338 06 AI advice

I had the Ackley version built on a Savage 111 action with a 26" McGowan barrel, shoots VERY well with 225 Accubonds and 185 TSX so far. Pretty impressive velocities for a 30-06 based cartridge, too. It's no 338 Win Mag, but wasn't expecting it to be.
Brass is necked up Nosler 30-06 and fireformed with "cheap" 200gr Hornady's.
 
I'd skip the AI version also...actually I'd just sell the Vanguard 30-06 and get one in 338 Win Mag if you need more than a 30-06...or load some 220's in your 30-06...

as for barrel length,...I think we can use the Whelen as a reference, only difference is another .020" of bullet diameter. The first Whelen I barrelled for myself about 7 years ago wore a 24" barrel...225's topped out at 2725 with Rel15.
Built a Whelen on a left hand Ruger for my oldest son with a 22-1/2" King barrel....it tops out at 2700 with a 225 Accubond....my Model 70 Whelen now wears a 23" barrel.

I have a 280, a 280AI and a 7 Rem Mag, the AI may soon get reamed to 7 Mag. Why nip at the heels of the lead dog when you can be the lead dog...:)
 
I'd skip the AI version also...actually I'd just sell the Vanguard 30-06 and get one in 338 Win Mag if you need more than a 30-06...or load some 220's in your 30-06...

as for barrel length,...I think we can use the Whelen as a reference, only difference is another .020" of bullet diameter. The first Whelen I barrelled for myself about 7 years ago wore a 24" barrel...225's topped out at 2725 with Rel15.
Built a Whelen on a left hand Ruger for my oldest son with a 22-1/2" King barrel....it tops out at 2700 with a 225 Accubond....my Model 70 Whelen now wears a 23" barrel.

I have a 280, a 280AI and a 7 Rem Mag, the AI may soon get reamed to 7 Mag. Why nip at the heels of the lead dog when you can be the lead dog...:)

Hands down the 338 06 out performs the 35 whelen and projectiles are way easier to find and there is more variety.
 
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