.338-06 Build Completed

I'm happy to report the .338-06 does, in fact, send projectiles down range. Played around with some Speer 200gr. softpoints over Varget just to get acquainted with the rifle but today was the first day I tested hunting loads-- 210gr. Barnes TTSXs over H4350 using Norma brass and CCI BR-2 primers to COAL of 3.325"/.075" off the lands. I loaded 10 rounds at each step of the ladder and fired two 5-shot groups each. I was pretty pleased with the results but still have some work to do:

Charge WeightBest 5-Round Grp.Avg. Vel. (10 shots)ES (10 shots)
58gr.0.5092520fps19fps
59.2gr.0.7822570fps66 (wtf?)fps
60.3gr.0.9002625fps27fps
61.5gr.0.8202691fps40fps
62.0gr.(C)0.9812697fps37fps
 
Sheltowee said:
Hi all,

I've mentioned a few times on here the .338-06 project I've been working on. It finally came home from the smith today. Components include Tikka T3X action, 22" Lilja sporter contour barrel, Mesa Precision Altitude stock, Mountain Tactical pic rail, RedSnake Tactical AICS bottom metal, MDT AICS long action mag and a Swaro Z5 3.5-18x44 on top, all put together by Richie at High Tech Custom Rifles in Colorado Springs.

View attachment 273724


I've seen that several of y'all tote a .338-06. I've accumulated a small stockpile of H4350, Varget, H4831SC, AA 4350 and a few other powders. Plan is to shoot 210gr. Barnes TTSXs or 200gr. Nosler Accubonds. Any of y'all have favorite recipes, tips, tricks, etc. for this pretty cool cartridge?
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That looks like one he'll of a rig. Congrats!!!
 
Jbotto said:
Wow! beautiful rifle! What did the weight come out to?

So far I’ve done load development for mine with the 185gr and 210gr TTSX and Varget with good results on target and on a couple of whitetail does. I need to run these loads over a chrono though as that will be the deciding factor on which I stick with.

If I remember correctly running estimates through Hornady’s software, both bullets run out of steam about 400 yards, but one was just slowing down a touch more than the other. Just can’t remember which. I think the 210 grain is the winner for this cartridge, but the higher velocity requirement of these Barnes does throw a curve into it.
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Think I'm pretty happy with my 210 grain load at a touch under 2700 fps, but damned if the 185s don't hold as much energy out past 500 yards. Probably something for me to experiment with this winter, after season.
 
Sheltowee said:
Think I'm pretty happy with my 210 grain load at a touch under 2700 fps, but damned if the 185s don't hold as much energy out past 500 yards. Probably something for me to experiment with this winter, after season.
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I really do think it’s a pretty decent toss-up on these two bullets. Right now I have more of the 210gr so that’s what I’m sticking with.
 
Sheltowee,
Nice rifle! Rich installed a take off barrel for me that was tapped for iron sights. I received it back properly headspaced and with the sight screw holes dead nuts on. I would not hesitate to have him do more work for me. I can't say that for multiple other "gunsmiths" that I have used.
 
Waspocrew said:
I saw those posted the other day - curious to see if they end up making a tipped 240-250 gr. I'd probably load them in my 338 RUM. The 267 shot great out of my rifle.

I don't have a 338-06, but it was on my list for a while. It'll thump game for sure!
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Don't think they will go heavier. That 210 in a RUM would be nasty. mtmuley
 
mtmuley said:
I need to take this comment back. I didn't realize Steve cut a .338 bullet that weighs 285 grains. Need a big .338 to push that one. mtmuley
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He’s got quite a few heavy 338s. The tipped 267 shot well in my 338 RUM, but thinking a tipped 250 would be perfect.
 
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