.338-06 Savage Build/Load Development
After this year’s monster deer season in Kansas with my Savage F Class .308 (168 Berger Hunting bullets – 4 killed from 330 to 500 yards) I decided to step up on my caliber for a medium to long range hunting rig. The .308 did fine, but I need something with more energy. After researching all the .338’s flooding the market, I decided that was ticket. However, I wanted one that was efficient and I didn’t have to feed 100 grs of powder too nor did I want a muzzle break.
The .338-06 was the choice I settled on. If this performs as planned, I’m never looking back… I’ll still stick with my 6.5 Sweede in Texas. The Hornady brass I’ll neck up from .30-06, the bullet will be the Hornady 225 gr Interbond (Not SST), BR2 primers and Alliant Power Pro 2000MR or 4000MR (still pending load data from Alliant). My calculations should put me at 2700 fps without any issues. Load development results to follow.
The spec’s:
Action: Savage Model 111, LA, Center Feed DBM
Trigger: Rifle Basics
Lug: NSS
Barrel: Shilen Select Match, 26 inch, Varmint Contour
Stock: Hogue Over Molded, full length 7075 aluminum block (skim bedded)
Base: Weaver 20 MOA
Rings: Leupold QR
Scope: Nikon Buck Master 6-18 Fine Cross hair with target dot and target turrets
http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/.../338-06jpg.jpg
These were the results of my first load testing. I did further testing out to 500 yards and all held MOA (Even with another shooter who has never seen the rifle).
http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/...groupjpg-1.jpg
Re: .338-06 Savage Build on Model 111 DBM - Moved from Picture Post
After inspecting the brass from the use of PP 2000 MR, a few of them started showing the on set of case separation >:(. Initially I used S&B Match Primers and then tried BR2's and things got ugly. It shot great, but I didn't have that "warm and fuzzy feeling". So, I think the PP2000 MR was a bit too slow. I developed the following:
Powder: Varget
Primer: S&B
Brass: WW
Bullet: 225 SST
I tried the powder charges of 49 - 53 and all of them performed outstanding. If it wouldn't have been for the 25 mph cross wind and head wind, I'm sure they would've been worthy of pictures. However, each load seemed to put two in almost the same hole, then I'd get behind the wind and I'd toss one 3/4 inch directly left of the others. The good sign, everything was horizontal.... no vertical climb at all.
When I returned from the range, I inspected the shells. NO pressures issues and NO on-set of separation. I picked the charge that I felt confident with and began reloading the same shells. However, this time I did something different. I only partially sized the neck with the full length die. I double checked all the primer pockets for increases. Nothing. Went back to the range and checked MOA at distances from 100 - 500 yards with the same nasty wind.
I'm happy to report the load did well. It held horizontal all the way out to 500 yards with a 25 mph cross / head wind. Everything was MOA. The cool factor????? It only took 14 MOA from Zero to print a straight line of 3 shots 5 1/5 inches wide at 500 yards!!!! :D :D :D
More to follow. I'm now moving up to the 250 grain BTHP's.
Re: .338-06 Savage Build/Load Development - Moved from Picture Post
You're getting great results there; I'm impressed.
I absolutely LOVE that cartridge. Did you chrono that load?
One question... did you install/headspace the barrel yourself? I'm REALLY surprised that you'd get case head separation indications after one loading of ANYTHING, unless you had overly generous headspace. I could be way off (Heaven knows its happened before!) but I've never heard of head separation issues after one firing except in generously headspaced chambers. When I headspaced my barrel I set it so that the go gauge would BARELY close; it had to be forced a bit. That coupled w/ neck-sizing would have helped my brass life had I kept it long enough :( .
Can you tell I miss her?
As for powders, I had GREAT results from Ramshot's Big Game & Hunter, the latter particularly shined w/ 250s, giving superb accuracy & speed. I also ran RL-17 & IMR-4530 and both gave good results w/ 215s & heavier.
Good luck,
efw
Re: .338-06 Savage Build/Load Development - Moved from Picture Post
Yeah.. I headspaced it just like I've done the other 10 barrels I've installed. I always set the Go gauge tight. When I re-checked it, it was the same as before. I'm thinking I wasn't using the right speed of powder. I'm trying to narrow down my powder use to only a few different types so I don't have so many sitting around.
efw: Sorry for your loss :-\
Re: .338-06 Savage Build/Load Development - Moved from Picture Post
Nice rifle man. Ive been wanting to build a 338-06 for a long time! Theres a company called Rocky Mountain Bullets that is making ULD 225 grain and 250 grain bullets with a rebated boat tail design and super high BC's that would be sweet in that caliber. Also Bore tech is making 245 grain monolithics with a higher BC than Berger 300's. Check em out. Nice build.
Re: .338-06 Savage Build/Load Development - Moved from Picture Post
howa the 250bthp's treatin you. got any data?
Re: .338-06 Savage Build/Load Development - Moved from Picture Post
Leatherlunger: Sorry for the time delay on this. Been running around 4 different states Shooting F Class T/R. I'm finally back in TX and getting ready for three different matches.
I've changed the load to RL19 and have shot both the 250 Horn BT and Sierra MK. Both rounds shot at 1 inch at 100. No adverse signs of any pressure and great to shoot. I'm currently working on the 285 Horn BT load now. I've only shot a couple to determine recoil. Actually it's better then the 250's. All I know is I have too much fun shooting clay birds at 500m with it..... they simply don't break.... they get turned to DUST!!!!! It's freak'in AWESOME!!!!!!!! I'm currently working with a powder node of 57-58 grains of RL19.
Worked a load with PP4000 but was not happy with the speed. She topped out at 2600 fps and the performance sucked! I didn't Chrony the RL19 load. I'll work on that next.
$%^&.... just thinking about it makes me want to go out and shoot it again!!!!!! No..... I can't...... I must prepare for the match on Saturday.......
Ken