THE ACCURATERELOADING.COM MEDIUM BORE RIFLE FORUM

Page 1 2 

Moderators: Paul H
Go
New
Find
Notify
Tools
Reply
  
338/06
 Login/Join
 
One of Us
posted
Winchester came out with a nice Model 70 LH '06 that holds 5 in the magazine and I am interested in rebarreling one to 338/06. Would appreciate some thoughts as to velocities and accuracy. Are you happy with it? Brass easy to form? etc. Thanks


My biggest fear is when I die my wife will sell my guns for what I told her they cost.
 
Posts: 6652 | Location: Wasilla, Alaska | Registered: 22 February 2005Reply With Quote
one of us
Picture of D Humbarger
posted Hide Post
Excellent caliber. The easiest way to form brass is from 35 Whelen cases.



Doug Humbarger
NRA Life member
Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club 72'73.
Yankee Station

Try to look unimportant. Your enemy might be low on ammo.
 
Posts: 8350 | Location: Jennings Louisiana, Arkansas by way of Alabama by way of South Carloina by way of County Antrim Irland by way of Lanarkshire Scotland. | Registered: 02 November 2001Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
I prefer to use 30-06 brass in my .338-06. Accuracy is excellent and about 2600 fps with 225 gr bullets and IMR 4320.
 
Posts: 118 | Location: Lakeville, MN | Registered: 04 February 2005Reply With Quote
one of us
Picture of ramrod340
posted Hide Post
I prefer to neck up when possible. There are two bullets I use all the time in my 338 wildcat. Those are the 210pt and 180BT (being replaced by the 180 accubond) and RL15.

I always felt the 225&250 were better suited for the magnum cases.


As usual just my $.02
Paul K
 
Posts: 12881 | Location: Mexico, MO | Registered: 02 April 2001Reply With Quote
one of us
Picture of fredj338
posted Hide Post
Some will disagree shame but I think the .338-06 should have been standardized along time ago. With a 210grNP @ 2750fps or a 250gr anything @ 2450fps, you are pretty much set for anything in NA. The rifle can be reasonably light (8#) & not kick the snot out of you like a magnum & you get 5rds in the mag. Think med. lt.wt. 23" bbl.
You can buy factory brass from Norma or make it by simply necking up 06 brass. Accuracy is usually exc.(barrel & bedding effect that the most). Sure, do it before some of these nay sayers try to talk you out of it. thumb


LIFE IS NOT A SPECTATOR'S SPORT!
 
Posts: 7752 | Location: kalif.,usa | Registered: 08 March 2001Reply With Quote
<9.3x62>
posted
Fine round, I am currently putting together another one. #2 pac-nor CM, 23" with NECG sights, barrel band, etc, all on a 1950 model 70 in a near-mint low comb factory stock. Leupold QR bases and a 1.5-4.5x Monarch...

I just pony up for the properly stamped brass (I hate having incorrectly stamped brass laying around) - it lasts quite awhile...
 
Reply With Quote
one of us
posted Hide Post
Included me in the building one list. Mine will sport a LW Mauser type "B" barrel on a VZ-24 action.

I have a list of tidbits to add, I will fill in details as I get it put together, its getting lengthy and I have a few parts yet to source and procure.

I think I will like this chambering, another six months or so will tell.
 
Posts: 1486 | Location: Idaho | Registered: 28 May 2004Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
I've got one of these under 'construction' right now. Using a new stainless Rem 700 BDL as the donor action (it's currently a 30/06 and shot the two packs of factory ammo I fed through it under 1 moa, which was appreciably better than expected). Barrel is a #5 fluted Maddco, which will be finished at 23". And the stock is a camoed HS Precision sporter. Leupold QRW bases, and a VXIII 2.5-10 round it out.

It will be used on Northern Territory (Oz) pigs, horses and maybe donkeys. I suspect it's bit light for a buffalo, but it should be ok for scrub bulls.
 
Posts: 106 | Location: Oz..... | Registered: 05 January 2005Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
Dang fellows.....thanks for the info. Seems like a very popuar round. I would probably use the 210 gr bullets. Who sells properly stamped brass? And who sells 35 Whelen brass? My purpose for this round is to have something reasonably light to carry while deer hunting in Alaska where 99% of my shots are limited to under 200 yards but I wanted a little extra bullet weight in case I ran into a angry bear.


