In this video I do a deep dive into a great cartridge that is a dead cartridge. The 338-06 is a efficient, powerful cartridge based off the 30-06. How does it compare to the 338 Win mag? Come find out!
I have a 33806 AI. I have taken everything in North America with it. 225 partition ,2765 fps,for the brown bear 200 accubond for everything else. 200 gr gives 2885. 1/2” groups. David Gentry gunsmith, Belgrade Montana. 👍👍😀
I’m sitting on Kodiak island right now, hunting deer and caribou, sure enough, I have my 338-06AI , took my deer easily, caribou was too far away to pack out. 185 Barnes @over 3000 fps. Works like a charm
The thing I like about the 338/06 is the fact that's it's the ballistic twin to the 318 Westley Richards.If you read enough about the old hunters in Africa,they loved the 318.That round shooting a 250 gr. bullet,in both soft and FMJ rounds,got exceptional penetration.With better bullets and better powders,the 338/06 will easily match and better the performance than the 318. It's not a super long range cartridge like the ones that are all the rage right now,but as you pointed out,it's highly efficient,and will make a great stalking rifle for any game on the face of this earth,minus the ones that are regulated to use a bigger rifle.But,it needs to be remembered that the 318 has taking everything on the Dark continent in years past.I think that puts it in a strong position to be an everything,all around carrying rifle to shoot anything reasonable with,only trading out for the large dangerous game.Here in America,I'd use on everything with the exception of brown bears in thick cover.And yes,though it's a"dead"cartridge,I do plan on building at least one for myself.
My son, my 10 year old grandson, and I had a great day at the range. I put my new suppressor on my grandson’s 308. What a game changer for him! He shot like a pro today with no flinching. Great video, I’m really surprised by the performance of the 338-06.
Im just getting started into reloading got everything I need but how do I know how it set the die to seat on bullets cannelure, im reloading for 30-06,308,30-30,303British and 6.5creed using bullets with cannelure
338-06 is about the optimum bore size for that powder capacity. It achieved maximum velocities with and range compared to 30-06 as you point out. Really balanced.
A nice thing about the 338-06 that doesn't get mentioned much is how it's a good bit less dependent on barrel length than its little brothers. Even an 18 inch barrel won't give any deal breaking losses in velocity compared to a 24 inch barrel, the same cannot really be said for 30-06 and especially not the .270 Win. This allows you to have a shorter, handier rifle without compromising much on capability. It's a nice thing to have for long hike ins or navigating through thick brush or otherwise difficult and cramped terrain. Simply getting your gun out of or back into the case is made surprisingly easier with every inch you subtract from your boomstick.
Yes! I thought I was the only one using this cartridge. I prefer 265gr Accubond long range bullets at 2540 fps. Excellent for elk. I've been using this load for about 8 years now. Lot's and lot's of elk.
Had one built using a Remington 700 action and a ER Shaw barrel. Love it! Check the ballistics of the 338-06 AI against the 338 Win Mag. Wish that I would have went AI with mine.
Really happy to see a video about this very good cartridge! I noticed too how good the performance was and always wonder why it was not more popular?! Great content like always.
Interesting cartridge. I wonder if one could handload the 265 grain AccuBond Long Range. It doesn’t need super high velocities to work as designed and the G1 BC of .732 is pretty epic
There is a european sibling to the .338-06, the 8,5×63 reb. That is basicly a .338-06 improved with the shoulder moved forvard. It will get you even closer to the .338 win mag. Factory ammo and rifles are available for it over here. Mine is a real performer!
@@forrestebert5276not too interested in anything smaller than a 308 cal. Great mountain cartridge but where I hunt in grizzly country I love my 35 whelen . I’d feel naked with a 7mm lol
I put one of these together on a savage 110 action with a 25" Krieger 5R barrel. It's nothing short of impressive. It's right on the heels of 338 win mag with bullets up to 225 grains, after that the powder capacity of the magnum pulls ahead. 210 grain Barnes @ 2900 fps shoots under half inch @100 yards. I was more than impressed with the ability of this cartridge. Nosler does have factory loads but they are obscenely expensive. Luckily this is about the easiest cartridge to reload for. Great video 🤙
I have a 338-06 it is a great round. You need to be a reloader to utilize the greatness of this round. Being that no one is making ammo for this gem; one must make your own. I found this round to be an easy one to reload for. Some of these newer powders>like Ramshot - Big Game and 210 grain bullets, a little time at the reloading bench and the range, you could find yourself in tall cotton. Ready for any game in North America. Happy hunting friends.
I wanted a 338-06 and settled on a 338 federal when it first came out thinking it may survive better since it could be chambered in the AR10 platform another good round that is fading away
Thanks for taking an irrelevant cartridge and continuing to give us good videos. I understand one man’s treasured cartridge is irrelevant to another. I know energy numbers are impressive but I’ll sacrifice some energy for more speed. Thanks for the video!
I mean anything in the 338 class is magnificent. If you're concerned about recoil maybe the 338 class isn't your best choice? These are all very powerful cartridges. I am partial to the 340 Weatherby, but not without a brake :)
8.5x63 is basically a 338-280 AI. Still a longer neck than is absolutely necessary and maintains the 3.36" AOL. I do a 33 Rifleman I call it, shoulder is .0714" further forward than the 280 AI and has a longer throat for 3.5" AOL.
I have a Shaw barreled Savage 110 in 338-06. I'm getting sub MOA accuracy with 230g ELD-X at almost 2700 fps. Great results on whitetail with minimal meat damage. It has excellent terminal results but without the dynamite effect of the fast 30's.
