What mold for 338-06?

[ole_270]

I've been casting off and on for 20+ years, mostly 25 cal. (257420 and a GB 80 gr. tumble lube) and a 311041 for a 30-30 I used to own. Got a new 338-06 that got me to thinking about deer hunting with cast again. I don't see much available for the 338 size, anybody got any favorites?

[Gee_Wizz01]

I have a brand new 338-06 barrel sitting in its shipping tube awaiting to be installed in an action, and have the same question. I have been thinking about buying the Lee .338 mold as its the only one that seems readily available.

G

[docone31]

The 338-06 AI is a great round.
I had one made in my XP-100 for Sillywet. It kicked a bit, but it was one hard hitting, flat round! The Rams were POI with a 265gn Spire Point.
I wonder how lead will do in that cartridge. Might be underutilized.
It fireforms real easily. I used MilSurp M2 rounds.
A nice little cartridge.

[rbuck351]

I also am interested in the 338 with cast (338win mag) and am wondering about the LEE mould. Is the bore rider section big enough fit a normal 338 bore?

[azrednek]

Lee apparently is discontinuing the 338 mold as they are on their surplus list. Got mine last week. I haven't had a chance to use it. I have a 338 mag built on a Santa Barbra Mauser action and a far from completed project 338/06 in the works.

Lee surplus list shows 43 of the 338 molds left. Better hurry and order one while they are still available. The price is definitely right, only 14 bux and another 4 or 5 shipping. Molds can be ordered online and paid for with bank card.

http://www.leeprecision.com/html/catalog/surplus.html

[Hardcast416taylor]

For the 338 Win. mag. I use the following. I use ww water quenched with 40 gr. IMR- 4198, CCI-200 primers for about 2300 fps and getting 2 - 3" groups at 100 yds. I`ve also used AA-5744 of 36 to 42 gr. and a CCI-250 primer. I don`t have my load book here that lists my .338/06 cast loads. I`ve been told to use "J" load data but back off a full 10% from starter load. I must not like the .338/06 round as I have only made 3 rifles for it out of Enfirld `17 and `14 actions.:)Robert

[shotman]

the lee is a good boolet. I shot a 5 shot one hole group at 50yds. the 5477 at 36gr is a good load light but good. you need to get the push through from lee. I tried the Lyman338320 and the lee is much better. Hornady has gas checks by a call order to them. The lee dont need to be sized if you dont gas check it.. Also have Lee cut a punch to match the nose of the boolit. It has to run in die backwards to seat the check. any other info pm me rick

[Hardcast416taylor]

To Azrednek. If you will look at the surplus list again. The 338 mold listed is a SINGLE cavity model only. They went to the DOUBLE cavity only some time back.Robert

[shotman]

If any of you want a mold email me I found some that a distrubtor has. ---ragebhardt@msn.com rick

[azrednek]

To Azrednek. If you will look at the surplus list again. The 338 mold listed is a SINGLE cavity model only. They went to the DOUBLE cavity only some time back.Robert

THX!! Robert for pointing that out, went right by me. Apparently I'm wrong about it being discontinued. Still a good deal though for 14 bux and shipping.

[Bret4207]

Check NEIs mould list they have 5 or 6 nice moulds, #102 appeals to me.

[ole_270]

Thanks guys, looks like I should of built a Whelan instead if lead was in the picture.