My biggest fear is when I die my wife will sell my guns for what I told her they cost.
 
Posts: 6652 | Location: Wasilla, Alaska | Registered: 22 February 2005Reply With Quote
one of us
posted Hide Post
I get 2450 with 250gr horndays out of my 27inch barreled 98 action.

I haven't tried the 210s but I would think they would work just fine.
 
Posts: 19669 | Location: wis | Registered: 21 April 2001Reply With Quote
one of us
Picture of ramrod340
posted Hide Post
quote:
who sells 35 Whelen brass

Remeington makes 35 Whelen brass.
http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe/browse?TabID=1&Cat...*652***670***9013***
Norma also makes 338-06 brass. I believe they made it for Wby.


As usual just my $.02
Paul K
 
Posts: 12881 | Location: Mexico, MO | Registered: 02 April 2001Reply With Quote
one of us
posted Hide Post
Do any of you use a 20" barrel in your 338-06? What would be the expected loss of MV compared to a 24". Would it be less than 150?
 
Posts: 1324 | Registered: 17 February 2004Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
I just had one put together on a Rem. 700 action & a Hart barrel. I still have a few things left to do to it so I have not shot it yet. I just used some once fired Hornady brass to form some cases. I plan on trying the Hornady 200gr bullets & Varget to break in the barrel.
 
Posts: 527 | Location: Tennessee U.S.A. | Registered: 14 April 2005Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
i was able to pick up a stainless left handed ruger in 270 for a song. i rebarreled it with a stainless barrel cut at 21 inches. i make cases from 35 whelen because i don't have one and i can't mistake it with my 30/06 ammo.
 
Posts: 981 | Location: Shenandoah Valley VA | Registered: 05 January 2005Reply With Quote
one of us
Picture of Clem
posted Hide Post
I had one built on a pre 64 action. I think it is a fantastic cartridge. I have been using Weatherby brass only because it was available. There may be better options.

I haven't had a chance to do to much load work yet but suspect 2600 fps with a 250 grain bullet is achievable. You may want to consider the AI variant. I think it would darn near reach 338 win mag performance - close enough for practical purposes anyway. I have included some good links on the round you may find interestng.

http://www.huntingmag.com/guns_loads/338_06_rises/

http://www.quarterbore.com/library/articles/33806.html

http://www.accuratepowder.com/data/PerPowder2Guide/Rifl...nd%20296.pdf#search='33806'
 
Posts: 1292 | Location: I'm right here! | Registered: 01 July 2004Reply With Quote
One of Us
Picture of 6.5BR
posted Hide Post
I don't have the loads in front of me, but my 23" Hart, that was my most accurate and deadliest hunting rifle (another one I let go!)

did 200 B tips at 2909 IMR 4320
215 BTSP 2790
225 PT 2670

WW brass std primers

I picked the 200 over the 180s for better downrange smack. And it DOES SMACK well!

It truly is a shame the industry did not put an effort behind this one but perhaps it was due to the 'a-square' name on the SAAMI stamp just like the 6.5-06.

They both had a nice place for non-mag rounds with near mag performance, w/o the recoil

Oh, my Hart shot 3 in 1/2" at 100 and 1.25 at 200yds ALL day long with a 6x scope.

It likely would have done better with a bigger scope and better shooter. The barrel was .710 muzzle and was on a 700 stainless with ADL syn stock-the original kind, free floated but not bedded.

It weighed 8 lbs and had a decelerator pad.

If I did it again, the barrel would be .675-.700 muzzle and 22-23"

The guy who bought it fluted the barrel and put a nice stock-said it was the best shooting rifle he ever owned.

Hope that helps.

Oh, I owned a 700 338 Win Mag and put it in a HS stock, the gun was Stainless and the barrel chopped to 22.5

It was about 7.5 lbs or so.

Damned thing kicked me too much and I never could get those little groups. Guess I could never squeeze them off as well either.

