Brass for 338-06 AI

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sundance1972

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Having a rifle rebarrelled to 338-06 AI soon, and would like some opinions on which brass to use. From the web searches I've done so far, most people seem to like the plain old 30-06 brass, while others recommend using 35 Whelan for the Ackley chamber.
What have you found to be the easiest to form and gives the best case life? Or maybe someone can recommend a dealer here that would stock reasonably priced 338-06 brass?
 
It's very easy to form from 06 brass. In my Redding dies with a tapered sizer it's one pass. I have 4 boxes of Weatherby (believe I paid around $40 per) but decided to try some 06 brass and never used the Weatherby. Having never used the factory stuff I can't tell you if there's a difference in groups. When I bought the Weatherby unprimed brass it was not that easy to find but I think that's changed the last couple years.
 
bedrock said:
It's very easy to form from 06 brass. In my Redding dies with a tapered sizer it's one pass. I have 4 boxes of Weatherby (believe I paid around $40 per) but decided to try some 06 brass and never used the Weatherby. Having never used the factory stuff I can't tell you if there's a difference in groups. When I bought the Weatherby unprimed brass it was not that easy to find but I think that's changed the last couple years.
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Thanks. Did the Redding dies come with the tapered expander, or did you have to buy it separate?

Just checked my 6.5-06 Redding's and they have the standard expander. Have never had a problem necking up 25-06 brass (only a 7 thou difference), but going from .308 to .338 may be a whole different story?
 
One issue that can occur if using 35 Whelen brass is that the brass in Whelen cases at the neck tends to be considerably thinner than 30-06 brass is.
It can be an nuisance if insufficient neck tension is present to hold a bullet securely.
Regards, Eagleye.
 
I favor the Rem 35 whelen brass because it's cheap, very easy to form and neck thickness is actually better going down to 338 than going from 30 up to 338. I've never liked expanding up as I have never been able to get concentric necks expanding up. The brass ALWAYS stretches more on one side than the other, never a problem when sizing down. Also if you have the proper AI die the 35 whelen brass will guarantee a shoulder at the right place for initial headspace, for first fireforming.
Just my experience, for what it's worth.
 
There are 5 or 6 boxes of 338-06 IMP brass at WSS in Regina just sitting on the shelf...

Weatherby headstamp, $79 per 20........

I just made my own from 30-06 brass, 270 works in one pass as well as long as you anneal it first.

Cheers!
 
notsorichguy said:
There are 5 or 6 boxes of 338-06 IMP brass at WSS in Regina just sitting on the shelf...

Weatherby headstamp, $79 per 20........

I just made my own from 30-06 brass, 270 works in one pass as well as long as you anneal it first.

Cheers!
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At that price, they might just be sitting there awhile longer!!!! WSS lists Nosler 338-06 brass at $70/50 and I thought that was a little steep, too. 35 Whelan is even more at $90/50!!

Thanks all for the info. Case necks were one of the things I was worried a little about as I've never necked up that high.
 
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