Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats Opinions on the 338-'06 Ackley

I built my first 338-06 about ten years ago. That one was a Shilen #4 on a Rem 700, cut at 24". It was a good shooting combination and I used it to take a nice Black Bear. 200gr Accubonds and IMR4895 was a deadly combination in it.

I recently had the gun re-barreled to 338-06AI because I happened upon a Rock Creek .338 barrel and a gun smith friend who was having great success with his new 338-06AI reamer. This new barrel is a #4 Mag contour cut at 24". The new barrel/chamber shoots entirely different. This one loves the 210 Barnes TTSX and behind H414 and it will shoot down to 5/8 MOA if I do my part. However, I have not been able to get it to shoot Accubonds (180, 200, 225) at all???

My AI does shoot faster, but I suspect it is more the barrel than the cartridge. The barrel reportedly came from a batch of 6R barrels (not the 5R that he is known for) that Mike Rock made for some 338 Lapuas a ways back.

Having now had both cartridges, I couldn't give you a good reason to go with the AI unless you just happen to like like all things Ackley (like I do). Either way, I think you will enjoy which ever one you decide to go with.

Thanks a million guys for all the input and considerations. I own a 25-'06AI, 6.5-'06AI, 30-'06AI and will soon add a 338-'06AI to the fold. I consider 100'/sec to be relevant along with the easy brass maintenance. I'll make the decision on a stock on down the road and will update you on the progress. Thanks again and regards, Rick.

My .338wm weighs 8lbs 2oz all up. Recoil is not bad. My brass is on its 10th loading and looking good. I can buy factory ammo for 27$ a box, and have never not been able to find it. Feeding is perfect. What is the problem with the belt again?

My Weatherby UL in 338-06 shoots 200 gr Accubombs @2744fps w/53.5 grs H4895. This rifle weighs just over 7 lbs scoped. Awesome carry gun for anything here in MT. Sold all my magnums after picking up this gun. I have no regrets. 4 in the box, 1 in the chamber, less recoil and blast but,limited factory ammo. I think those double set triggers are awesome. Good luck and remember, we carry 'em more than we shoot 'em.

Built my 338-06AI on a Sako m75 Greywolf as a donor rifle with a new barrel. Went with the AI version to be different and conversations with my gunsmith and a couple guys on the Nosler forum site.






Pic of ammo is with Accubonds and TTSX in new Norma 338-06AS brass to be fireformed.


Overall weight of 9.6 lbs with scope. Love the caliber. My rifle will hold 5 in the clip...should only need one thou.

To me, recoil is very light with the 225gr Accubonds or TTSX's. MY Tikka T3 LS 270WSM has more felt recoil.

Love the rifle and caliber !!

Awesome stick Mightypeace, What make is the barrel? Hows it shoot?

THANKS.

Its a PacNor supermatch grade stainless #5 barrel. Was a new blank. Cut to 24", fluted, powdercoated to match the gunmetal grey Leupold VX3 scope. All work by my gunsmith. Rifle weighs in same weight as a factory Sako m75 Greywolf "V" action cailber.


Right now shoots 0.5" groups with H414.