Looking for some load data for a .338-06 AI. Would like to try 200 grain bullets, particularly the Hornady SST bullet. Anyone got a load that they are pleased with? Thanks!

Don't have any knowledge with it, but have some 200gr Nosler BT gathering dust if you'd like to try them.

Your 338-06 AI has about 1.9 grains more capacity than the standard 338-06. You also have 0.9 grains more capacity than the 338 RCM.

Consequently, you will need to use slightly more powder than listed for any 338-06 and 338RCM load. But do not go beyond building up more than 2 grains to a 338-06 load or 1 grain to a 338RCM load.

Email me at gus1@att.net. I have nearly four pages of loads in my log book. Maybe something there.
Thanks,

Don

I have a "normal" .338-06 rifle built prior to the SAAMI standardization of the cartridge. Ken Waters listed some loads for his .338-06 Improved in the March 1987 issue of Handloader magazine. Most of his loads gave lower pressures and lower velocities in my rifle, but all should be approached from below and worked up to.

200 Speer SP
53.0/IMR3031 - 2767 fps - MAX
54.5 IMR4064 - 2749 fps - Very accurate
54.0/W748 - 2705 fps - near MAX

200 Hornady SP
55.0/H4895 - 2753 fps - MAX
55.5/IMR4064 - 2780 fps - MAX
56.0/IMR4320 - 2802 - MAX
56.0/W748 - 2796 fps - MAX



.

My favorite 338-06 load is a 225 Gr Nosler Accubond with 50.5Gr of RL 15 and WLR primer. Sorry - I have not tried any 200 gr loads. The load above shoots sub moa in my Cooper.

Thanks for the info gents. I have been using 50 grains of IMR4895, WLR primers and 200 grain Hornady SSTs to fire form improved brass from necked up .30-06 cases (which has worked perfectly by the way). Hell the groups with the fire forming load are so damn good, hovering around 1" at 100 yards for a 10-shot group, that I am afraid to load up some actual AI rounds!

For anyone that might be interested or have a .338-06 AI, I loaded up some non-fire forming loads and went to the range yesterday. I used 55 grains of RL15, WLR primers and 200 grain Nosler AccuBonds. I was getting good accuracy, just a shade over 1" at 100 yards, and a velocity that hovered between 2750 - 2800 fps. No pressure signs to speak of. For a hunting load I will probably back off .5 - 1.0 grains and call it good.

Rule of thumb has always been add 5% to a standard caliber load, and do it 1 or 1/2 grain at a time until you reach max or near max. Ackley recommeds that, and its always worked for me.

quote:

Originally posted by subsailor74:
My favorite 338-06 load is a 225 Gr Nosler Accubond with 50.5Gr of RL 15 and WLR primer. Sorry - I have not tried any 200 gr loads. The load above shoots sub moa in my Cooper.

I just bought a Cooper 338-06 with 24" barrel, going to try the Barnes TTSX with RL15, what kind of velocity you getting with the Nosler AB

Only load I worked up in 200gr was the Hornady.

3.30"
H414
65gr
CCI250
averaged around 2800fps

Be safe and work up.

Last load I shot was 55 grains of RL15, WLR primer, 200 grain Nosler AccuBond. I was getting consistent velocities around 2775 fps, high velocity was 2789 fps, low was 2738 fps. Most fell in the 2770-2780's fps.

Mj I shoot 210gr Swift Scirocco's in my 338-06AI. Have had great results using 62.0gr RL-17. Chrono'd an average 2865fps with 1 inch groups. Last fall I was fortunate enough to take a huge bull elk with that combo. Recovered bullets retained 95%. Very happy with this gun.

The .338-O6 or .338-06 AI is a very efficient cartridge, and a great choice for someone with a standard length action who wants to magnumize their 30-06, 270, 280 etc. to something near a 338 Win Mag and without having to modify the action or bolt.

I'm getting ~2840 fps with my .338-06 AI using 225 gr Accubonds and a 26" barrel. Pressure is acceptable, but IMO this is maximum.

quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan:
Your 338-06 AI has about 1.9 grains more capacity than the standard 338-06. You also have 0.9 grains more capacity than the 338 RCM.

Consequently, you will need to use slightly more powder than listed for any 338-06 and 338RCM load. But do not go beyond building up more than 2 grains to a 338-06 load or 1 grain to a 338RCM load.

Tanz,

Which are you feeling more love for, your 338-06 or your 338RCM?

Thanks,

Right now my love is going to the 500 AR Nyati that I won't have time to test fire until the first week of Aug.

On 338's, I only own a 338 WinMag, though I have seriously considered getting my wife and or daughter-in-law a 338 RCM because of the smaller frame rifle and LOP. The 338 RCM would probably do about everything we would ever ask of a 338. Sometimes we ask extraordinary things, too. However, I've decided to wait until they request something heavier than 270Win and 243Win, the current family rifles. The 243 has a short LOP and I hope to cut down my wife's 270 if she takes a liking to the 243 Compact Featherweight.


Personally, if I'm going to carry a standard length action, then I would want to have a 338 WinMag, or else a 338/375 Ruger. The standard length action and magazine might as well have a reasonably large powder capacity.

If I were to carry a short-action rifle, then I would immediately gravitate to the 338 RCM. I don't see any need for a 338-06 for someone making a new purchase. More .473" rounds in a magazine than would fit with a .532" casehead is rarely a good reason for choosing a round, and never for medium-big game like deer, elk, or hartebeest. For non-dangerous game the bolt-action rifle might as well be a single-shot when it comes to practical hunting. So a 'standard' length action can choose a cartridge with .532" casehead over the 338-06.