Im a big fan of the necked up 30-06 based cartridges, including the 35 Whelen. I remember when weatherby introduced it, and I thought one would be great. It's too bad it never caught on. I killed my first deer and bear as a young teen with the 338 win mag, but the recoil is a bit stiff. I think the 338-06 is perfect for a woods hunter for elk, in a lighter weight rifle without having the heavy kick. But i the the short mags came in a stole the thunder. Right now, I don't think it would go over because the current trend of long range hunting and prs style cartridges. The new 338rpm knocks it down a notch, because I love the 284 style cases, and I think weatherby did the perfect thing by extending it, and getting 30-06 plus performance in a cooler case. I would love to have a mark v in all the calibers, for the 6 lug action.
@@ReloadingQuest I’m definitely considering 338-06 but leaning heavily towards 35 Whelen. What kind of performance increase do you see going to AI in that cartridge?
Had one built on a 111 action with a 25" Douglas. Chose the 250 SGK against my smiths advice. He said that projectile is too heavily constructed for whitetail. Yet the first whitetail dropped on the spot at 75 yards witha full passthru, a 1 inch exit wound, and very little wasted meat. I say it worked perfectly! Right at 1 inch groups at 100. Next batch I'm going to test 1 grain more powder as this load is clocking 2342 according to my Garmin. A bit more velocity wouldn't hurt.
Jim Carmichael thought the 338-06 was stupid because he was a fan of the 338 Win mag. I think it is a good cartridge because 06 case feeds much smoother than any belted magnum and normally get an extra round in a bolt action magazine with the 06 case . I've never shot a 338 magnum. Reports I here is the recoil is very sharp and hurts more than the 375H&H.
I have been seriously thinking about having a 338 Federal or 338-06. The older I get the more I have a profound appreciation for the more efficient and economical non-magum Chamberings with some serious punch without the heavy recoil. I aint shy about recoil but after about 20 rounds of 338 Win Mags, it aint nearly as fun to continue shooting that second box of 20.
The 338 Federal cartridge suffered the same fate as the 338-06 A-Square cartridge. Both are excellent cartridges and both can be reloaded easily. I have a Savage 16FCSS Weather Warrior in 338 Federal cartridge. Savage and other manufacturers discontinued rifles in the 338 Federal cartridge. Federal stopped producing 338 Federal ammunition. I reload 338 Federal Ammunition using the 308 Winchester brass. 308 Winchester brass is very plentiful and affordable. I bought a very lightly used Weatherby Mark V Ultra Lightweight in 338-06 A-Square. Weatherby discounted rifles and ammunition production in 338-06 A-Square cartridge. I reload 338-06 A-Square ammunition using 30-06 Springfield brass. 30-06 Springfield brass is very plentiful and affordable.
Neck a 7 PRC up to 338, seat the bullet out further, give it a cool new name, and if the hype hits, all those who know about the 338-06 will reveal that there's already something out there that does the same thing and maybe it'll be less dead??
@@ReloadingWeatherby I'm glad you did this video. I think if I ever become a reloader the 338-06 would be my pick for a 338 cartridge. Exceptional performance at least looking at the numbers. And no, a 338 PRC is probably not what the world needs. But I'm also certain it wouldn't go fast enough in my hypothetical configuration to excite very many people, so the 338-06 probably doesn't need to worry about it.
The 338-06 is a Great cartridge I have a TC Encore in 338-06 with a 16.5" barrel that I can use as a rifle or a pistol. It works great and would like to get a bolt action rifle in this caliber. Wish somebody would chamber it in a bolt action rifle at a decent price point instead of a high cost Weatherby rifle.
@@ReloadingQuest I always found it strange, after people saw the brass life advantage of the Ackley family, the 40° shoulder didn't become standard practice when wildcatting.
🕵️♂️ Well, in talking with the folks at Horneday, the reason Why they say that they use a 30 degree shoulder for both the Creedmore and PRC Cartridges has to do with Brass Production (anything over 30 degrees and the production losses go way up, because it is harder to make quality brass with the steeper shoulder, according to them)! I posed this very question to them! If we look at some of the other better performing cartridges, with 30 degree shoulders - this would include the 204 Ruger, 308 Lazzeroni Warbird, 30-338 Lapua Magnum, and 277 Sig Fury - just to name a few! Of course, cartridges with the 35 degree shoulder would include the WSM's and New Nosler Cartridges! So, do you believe Horneday? 🤔 The 30-06 cartridges were given an "Improved" 35 degree shoulder by an Idaho Gunsmith (Rocky Gibbs) back in the 1950's! Is a 40 degree shoulder really going to be that much better? What about the Weatherby blown out "Double Radius shoulder then, which can even allow for more powder? Did Roy Weatherby Get It Right? What About P.O. Ackley or Some of the Other Wildcatters and Winchester and Nosler? Or, is Horneday Right? 🤪 While their are "Tradeoffs", are we giving too much value to "a little extra potential powder capacity" (potential vs. useable is a key argument here)? What about other factors, like reliable feeding? What are Everyone's Thoughts on the Matter and what are your preferences??? 🤷♂️
There are amazing 30-06 derivatives. Look at 25-06, 6.5-06, 270, 280 AI, 338-06 and 35 Whelen. I mean pick 3 and you can literally do anything from long range shooting to killing bison.
One has to define the mission of the Calibe is interested in. Hunting at 400 yards max? Game size? Define the need in terminal Ballistics, then find the correct bullet/caliber needed. No more, no less. If a 338 bullet is great in a 30-06 case, how about if we can compare it to 6.5 PRC (short actions) or the 7 PRC (long action)
I think the reason it's is a "dead" cartridge is that most guns are sold in the lower 48. The 338-06 doesn't really do what the tried and trued 30-06 doesn't do in the lower 48. I'm sure it'll be better suited for bigger game in Alaska, but there is other easier to get cartridges that are suitable. With that thought, how does it work with a 16"-18" barrel?
