338-06 versus 338-06 AI

cycbb486

cycbb486

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There are a lot of guys out there that I know own 338-06's. It sounds to me that it is border line achieving 2800 fps with a 200 grain bullet. I am will ing to go with a 26" barrel as I feel I am still young enough to carry the weight around. (I like to torcher myself.)

How much is known about the increase in case capacity of going AI?

How about velocity?

I think this may be the only way to get the velocity I would like to see out of it if it is worth it.

Any comments out there on this?


Calvin
 
Do a search, this has been discussed many a time.

I have a rifle at the smith getting turned into a .338-06 at the moment. I skipped the AI versions. Dies were more expensive, Fireforming is a pain in the ass, and if you want that much speed why not just buy a .338 Mag?

lot of fuss for a 10% velocity gain....
 
Depends on your magazine length,any velocity gains from increased case capacity aren't worth the bother,however is your box is the standard 3.340 the increase in case capacity allows more choice in powders,like the slower 4350s.
 
I did a 35 Whelen AI and think it was worth it, you may get little gain but if you are getting a barrel chambered it will cost the same either way and dies are not that outrageously expensive if you know where to buy them and they will last your lifetime if you take care of them. Fireforming is not a pain unless you don't like firing your rifle since to convert your brass to AI you can use regular loads and have a fun day at the range. I would shoot 40 or more rounds in a day fireforming and had a great time. The comment about why not buy a 338 mag is irrelevent, why not but a 416 Rigby, because it is not what you want. Go with what you want, I also have a 338 RUM why, because I wanted one.
 
If you are going to go to the 200 grn bullet in the 338-06, which IMHO is a minimal bullet weight, why are you worried about the extra 50ft/sec? The target or animal on the receiveing end wont know the difference. Bullet drop difference isn't even a concern. As for the 338-06 AI, I had a very similar wildcat called the 338 Jordan (there are many names for the exact same cartridge). The 338 Jordan was blown out to a one calibre neck with a one degree body taper and a 60 degree shoulder. The thing kicked just as bad as a 338 Win Mag and basicly duplicated the velocities. The main difference between the two cartridges is the lack of a belt and a very slight capacity difference. The 338-06 AI is quite close but has a little less case capacity. I had that barrel set back to accomodate the 308WIN case length and the dies cut back for the same ( great cartridge for the 200grn bullet) because I couldn't handle the recoil of the 338 Win Mag, and the 338 Jordan kicked just as hard, therefore the cut job. If you are adamant about the velocity being 2800fps with that bullet, go to the 338Win Mag as it will be a lot easier to deal with and really is a great cartridge, as well as being readily available anyplace cartridges are sold and if you can handle it. And that is neither a dare or a slam.
 
The cool factor is part of it. It is something different and easy to load for. Not that far behind the 338 Win mag and a little friendlier to shoot.

I have an action that can be used and it is just a matter of getting the barrel and having it chambered. I have a Sako TRG just waiting to have a 26inch stainless put on it. I could go out and by a 338 Win mag but I still have a factory barrel. Not what I want. Nothing like a match barrel..........

In regards to velocity, if it can make the 2800 fps, I get the trajectory that I want. Will be no different than the 30-06 with 165's but I am doing it this time with a 200gr bullet.
 
I just checked my old load info, I was getting 2825 fps with the 210gr Barnes X bullet. This was with a 24" RKS barrel and a gain twist that ended up at 1:10". I was using Hodgdons 414 powder and a cci 250 primer. I never had any problem with the load (pressure wise).
I think you'd be just fine with a 24" pipe, having a longer barrel not only adds weight, it is also a bigger pain to pack in the bush, IMHO.
When Talking whether to go with the Ackley or nopt with Ron smith, he recommended just going with the standard 338-06. He said it wasn't worht all the fuss for the amount of extra speed you get as mentioned already.
Just so you know, if you are sticking witht he lighter projectiles, it may be better to get a 1-12" rate of twist. My 1-10" didn't like the light stuff, but would shoot moa with 250 and heavier. Which is what I wanted to shoot anyways.
Enjoy your wildcat!
Noel
 
I get 2740 fps with a 225 gr bullet.

A 200 Ballistic tip is well over 2800 fps

If you have a need for speed a real screamer is the Barnes 175 @ 3000 fps.

This is with a standard 338-06 with 24" barrel which is more than long enough to use all the IMR 4350 that the '06 case can hold.
 
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