I have been using IMR 4320 in my 338-06 with 200 gr Hornady sp bullets and an OAL of 3.290" in a mauser 98 action. It seems to me I may get more velocity from that round with a different powder. These are average velocities with 3 round s at each load.

gr vel
53.0....2525
53.5....2550
54.0....2570
54.5....2605
55.0....2610
55.5....2615
56.0....2660
56.5....2690
57.0....2695

I started to show pressure signs on the head of the case and primer flatening at 56.5 and a plateau at 54.5 to 55.5 range so I settled on a load of 54.5.

At the same time I'm not seeing load info for slower powders like H4831 and RL22 for this cartridge. What is the problem with the slower powders? How about some more powder info?

R15 for the sub 210's and IMR 4350 for the heavy weights.....

"GET TO THE HILL"

Dogz

Oddball - I shoot a 338-06 Improved on a Mauser action myself. I do have a bit more case capacity than a regular 338-06, so my velocities could be better due to that reason, but I have had very good luck with Varget in my rifle. I use CCI primers only.

For the 200 gr Hornadys, I topped out at 61 gr Varget for 3049 fps in a 24" bbl, but this was right on the borderline of pressure. I'll probably stay at 60 gr or so as a working load.

In case you are wondering...for the 210 Noslers, I went as far as 58 gr Varget for 3008 fps, but primers were starting to flatten. At 57 gr (2944 fps) there were still some signs that this was too much. I plan on dropping to 56 gr for that bullet, and it will still give me over 2800 fps to work with for elk hunting.

Once I shoot up the Noslers, I'll probably stick to the 200 gr Hornadys for general use here as well. FWIW, all the loads above shot under an inch for me. I see you are in MN too. Starting to make good ice this year I think!! maxman

I believe that IMR 4320 is just about the OPTIMUM powder for the .338/'06. However, for the light bullets like the 200 grainer you are using, you might get better result with a FASTER powder, like IMR 3031.

I found H 414 the best powder in my gun. I have not used the newest powders. I got over 2800 with 210 bullets.
Jerry

Hey Oddball,

I've had some really great ballistics and accuracy using RL-15. My rifle is a custom 35 Whelen but the calibers are similar enough that you may find using a heavy bullet with the correct amount of RL-15 is just the ticket.

I know that you have asked a question concerning the 200 gr. bullet. Perhaps RL-15 will work for that light bullet.

BTW, my Whelen has been made specifically for bullets heavier than 250 grains. I get a average of 2,547 with the 280 Swift. I'm not familiar with the bullet weights or the manufacturers of .338 bullets. However, you may want to try one of the heavier bullets with the RL-15.

I hope this is helful.

Good shooting,

Smoker

I can get 2750fps w/ the 210grNP over 54gr IMR4320 or 53.5gr RL15 from my 22 1/2"bbl. You didn't say how long your bbl. is but powders in the IMR4064, 4320, RL15 or Varget should be right for the 200-210gr bullets.

Fred,
I am shooting a 22" barrel. I cannot imagine how you get almost 200 fps more from a heavier bullet with the same powder charge. Don't get me wrong, I am not doubting you. I must be missing something here. Could my chrony be that far off?

My vel. fall btwn. 2700&2750fps, so it's not that far off if you take the low figure. Check your chrono w/ a known load, like a 38sp or 45acp match. It is possible to have a combination of long throat/slow bbl. & slightly oversize chamber add up to slower vel. My rifle will max. @ 55gr 4320/210grNP, I too settled on 54.5gr as a max. practical load, but 53.5gr RL15 gives me better accuracy @ the same vel. I keep looking for that magic load that gives me 2800fps & 1MOA. Some say H380 will get there, but I haven't tried it yet.

[ 12-06-2003, 00:27: Message edited by: fredj338 ]

Oddball,

for the difference in velocity with Fred 338s, what is your seating depth, and how long is your chamber. I had a 338/06 barrel done, and took a dummy round that was the full length of the magazine and told the gun smith to chamber it, to fit " this" round.

I don't see many people using it, but my favorite powder for velocity and accuracy for the 338/06 is H 380.

The other powder I load is IMR 4064. One thing I love about 4064 is that using 50 grains, for a 200 grain bullet it will give you about 2550fps, and with a 250 grain bullet will give me 2500.

Therefore with any bullet weight I don't have to do much scope adjustment, if any at all.

H 380 gives me the most consistent accuracy and velocity. I will also point out, usually the RL 15, IMR 4895, IMR 3031, H 414, and IMR 4350 are among my favorite powders for most calibers.

IMR 4320 has never impressed me in a 338/06. I have had more consistent luck and performance with all the other powders everyone else uses.

After H 380, my next favorite powder for velocity and accuracy has been good old W 748.

Althought some reload manuals suggest a Mag primer with H380 in most applications, standard CCI and Federal Large Rifle Primers have worked just fine.

I had mine built on a Persian (Czech) mauser 98/29 action. The magazine length on this is standard military at 3.30". That is why the OAL of 3.290". I have yet to figure out the throat length with a OAL gauge. That is also why I have stuck with lighter bullets so far. I will be shopping new powders next.

Anyone try V V N-550,it seems to be about the right burn rate?

I use RL19 and H4350 Extreme with NP 225's and 250's. I don't really shoot the lighter slugs so have no data. I leave the light bullets to Fred J. LOL

IMR4350 works fine too but the Hodgon is more accurate in my rifle.

With a 24" barrel I get 2600 with 225's and 2450 with 250's. Either load shoots through most any large animal other than eland.

FN in MT

VV-N550 driving the 210 gr Partition is my one and only load for the 338-06. A compressed load very safely goes 2820 fps in my 22" barrel. Elk, nilgai and hogs have tumbled from single shots with this load. Though on the lighter side the 210 gr Partition performs out of proportion to its weight. My experience as well as that of others who have used it.

Ed, I'll agree with you there... the 210 NP is a whale of a bullet.

Now Frank, don't go picking on my 210NP, it's a great bullet. I'll admit though, while hunting in "The Big Hoel" this winter I carried the 250grGS for the thick stuff. It shoots 2" lower @ 100 than my 210NP but I doubt I would have ever gotten a shot farther than 100yds. It penetrates well in wetpack, a bit farther than the great 201NP!

I found IMR-4320 the best powder and the 210 Nosler the best all around bullet in the 338-06 both std. and improved versions..