A change in my thought process I’ve had is how much I rely on starting velocity. For my compact, lightweight hunting gun, I now carry a 6.5 creedmoor with a 20” barrel with 127 LRXs at a scorching 2600fps. Enough retained velocity out to 400 yards to still expand the copper bullet and cleanly kill deer and pronghorn. I’d choose a long heavy bullet in the 338-06 and laugh all the way to the bank. Too bad the smaller 338s have all died :(
I have been considering a rifle chambered in 338-06A-Square or a 35 Whelen. I’ve had a tough time trying to decide between the two. Maybe you can help answer this question, but in the A-Square loading manual they claim that a 338-06 can push a 250 grain bullet to almost the same velocities as the 35 Whelen. But in the Nosler loading manual, they show just the opposite, that the 35 Whelen can be loaded much faster with the same bullet. What is the best way to go?
Look at as much data as possible. 338-06 and 35 Whelen seem extremely close in performance. The 35 Whelen will have a little more velocity with the same weight bullet. You get a little more bullet options in 338 caliber. Are you going to reload?
But wait! There's another step.... the 35 Whelen! Honestly the same principles apply with other popular and established cartridges that got "wildcatted" up or down from their original caliber. .308 Winchester casing is another example of a parent that has a good number of offspring. It's all in what you intend to use it for. Yes the numbers on energy and velocity seem prominent and imposing, until you consider that energy numbers aren't everything. Yes you get more velocity from something heavier in a larger caliber from the target caliber, but that's only one factor; you also get a corresponding drop in sectional density and a drop in ballistic coefficient, all else being equal. This could translate to less penetration ability on game and certainly translates to a progressively higher deceleration while traveling to the target because of increased drag. It's all a trade off of one thing for another. .30-06, .308, and 7x57 are all excellent cartridges to serve several calibers. Another excellent small cartridge is the .222 Rem. I don't know of a single cartridge that's served as the source of such a heap of offspring as the .375 H&H, however.
A 180 gr 338 bullet has a larger service area, creates higher pressure and velocity. Also with the 180 gr in 338 being a shorter bullet you can put more powder in the case for the 338-06.
Not much mention of the 35 whelen. That one is dead. Why? 35 cal bullets are hard to find. 338 cal bullets are more common. I have a 338 06 in a howa 1500 with a 25 inch barrel. The gun shoots lights out. 225 gr tsx bullets with h414 powder. Thick bush this caliber is excellent.
Energy is not everything. Why zero at only 100 yards? Zero should be at 250 or about 3” high at 100 yards to show real maximum effective point blank range.
@ReloadingWeatherby according to the ballistics calculator using my real time data it's getting 3392 foot pounds at the muzzle and 1798 at 400 yds still going 2013 fps. 200 gr sst
Seriously, with 225 grain bullets you get within 100fps of a 338 Win Mag but with less powder and without the cigar sized magnum cartridge case. Handloading is a breeze and 30-06 brass is cheap and plentiful. Mine consistently shoots just under an inch with bullets over 200 grains.
I have a 338/06 + a 338/06 Ackley improved my favorite projectile and both is Hornady 200 gr flex tip that was designed for the 338 Marlin Express outstanding accuracy they open up at lower velocity let's you get the extra range out of the cartridge taking mule deer out to 700 yards
I hate to say this but I fear the 338 diameter is on its way to to the grave. Ya had the 338 RCM, 338 federal, 338-06 A-Square. The grand old 338 Winchester Magnum is hanging on by a few threads. Americans do not like medium bore cartridges that truly shine at medium range. 358 diameter is laying right beside it in the grave. Maybe bring back the 338-06 and call it, 8.59 resolute titan, it's all in the marketing my friends.
Hey! To help your channel out…. You should dress up as Mongo from the movie Blazing Saddles. That would be hilarious! You’d make a great Mongo! Then you can use a coloring book and draw us pictures with crayons, (but don’t eat’m) all while you read to us from a reloading manual. Then your videos would at least be funny….. Just trying help big guy (aka Mongo)
@@ReloadingWeatherby Oh! Yes, I am done w u’r channel. I was just responding to your comment. As, again, what I’m doing here now with this comment.…. I’m just trying to help improve your channel….. I mean, really, if you dressed up like Mongo, that would be hilarious. You should do it, you’d get a lot of views!
@ReloadingWeatherby no there are actually saami spec It never got produced at scale because of some intellectual property/ royalties problems. But it's a wonderful round, to sad that investors and manufacturers can't negotiate
Something to realize comparing these to 30/06. PRESSURE LEVELS MOST all "children" of the06 are running at higher pressures. ALWAYS when necking up your get more efficient with a heavier bullet. Things will stabilize if was was able to load them all the same say 60k pressure. Im no where near as computer savy as most folks here on uTube or I would do one of these videos for my beloved 35's. Starting with say the lil 35 (about Rem 1906) the 358 Win (mid 1950's) the 35 Whelen (1920's?) and the Big Lady Norma. The 358 Norma Magnum mid 1950's. The 35 is AMERICAS BIG BORE. Manufacturers seem ta want ta stop at this upstart 338... 😜🤟🏽🤘🏼😋
Oh!!! Come on!!! U know you need to catch chit on this point here -The 338 RPM! How could you Mr. 300 “Weatherby” forget the 338 Weatherby RPM? Oh! I see why! It’s not in a reloading manual…. This why Desert Dog is one of my top channels. And he makes remarks toward channels like this one…. I’ve given you some crap in the past about your content and should just really just stop watching you all together but every once in a while I regretfully come back… I’m actually not going around looking to specifically poo poo on peoples content, believe it or not…. In a way I feel bad for giving crap, and you YT guys have your hands tied up in the content area -but other channels with the same restrictions are producing better videos than this. This here is an example of quantity over quality Yes 338-06 is impressive, as is the 35 Whelen….. In all actually , I do wish you well but hope your vids improve. I actually do believe your videos will improve. I’m actually pulling for you….. believe it or not One of the best things for young or younger guys is to be humble…. Instead of a high headedness….. and to be honest, this is how you strike me brother…..