I don't think my '06 gave up much real world 'in field' performance to the Win Mag.
 
Posts: 2898 | Registered: 25 September 2005Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
Yes,yes,yes. Do it, and you will not be disappointed.

The brass is easy to form, I use 30-06 brass.
180 Nos BT (discontinued) 3000fps
210 NP 2725fps below max
200 Hornady SP 2730fps below max
210 Barnes TSX 2850fps max load
I haven't messed with any 225's or 250's, but I can't imagine anything on the NA continent that a 250gr wouldn't work on.
 
Posts: 2034 | Location: Black Mining Hills of Dakota | Registered: 22 June 2005Reply With Quote
one of us
Picture of fredj338
posted Hide Post
Snow, Norma makes .338-06 brass, check out Huntington's:
http://www.huntingtons.com/cases_norma.html
Clem, sorry, but you won't be getting anything close to 2600fps from a 250gr bullet unless you are looking @ a 26"+bbl. & even that is optimistic. Roll Eyes The AI version is only good for maybe 50fps.


LIFE IS NOT A SPECTATOR'S SPORT!
 
Posts: 7752 | Location: kalif.,usa | Registered: 08 March 2001Reply With Quote
<9.3x62>
posted
quote:
Originally posted by fredj338:
Snow, Norma makes .338-06 brass, check out Huntington's:
http://www.huntingtons.com/cases_norma.html


Graf's carrys it too:

http://www.grafs.com/metallic/805

quote:

Clem, sorry, but you won't be getting anything close to 2600fps from a 250gr bullet unless you are looking @ a 26"+bbl. & even that is optimistic.


Agreed. Velocity is a pressure sign...

It only takes one bad case to end a lifetime of shooting...
 
Reply With Quote
one of us
Picture of Clem
posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by fredj338:
Snow, Norma makes .338-06 brass, check out Huntington's:
http://www.huntingtons.com/cases_norma.html
Clem, sorry, but you won't be getting anything close to 2600fps from a 250gr bullet unless you are looking @ a 26"+bbl. & even that is optimistic. Roll Eyes The AI version is only good for maybe 50fps.


I have not tried to get full velocity but suspect you are right. Some of the reloading manuals seem a bit optimistic on velocities. I'm not so sure it's even necessary anyway. The whole point of the cartridge is a mild medium bore.
 
Posts: 1292 | Location: I'm right here! | Registered: 01 July 2004Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
Clem for what it is worth my G33/40 with a 23" Chanlin on it using IMR4350 and 250 SAF's runs at 2590. Not quite 2600 but pretty darn close.

I do love and appreciate the 338/06 it is one heck of a user friendly round and it has plenty of go juice.

Mark D
 
Posts: 1089 | Location: Bozeman, Mt | Registered: 05 August 2005Reply With Quote
one of us
Picture of ramrod340
posted Hide Post
Well all I can say is you guys must have some real fast barrels. I have my own 338 wildcat based on a 280 case. It has 11% more capacity than the 338-06. I can make 2625 with a 250 from a 24" but I'm at 65,000 (pressure guage) to get there. 338Gibbs data list 2660-2700 from a 26" barrel.


As usual just my $.02
Paul K
 
Posts: 12881 | Location: Mexico, MO | Registered: 02 April 2001Reply With Quote
one of us
Picture of fredj338
posted Hide Post
Within realistic pressures, you can expect to reach 2500fps w/ a 250gr bullet from a 22" bbl. More than that, well, I don't know what to tell you but?
FWIW, I use H4350 or RL19 & w/ the case full & compressed, I am just getting 2450fps (22.5" bbl.).


LIFE IS NOT A SPECTATOR'S SPORT!
 
Posts: 7752 | Location: kalif.,usa | Registered: 08 March 2001Reply With Quote
one of us
posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by Clem:
I have not tried to get full velocity but suspect you are right. Some of the reloading manuals seem a bit optimistic on velocities. I'm not so sure it's even necessary anyway. The whole point of the cartridge is a mild medium bore.


