Anyone out there have a 338-06 ackley improved. I'm thinking about getting one, just can't decide between it, the 338 WM, and the standard 338-06. How do velocities compare to the other two?

close scrutiny of loading data from IMR, Hornady, Hodgdon, etc show less than 200'/sec increases in velocity of the 338 magnum over the 338-06.....why would anyone think the AI verson would have any sizeable impact in performance over the 338-06 standard?

In the Hornady manual they report less velocity for the 30-06 AI than the parent case.....a fluke in that case but still a strong suggestion that advantages are minimal.

If you're interested in something "different" look to the Gibbs style in the 338-06...

here's a gibbs '06 compared to the standard

Hey Vapodog,

That 30 Gibbs cartridge sure looks interesting. Do you have rifle in that chambering? Kind of resembles a 300 Win mag with that short neck and advanced shoulder, just not quite as fat. And best of all, no belt. Looks like the gibbs necked up to .338 would give the win mag a run for its money in the velocity dept.

quote:

Originally posted by molar1:
Hey Vapodog,

That 30 Gibbs cartridge sure looks interesting. Do you have rifle in that chambering? Kind of resembles a 300 Win mag with that short neck and advanced shoulder, just not quite as fat. And best of all, no belt. Looks like the gibbs necked up to .338 would give the win mag a run for its money in the velocity dept.

Actually it's not that great either.....I just like the Gibbs thing over the AI style of wildcat.

When it's all said and done, the standard 30-06 and it's offspring come close to all their magnum counterparts without any wildcatting and wildcatting any of them offers minimal advantages in performance.

I'm a 338-06 fan and it'll stand on it's own merit anyday. Adding either the Gibbs or AI feature really won't make any difference in the field.

To that matter the 338 win mag won't make any difference either unless in an extreme situation.

Go with the standard 338-06 as it's a helluva round for elk, moose and plains game!

quote:

I'm a 338-06 fan and it'll stand on it's own merit anyday. Adding either the Gibbs or AI feature really won't make any difference in the field.

I shoot a 340PDK. My own case. 280rem case blown out to .458" at the shoulder. A .28" neck 40 deg. It gives about 2-3grs more capacity than the Gibbs. I built mine because I had the reamer. I always suggest the basic 338-06. It gives up very little to the 338Wmag with 225gr and less bullets.

I've been shooting a 338-06 for many years now & love the cartridge for just about any big game out to 350yds or so. I doubt you'll get uch more than 50-75fps gain in the AI, but you may experience greater case life w/ the AI. Since you are going from scratch, choose either, but I would go .338-06. I get 2750fps w/ 210grNPs & 2450fps w/ 250gr anything, all from a 22.5" bbl. Your mileage may vary50fps or so but still a great round that can be had in a user friendly rifle of 8# or so w/o beating the snot out of you.