lol the 338rpm is a turd! Just another pick me cartridge to try and boost sales. Manufacturing companies are just re-inventing the wheel and giving it a different name and sinking money into marketing hype to try and generate new sales.
@@jeffreyherman2729 Well, I can’t argue with your main point. The cartridge it’s self is not a turd, but maybe the marketing behind it, as you are describing is. The 338 rpm seems to match the 338 Win Mag. Which, when reloaded properly is very impressive. A turd, as far as 338’s go, is the 338 Federal. But even then, when used properly, is not that bad. But as far as this channel goes, he needs to improve, rather than just reading from a reloading manual. Any “Mongo” type person can do that.
It all depends upon how far you intend to shoot and what you need a cartridge that BIG to hunt with for! Their is absolutely nothing wrong with the 30-06 for most anything in North America! But, for Bison and BIG Bears, I would rather have a 35 Whelen than the 338-06 (or 338-06 AI) because of bullet frontal area! Elk and Moose certainly don't require anything bigger than a 30-06! For anything smaller, my 270 Winchester is definitely the ticket for me! 🎟
I have a 33806 AI. I have taken everything in North America with it. 225 partition ,2765 fps,for the brown bear 200 accubond for everything else. 200 gr gives 2885. 1/2” groups. David Gentry gunsmith, Belgrade Montana. 👍👍😀
Thanks for sharing
This seems like a very logical round.
I've never really considered the 338-06, but now I need to look at it more closely. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching
It’s a cool sounding option. I also really like the looks of the 338 federal and 338 rcm over the pole options he had. :) Happy shooting.
Necking up 3006 brass is super easy too
I’m sitting on Kodiak island right now, hunting deer and caribou, sure enough, I have my 338-06AI , took my deer easily, caribou was too far away to pack out. 185 Barnes @over 3000 fps. Works like a charm
Thanks for sharing! And congrats
Caribou on Kodiak? Didn't know.
Barrel Lenght ?
The thing I like about the 338/06 is the fact that's it's the ballistic twin to the 318 Westley Richards.If you read enough about the old hunters in Africa,they loved the 318.That round shooting a 250 gr. bullet,in both soft and FMJ rounds,got exceptional penetration.With better bullets and better powders,the 338/06 will easily match and better the performance than the 318. It's not a super long range cartridge like the ones that are all the rage right now,but as you pointed out,it's highly efficient,and will make a great stalking rifle for any game on the face of this earth,minus the ones that are regulated to use a bigger rifle.But,it needs to be remembered that the 318 has taking everything on the Dark continent in years past.I think that puts it in a strong position to be an everything,all around carrying rifle to shoot anything reasonable with,only trading out for the large dangerous game.Here in America,I'd use on everything with the exception of brown bears in thick cover.And yes,though it's a"dead"cartridge,I do plan on building at least one for myself.
My son, my 10 year old grandson, and I had a great day at the range. I put my new suppressor on my grandson’s 308. What a game changer for him! He shot like a pro today with no flinching. Great video, I’m really surprised by the performance of the 338-06.
Nice!
Im just getting started into reloading got everything I need but how do I know how it set the die to seat on bullets cannelure, im reloading for 30-06,308,30-30,303British and 6.5creed using bullets with cannelure
Great and practical cartridge.
Had one built on a Mauser around 1985 or so. Express open sights, Richards laminate stock and Timney trigger. Easy to load for. Great cartridge!
338-06 is about the optimum bore size for that powder capacity. It achieved maximum velocities with and range compared to 30-06 as you point out. Really balanced.
Yep
In regards to the bore, the 338-06 cartridge is hardly overbore, making barrels last practically forever.
A nice thing about the 338-06 that doesn't get mentioned much is how it's a good bit less dependent on barrel length than its little brothers. Even an 18 inch barrel won't give any deal breaking losses in velocity compared to a 24 inch barrel, the same cannot really be said for 30-06 and especially not the .270 Win.
This allows you to have a shorter, handier rifle without compromising much on capability. It's a nice thing to have for long hike ins or navigating through thick brush or otherwise difficult and cramped terrain.
Simply getting your gun out of or back into the case is made surprisingly easier with every inch you subtract from your boomstick.
Yes! I thought I was the only one using this cartridge. I prefer 265gr Accubond long range bullets at 2540 fps. Excellent for elk. I've been using this load for about 8 years now. Lot's and lot's of elk.
Had one built using a Remington 700 action and a ER Shaw barrel. Love it! Check the ballistics of the 338-06 AI against the 338 Win Mag. Wish that I would have went AI with mine.
Nice
Really happy to see a video about this very good cartridge! I noticed too how good the performance was and always wonder why it was not more popular?! Great content like always.
Thanks for watching
Interesting cartridge. I wonder if one could handload the 265 grain AccuBond Long Range. It doesn’t need super high velocities to work as designed and the G1 BC of .732 is pretty epic
There is a european sibling to the .338-06, the 8,5×63 reb. That is basicly a .338-06 improved with the shoulder moved forvard. It will get you even closer to the .338 win mag.
