska Wolfman:"with a lung shot on hoofed game the .220 Swift killed quicker than any other gun I ever owned."That included caribou,moose,wolf,and sheep.
GS's as a whole,in all sizes/weights,are dismal on the average. Hint.
Just sayin'............
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
Stick what about Hornady interlocks and Noslers accubonds?
Frank Glaser,Alaska Wolfman:"with a lung shot on hoofed game the .220 Swift killed quicker than any other gun I ever owned."That included caribou,moose,wolf,and sheep.
Frank Glaser,Alaska Wolfman:"with a lung shot on hoofed game the .220 Swift killed quicker than any other gun I ever owned."That included caribou,moose,wolf,and sheep.
I/L's are rather soft and I never was an AccuBomb Guy,because they are zooky and far from reliable. Hint.
Been hung up banging Chrome and haven't even Bear looked yet,but am liking the 230 ELD's thus far. They fly nice,slip conditions well and seem rather robust. Hint.
To be continued. Hint..............
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
Does anyone have any load data for the Swift or Speer .338 275gr.Tungston Solid bullet?
Last edited by keekeerun; 04/19/24.
Frank Glaser,Alaska Wolfman:"with a lung shot on hoofed game the .220 Swift killed quicker than any other gun I ever owned."That included caribou,moose,wolf,and sheep.
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
Frank Glaser,Alaska Wolfman:"with a lung shot on hoofed game the .220 Swift killed quicker than any other gun I ever owned."That included caribou,moose,wolf,and sheep.
Frank Glaser,Alaska Wolfman:"with a lung shot on hoofed game the .220 Swift killed quicker than any other gun I ever owned."That included caribou,moose,wolf,and sheep.
I did read where one African hunter forum 338-06 shooter claimed 57gr.IMR4831 got him 2400fps with the 300gr.Woodleigh soft
Last edited by keekeerun; 04/20/24.
Frank Glaser,Alaska Wolfman:"with a lung shot on hoofed game the .220 Swift killed quicker than any other gun I ever owned."That included caribou,moose,wolf,and sheep.
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