338-06 loads

[Deepfork]

So, I have been trying to find a perfect load for my 338-06 and, while there is data available on loaddata.com and other sources, some of the better, current, extreme powders are just not listed. Much of the data I find is with powders like H414/W760, BLC2, 4320, and others that are temperature sensitive. I presume it’s because this isn’t the hottest, most popular caliber out there. I don’t want to travel half way around the world with loads that can change 80 fps due to temperature swings.

I could find H4350 load data but in some other calibers I have found RL16 to give better velocity, SD’s and as good of accuracy but data was missing for this powder. I also have most of an 8# keg, so that’s obviously another incentive to try it. Without available data, I extrapolated and started quite low, then worked up to this load.

My rifle is an Ackley version so keep that in mind. Velocity doesn’t improve much with the AI version so you might get similar with the standard chamber.
My rifle also has a 26” barrel.

Weatherby (Nosler) 338-06 cases, FLS, third firing.
210 gr Nosler Partition
RL16 proved to show the best velocity with the least pressure. Today I got 2843 FPS with a case full, slightly compressed at 60.0 grains. That’s about equal to 338WM factory loads.

If you try this, start really low, like 56.0 gr and work up, but it seems to be a great powder for this caliber.

I have only done cursory Accuracy testing so far but this rifle seems to be really good with about any load and bullet so far. I’m hopeful this combination will follow suit and I’ll update once I have some more time to shoot more groups.

Hope this helps someone.

I have a couple of really good 338-06AI loads worked up using hammer bullets. Just did my accuracy testing this weekend the 186 gr Shock hammer was 1.2 inch average over 10 shots, the 213gr Hammer hunter .7 average over 10 shots! My rifle is a Winchester Mod 70 with a 22in Proof barrel 1/9.4 twist. Details below:

213gr Hammer Hunter
61.0 gr 2000-MR
COL 3.375
WLRM Primers
Norma 338-06 A-Square brass fire formed to AI
Silencer
2851 fps

186gr Hammer Shock Hammer
61.5gr A2520
COL 3.175
WLRM Primers
Norma 338-06 A-Square brass fire formed to AI
SIlencer
3127 fps

That 186gr load is over 4000 ft lbs of energy at the muzzle. With the 186 gr Hammer I could only get about 90 FPS more from my 338WM and the 338WM has a 24 inch barrel!

 

[Jefferry404]

Have not run yet but will use 49.4gn Varget with Hyd 250 SP, 2381fps and 51.3gn Varget with NF 225gn SP, 2510fps.
Will be my first time using North Forks.

 

[DG870]

From Hodgdon’s website. This is what I use - good accuracy - haven’t tested for temperature sensitivity - measured

velocity consistent with published velocity.

 

[Gun Talker]

I picked up a Melvin Forbes Ultra Light Arms Model 20 in .338-06 AI.

I get impressive accuracy with VV N160 (61 grains) pushing 225-gr Accubonds. About 2550fps and under 3/4-inch groups.

From a 6.5-pound (with scope) rifle.

Varget is very accurate, also.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I picked up a Melvin Forbes Ultra Light Arms Model 20 in .338-06 AI.

I get impressive accuracy with VV N160 (61 grains) pushing 225-gr Accubonds. About 2550fps and under 3/4-inch groups.

From a 6.5-pound (with scope) rifle.

Varget is very accurate, also.

@Gun Talker
Why would you want a 338-06 AI with all the work involved of forming cases and special dies when you can have a big standard 35 Whelen and load 225s to 2,900fps. I have a couple of wildcats and at times wonder if the fat is worth the chew.
Bob

 

[Gun Talker]

@Gun Talker
Why would you want a 338-06 AI with all the work involved of forming cases and special dies when you can have a big standard 35 Whelen and load 225s to 2,900fps. I have a couple of wildcats and at times wonder if the fat is worth the chew.
Bob

I don't disagree. I bought the rifle planning to rechamber it for 35 Whelen. After the first shot with a standard .338-06 round it became obvious that someone had rechambered it for the Ackley Improved version and had not even bothered to restamp the barrel. GRRRR. So, I'm using it "as is" for now. At some point it will probably get rebarreled.

 

[Badboymelvin]

I don't disagree. I bought the rifle planning to rechamber it for 35 Whelen. After the first shot with a standard .338-06 round it became obvious that someone had rechambered it for the Ackley Improved version and had not even bothered to restamp the barrel. GRRRR. So, I'm using it "as is" for now. At some point it will probably get rebarreled.

I wouldn't bother re-barreling - I'd just use it as is..
In the field under normal hunting conditions, is an animal really going to notice a slightly higher MV??
You've already got the rifle and have plenty of good load data available... I'd just get out there and kill the hell out of things with it!

Russ

 

[Ray B]

I'd keep the 338/06 AI, BUT i would have the barrel properly stamped to indicate the correct chambering.

 

[Gun Talker]

I'd keep the 338/06 AI, BUT i would have the barrel properly stamped to indicate the correct chambering.

Doing that now. Having the barrel cut back a thread, cleaning up the chamber, new crown, rebedding it, and adding AI to the stamping.

 

[Deepfork]

@Gun Talker
Why would you want a 338-06 AI with all the work involved of forming cases and special dies when you can have a big standard 35 Whelen and load 225s to 2,900fps. I have a couple of wildcats and at times wonder if the fat is worth the chew.
Bob

I'll always have both!