338/06 using imr4831
- Thread starter mike44325
- Start date
It's completely your choice but IMHO, the 338-06 really shines with the 225gr bullets, offered by just about all makers. The case capacity is just to small to make the 250gr bullets perform properly.
Please don't take this the wrong way. I really like the 338-06 cartridge. I have two rifles at present, chambered for the round. Both are very accurate and do everything required of them, as long as I do my part.
The 10% difference in bullet weight doesn't seem to give the 250 any real advantage. There is of course a bit of increased recoil.
The Hornady 225 SP Interlock has been a mainstay for me since 1980. I've tried Speer Mag Tips, Nosler Partitions and some very expensive Scirrocos. All performed about the same at the velocities the 338-06 can deliver.
I found the expansion on the 225 gr bullets at both short and long range to be perfect every time. I seldom recover a bullet from a moose, even at 300yds.
I can't say the same for the 250 gr offerings. I have recovered bullets, albeit usually in the offside hide, even at close range on deer. Not sure why, the bullets were perfect examples of proper expansion. They killed every bit as well as their lighter counterparts.
I just couldn't seem to get the same accuracy out of the 250 gr bullets as the 225 gr.
I used a powder charge of 57.0 gr of IMR 4831 with the 250 gr bullets. It was the most consistent powder I could find at the time for it.
H4831 was good as well. They both required magnum primers to get proper cold weather performance.
Please don't take this the wrong way. I really like the 338-06 cartridge. I have two rifles at present, chambered for the round. Both are very accurate and do everything required of them, as long as I do my part.
The 10% difference in bullet weight doesn't seem to give the 250 any real advantage. There is of course a bit of increased recoil.
The Hornady 225 SP Interlock has been a mainstay for me since 1980. I've tried Speer Mag Tips, Nosler Partitions and some very expensive Scirrocos. All performed about the same at the velocities the 338-06 can deliver.
I found the expansion on the 225 gr bullets at both short and long range to be perfect every time. I seldom recover a bullet from a moose, even at 300yds.
I can't say the same for the 250 gr offerings. I have recovered bullets, albeit usually in the offside hide, even at close range on deer. Not sure why, the bullets were perfect examples of proper expansion. They killed every bit as well as their lighter counterparts.
I just couldn't seem to get the same accuracy out of the 250 gr bullets as the 225 gr.
I used a powder charge of 57.0 gr of IMR 4831 with the 250 gr bullets. It was the most consistent powder I could find at the time for it.
H4831 was good as well. They both required magnum primers to get proper cold weather performance.
Most folks use something slightly faster such as H4350, but with IMR4831, you can use up to a full case, even slightly compressed in the 338-06 with any 250 gr or lighter bullet.
You really need to experiment with a few loads and OAL's to know what combination shoots best for you from your gun. The recommended 57.0 grs would be a good starting point. I agree on the magnum primers as well - you're far enough below max pressures, even with a full case, that they won't pose a problem.
You really need to experiment with a few loads and OAL's to know what combination shoots best for you from your gun. The recommended 57.0 grs would be a good starting point. I agree on the magnum primers as well - you're far enough below max pressures, even with a full case, that they won't pose a problem.
Mike,
60 gr of IMR4831 was as much powder as my cases will hold well and still be consistent.
For the 225 gr bullets, that powder is to slow, as Andy says. I much prefer W760 or Rel 19. H4350 is also a very good and consistent performer.
What many people don't realize when they go to a cartridge like this is that they are very close to being UNDER bore capacity.
As the bore diameter increases, pressures drop and faster powders are needed to make up for the lack of performance. You should easily be able to get close to 2700fps out of the 225 gr bullets, with the right powder.
With IMR4831, you will be hard pressed to get 2500fps.
I get 2550 fps out of my 24" barreled 338-06 using W760 under a 250 grain bullet. That is more than enough velocity for anything that walks in Canada.
As mentioned 4831 may be a little too slow a powder for good performance in this cartridge.
As mentioned 4831 may be a little too slow a powder for good performance in this cartridge.