Factory ammo and rifles are available for it over here.
Mine is a real performer!
I agree the Reb is the best version or the 338-06 Werner Reb knew his cart design.
May i add to my above comment, the 338/06 is hunter's cartridge. For hunters who stalks close to their quary.
This and the 35 Whelen are the best of the 3006 offspring imo
.280 Remington is no slouch.
@@donswazy The Ackley'd 280 is a great cartridge, but in stock form it's not really all that impressive.
Many would disagree.@@phillycheesetake
Don’t leave out the 280 AI 😎
@@forrestebert5276not too interested in anything smaller than a 308 cal. Great mountain cartridge but where I hunt in grizzly country I love my 35 whelen . I’d feel naked with a 7mm lol
I love my Tikka 338 Federal.
Same. Sako.
Nice!
I put one of these together on a savage 110 action with a 25" Krieger 5R barrel. It's nothing short of impressive. It's right on the heels of 338 win mag with bullets up to 225 grains, after that the powder capacity of the magnum pulls ahead. 210 grain Barnes @ 2900 fps shoots under half inch @100 yards. I was more than impressed with the ability of this cartridge. Nosler does have factory loads but they are obscenely expensive. Luckily this is about the easiest cartridge to reload for. Great video 🤙
My 210 grain Partition loads clock in right at 2900 fps. Enough for anything in North America or most of the world.
I have a 338-06 it is a great round. You need to be a reloader to utilize the greatness of this round. Being that no one is making ammo for this gem; one must make your own.
I found this round to be an easy one to reload for. Some of these newer powders>like Ramshot - Big Game and 210 grain bullets, a little time at the reloading bench and the range, you could find yourself in tall cotton. Ready for any game in North America.
Happy hunting friends.
Thanks for sharing
That 338/06 be a great deer cartridge for deer gere in Kentucky in the woods
I wanted a 338-06 and settled on a 338 federal when it first came out thinking it may survive better since it could be chambered in the AR10 platform another good round that is fading away
Great Information bro.
Thanks! Nice tie
@@ReloadingWeatherby right on, thanks I wear it to church every Sunday. Except last Sunday, I was in Atlanta, Georgia.
Cooper arms chambers new rifles in 338-06. Mine is a tack driver.
The cartridge is basically the same as Elmer Keith's .333 OKH
Thanks for taking an irrelevant cartridge and continuing to give us good videos. I understand one man’s treasured cartridge is irrelevant to another. I know energy numbers are impressive but I’ll sacrifice some energy for more speed. Thanks for the video!
338-06 is loved by many. I wouldn’t call it irrelevant. It’s a great niche cartridge with a decent sized fan base.
338-06 AI is still used a lot. It’s just the irrelevant people that don’t know it’s worth.
@@donswazy I did use wrong terminology. My mistake.
@@ReloadingQuest I used wrong terminology but I love the way we wear our feelings on our shoulders in defense of our cartridges we choose.
I mean anything in the 338 class is magnificent. If you're concerned about recoil maybe the 338 class isn't your best choice? These are all very powerful cartridges. I am partial to the 340 Weatherby, but not without a brake :)
Don't forget about the 338 Excalibur (8.6x76mm). It was made by A-Square in 1994, and can launch 250gr bullets at about 3,300 ft/s.
8.5x63 is basically a 338-280 AI. Still a longer neck than is absolutely necessary and maintains the 3.36" AOL. I do a 33 Rifleman I call it, shoulder is .0714" further forward than the 280 AI and has a longer throat for 3.5" AOL.
czcams.com/video/F-nAluG09jk/video.htmlsi=hdFuK1uL5pVDEHWR
Nice
I love the 338-06 AI! Less recoil then the 338 win and it’s a hammer! The 225gr auccubond in my Remington 700 strait up shoots!
An OG 8.6👍👀
My profile picture is my 338-06 rifle - a custom P14 Enfield.
Sweet
I have a Shaw barreled Savage 110 in 338-06. I'm getting sub MOA accuracy with 230g ELD-X at almost 2700 fps. Great results on whitetail with minimal meat damage. It has excellent terminal results but without the dynamite effect of the fast 30's.
Wow! Very nice
I live in a place where i hunt big whitetail and moose my father friend made itself a customs in 338-06 with a browning safari action its just perfect
Nice
Im a big fan of the necked up 30-06 based cartridges, including the 35 Whelen.
I remember when weatherby introduced it, and I thought one would be great.
It's too bad it never caught on. I killed my first deer and bear as a young teen with the 338 win mag, but the recoil is a bit stiff.
I think the 338-06 is perfect for a woods hunter for elk, in a lighter weight rifle without having the heavy kick. But i the the short mags came in a stole the thunder.
Right now, I don't think it would go over because the current trend of long range hunting and prs style cartridges.
The new 338rpm knocks it down a notch, because I love the 284 style cases, and I think weatherby did the perfect thing by extending it, and getting 30-06 plus performance in a cooler case. I would love to have a mark v in all the calibers, for the 6 lug action.
I’m looking to rechamber a used Tikka T3 that I picked up in either 6.5x55, 280 AI, 338-06 or 35 Whelen. Looking forward to this video!
Sweet
I sent my tikka to jes rebore it’s a 35 whelen now and will cut holes
Do it in a 338-06 AI!
@@frankkee8709 35 Whelen is what I was leaning towards. Where are they located?
@@ReloadingQuest I’m definitely considering 338-06 but leaning heavily towards 35 Whelen. What kind of performance increase do you see going to AI in that cartridge?
