Guys,

I have a .338 Win Mag and am thinking of building a .338-06 on a standard length, non-magnum commercial FN Mauser action.

I have a bunch of 225 and 250 grain bullets of various types (interlocks, Noslers Partitions, CTs, Woodleighs, and Barnes X).

At what weight does the 338-06 really shine for deer, elk, and small bear?

What's a good powder for this round when the cases are fabricated from 30-06?

Thanks a bunch!

I prefer the 200-210 range. The 210 is hard to beat. But I did switch to the 200 Accubond. You have enough case to get a good velocity for the 225 and lower. I leave the 250s for the magnum cases.

Hey Mike,
I just got my hands on the new .338 Federal in a Kimber Classic. It is supposed to like the 200 gr. bullet. Now if you didn't know the .338 is a necked up .308 win. I don't know anything much about the .338-06 with the exception of it being a necked up .30-06 to .338 cal. I would think the 215 gr Game King Sierra may be a very good choice for your gun.

I do know that the 225 gr. bullets seem to be the max for the smaller .308 shell from what I have read on this new cartridge.

Aside from what I have said, you may be able to research the gun mags for more info. Good luck and good shooting.

quote:

At what weight does the 338-06 really shine for deer, elk, and small bear?

What's a good powder for this round when the cases are fabricated from 30-06?

IMO 225 grain bullets and the powder of choice might be H (or IMR) 4350.

H-414 would also be a fine choice.

180-200 gr are good for deer you can push it about 2850-3000, 200-210 are good on elk size game at 2700-2850 if you choose a partition or bonded bullet,225-250 at 2700-2500 are for very large game elk and above.JMHO

I've taken many heads of game w/ my 338-06, from little 30# Duiker to Elk & Zebra. All have been w/ the 210grNP @ 2750fps. It seems that Nosler made this bullet for the 338-06 vel. It expands nicely out to 300yds or so & penetrates deep @ any distance. I can run 250gr @ 2450fps w/ even better accuracy but I use that as a woods load only. Just haven't been able to get one into an animal yet. The std. Hornady 250grIL is a good preformer in wetpack so I have no issues using it on large game under 250yds.
Poweders, everyone has their favv. but I can use H4350 under all bullet wts. for very good vel., & in my rifle, best accuracy. Other good choices have been IMR4064 & 4320, RL15 & VV150. You can also buy proper formed & headstamped brass now from Norma. Great cartridge, get that rifle built.

My favorite is the 210 Noslers over about 52 grains of IMR 4064.

not to contradict the fine info you got above.. but there are NO bad bullets for the 338/06....
especially when it comes to deer...

even on elk, there is no bad choice...

okay, if you want me to point the finger at the worst one, I'd have to say the 215 grain Sierra...

I myself, load the Hornady 200, 225, 250 and 250 RN in mine...as the most common.. they are more than adequate for anything in the lower 48!

On deer, there are not really any bad bullets for any caliber. I like the 210 TSX in my .338 WM and .338-06.

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:

quote:

At what weight does the 338-06 really shine for deer, elk, and small bear?

What's a good powder for this round when the cases are fabricated from 30-06?

IMO 225 grain bullets and the powder of choice might be H (or IMR) 4350.

H-414 would also be a fine choice.

The best .338/'06 powder I have found, as far as accuracy and top attainable velocity is concerned, is IMR 4320. For the .338 Gibbs, IMR 4350 is not too slow. And as mentioned above, H414 and WW 760 are also good.