Finally fired 338-06 bought in 2008

[dougader]

Wow, I finally got dies and loaded some ammo up for this "shooter." Aftermarket stock, Savage marked on the bolt and 338-06 cal. marked on the barrel.

Very frustrating, to say the least. It took me 7 shots to figure out where the bullets were flying before I finally got a couple on the target at 25 (yes, 25!; how embarrassing) yards:



I'm not sure what happened at 50 yards, but the adjustments made to the scope were plenty. I shot these three with big adjustments made, and then made sure all the screws on the scope on stock were tight.



Anyway, here's the 100 yard group with Hornady 225 grain SP over 56 Grains AA4350 and Rem 9-1/2 primers. The powder and primers are from about 1994. $13/1,000 for primers and $56 for the AA 4350. At 100 yards, thing started coming together but this Fujinon scope sucks. I couldn't get it to focus for me.

[bushog]

Shows some promise. Get a different scope and keep it up. That round is really forgiving and is a killer.

Try IMR 4350 if you've got any. Should give around 2700 fps out of a 24" barrel

[boxhead]

I have been using one since 1995. Mine wears a Leupold 2.5-8X that has never been an issue since day one. This through some major bounces chasing elk in Colorado. I have mainly killed larger critters with the 210 gr Partition (a couple of bull elk and a nilgai), 185 gr TSX (bull elk) and, of late, the 225 gr Accubond (black bear and grizzly). That said a few deer and hogs have been flattened as well. My go to powder is VV-N550 and has been for years. Truth be told any of the above combos would have proven fine for the critters taken. That said, I like the 225 gr AB and it is darn sleek so shoots pretty flat when launched at 2675 fps.

Today I would look at Re17 and the 210 gr TSX or TTSX, 225 gr AB or the old standby 210 gr Partiton (tough to beat). If only deer and hogs are on the menu I would lean towards the 200 gr Hornady SST.

The rifle and its victims.

[bradshaw]

A pair of beautiful bears, very handsome bears. Good elk. A .338/06 with Leupold 2.5-8x36mm @ 7.3 lbs indicates the difference between this fine cartridge and the benchmark .338 Win Mag. The .338 remains a choice stick for traipsing woods and then opening unto a valley shot.
David Bradshaw

[boxhead]

Thank you sir. As I wrote, it likes the 225 gr AB, shooting near dime size when I do my part. This from "just" an old Cliff LaBounty rebore.
.

[dougader]

Thanks for the comments, guys. Boxhead, tell me more about your rifle. Sweet looking, light 338. Very nice.