338/06

[camotruck]

I hope I'm doing this right. I spend most of my time reading and then shoot for effect on paper. This will be my first cast boolit hunt and I want to put the animal down as quickly and humanly as possible. Here's what I got...

338/06 RCBS 338-200 So sized .339 WW AC GC Traveling along at 1800 -1900 fps. and shoots about 1.5 MOA .

I'm hoping to use this on a hog hunt in SC the end of May.

After more reading I was thinking of switching to 50/50 WW / Pure to soften it up a wee bit. I was also thinking about slowing it down just a bit to see if it tightens up a little. How much might the new mix affect the way it shoots?

Thanks Camo

[runfiverun]

adding soft lead will affect the diameter of the boolit some [I'd check that] the nose is where I'd check.
I think your velocity is fine it will help with the penetration and the upset of the alloy.
I'd base any decisions on the size of the pig I was expecting to shoot.
a hard shouldered hog will be a candidate for penetration, a 40 pound piglet won't take so much penetration and a softer boolit would definitely help.

[williamwaco]

If you are accustom to this load, know where it shoots at different ranges and have practiced enough to have confidence in it, DO NOT CHANGE A THING until after the hunt.

Confidence in a load is must more important than the exact parameters of the load.

The load you have developed will perform like Thor's Hammer.

[jhalcott]

The only way to know that answer is to try it. HEY, you need the practice any way ,RIGHT? I use straight air cooled wheel weight for close to 2000 fps in my Whelen and other calibers with great success.

[Reg]

If you are accustom to this load, know where it shoots at different ranges and have practiced enough to have confidence in it, DO NOT CHANGE A THING until after the hunt.

Confidence in a load is must more important than the exact parameters of the load.

The load you have developed will perform like Thor's Hammer.

Man is that ever the truth.
Also is this sort of a takeoff of the old .333 OKH ?

[camotruck]

Man is that ever the truth.
Also is this sort of a takeoff of the old .333 OKH ?

Yep, A T/C Encore, I happened across it and the loading dies and had to have it. It will shoot J words into a half inch. But that's not why I got it.

[Hardcast416taylor]

I`ve been using a .338/06 for 30+ years. I built it on a 1917 Enfield action that Bubba had previously owned and basically left me the action. I`ve had good luck with the LEE .338 mold as well as your RCBS and another paper patch mold that makes a 247 gr. boolet. Just out to be curious, what is the powder and load you have cooked up for the T/C?Robert

[camotruck]

49 gr of Reloader 15 is the top. Any more than that and targets look like a load of 00 buck shot @100 yds.
This load is safe in my T/C Encore it may not be in your weapon of choice.
Camo

[4rdwhln]

I am very curious about this. Can A standard 1917 barrel be re chambered to this caliber? Or does it require a new barrel?

[GooseGestapo]

I'm using 25.0gr of #2400 for essentially the same velocities with the Lee .339" RNGC. I use the same powder charge in my .338MarlinExpress for essentially the same speeds. I also have the RanchDog 200gr TLGC .338" mould. It's not as accurate as the Lee RN, but I enjoy shooting it. It makes a better "whopp" when it hits the target/berm.
Let us know how the hog hunt goes...
btw; my .338/06 is on a MkX action with Adams&Bennett barrel. (Not especially accurate, but not bad. ~1.5moa).

[sixshot]

My gunsmith son built me one 20 years ago & it was an absolute hammer on elk. Mauser action, 24" Douglas barrel & a good trigger, wowie! Your cast load will do a number on any pig you run into, most shots are close, at least the one's I shot in texas were. That 200 gr. cast slug will serve you well.

Dick

[gwpercle]

The other day a photo was run in the news paper of a 500 lb. hog that was taken in either North or South Carolina......it was as big as the VW beetle I used to drive. I don't know if I would have had the nerve to shoot something that big.
The 338-06 should be enough gun for the normal sized porkers. Your load should be fine with either straight wheel-weights or 50/50. If you can try both , if not, shoot what you got. Good luck, Take photo's.
Gary

[Hardcast416taylor]

I am very curious about this. Can A standard 1917 barrel be re chambered to this caliber? Or does it require a new barrel?


I would imagine a .30-06 barrel from a 1917 Enfield can be bored out and rifled to .338 caliber, but it is probably cheaper just to get the action re-barreled to a .338-06 barrel ready to install. E.R. Shaw is a decent place to look for getting an action re-barreled. They can do all that needs to be done on your 1917 as far as re-barreling.Robert

[camotruck]

Ok Guys, Thanks Like I said I do a ton of reading on here, then consult a casting buddy after I've made my conclusions just to check myself. I figured anything hit with a 200grain projectile going that fast is gonna have a bad day. My concern was lack of expansion with the straight WW. I think I have time to cast up and shoot some 50/50 before I Head south. Goose, I like to use a load that fills more of the case. So I can't double charge one.