I agree. I don't currently have a .338-06 but I used to. IMHO, I liked pushing a 250 gr bullet at around 2400 fps in the .338-06. That makes for a mild yet very effective medium bore. That duplicates the old .318 Westley Richards ballistics (.330" bullet) of a 250 gr bullet at 2400 fps. I thought of my .338-06 as a "poor man's" .318 W-R. And, the ol' .318 certainly has a proven track record on game.

I also run about 2400 fps with a 250 gr bullet in my .35 Whelen and about 2400 fps with a 286 gr in my 9.3x62. Personally, if I want to push a 250 gr (or heavier) bullet faster than around 2400 fps, then that's what my .338 Win Mag and .375 H&H are good for.

Just my two cents......
-Bob F.
 
Posts: 3485 | Location: Houston, Texas | Registered: 22 February 2001Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
Fred all I can say is if you worked with the tube on my rifle then you'd know what to tell us...(grins)

Tubes are like people there are all kinds out there for sure.

I've not worked with many 338/06's or as I am want to call them OKH's but the ones I've run 250's in they have went over 2550 and were very close to 26 with good case life.

Mark D
 
Posts: 1089 | Location: Bozeman, Mt | Registered: 05 August 2005Reply With Quote
One of Us
Picture of 6.5BR
posted Hide Post
FWIW, my WW brass was 30-06 reformed, standard primers

Hart makes a SLICK barrel having been lapped.

If my #'s above won't do the job, I would use a 338WM or bigger, not try improving on a great design, the std 338-06.

I doubt any animal at any sane range will know 50-150fps give or take.

Those big heavy bullets work, and darned well.
 
Posts: 2898 | Registered: 25 September 2005Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
You folks pretty much convinced me. I am ordering a Win 70 in 06 and unless its a shooting SOB the barrel is coming off and a 338/06 going on.


My biggest fear is when I die my wife will sell my guns for what I told her they cost.
 
Posts: 6652 | Location: Wasilla, Alaska | Registered: 22 February 2005Reply With Quote
one of us
Picture of fredj338
posted Hide Post
Mark, fast bbls. are like good women, keepers for sure. thumb I just know the vel. you quote are not realsitic for normal folk using 22" bbls. I wouldn't want a new .338-06 owner to think he needs to keep loading up to reach a number he probably can't get to. beer


LIFE IS NOT A SPECTATOR'S SPORT!
 
Posts: 7752 | Location: kalif.,usa | Registered: 08 March 2001Reply With Quote
one of us
Picture of Clem
posted Hide Post
My rifle sports a 24" Kreiger barrel. So (when this miserable Michigan weather clears up) I will see what I can do with various loads and bullet weights. I plan to work with 225 grain Accubonds and a 250 grain (Partition or A-Frame). I have a chrono so will be able to get velocity figures. I will come back to this thread with what I find.

I am not particularly concerned with high velocity but am curious to see the capabilities (actually I am working on my story so I can play so just work with me here Big Grin ).
 
Posts: 1292 | Location: I'm right here! | Registered: 01 July 2004Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
The 338-06 is a great round, not as good as a .35 Whelen, but still a great round
 
Posts: 1547 | Location: Lafayette, Louisiana | Registered: 18 June 2005Reply With Quote
one of us
posted Hide Post
Dang! Leave AR for a few hours and all the 338-06 lovers come crawling out of the woodwork. Man, am I in some good company!?!

It looks like I'm too late to try to convince you that the 338-06 is worthwhile. My AI version with 24" Hart barrel knocked the snot out of all kinds of Namibian plains game using Barnes 225 XFB. With 200 Speer it's actually over-gunned for whitetailed deer.

But if I had it to do all over again, I would chamber for the 338 Hawk. No extra cost, either. It pushes the shoulder forward for more powder capacity, yet still leaves a one caliber neck length. The only drawback is you cannot fire regular 338-06 ammo in it as an alternative--too much headspace.

(edit) Case overall length gets shorter when you neck up an '06 case. I neck down 35 Whelen cases instead, cause my case length in the AI version doesn't seem to lengthen much even after 10 shots.
 
Posts: 4799 | Location: Lehigh county, PA | Registered: 17 October 2002Reply With Quote
one of us
Picture of ramrod340
posted Hide Post
quote:
I would chamber for the 338 Hawk

If I was going to the trouble of a 338 Hawk I would go with the 340 Howell.

