All,
Just bought the parts for a Mauser conversion to 338-06 Springfield. I have lapped the lugs, lapped the boltface, set the headspace, installed the barrel and am now ready to put some loads together for the gun. Went to get brass and the only 338-06 formed brass I could find was 338-06 A-Square. Is it the same as the 338-06?

The barrel is an A&B from Midaway chambered and threaded for a M98. The reamer is listed as a 338-06 Springfield. I was hoping to save myself a step and buy already formed (and headstamped) 338-06 brass. The only brass was by Weatherby and is listed as 338-06. Will this work effectively? Reloading die companies list them both ways so which die to buy? Any info is appreciated.

Cheers,
Jason

Jason,

The A-Square .338-'06 is the version that A-Square submitted to SAAMI in '95. As long as you headspaced your rifle to the SAAMI specs for the .338-'06, the brass should work.

Weatherby also chambers this cartridge, and sells loaded ammunition.



jim dodd

Jason, unless you're bound & determined to have the brass headstamped 338-06, it would be much cheaper to buy 30-06 brass and run it through the sizing die. Any brass from Weatherby or A-Square will probably cost an arm and a leg.

You don't even need to lube the cases. Just run it in far enough that the expander button enters the neck. Die manufacturers seem to anticipate that and make the dies for 338-06 & 35 Whelen with tapered buttons.

i have a 338-06,I bought 20 pieces of weatherby brass,with the headstamp 338-06,for when I am able to go to africa! I use Lapua 30-06 brass,forms real easy.

It is cheaper to use .30/'06 brass, but it is better to use .35 Whelen brass, because you can fit it to your chamber perfectly by sizing it a lillte at a time until the bolt will just close on a case with just a little force on the bolt handle. This ensures that the headspace is correct before you fire a round!

It may also prevent someone from inadvertently trying to fire one of your loads in a .30/'06!

If the shoulder angles and datum are identical on the .30-06 and .338-06 I don't see how you get a better shoulder using .35 whelen brass.

If you're shooting an AI cartridge then necking down a larger cartridge will give you that false shoulder you speak of.

Jason,
I would suggest finding some good military 06 brass, like LC. It does not have a caliber headstamp and is a WHOLE lot cheaper. LMK if you need some I think I may have some extra as I use it for 8mm mauer nad 8mm-06, uh on ya as well as 30-06.
JAG

All,
Thanks for the replies. The big reason for wanting the caliber stamped onto the brass is that the gun is a gift and I want to make sure that there is no chance of a goof. Better safe than sorry and I am just covering his bases as well as mine. Thanks again. I really enjoy the forums and all of you guys are very helpful. Cheers, Jason