Had one built on a 111 action with a 25" Douglas. Chose the 250 SGK against my smiths advice. He said that projectile is too heavily constructed for whitetail. Yet the first whitetail dropped on the spot at 75 yards witha full passthru, a 1 inch exit wound, and very little wasted meat. I say it worked perfectly! Right at 1 inch groups at 100. Next batch I'm going to test 1 grain more powder as this load is clocking 2342 according to my Garmin. A bit more velocity wouldn't hurt.
Thanks for sharing
I almost snagged one in a weatherby mark V ultra lightweight back in the early 2000's...if I could do over it would be in my safe. Regrets...
I would love to see a comparison between 338 federal and 338-06
Jim Carmichael thought the 338-06 was stupid because he was a fan of the 338 Win mag. I think it is a good cartridge because 06 case feeds much smoother than any belted magnum and normally get an extra round in a bolt action magazine with the 06 case . I've never shot a 338 magnum. Reports I here is the recoil is very sharp and hurts more than the 375H&H.
I recently shot a 338 Win mag in a pretty light rifle. Recoil was... not fun haha
@@ReloadingWeatherby My understanding is recoil velocity has much to do with felt recoil not just simple foot pounds of energy.
A 338 Win in a very light rifle is akin to being licked by a sleepy puppy.
Edwin VonAtzigen swore by this cartridge...it worked beautifully with my Uncle's Rifle
The 35 whelen had jumped up in popularity the last couple of years now that iowa can use .350 to .500 bottle neck cartridges for deer.
Hey if you get a chance can you talk about the 8mm Remington Magnum. It’s an outstanding cartridge just pretty much dead
I owned one back in the early 80's, it was a flat shooting, a hard hitting beast with 220 grain Hornady bullets.
I have been seriously thinking about having a 338 Federal or 338-06. The older I get the more I have a profound appreciation for the more efficient and economical non-magum Chamberings with some serious punch without the heavy recoil. I aint shy about recoil but after about 20 rounds of 338 Win Mags, it aint nearly as fun to continue shooting that second box of 20.
338-06 gives me 5+1. It need to be more popular
The 338 Federal cartridge suffered the same fate as the 338-06 A-Square cartridge. Both are excellent cartridges and both can be reloaded easily.
I have a Savage 16FCSS Weather Warrior in 338 Federal cartridge. Savage and other manufacturers discontinued rifles in the 338 Federal cartridge. Federal stopped producing 338 Federal ammunition.
I reload 338 Federal Ammunition using the 308 Winchester brass. 308 Winchester brass is very plentiful and affordable.
I bought a very lightly used Weatherby Mark V Ultra Lightweight in 338-06 A-Square. Weatherby discounted rifles and ammunition production in 338-06 A-Square cartridge.
I reload 338-06 A-Square ammunition using 30-06 Springfield brass. 30-06 Springfield brass is very plentiful and affordable.
8mm Remington Magnum vs 300 Weatherby Magnum!
It’s a great reloaders cartridge. You’re correct for staying at 225 gn bullet or less. 200 Hornady for me at 2875.
Very nice
Neck a 7 PRC up to 338, seat the bullet out further, give it a cool new name, and if the hype hits, all those who know about the 338-06 will reveal that there's already something out there that does the same thing and maybe it'll be less dead??
A 338 PRC would not be good news for the 338-06
@@ReloadingWeatherby I'm glad you did this video. I think if I ever become a reloader the 338-06 would be my pick for a 338 cartridge. Exceptional performance at least looking at the numbers. And no, a 338 PRC is probably not what the world needs. But I'm also certain it wouldn't go fast enough in my hypothetical configuration to excite very many people, so the 338-06 probably doesn't need to worry about it.
The 338-06 is a Great cartridge I have a TC Encore in 338-06 with a 16.5" barrel that I can use as a rifle or a pistol. It works great and would like to get a bolt action rifle in this caliber. Wish somebody would chamber it in a bolt action rifle at a decent price point instead of a high cost Weatherby rifle.
If you get a 1 in 3 twist in an 18" threaded barrel and load it subsonic, it would be an 8.6 blk out.
Given its current state i would lean towards the Ackley version
I just moved from the A-sq to the AI version. Not because of performance, just for the longer brass life.
AI gets you more brass life and little more speed. I wrote a article on it in Handloader magazine back in April addition
@@ReloadingQuest True, but the larger the bullet diameter and less velocity is gained with an AI. I will go read your article.
@@ReloadingQuest I always found it strange, after people saw the brass life advantage of the Ackley family, the 40° shoulder didn't become standard practice when wildcatting.
🕵️♂️ Well, in talking with the folks at Horneday, the reason Why they say that they use a 30 degree shoulder for both the Creedmore and PRC Cartridges has to do with Brass Production (anything over 30 degrees and the production losses go way up, because it is harder to make quality brass with the steeper shoulder, according to them)! I posed this very question to them! If we look at some of the other better performing cartridges, with 30 degree shoulders - this would include the 204 Ruger, 308 Lazzeroni Warbird, 30-338 Lapua Magnum, and 277 Sig Fury - just to name a few! Of course, cartridges with the 35 degree shoulder would include the WSM's and New Nosler Cartridges! So, do you believe Horneday? 🤔 The 30-06 cartridges were given an "Improved" 35 degree shoulder by an Idaho Gunsmith (Rocky Gibbs) back in the 1950's! Is a 40 degree shoulder really going to be that much better? What about the Weatherby blown out "Double Radius shoulder then, which can even allow for more powder? Did Roy Weatherby Get It Right? What About P.O. Ackley or Some of the Other Wildcatters and Winchester and Nosler? Or, is Horneday Right? 🤪 While their are "Tradeoffs", are we giving too much value to "a little extra potential powder capacity" (potential vs. useable is a key argument here)? What about other factors, like reliable feeding? What are Everyone's Thoughts on the Matter and what are your preferences??? 🤷♂️
Had a 77 ruler 338 win mag with a muzzle brake didn't kick at all
Big fan of the 338/06 and the 35 Whelen Improved. Solid Elk rifles. Killed my biggest Black Bear with the 35.
