I just stocked a 1909 arg. barreled action that I built 5 years ago in 338-06. I used an incredible peice of wood I got at a great price from Richard's microfit.

Anyway, I have chronographed 200gr. nosler ballistic tips with winchester brass and 59.5 grs. of reloader 15 for a velocity of 2945fps. My rifle shows only .001 expansion at base and a perfect primer. This load also just makes a ragged hole at 100 yrds.

My problem is this. My action is not lengthened and my seating depth is a little extreme with 250gr. sierras and nosler partitions. I max out at 2525 fps with reloader 15 and 56.5 grs. If anyone has had better luck with another powder, I'd like to reach about 2600+ fps. It seems feasable.

Thanks for the insight,

-Catter

Can't give you the exact charge because my case is a little bigger than yours. But, I would suggest you try IMR 4895 & 4064.

Wildcatter: Most references seem to agree that 4320 is close to an optimum powder for the 338-06 and the AI flavor as well. Max load that I've seen is in an article by Geoff Steer in an old "American Rifleman." he calls for 55gr of 4320 behind the 250N for 2540fps in a 22 5/8" barrel.

Ken Watters (damned if I know the source) lists 51gr of 4320 getting 2502fps in a 24" barrel.

Best all-around load from a couple of sources call for the 210gr. Nosler and 55gr. of 4320 for abt. 2750. Pete Brown once called the 210gr/.338 the ideal North American game bullet. But different strokes for different folks - that's why they make 'em all. Good luck.

[This message has been edited by glenn (edited 10-11-2001).]

Have you tried IMR-4350?

I would look at the Hodgon Extreme powder, H4350, it seems to be THE powder for my standard .338-06 with 225's and 250's as well. Personally I wouldn't fret over 75 fps with those 250's. I doubt if there is a situation out in the field where 75 fps made any real difference. I have tremendous penetration with 250 Swifts at 2440 muzzle velocity.
Neat round though, I have always liked the AI rounds.

Good Luck, Frank N.

Hey guys,
I've got a 23 inch barrel on my 1909 and am attaining those velocities (2525 w/ 250's). I know that there will be no apreciable difference between 2500 and 2600 fps with the 250's but I'd like to see what can be wrung out of this project. Thanks for the insight, I used 4320 in my very first test because G. Sitton told me about his loading experience.

Has anyone reached 2700 with the 230 Failsafe? If so what powder.

No, I haven't used 4350 since my 300 Weatherby/200gr Nosler days. Will it work for 250's? If so what grain weights are you using. Don't worry, I always back off 10-15% to start with. Just curious.

Once again, Thanks for the help,
-Catter

[This message has been edited by Wildcatter (edited 10-11-2001).]

I have 338 Hawk - very close to your 338-06AI
Having good results with
RL15 w/ 200 NBT
H414 w/ 210 NPT
VArget with 225 NPT and 230 Hawk.

Mine did not care for W748 or IMR 4320
Have not tried 4350 yet

check out Huntingnut.com they have loads for many rounds