BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

[fuzzybear]

Now that I have commited to have the 338-06 barrel set. I'm starting to determine which loads i want to shoot.
So far, the 250gr Nosler partition is one of the choices. I like the energy figures I'm getting at a reachable velocity of 2500 fps. Plus I was given a box to dink with.
I'm looking at the 180gr Ballistic tip, 210gr Partition and the 225gr Interbond.
Seems the Interbond would be a great 250 to 300yd bullet for anything up to elk. with a reachable velocity of 2600 fps.
As for now it's all on paper. When I get the rifle back. The fun begins.

[Captain_Obvious]

Should do just as well as the 338 Win. Mag.

[fuzzybear]

On the average. The loads are running about 200ish fps slower in the 338-06. Compared to 338wm factory loads. It would be just as capable.
Another example of a load that uses quite a bit less powder to produce almost identical ballistics.
The 338wm best load with 225gr and 72.5gr RL19. We're getting about 2850 fps.
The338-06 best load with 225gr and 64.5gr RL19. We're getting about 2675 fps.

[Captain_Obvious]

Given similar or identical bullet construction, you should be able to achieve roughly the same level of performance.

[nevadahntr]

I can understand making a wildcat like this for higher fps and better performance,why do it for lower fps and the same performanc?Just wondering.

[fuzzybear]

It isn't a wildcat. It's the 338-06 A-Square.
Any rifle that has the same bolt head size (.473) and action length as the 30-06 can be converted.
Rifle can be lighter with less recoil.
150 to 200 fps and 200 to 300 fpe isn't enough to make any difference in hunting performance. As compared to the 338wm.
Bigger holes and heavier bullets, at moderate velocities, kill better with less meat damage.
The .338 bullets are some of the best made. High BC's and SD's
I already have all of the 3200+ fps rounds I have a use for. Most game is taken under 200 yds. The 338-06 will do better than the 30-06 on larger game. Besides I have more 30-06's. I don't have a 338-06
I don't care for Belted rounds.
Etc, etc, etc......
Economically, from a reloading aspect. The 338-06 uses on the average 10gr less powder per charge, as the 338wm and has all the perfomance needed at practical hunting distances.

[fuzzybear]

I've established that the 225gr Accubond and 250gr Partition will be the bullets of choice. I should be able to reach the high 2500's and high 2400's fps with a full case of RL 19 in both loads

225gr Accubond
BC - .550
SD - .281

250gr Partition
BC - .473 (Same as the .308 180gr Partition)
SD - .313 WOW

I wouldn't want to be the Elk that steps in front of this rifle.

[Captain_Obvious]

Th 250 grain would probably be the better choice for a bull elk, given the high sectional density. Not that the 225 wouldn't work very well also.

[fuzzybear]

I'm liking the 250 the best. Besides, I was given a box of 250gr Patitions to load up.
The 225gr Accubonds are impressive with the amount of energy they retain and the trajectory. .550 is a whole bunch of BC
I'm still waiting for the barrel. Hopefully it will be ready by modern rifle Elk season.

[Captain_Obvious]

That'll be neat. My money's on those 250's.

[fuzzybear]

Yea. The way I'm seeing it is. Why have a 338-06 to throw bullet weights that can come out of a 30 cal. Go for the gusto. 250gr or bust.

[Captain_Obvious]

Only the monster .30's can match those speeds for 220(5) grain bullets. Better to take advantage of what the 338 clan uses best.

Some day I might load another .7mm 195 grain bullet. I'll guarantee I can reach or exceed 2700 fps MV. I can't imagine what a hunter could use these on in this hemisphere.

[fuzzybear]

Stick 3 or 4 in the ground around the camp perimeter to deter lightening strikes in camp.

[Captain_Obvious]

LOL, be vewwy,vewwy quiet, I huntin' lighnin' bolts huhhuhuhuhuhuhuhuh! :evil:

[fuzzybear]

"What's up, Doc". Err, Cap

Ever know anyone that has used one of those 7mm 195's.

The more I dink with the heavies at moderate velocity. The more I'm prefering it.

I believe they make a 300 grainer for the 338 cal.