Got me a 338-06….Finally

laker · #1 01-20-2023, 08:11 AM

Finally after many years of wanting a 338-06, I finally pulled the trigger on one. It’s not in my hands yet but is on its way. I’ve been researching loads for it and since decided on using 210 nosler partitions and was lucky enough to have found some. Wondering who’s using what for powders in this cartridge and bullet weight? So far varget, 4064 and 4166 seem to be the most popular. I have varget on hand but thinking maybe trying 4166 as well. Also on the hunt for dies and brass. Any leads on that would be greatly appreciated.

6.5 shooter · #2 01-20-2023, 10:40 PM

The Nosler Partition in 210grs. may? be a good choice as well. I load them in my .338 and they work just fine.

fps plus · #3 01-21-2023, 06:20 AM

Very nice . I have a friend that is doing a 338-06 and a 338-06 Ackley on Ruger #1 . Gonna be interesting to see which he prefers

Dick284 · #4 01-21-2023, 06:40 AM

4166 has been discontinued btw.
Maybe look at the Vhitavouri offerings like N135 or N140

And don’t overlook 4895 or 2495 either.

Maxwell78 · #5 01-21-2023, 06:44 AM

I have been running the 225 gr accubonds in mine. Lots of people on other forms use H380 or 414 for powder. I have found using H4350 and Vihtavouri N540 gave the best accuracy/velocity for me. I do have some StaBALL6.5 that i was going to try with the 250 gr accubonds. I like the Norma brass but sized up 30-06 has worked also.

Hodgdon reloading and nosler have load info online

https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center
https://www.nosler.com/338-06-a-square

You are keeping us in suspense. Tell us about the gun you purchased.

58thecat · #6 01-21-2023, 07:29 AM

I have been sitting on the fence on this one as my next wildcat custom.

Great choice.

Dick284 · #7 01-21-2023, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 58thecat

I have been sitting on the fence on this one as my next wildcat custom.

Great choice.

338-06 is no longer a wildcat.
It got its SAAMI birth right in 1998.

But I agree it’s a thought provoking cartridge.

huntingfamily · #8 01-21-2023, 09:27 AM

Love my 338-06. Currently running 210gr partitions and ttsx bullets. Both are very accurate.

Smokinyotes · #9 01-21-2023, 10:23 AM

Is factory brass available for the 338-06?

Dick284 · #10 01-21-2023, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokinyotes

Is factory brass available for the 338-06?

Yes, Nosler, Norma, Robertson to name some.
Why?
It’s easy to reform 30-06 to get 338-06.

Falls under the nice to have, not the need to have column.

Smokinyotes · #11 01-21-2023, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dick284

Yes, Nosler, Norma, Robertson to name some.
Why?
It’s easy to reform 30-06 to get 338-06.

Falls under the nice to have, not the need to have column.

Why? Because I like using head stamped brass when it’s available.

Kapustacrk · #12 01-21-2023, 10:37 AM

Had a Remington 700 BDL (early model) re-bored by RKS and use H414 and 225 Partitions in it, great cartridge. Got Norma brass from PR few yrs ago, also neck up Lapua 06 brass. Groups well but not chronied yet. Lots of info on it in different magazines and load data as well. Good luck with your choice. '!!

270person · #13 01-21-2023, 01:26 PM

Interesting cartridge and I'm a bit/quite a bit envious. What sort of speed will you be looking for our of 210-225's?

laker · #14 01-21-2023, 08:09 PM

There are certainly a lot of options for powders this cartridge likes. It is amazing how efficient it really is. 210 partitions should be cooking along at around 2800 fps +/-.

huntingfamily · #15 01-21-2023, 09:36 PM

I had the best loads for 210's with H4895 and RL15

jayquiver · #16 01-21-2023, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laker

Finally after many years of wanting a 338-06, I finally pulled the trigger on one. It’s not in my hands yet but is on its way. I’ve been researching loads for it and since decided on using 210 nosler partitions and was lucky enough to have found some. Wondering who’s using what for powders in this cartridge and bullet weight? So far varget, 4064 and 4166 seem to be the most popular. I have varget on hand but thinking maybe trying 4166 as well. Also on the hunt for dies and brass. Any leads on that would be greatly appreciated.

details, details... Lets hear about the rifle!

laker · #17 01-22-2023, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayquiver

details, details... Lets hear about the rifle!

It’s an Accuflite Arms semi custom. Sako AV action with Lothar Walther 24” barrel on a kevlar stock. Picked up off an auction site. Appeared to be from an estate. Talked with the builder a few times. Very nice fella and says that gun will be a shooter. So here’s hoping.

jayquiver · #18 01-22-2023, 09:02 AM

nice! Post some pics when you get it.

Mine is in a Cooper Jackson Hunter, 22"barrel. I found some factory Nosler 225Gr Accubonds that shoot well. Will be make up some loads this year though.

Phil McCracken · #19 01-22-2023, 09:27 AM

Being a .338WM guy...this offering sounds really sweet, especially with the 210 NP which I have always used in the past...

Smokinyotes · #20 01-22-2023, 10:12 AM

Is there any advantage to the 338-06 over a 338wm other than no belt, a little less powder and recoil?

MountainTi · #21 01-22-2023, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokinyotes

Is there any advantage to the 338-06 over a 338wm other than no belt, a little less powder and recoil?

Less MV and energy?

Smokinyotes · #22 01-22-2023, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MountainTi

Less MV and energy?

I wouldn’t call that an advantage

laker · #23 01-22-2023, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokinyotes

Is there any advantage to the 338-06 over a 338wm other than no belt, a little less powder and recoil?

That’s all I needed to go this route.

huntingfamily · #24 01-22-2023, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laker

That’s all I needed to go this route.

Yep. It's a perfect cartridge for elk, moose, bears and bison for us in northern BC.

marky_mark · #25 01-22-2023, 03:09 PM

338 rpm is another alternative to the 338/06
Probably more support and components for the rpm

CBintheNorth · #26 01-22-2023, 09:28 PM

Congrats on the new rifle!

But I have to ask as I truly don't know, why not just shoot 210gr or 220gr bullets out of a 30-06?
Wouldn't the longer bullets give better performance overall? I would think B.C. and S.D. would be much higher in the .308 bullet, no?
Sorry for my ignorance and the derail, but I've heard many people rave about this caliber and never quite understood it's allure.

huntingfamily · #27 01-22-2023, 10:02 PM

Bigger diameter, bigger hole, bigger thump.
Plus it was an excuse for me to try something different in a new build.
I don't use mine on deer.

58thecat · #28 01-23-2023, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dick284

338-06 is no longer a wildcat.
It got its SAAMI birth right in 1998.

But I agree it’s a thought provoking cartridge.

Dam, didn't know that, but still a beauty.

Gilly · #29 01-23-2023, 06:45 AM

I got the cooper 52 in 338-06. Current load development is looking really good out of the 24” barrel. The fact that you can use readily available 30-06 brass is what did it for me. Cheaper to shoot and easier to shoot than the 338 magnums is nice while not giving up much performance wise. I know a few fellows that are running the 250 grain bergers in theres and they have made some long distance shots on antelope with this cartridge as well. Im going to use mine on everything from deer to moose. I thought i needed a 340 weatherby but im glad i kept this one just alot more user friendly imo.

laker · #30 01-23-2023, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huntingfamily

Bigger diameter, bigger hole, bigger thump.
Plus it was an excuse for me to try something different in a new build.
I don't use mine on deer.

This right here was my thoughts as well. Plus the cartridge looks sexy…to me.