Camo

[ammohead]

Like sixshot said. An absolute hammer on elk!

[frank505]

I use WC 860 in my 338/06 AI. The 235 grain bullet with a case full and a Federal 215 primer runs 1850. A 300 grain round nose with a case full runs 1775. Either will kill any hog, its all about shot placement anyway.
Your load sounds very good, get to hunting.

[MT Gianni]

I am very curious about this. Can A standard 1917 barrel be re chambered to this caliber? Or does it require a new barrel?

JES rebores to 338 as well as 358 & 375 bores. http://www.35caliber.com/

[NVScouter]

Why. It bump it up to 2100-2500fps? Going slower doesn't always help tighten groups.

[camotruck]

Why. It bump it up to 2100-2500fps? Going slower doesn't always help tighten groups.

Because I tried pushing it harder and the groups opened up.

[NVScouter]

Because I tried pushing it harder and the groups opened up.

I think your load as is will work just fine. Are you stuck on R15? Have you tried H414/W760?

[GooseGestapo]

Camotruck; Do you have a chronograph? That load of 49.0gr of RL15 will likely be going closer to 2,500fps!
According to Hornady's #8, 48.4gr with a 200gr bullet gets 2,500fps and 50.6 gets 2,600fps. My go-to load for my .338/06 with 200gr Hornady's is 54.0gr for 2,800fps.

With the .338ME, I use 40.0gr of RL15 with a 220gr RNGC Lee for 2,050fps. 41.0 will give 2,200fps but poor accuracy (shotgun patterns). I use the 24.0gr of #2400 as it's 1/2 as expensive (and powder is hard to get lately) and I have a 8lb keg of #2400, but almost out of RL15. The case capacity of the .338ME is only ~7% below the .338/06. But, it (.338ME) operates at a bit less pressure due to Marlin l/a.
I do use a loading block to charge and visually inspect each case for powder level. I did have a double charge in the '06 when it was a .30/06 in '01. Gunsmith who built the .338 for me had to remove the barrel to extract the fired case, that's when the .338 bbl. was put on....But, it was with Universal, not the slightly more forgiving #2400. It did make me "doubly' cautious when loading reduced loads, however....

[camotruck]

I haven't tried those powders because I found that the 15 worked so well with the jacketed in that barrel. I had it on hand and used it. I'm not against using something else but I'd hate to burn powder just to find nothing performs any better.

Camo

[camotruck]

Goose, I do have a cronny But it's a PITA to get set up and use at the public range. So I only use it "Sometimes". When I'm working with unknown or non book loads / or loads that I know are going to heading into the hot zone, and after load development so I know what the velocity is of my chosen load.

Right now the range I use is only open Friday Saturday and Sunday. It's packed. Beginning in April it opens up Tues to Sunday so I may have to take it down and shoot over it with this load.

[NVScouter]

I haven't tried those powders because I found that the 15 worked so well with the jacketed in that barrel. I had it on hand and used it. I'm not against using something else but I'd hate to burn powder just to find nothing performs any better.

Camo

I hear ya. I havent had any luck with R15 and cast. R7 is a serious go to in a dozen cast calibers of mine and in the larger cases Win760/H414 (same powder) is also a go to.

[camotruck]

I have two rifles that love Rel 7 and my cast one a single shot and the other a semi auto. but the Rel 7 supply has dried up 'round here. I'll be looking for that 8 pounder to hit the shelf.

Camo

[HollandNut]

aahhh had a M760 in 338/06 , little light weight beast kicked like an army mule , but was a fun shooter

[dougader]

I have a Savage 110 that has been rebarreled to 338-06. Picked it up on GB from a pawn shop in AL for a decent price. Rick from Cali was very generous and sent me some Lee 225 GC boolits and some of his 250 NOE slugs also to try.

I didn't have his suggested Unique so I used Blue Dot, which I have in bulk. I was impressed at how very clean the BD burns.

I am trouble shooting the action bedding on this and also dealing with a very sub-par scope but this one looks promising at 50 yards, to start, with some bullets going through the same hole.

http://steelheader.smugmug.com/photos/i-h3Ls95h/0/L/i-h3Ls95h-L.jpg

A 5-shot group at 50 yards with the Lee 225:

http://steelheader.smugmug.com/photos/i-L9hrkBp/0/L/i-L9hrkBp-L.jpg

[Hardcast416taylor]

Dougader. That group would qualify as "Minute of whitetail deer" here in Michigan! Nice group to "fiddle"with though.Robert

[taco650]

I have a Savage 110 that has been rebarreled to 338-06. Picked it up on GB from a pawn shop in AL for a decent price. Rick from Cali was very generous and sent me some Lee 225 GC boolits and some of his 250 NOE slugs also to try.

