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Ive dusted off my old 338-06 improved and started fireforming some brass. It’s been 12-13 years since I’ve shot this rifle. I have a decent selection of bullets for it so I’m going to try to work up a couple loads. I think I’m going to start with 200gr combined technologies ballistic silver tip with big game powder, then maybe 225gr Hornady interlock with H4350 or big game.
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JTD
I have used those 200gr ballistic Silvertips in my 338 Federal. They are very accurate and perform great on whitetail.Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffreyDeGraff
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That’s always nice to get some first hand accounts of bullet performance.
JTD
Out of my 338 Federal, they should be going about 2500fps.Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffreyDeGraff
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That's bad-ass! Just fire forming loads? Shoulders don't look crisp yet?
These are after initial fireforming. You are right, they aren’t as crisp as they should be, probably 90% formed. After this firing they should be 100%.Quote:
Originally Posted by Flyeralan
JTD
Lol, I know how my Whelen kicks, I don't suspect this is a "soft" shooter:o Great story, thanks for sharing!
I find that the nickel plated cases don’t stretch as easily as just regular brass.
JTD
I loaded up one round each of 58.0, 58.5, 59.0, 59.5, and 60.0gr of Tamshot BigGame with the 200gr Ballistic Silvertips and shot them over the chronograph the other day. 58.0 through 59.5 were all between 2725fps and 2775fps, 60.0gr was 2805fps. There was no pressure signs on the brass, so I will probably start my actual load development at 59.5gr and work up from there.
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Those are some pretty rounds....I gotta get off my 3rd point of contact and get one built
Now I just need a day with sub 100° temps. Ive got so much stuff loaded up that I need to try for so many rifles. I can’t even remember half of them.
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Got my new test loads made up. 200gr Ballistic silver tips and BigGame. 59.5gr, 60.0gr, 60.5gr, and 61.0gr.
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Windy day today, but still went to the range. Best group was .562” with 60.0gr. The rounds were a little too long for the magazine so next time out I’m going to try that load again but with a deeper seating depth. Hope it works out.
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I got my next little mini ladder test made up. They are .060” shorter than the previous ones, and they fit the magazine. Powder charges are 58.0, 58.5, 59.0, 59.5, and 60.0gr of BigGame. Bullets are .080” off the lands now.
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Velocities were lower than expected with the bullet set deeper in the case, but I believe I have found a velocity node at a little over 2700fps. 3 shots all .5gr of powder difference 3/4” group and velocities 15fps difference. Ive got some test loads made up for my next range session.
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I came across 20 pieces of fired nosler 30-06 brass at the range the other day.
I necked them up to .358 and formed a false shoulder on them so I can fireform them to 338-06 Ackley.
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That's awesome, don't forget to say thank you, lol.