So as I read the post about 30-06 and H4831 and 200 gr bullets, I have to wonder why H4831 is used so little in the 338-06? I see it listed for heavier bullets but not 200 gr. Does the same hold true to a case load of IMR4350?

I use RL19 which is close to IMR4831, under the 250gr bullets for about 2450fps. You can't get enough in the case, very compressed load.

With 250's one can't get enough H4831 in the case to get any real velocity out of the round. Though in my gun the loads are extremely accurate. BUT the velocity is 250+ fps lower than my normal loads.

Fred is correct that RL19 is probably a much better choice.

FN in MT

I found IMR-4320 to be the best powder in a 338-06, got the most velocity and didn't compact..4350 was a distant second IMO....4831 is not a powder for the 338-06 IMO...

Oddball,

Look at a 338/06 or a 35 Whelan case. They are much more like a straight walled case than a bottle neck. In a little experimenting in an 8mm Mauser case, I actually found with a 170 grain Speer SP, that I got faster velocity with a fast powder, RL 7 than I did with mid range and slower powders.

Every load, has a pressure wave, and as I understand the theory, the most velocity and accuracy are made with a powder combination where the pressure way hits its peak, right at the base of the bullet, where it is seated.
Resistance of it touching the lands, is going to contribute to that also.

H 4831 has not hit its pressure wave peak in a 338/06 case, to give as much velocity as say 4350, H 414 or W760 in the case. I prefer H 380 as it seems to hit the pressure wave just right for max velocity with any bullet I use, from 200 grains ( 66 grains of H 380) to 250 grains ( 60 grains of H 380).

I need to play with IMR 3031 in the 338/06 case and see how it does. Also RL 7.

49 grains of RL 7 in an 8mm Mauser actually gave me 3100 to 3200 fps with a 170 grain Speer SP.

50 grains showed pressure signs.

Experimenting and working up, should teach you a lot about your rifles and their ballistics potential.. More and more manuals like to use slower powders, because it promotes more powder use ( more sales) and lower pressures.

That is why you hardly see any load anymore for powders like IMR 3031 and RL 7, IMR 4198 etc.

I like RL 15 or Varget, with Varget as my favorite with the lighter bullets.

H4831 is TOO SLOW for a round with the expansion ratio (relationship of bore volume to case volume) of the .338/'06.

I'll second Ray's advice on the IMR 4320. I use it and IMR 4064 in my 338/06. I used 58gr of 4064 and a 200gr Barnes X and get 2,840 in a 22 in barrel. I also used both powders with 210 and 225gr bullets with great results and velocity. I've taken nine of the large African antrlope with the 200gr Barnes load. RL 15 may be a good powder to try also.