Nice
There are amazing 30-06 derivatives. Look at 25-06, 6.5-06, 270, 280 AI, 338-06 and 35 Whelen. I mean pick 3 and you can literally do anything from long range shooting to killing bison.
I'm looking into that 280 AI and it's pretty impressive. Especially with the handloaders that push it to it's limits.
Yeah, just stick with the 3006 and you'll do anything you've ever dreamed of.
35 Whelen has factory ammo available. And bullets of the same weight can be pushed faster.
🕵️♂️ People Love The 30-06 Case And It's Offspring For Good Reason...Good Performace, Without Excessive Recoil! 😯
It's also a cheap build. If you have a 30-06, rebarrel it and reuse your 30-06 brass.
Lots of fun and affordable possibilities! 🤑
One has to define the mission of the Calibe is interested in. Hunting at 400 yards max? Game size? Define the need in terminal Ballistics, then find the correct bullet/caliber needed. No more, no less. If a 338 bullet is great in a 30-06 case, how about if we can compare it to 6.5 PRC (short actions) or the 7 PRC (long action)
I think the reason it's is a "dead" cartridge is that most guns are sold in the lower 48. The 338-06 doesn't really do what the tried and trued 30-06 doesn't do in the lower 48. I'm sure it'll be better suited for bigger game in Alaska, but there is other easier to get cartridges that are suitable.
With that thought, how does it work with a 16"-18" barrel?
I agree..
Would you pick 338-06 or Weatherby's 338 rpm? Just curious.
338-06. If I'm getting a 338 in a Weatherby cartridge it is a 340 Weatherby
A change in my thought process I’ve had is how much I rely on starting velocity. For my compact, lightweight hunting gun, I now carry a 6.5 creedmoor with a 20” barrel with 127 LRXs at a scorching 2600fps. Enough retained velocity out to 400 yards to still expand the copper bullet and cleanly kill deer and pronghorn. I’d choose a long heavy bullet in the 338-06 and laugh all the way to the bank. Too bad the smaller 338s have all died :(
Seems like the new 338 weatherby rpm was a modern take on the 338-06
I have been considering a rifle chambered in 338-06A-Square or a 35 Whelen. I’ve had a tough time trying to decide between the two. Maybe you can help answer this question, but in the A-Square loading manual they claim that a 338-06 can push a 250 grain bullet to almost the same velocities as the 35 Whelen. But in the Nosler loading manual, they show just the opposite, that the 35 Whelen can be loaded much faster with the same bullet. What is the best way to go?
Look at as much data as possible. 338-06 and 35 Whelen seem extremely close in performance. The 35 Whelen will have a little more velocity with the same weight bullet. You get a little more bullet options in 338 caliber. Are you going to reload?
@@ReloadingWeatherby yes I am
One of the dumbest things I’ve ever done in my life was trade away my Weatherby Mark V Ultralight in 338-06. Try finding one now.
Oh dang
But wait! There's another step.... the 35 Whelen!
Honestly the same principles apply with other popular and established cartridges that got "wildcatted" up or down from their original caliber. .308 Winchester casing is another example of a parent that has a good number of offspring.
It's all in what you intend to use it for. Yes the numbers on energy and velocity seem prominent and imposing, until you consider that energy numbers aren't everything. Yes you get more velocity from something heavier in a larger caliber from the target caliber, but that's only one factor; you also get a corresponding drop in sectional density and a drop in ballistic coefficient, all else being equal. This could translate to less penetration ability on game and certainly translates to a progressively higher deceleration while traveling to the target because of increased drag. It's all a trade off of one thing for another.
.30-06, .308, and 7x57 are all excellent cartridges to serve several calibers. Another excellent small cartridge is the .222 Rem.
I don't know of a single cartridge that's served as the source of such a heap of offspring as the .375 H&H, however.
I don't really understand why bullets of the same weight are moving faster out of the 338-06. It's the same case capacity. Mind boggling
A 180 gr 338 bullet has a larger service area, creates higher pressure and velocity. Also with the 180 gr in 338 being a shorter bullet you can put more powder in the case for the 338-06.
I want 338 Federal Back lol
Not much mention of the 35 whelen. That one is dead. Why? 35 cal bullets are hard to find. 338 cal bullets are more common. I have a 338 06 in a howa 1500 with a 25 inch barrel. The gun shoots lights out. 225 gr tsx bullets with h414 powder. Thick bush this caliber is excellent.
35 Whelen is a great cartridge. Just seems 35 caliber is not popular in North America
35 Whelen?
Energy is not everything. Why zero at only 100 yards? Zero should be at 250 or about 3” high at 100 yards to show real maximum effective point blank range.
Never said energy is really important.
It's even better in ai, equal to the 338 win mag
Much cheaper to load too
What the 338 federal. I'm getting 2760 fps with a 200 gr bullet. Using hornady load data
Nice
@ReloadingWeatherby according to the ballistics calculator using my real time data it's getting 3392 foot pounds at the muzzle and 1798 at 400 yds still going 2013 fps. 200 gr sst
Seriously, with 225 grain bullets you get within 100fps of a 338 Win Mag but with less powder and without the cigar sized magnum cartridge case. Handloading is a breeze and 30-06 brass is cheap and plentiful. Mine consistently shoots just under an inch with bullets over 200 grains.