My favorite 338 is my own wildcat which is an improved Gibbs. But, unless I was doing it just to be different I would get a 338-06 and not look back. What you are shooting will never know the difference of the potential 100Fps.


As usual just my $.02
Paul K
 
Posts: 12881 | Location: Mexico, MO | Registered: 02 April 2001Reply With Quote
one of us
posted Hide Post
MajorCaliber,
Well said Big Grin
Cheers...
Con
 
Posts: 2198 | Location: Australia | Registered: 24 August 2001Reply With Quote
one of us
posted Hide Post
Snowwolf,
If you are going the rebarrel rout, why not go with a 338-06AI or a 338-06 Gibbs? I just had a 338-06 Gibbs barrel made for my encore by David Vanhorn and it is a pleasure to shoot. I'm using 35 welen brass. I'm still in the fireform stage so I haven't had a chance to check the velocity yet, but it should give the 338 win mag a run for its money.
 
Posts: 352 | Location: NJ | Registered: 24 February 2003Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
Fred I got ya and understand fully what you mean.

One of my shootin/huntin buds here was running the 250's @ 2550 with comfort out of his 22" tube.

Mark D
 
Posts: 1089 | Location: Bozeman, Mt | Registered: 05 August 2005Reply With Quote
one of us
posted Hide Post
I have a nice old FN action in .338-06 with a 24 in. Douglas barrel. I've only shot 210 Noslers in it so far, is easy to get 2750-2780 fps with a bunch of powders. I have some 250's to work on next. It is a great hard hitting moderate recoil caliber. I can't think of anything better for elk or general African plains game.


A shot not taken is always a miss
 
Posts: 2788 | Location: gallatin, mo usa | Registered: 10 March 2001Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by Con:
MajorCaliber,
Well said Big Grin
Cheers...
Con


Con,
One too many beers tonight?

I am sure you know a 338/06 is a better round.. better bullet availability....

I'll take the 338/06 any day over a Whelan... ooops, I already did that....

cheers mate,
seafire
cheers
 
Posts: 16144 | Location: Southern Oregon USA | Registered: 04 January 2005Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
often overlooked, but H 380 is great powder for the 338/06....

65 grains of it, gives me 2750 to 2800 with a 225 grain bullet..

and 62.5 grains gives me 2650 fps with a 250 grain bullet....

And I am not using magnum primers which everyone says you need with H 380...

H 380 and W 748 are too great powders for the 338/06...and will give higher velocities than say 4320, H 414, H 4350 and IMR 4350....

Another versatile load is 50 grains of IMR 4064... It gives 2550 fps with a 200 grain bullet and 2500 fps with a 250 grain bullet...
So if you like to shoot different bullet weights and don't like to have to keep re zeroing the scope.. this load combo is excellent... as long as you can live with 2500 fps with the 200 grain bullets...

I find the 338/06 more accurate than the average 338 Mag also!

I also have found that compared to a friend who built a 338/06 AI, that I actually get more velocity out of the non AI than he gets out of his AI, both have 24 inch barrels.. Mine is a winchester action and his is a Ruger Mk 2....

cheers
seafire
cheers
 
Posts: 16144 | Location: Southern Oregon USA | Registered: 04 January 2005Reply With Quote
<9.3x62>
posted
I've had excellent accuracy with H414 in 338-06, 35 Whelen, and 9.3x62, though rarely top velocities...
 
Reply With Quote
one of us
Picture of ramrod340
posted Hide Post
quote:
65 grains of it, gives me 2750 to 2800 with a 225 grain bullet..

and 62.5 grains gives me 2650 fps with a 250 grain bullet....

Interesting. Loadtech calculates those loads to be 64,000+ in a 338Wmag.


As usual just my $.02
Paul K
 
Posts: 12881 | Location: Mexico, MO | Registered: 02 April 2001Reply With Quote
  Powered by Social Strata Page 1 2  
 


Copyright December 1997-2023 Accuratereloading.com


Visit our on-line store for AR Memorabilia