I didn't have his suggested Unique so I used Blue Dot, which I have in bulk. I was impressed at how very clean the BD burns.

I am trouble shooting the action bedding on this and also dealing with a very sub-par scope but this one looks promising at 50 yards, to start, with some bullets going through the same hole.

http://steelheader.smugmug.com/photos/i-h3Ls95h/0/L/i-h3Ls95h-L.jpg

A 5-shot group at 50 yards with the Lee 225:

http://steelheader.smugmug.com/photos/i-L9hrkBp/0/L/i-L9hrkBp-L.jpg

Tumble lubed and then the nose wiped off after loading? NICE GROUP!!

Camotruck,
There was a time when I lusted after 338-06 very strongly. Wanted to re-barrel my '06 Ruger but never did. Now I'm more interested in 35W. Anyway, your rifle will plenty for the hogs, just practice like others have mentioned.

[dougader]

Yes, LLA and tumble lubed then wiped clean before I box them up.

[pmer]

I've had a 338-06 for years too. What a nice round! Haven't shoot cast with it but a big dose of 4064 and a 200 grain jacketed gets me to 2800 fps with very low SD.

[Three44s]

My .338-06 is a Savage 110 that I built using a Shaw barrel bought slightly used off the net.

The cartridge is equally at home with cast as it is with J-words. The J-words are excellent because most of them were developed for the hotter and classic .338 Win Mag.

The Lee boolit though homely seems to shoot exceptionally well for many folks in '06 based round (it is said to shoot very well in the magnum case as well).

For the life of me ........ I can't pick fault with the load the OP has detailed here ............

............ I say ........... go ........... and hunt with it!

OP ............ you've got a winner!! Enjoy it!


Best regards

Three 44s

[Duckhunter]

Cliff LaBountry rebored my 1917 enfield to 338-06 many years ago and it is a good shooter. This I a great way to bring back a pitted or badly rusted barrel. Mine had been "sporterized" and there was only a trace of rifling left when I bought it. I think it's time to buy a mold for this rifle and cast a few just for fun.

[dh2]

Like sixshot said. An absolute hammer on elk!
That is what I built mine for, I just got a 220gr FP GC mold from accurate can not wait to see how it works out

[Ben]

My gunsmith in Golden, CO has one of my 700 Remingtons that he is re-barreling with a new Shilen barrel in 338-06.

I have a promise of delivery of my barreled action in the next 30 days.
I have the following molds to use in my 338-06 when it arrives.

1st is an RCBS 200 gr. Solid & HP , both cavities cast a gas check bullet.

I think the HP pin is too long on this one, but I have several HP pins for this mold and I know that I have a shorter pin , which I think I need on this particular mold.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/338%20HP/PICT0002.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/haysb/media/338%20HP/PICT0002.jpg.html)

My 2nd bullet is an old NEI made by Walt. 262 gr. gas check.

Traveling at 1,800 fps , I can't see a white-tailed deer slowing this bullet down , I figure this one will do a " number " on a buck's front shoulders :


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/002-48.jpg

Here are the two bullets sitting side X side :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/004-41.jpg

[camotruck]

So I made it down to SC to hunt. Never saw a pig in two days. It was so hot , mid 90's and some of the neighboring properties had planted peanuts that had the hogs working overtime once the sun went down. So at this time I have no data or photos to share, unless you guys want to see my boy being sworn into the Navy.

Next trip planned for the weekend of 20 Feb. Anyone that wants to join me send me a PM

Camo

[TheCelt]

So I made it down to SC to hunt. Never saw a pig in two days. It was so hot , mid 90's and some of the neighboring properties had planted peanuts that had the hogs working overtime once the sun went down. So at this time I have no data or photos to share, unless you guys want to see my boy being sworn into the Navy.

Next trip planned for the weekend of 20 Feb. Anyone that wants to join me send me a PM

Camo

Another Oathkeeper!!! God bless and keep him. Good on ya Sir, looks like you raised a fine young man there.

[Hamish]

Camo, as much as I enjoy pictures of hunting results, this one is far better,,,,,congrats to both father and son!

[camotruck]

TheCelt , Hamish Thank you. Many asked if I cried when he left, and I thought how silly. I even joked and said, Yea I cried when I realized I'd have to start taking out the trash and mowing the lawn, pulling the weeds ..... Well, reading those words brought a tear to my eye, Truly.

Thanks

[TXGunNut]

Yes indeed, looks like you raised a fine son there. Hope he's home to go hunting with you in no time...maybe even take out the trash a time or two. I've got a feeling the Navy may teach him a whole new way to take out the trash, he may even get to play with really BIG guns.

[camotruck]

He qualified Nuke. But as I understand it, there isn't any one job in the Navy.

[Tom_in_AZ]

The load you already have will definitely do a number on hogs. And at 1.5 MOA you will get great hunting accuracy at any reasonable range.