Nice
I have a 338/06 + a 338/06 Ackley improved my favorite projectile and both is Hornady 200 gr flex tip that was designed for the 338 Marlin Express outstanding accuracy they open up at lower velocity let's you get the extra range out of the cartridge taking mule deer out to 700 yards
Thanks for commenting and watching
I'm a fan of the 338 378
I hate to say this but I fear the 338 diameter is on its way to to the grave. Ya had the 338 RCM, 338 federal, 338-06 A-Square. The grand old 338 Winchester Magnum is hanging on by a few threads. Americans do not like medium bore cartridges that truly shine at medium range. 358 diameter is laying right beside it in the grave. Maybe bring back the 338-06 and call it, 8.59 resolute titan, it's all in the marketing my friends.
338 Federal !! 200gr Fusion at 2,700ft-sec ...
This is the cats ass for mid n close range elk!
.338 Federal!
Hey! To help your channel out….
You should dress up as Mongo from the movie Blazing Saddles. That would be hilarious!
You’d make a great Mongo!
Then you can use a coloring book and draw us pictures with crayons, (but don’t eat’m) all while you read to us from a reloading manual.
Then your videos would at least be funny…..
Just trying help big guy (aka Mongo)
You thumbing up your own comments? I thought you were done with my channel?
@@ReloadingWeatherby Oh! Yes, I am done w u’r channel. I was just responding to your comment. As, again, what I’m doing here now with this comment.….
I’m just trying to help improve your channel….. I mean, really, if you dressed up like Mongo, that would be hilarious.
You should do it, you’d get a lot of views!
@user-cl7jw7td5q Don't forget to like the video! You're already commenting which helps push out my content. So thank you!
Do a 224 weatherby video lol
Haha... I might
@@ReloadingWeatherby seems like it and the 240 always get left out lol
How about 338wsm?
Isn't that just a wildcat?
@ReloadingWeatherby no there are actually saami spec
It never got produced at scale because of some intellectual property/ royalties problems. But it's a wonderful round, to sad that investors and manufacturers can't negotiate
Something to realize comparing these to 30/06.
PRESSURE LEVELS
MOST all "children" of the06 are running at higher pressures. ALWAYS when necking up your get more efficient with a heavier bullet.
Things will stabilize if was was able to load them all the same say 60k pressure.
Im no where near as computer savy as most folks here on uTube or I would do one of these videos for my beloved 35's. Starting with say the lil 35 (about Rem 1906) the 358 Win (mid 1950's) the 35 Whelen (1920's?) and the Big Lady Norma. The 358 Norma Magnum mid 1950's.
The 35 is AMERICAS BIG BORE.
Manufacturers seem ta want ta stop at this upstart 338... 😜🤟🏽🤘🏼😋
#lowballinoutdoorz
A 338 win mag can easily get 2900 with a 225 gr
I do with both of mine
You are showing reloads
Be fair!
Just using Hornady data for the 338 Win mag. Not surprised to hear you can get 2900 FPS
you would hope so considering the extra size of the case
Oh!!! Come on!!! U know you need to catch chit on this point here -The 338 RPM!
How could you Mr. 300 “Weatherby” forget the 338 Weatherby RPM?
Oh! I see why! It’s not in a reloading manual….
This why Desert Dog is one of my top channels. And he makes remarks toward channels like this one….
I’ve given you some crap in the past about your content and should just really just stop watching you all together but every once in a while I regretfully come back…
I’m actually not going around looking to specifically poo poo on peoples content, believe it or not….
In a way I feel bad for giving crap, and you YT guys have your hands tied up in the content area -but other channels with the same restrictions are producing better videos than this.
This here is an example of quantity over quality
Yes 338-06 is impressive, as is the 35 Whelen…..
In all actually , I do wish you well but hope your vids improve. I actually do believe your videos will improve. I’m actually pulling for you….. believe it or not
One of the best things for young or younger guys is to be humble…. Instead of a high headedness….. and to be honest, this is how you strike me brother…..
Um... okay. Bye!
lol the 338rpm is a turd! Just another pick me cartridge to try and boost sales. Manufacturing companies are just re-inventing the wheel and giving it a different name and sinking money into marketing hype to try and generate new sales.
@@jeffreyherman2729 Well, I can’t argue with your main point. The cartridge it’s self is not a turd, but maybe the marketing behind it, as you are describing is.
The 338 rpm seems to match the 338 Win Mag. Which, when reloaded properly is very impressive.
A turd, as far as 338’s go, is the 338 Federal. But even then, when used properly, is not that bad.
But as far as this channel goes, he needs to improve, rather than just reading from a reloading manual. Any “Mongo” type person can do that.
I Would Still Rather Have the 35 Whelen Though! 🤔
Hmm... pretty sure I know your answer. What is the best version of a 30-06?
.338 has more projectile options though.
Can you tell us why?
I have both and the 338-06 AI is a better round. More accurate and efficient and better bc with longer bullet.
It all depends upon how far you intend to shoot and what you need a cartridge that BIG to hunt with for! Their is absolutely nothing wrong with the 30-06 for most anything in North America! But, for Bison and BIG Bears, I would rather have a 35 Whelen than the 338-06 (or 338-06 AI) because of bullet frontal area! Elk and Moose certainly don't require anything bigger than a 30-06! For anything smaller, my 270 Winchester is definitely the ticket for me! 🎟
😎👍👍👍😎
Thanks Mike
Originally it was called a 333 okh during ww2.
It doesn't make any sense..