I have loaded many different rifle cartridges for over half my life, studied load data extensively and will start loading a 8-06 for my Godson. Info on the 8-06 is quite limited. The data I have found list loads for the 8-06 at much lower velocities than the same source for the 338-06. Same case w/ a slightly smaller hole. Less difference than the 270 Win, 30-06. Why the big disparity in velocity for the same weight bullet ? Anyone see a problem using 338-06 data w/ the standard practice of starting low and working up ?

Just looking at what QL has as the max pressure. The list 58,000 for the 8-06 and 65,000 for the 338-06. The OAL is also shorter on the 8mm. Just a quick look using QL the same OAL and 60000 for both and a 200gr Accubond the RL15 powder charge on the 8mm is 2.5gr less than the 338. Velocity in this test the 338 was 70fps faster.

I think the big difference in load data is because of the older rifles and barrels, that were rechambered to 8-06, vs mostly newer rifles being chambered in 338-06.

What action is your 8-06 on?

I would not do it.
I would use normal 8mm-06 data and work up to the pressure level your rifle was designed for.
If it is a modern rifle then you can load to the pressures of a 270 which are the highest on that case type.
If it is a military 98 Mauser I would stick to 30-06 pressures.

quote:

Originally posted by Texas Killartist:
Anyone see a problem using 338-06 data w/ the standard practice of starting low and working up ?

Thank ya'll for the ideas.
It's on a commercial 98.

With these thoughts, then I should be able to use 30-06 data safely for the same/similar weight bullets. And get similar velocity with less pressure---all other components being the same.

There is considerable difference in the data for the 8mm-06 and the 30-06 in my old Pacific Manual. My Hornady and Speer manuals also have 8mm-06 data. Just use one of the IMR powders for which there is plenty of data.
It looks like 4895 and 4064 are preferred for 150 grains, 4064 or 4320 for 170 and the heavier bullets use 4350. I would pick 4064.

Got it. Thank you. My dad has an old Hornadys manual. I'll check it.

OP, PM me your email and I will scan the data from my speer #9 and send it to you. 2 pages' worth, 125-gr to 225 gr.

150 gr max vel of 2995 fps, 170 gr at 2855, from a rechambered 98 with a 24" barrel.

Will do. Thank you.

Hello Mr Texas! If you buy the old Speer No9 Manual (mine is at home so can't say if it is No9 or another) it in fact HAS 8mm-06 data in it.

And to sensible velocities that these modern safe rifles will stand. Not "pussy" loads of rold Commission Mauser rifles.

My take is this.

We Brits had a cartridge the .33 BSA that used a 165 grain bullet. It was maligned because at over one hundred yards it dropped like a stone its ballistic profile was so bad.

Not quite a round ball but that maybe conveys the idea.

So I'd ask what buket weight do you want to "major" in?

An 8mm-06 will launch a readily available 150 grain bullet at equalt to or better than the .3-06 and yet still throw a 200 grain bullet (such as Speer or Hornady's) at around 2,350fps. Which is all the velocity you really need with that weight.

It will also if you can find them throw a 227 grain bullet at somewhat over 2,000fps with ease and safe pressure.

What 8mm-06 cannot do is be reloaded with a 250 grain bullet as I don't think that these are made in .323" size.

So if you want 250 grain get a 338-06. BUt if you want very good game killimg capability at ALL weights from 150 grain up to 200 grain then get an 8mm-06.

My own belief having owned an 8x60S is that these rifles are best with Speer's 200 grain spitzer seated to a proper LONG OAL rather than Hornady's 196 grain seated to its crimp groove cannelure length.

It will kill game dead at just 2,350fps, you can eat right up to the hole, and it has superb ballistic properties. The reason that weight was used as their machine gun bullet by the Germans from 1934 and throughout WWII.

OP, check yer email for 2 pdf's from Speer #9.

Tex, I forgot to mention that you really really must start at 10% under max, the speer #9 is 30+ years old and powders have changed. I compared loads for cartidges in both my #9 and my #13 and there were sometimes no difference, sometimes a couple of grains difference, for the same cartridge and powder.

You prolly knew that already, but I wanted to be sure.

Thank guys for the help & ideas.
Thanks for the printouts from the Speer manual. Looks like all I need.

The main thing to watch out for here is not any change in components - which doubtless happened in a few cases - but rather the change in the method pressures were measured. Prior to #9 all of Speer's testing was by primer appearance and extraction difficulty - not very scientific. Starting with #9 they began to actually use pressure testing equipment and found that some of their previous loads were in excess of SAAMI specs. That is why some loads were reduced - the engineers were now involved, not the lawyers. Obscure cartridges like the 8mm-06 were even later to the actual pressure testing process.


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quote:

Originally posted by Texas Killartist:
Thank ya'll for the ideas.
It's on a commercial 98.

If a new commercial action or one of the commercial FN M98 from the early 50s through early 70s with the standard boltface then you're good for the 65,000 psi of the 270 Winchester and 338-06.

As always, each rifle/barrel combo is it's own animal so start at least 10% low and work up to your rifles 'sweet spot' with the bullet, powder, and primer you're using...

quote:

What 8mm-06 cannot do is be reloaded with a 250 grain bullet as I don't think that these are made in .323" size.

Woodleigh

A common practice these days with all the old 8x57s out there, same with the 7x57..But in a good Mauser action they can take the same PSI as any bolt action...The 8-06 is the full equal to the 338-06...and a good 7x57 treds on the heels of a 270 and 30-06..