wildcatter
Beginner
- Jan 11, 2025
- 6
- 19
Well let me say, I've said many times, No Such Gun. But things change at 70 years of age. Mainly how and where I'm able to hunt. So after owning 100's of different hunting and target rifles, handguns, and many different caliber, handloading them all, I'm going to build my last Big Game Rifle! Anything from antelope, to Elk, maybe Moose. Moose or grizz are likely to never happen, but Mule Deer, and Elk are highly likely. Plus I will only kill what a boots on the ground, self guided hunt, considering my physical abilities, my choice has been decided and is underway!
I have decided on a 338-06 AI. I have the dies, some bullets, most powders, Lapua brass, and a #4 contour Brux 1-10 barrel in hand. The rifle will be built on a blueprinted 700 Remington Stainless Steel Long Action, on a Peak 44 Blackrock 20 oz Carbon stock, with PTG BDL bottom metal and magazine. which are inside the 90 day window when ordered 2 weeks ago. I considered the 35 Whelen along with the 338 for some time, but after considering everything, small and large, long and short range, the 338 seemed best suited because of it's better flatter shooting ability for long range on the smaller game.
I think the 180 grain bullet Noslers 180 AB, is easily capable of 3000 fps. I also understand hunting accuracy. This rifle is being built as a definite deer and antelope rifle in as light a package as I can go, while still offering the ability to use a 200 grain bullet and produce enough accuracy to take Elk sized game out 400 or more yards. With both bullets still retaining enough velocity, to allow expansion and give enough energy for high percentage one shot kill's, with limited tracking. I also think if Moose were ever a possibility, mainly because of affordability, or other bigger dangerous game, this cartridge is still quite capable with the 250 Partition, and healthy loads for inside 200 yards, which most consider the longest shots likely to be encountered on these animals.
My first goal will be loading 200 grain BT's, or SST's with N-135 or XBR8208 for fireforming and practice rounds. But the first fired brass will begin with my initial search for a hunting round with the 180 grain AccuBond and Varget. I've seen others report good accuracy with this combo and most have no problem getting the 3000 fps velocity doing it that I am after. I think .5moa 3 shot cold barrel groups are possible, with this light of a rifle. One thing I know is hunting accuracy, and rifle range accuracy on a bench in ideal conditions are two totally different things! I also know, the lighter the rifle, the more accuracy you trade for that convenient carrying rifle.
The 180 load is for sure going to get used, and if later I find the 200 as accurate, or close, I'll look at only one load for both. I would love to get .75moa with the heavier bullets, but even 1"moa works on the larger Elk with more accuracy than needed for quick clean kills, with ample power. It even leaves the possibility for enough accuracy and energy for 500 if a perfect opportunity was ever given.
In both cases, at the furthest range mentioned, both bullets still have enough retained velocity to expand, and give a little forgiveness the human error of less than ideal shot placement. I also have not ruled out a second barrel, same contour 257 AI barrel for the deer and antelope, and even open up sheep possabilities, but for me that is likely out of the question in my physical condition at my age, as well as on my income! But it is not currently being planned, and why I didn't go with the Whelen. I am trying to satisfy my wants with just one gun, knowing the 257 AI for long range smaller big game, and the 35 Whelen would have an advantage over the 338 for the biggest game. I just hope I have another 10 years of ability, and desire, to use this rifle, before I leave it to my grandson, who I hope will appreciate and use it.
Anyways, this is not I would build this or that, it is already a done deal, and the 338-06 AI is the cartridge, and the components are already paid for. But I sure would appreciate all the experiences of others with this cartridge, loads, and components. As well as there own pros and cons they've encountered with it.
I have decided on a 338-06 AI. I have the dies, some bullets, most powders, Lapua brass, and a #4 contour Brux 1-10 barrel in hand. The rifle will be built on a blueprinted 700 Remington Stainless Steel Long Action, on a Peak 44 Blackrock 20 oz Carbon stock, with PTG BDL bottom metal and magazine. which are inside the 90 day window when ordered 2 weeks ago. I considered the 35 Whelen along with the 338 for some time, but after considering everything, small and large, long and short range, the 338 seemed best suited because of it's better flatter shooting ability for long range on the smaller game.
I think the 180 grain bullet Noslers 180 AB, is easily capable of 3000 fps. I also understand hunting accuracy. This rifle is being built as a definite deer and antelope rifle in as light a package as I can go, while still offering the ability to use a 200 grain bullet and produce enough accuracy to take Elk sized game out 400 or more yards. With both bullets still retaining enough velocity, to allow expansion and give enough energy for high percentage one shot kill's, with limited tracking. I also think if Moose were ever a possibility, mainly because of affordability, or other bigger dangerous game, this cartridge is still quite capable with the 250 Partition, and healthy loads for inside 200 yards, which most consider the longest shots likely to be encountered on these animals.
My first goal will be loading 200 grain BT's, or SST's with N-135 or XBR8208 for fireforming and practice rounds. But the first fired brass will begin with my initial search for a hunting round with the 180 grain AccuBond and Varget. I've seen others report good accuracy with this combo and most have no problem getting the 3000 fps velocity doing it that I am after. I think .5moa 3 shot cold barrel groups are possible, with this light of a rifle. One thing I know is hunting accuracy, and rifle range accuracy on a bench in ideal conditions are two totally different things! I also know, the lighter the rifle, the more accuracy you trade for that convenient carrying rifle.
The 180 load is for sure going to get used, and if later I find the 200 as accurate, or close, I'll look at only one load for both. I would love to get .75moa with the heavier bullets, but even 1"moa works on the larger Elk with more accuracy than needed for quick clean kills, with ample power. It even leaves the possibility for enough accuracy and energy for 500 if a perfect opportunity was ever given.
In both cases, at the furthest range mentioned, both bullets still have enough retained velocity to expand, and give a little forgiveness the human error of less than ideal shot placement. I also have not ruled out a second barrel, same contour 257 AI barrel for the deer and antelope, and even open up sheep possabilities, but for me that is likely out of the question in my physical condition at my age, as well as on my income! But it is not currently being planned, and why I didn't go with the Whelen. I am trying to satisfy my wants with just one gun, knowing the 257 AI for long range smaller big game, and the 35 Whelen would have an advantage over the 338 for the biggest game. I just hope I have another 10 years of ability, and desire, to use this rifle, before I leave it to my grandson, who I hope will appreciate and use it.
Anyways, this is not I would build this or that, it is already a done deal, and the 338-06 AI is the cartridge, and the components are already paid for. But I sure would appreciate all the experiences of others with this cartridge, loads, and components. As well as there own pros and cons they've encountered with it.
