What do you think of a .338-06?

[fla9-40]

Has anyone done this build and if so what did you think about this round?

I'm thinking about building one of these....

[Bearguide444]

I built one a few years ago I had a old savage 110 in 30-06 that I sent of to have the barrel re-bored to 338 and I really like it alot very accurate and has taken a variety of big game. the best part of it is it seems to work like magnum but recoil like a 06. I see a lot of barrels that are being made for the round it may be easier or cheaper going that way but that would need to be investigated. good luck on what you decide I like the round a lot and am very impressed.

[CaptnDan]

I have a 338-06 barrel, dies, brass etc if you decide to go that route.

Dan

[fla9-40]

Dan I just sent you a PM....

[Hair_Boxers]

Dan - did you sell the barrel, dies and brass or still have?

[olddav]

It seems that you have already made up your mind but I shall add my two cents anyway. I built a 338-06 on an old 110 flat back action, using a Shilen barrel in a varmint contour (26"). I shoot sub moa at 200 yards with it (it shoots better than that), lots of thump and can be loaded for everything from deer to bear (160gr to 300gr). To sum it all up, build it now!

Its a reloaders dream, uses less powder than my 30-06 while pushing a larger bullet.

[yobuck]

But wouldnt a 220 gr 30 cal be a larger bullet also, take less powder, and have more thump?

[olddav]

I stand corrected on my statement of less powder, how ever the 338-06 does push a larger a larger bullet faster than the 30-06, and with a larger dia bullet should create a larger wound channel.

[yobuck]

What creates velocity is powder, not bullet diameter.
Id be willing to bet very few if any using a 338x06 use a 300 gr bullet.
Id also bet most are using lighter bullets in order to achieve more what? (VELOCITY)
Fact is many people using larger 338s like the Lapua, also use lighter bullets in order to get more velocity.
But yep it will make a very slightly bigger hole.

[sixonetonoffun]

Makes me curious.
Is the 338-06 ballistic twin to the 8mm Mauser?
How does case volume compare?

I would guess slightly less with more options for projectiles.

[Ranger412]

I built a 338-06 a number of years ago. Great shooter. I wanted a rifle capable of throwing a larger pill than the .308 Win. that I grew up with. From my research at the time, the 338-06 trailed the 338 Win. Mag. by a bit but was similar enough out to 300 yards or so, without the brutal recoil. I shoot 225gr. Hornady Interbonds over 52gr. of Varget.

[CaptnDan]

Dan - did you sell the barrel, dies and brass or still have?

The barrel and dies are sold, but I still have some new brass left.

Dan

[Hair_Boxers]

The .30-06 is fantastic cartridge and in my research feels like the better option if you are going to mainly be using 165 to 180 grain bullets. A .30 slug of that weight actually has better ballistic coefficient and sectional density than the .33 slug of same weight (long and narrow vs. short and fat).

The .338-06 lets you mimic the performance of a 30-06 with the lighter slugs if you desire (or outperform them if you are playing the FPS game and want to throw max charges). It also allows you to load the 200+ grain and heavier slugs and get almost magnum performance without pushing the .30 cal too much or resorting to a magnum and the corresponding recoil and big powder charges.

I myself am a big fan b/c I shoot lead free bullets. For two bullets of a given weight and caliber the lead free is always longer and therefor consumes more case capacity. By going to a .338 I can maintain the FPS and foot pounds of energy to ensure bullet expansion and knock down power at a greater distance.

Plus it's kinda unique and I am a fan of heavier bullets and energy rather than light bullets and speed. My .308 works great here in WI on whitetail where i am mainly shooting 200 yards or less. When I head West for elk the .338-06 feels like the appropriate step up from the .308.

[Bearguide444]

I use nosler portition 210 IMR4350 60 grains for my do everything load Deer bear antelope and Elk and has performed wonderfully for all.

[fla9-40]

Here are the first 5 rounds down the tube....

Shot one time to see where I was on the paper, adjusted scope and shot 4 more times.

This just might be a keeper!!:p

http://www.nettally.com/kwd/338-06_210gr.jpg

[CaptnDan]

What a shooter! Where did you get that barrel?

[Hair_Boxers]

Dang! I second CaptnDan's question - what barrel? I just secured my action to build on and need to pick a barrel. That's dang good shooting!

[fla9-40]

What a shooter! Where did you get that barrel?

I got it from a member on this forum.....Hmmmm Now what was his name :confused:...Hmmmm....I REMEMBER it was you CaptnDan!!!:biggrin-new:


This has been a blast to shoot!

[fla9-40]

Dang! I second CaptnDan's question - what barrel? I just secured my action to build on and need to pick a barrel. That's dang good shooting!

Thanks Hair_Boxers!
The barrel is an unfired Adams and Bennet , 24 inch barrel with a mag contour 1:10 twist.....

[CaptnDan]

I am glad you are enjoying it fla9-40, and glad it is a shooter. (Of course, you had to do your part to make that nice group.)


Do ya want any more of that high priced brass? I'm saving it for a bit in case you do.

Dan