Headspace a 338-06AI with 30-06AI go gauge?

[mattri]

Used a standard 30-06 go gauge to set the headspace on my 338-06, same procedure for the AIs or is there a difference between the 30-06AI and 338-06AI headspace?

[BillPa]

You were OK using the 30-06 gauge for the 338-06, the chamber headspace/ cartridge head clearances are the same for both, but its not for the improved 338-06 Imp. They're a unique length, head to the point they contact the neck-shoulder junction, the '06 Go is .004"-.006" longer at that point.

Speaking strictly improved rimless bottleneck cartridges, the head clearance (or the lack of it) on the parent in an improved chamber is established on the neck- shoulder of the parent with a crush fit for firing-forming, not on the shoulder.

As the neck diameter increases/decreases the length from the casehead to neck shoulder also increases/decreases, the 308 family for instance.

To do it right you'll need to get an improved gauge or shorten the '06 Go .004"-.006".

Bill

[mattri]

Thanks for the reply.

Sorry to not be clear, didn't mean to imply that I could use a standard 30-06 gauge for a 338-06AI.

What I meant to ask was can I use a 30-06AI gauge for a 338-06AI the way I used a standard 30-06 gauge for a standard 338-06?

My understanding is that I can and your post seems to back that up.

[sharpshooter]

The .338-06 AI is not a simple Ackley Improved cartridge, it's a wildcat. The best way to do it is to mate it with your dies. Make a case and set it with that.

[mattri]

So take a standard 338-06 case and run it through the 338-06AI die and then use that to set headspace?

[sharpshooter]

Roger that.

[mattri]

Good to know thanks.

[cowboybart]

A better bet would be to use a 35 Whelen case that way it makes a little shoulder.