Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 338-06 load data

Howdy guys, I'm looking at building a 338-06 or the AI version on a pre'64 M70 action and have been hunting up all of the info I can find.
I was originally looking at 338-06. My gunsmith has an AI reamer so considering that route too.
From the load data that I've found Varget looks like the go for the 200 grain NBTs or 210 grain partitions that I want to shoot through it. Plus I shoot a .308 at the lower end of the scale so one powder will cover both and they'll make a nice pair of rifles to cover most things I'll come up against.
The only load suggestions that I've found for the AI version is to fire form using 338-06 book loads from the lower end of the scale and then in the fire formed AI brass develop a load working up from a max load of 338-06. Hope that made some sense?
I would really appreciate any first hand info on the general subject please guys.
Incidentally I'm thinking a #3 contour Lilja 22-24" 12 twist barrel and a Hunters Edge stock. Full length bed?

I guess I should have put this in the reloading section hey. No damage I guess.

you might want to consider reloader 15 for bullets in that weight range

My Hornady manual has a lot of good info. I love the 200 NBT, H4350, R17 or R15.

I started off using .06 cases then went to Wby cases cause I found 3 or 4 boxes.

I love the round and for me it's as good as they come. I'd just go with the standard and not the AI.

The build sounds totally fantastic, and I'd go 23".

Dober

Thanks guys, Alliant powder is pretty much unobtainable down here right now unfortunately but that may change at some point so will keep that in mind.
338-06 just looks so practical and efficient on paper. I think it will be great on our sambar deer which are a big tough critter living in thick steep country as a rule and can take some stopping - although I smoked a big fella with the .308 not long ago. That will be it's main purpose for me but should do the job on scrub bulls (feral cattle) and water buffalo and if I get back to Africa will be a good plains game smasher. So many bases covered. All theory for me so far but will get things ordered and under way and eventually get some trigger time!
Will get hold of a Hornady manual too thanks Dober.
A 200 grain ballistic tip at 2900fps should wreak some havoc hey!

Look at IMR 4895 or 4064 with the 200 grain thru 250 grain bullets...

For the top velocity with the 250 grainers, look at H 380...

check both HORNADY AND SIERRA MANUALS..

also try Steve's Reloading Pages: http://stevespages.com/338_4.html

Mine shoots very well with 59gr WW760 225gr AccuBonds.
Standard chamber, 24", 1-10 twist.
My brother has claimed it as his, so we'll be working up loads again with several more bullets to really make it HIS.
Good luck! Great cartridge.

P.S. Welcome to the Fire.

23 must be a magical number for you, Mark.

Ya think....

Dober

I suggest the 210 gr Partition over a "tuned" load of VV-N550 powder. I landed on the ultimate combo near 20 years ago with completes happiness.

I'm a fan of H4350 for the 338-06. Probably better suited for 210s or above. Varget was good for lighter bullets. 23" is probably a good place to be with the -06.

I have good luck with H-4350 and the Nosler 225 Partition, shoots great in my gun. Still looking for the magic combo for the Nosler Partition 210.

Agreed.

I had pretty good luck with H4350 but have settled on RL17 and 210 Scirocco's. 225gr Accubonds and Interbonds worked well also. Mine is the AI version with a 24in barrel. The Scirocco 's fly fast and accurately. Good luck with your project.

Much appreciated thanks guys.
I hunted with rifles some when young. Back then this entailed buying whatever factory ammo was on the shelf and go bust some ferals (hogs, goats etc.) not too technical. Then for the last 25 years or so went bow only. Am getting back into the guns for something different in life and very much enjoying learning, researching and experiencing new stuff. So thanks again for the tips guys.

naw.. Dober is just a show off 'do more with less' kind of guy...

I have tried several different powders in my 338-06 but keep coming back to IMR4350, H4350, and W760.
If forced to pick one powder it would be IMR4350.


Even though you haven't asked for bullet suggestions I will mention that after trying literally dozens of different bullets I have finally settled on the Barnes 210 TTSX.

Will Ruger, Remington, Savage, Winchester, etc ever offer a rifle in 338/06?

Probably not unless someone special orders a large batch.

Cooper does offer the 338-06 as a standard chambering.

You might want to take a good look at Accurate 2520 and IMR 4064