I'm reloading for a 338-06AI. I've acquired some new Norma brass in 338-06. Can I run these through my 338-06AI size die and be OK. Or do I need to load for 338-06 and fire-form them to the AI size?

You're gonna have to fire form them.

They will not fit in your standard 338-06 die.

The Improved charge may not fit in the case and it would be unsafew to try it without working up to it in the first place evewn if it would fit.

I am a firm believer in fireforming with a light charge of one of the faster recommended powders; using data from the manual. You will not get the data that you want from testing in a standard case; you can use the un-Improved rounds for hunting etc, but they aren't going to use the same data for the same result once the cases are fireformed to Improved.

You cannot use max AI loads in a standard case. They just won't fit. You can, however, use upper end standard loads to fire form your AI brass with complete safety.

I've been forming AIs as well as many other blownout cases for 30+ years. What I normally do is look to a medium heavy load of a medium to fast powder for the parent. I've use a lot of powders like 4895 even 4320. What I alos found that in many cases the forming load is very accurate and I often simply used them for plinking or even hunting.

This means I have to get a set of dies for the standard 338-06, correct. Load a light charge to fire-form the case, then load using the 338-06AI dies. I think I understand. I've not loaded for anything other than standard calibers before, thus the questions.

No you should be able to run 338-06 brass in your AI dies to round out the neck if needed. Then simply use your AI dies to seat the bullet. You DON'T NEED std dies.

Your load shouldn't be a LIGHT charge. More in the 80-85% range of max for the std.

Its what I use in my 338-06 AI. I just use medium/hot loads to fireform and then I'm good to go. My dies are Redding for 338-06AI. Just seat the bullet and head ot to the range.

My other reply isn't very clear.

1. You can use the A1 dies as stated, to round the necks and to seat the bullet.

2. If you want to load some un-Improved cases and use them for hunting, you can load them up starting at about the middle charge of the powder of your choice and use them that way. They won't have the power potential that the Improved will be capable of but most likely be very accurate.

3. You can just fireform some cases using the fastest recommended powder with a light bullet and light charge to save a little money and get a nice sharp shoulder from the fast powder. I also seat that bullet well out into the lands but everyone seems to think that isn't necessary these days. I have done it this way for 40 years and ain't changing.

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3. You can just fireform some cases using the fastest recommended powder with a light bullet and light charge to save a little money and get a nice sharp shoulder from the fast powder. I also seat that bullet well out into the lands but everyone seems to think that isn't necessary these days. I have done it this way for 40 years and ain't changing.

Like you say I have stuck the bullet into the lands as well as not. I never really saw any difference. I have also used light charges of very fast powder. Which will also work. Provided you get the pressure high enough to fully form the shoulder. Heck I've even used the COW method which uses no bullet and very little powder. All will work.

The COW is basically a throw away. Super light bullets and fast powder were also for my needs a throw away. Meaning not much use other than simply forming. Now days I use my forming loads pretty much as a light hunting load.

Any will work and work fine. As been stated just don't try and stick a heavy AI load in the Std case.