I Really Don't Know Why?

[wildcatter]

Something about building new rifles and handguns, I just can't stop myself, and I always have a reason, this time. I guess since I don't have one for big game this light, I think I have a need,,,,

I've gotta be outa my mind, but I am thinking of doing this in 338-06 AI caliber, only a complete custom build. I have a new Stainless Steel 700 Remington Long Action, standard bolt face ordered. I also ordered all the hardware for a BDL bottom metal and mag box follower and spring. All this to go in the, under 20 oz. Peak 44 Blacktooth stock. to top it off, I will building it on a 24" Douglas #3 remington Sporter blank.

I say outa my mind as I'm 70 years old, and with severe arthritis and 3 vertebrae pinned in my neck to go with the 8 fused vertebrae in my back, I aint sure how much fun this will be to shoot in 338-06 AI. I aint even sure I will even be able to use it? But I've had about everything else in the past, and since I want this to be light, I figured the 338-06 AI was about all I should try in a 7ish pound hunting gun?

I know in the past, I decided some 15 or 20 years ago, I don't really care for the magnums, they just don't offer anything to kill big game that I can't do with non magnums, as long as I have a medium to heavy bullet that shoots accurately out to 500 hundred or so yards. Besides, I never thought those magnums, belted or unbelted, had as much class, or as sexy as the Ackley cartridges on Xx57 or 30-06 brass were.

But if this caliber is to hard on the old bones, I can always screw a 6mm rem, 257 Roberts, on the Xx57 case or even a 25-06 or 280, all in the Ackley Improved versions. The Long Action will work with either, and accommodate longer seating for those Xx57 rounds. But my thoughts are, the 338 with 180 grain I can use for even whitetail, and still take the recoil. Hunting them is still doable in my condition, not so sure I could still hit Public land for Elk, or even draw a tag, and the price for a Grizz or Moose hunt is out!

Then something keeps telling me, even the 25 calibers will do that,, and maybe in my physical condition, at my age, maybe a better choice. I always loved my custom 300 WM and 338 WN I had years ago built by Fred Sinclair back in my 20's. Knowing those old guns were built much like I am planning today. We just didn't have 20 oz stable hunting stocks, the General Purpose classic McMillan hunting stock was what those used. Probably 15 to 20 oz. heavier to start with. But they were built with the same light hunting contoured barrels I'm choosing today. I've just always enjoyed building new rifles, and this one, will be the lightest I've ever built over 30 cal. will it be a smooth shooter, ar a snappy kicker?

But I have 90 days or so to change my mind, and only need 3 to 4 weeks to get a barrel from Shilen Douglass or Hart. So I'm waiting a couple months to order it. My question to you all is, is this new stock package going to make the 338-06 AI fun to use, or will it be a safe queen, only taken out to shoot when I want to hunt with it. 2 years ago my Linebaugh's got sold, because they were just to hard on my wrists after 20 or rounds, and I hate safe queens!

 

[paul castelli]

If it was me (and I've been there recently) I would not pick that cartridge unless you absolutely/positively need something to put down elk/oryx sized game reliably. Just in consideration of the 7 pins/8 fused situation. Given the current craze for all things 6.5, and in the general interest of staying hip/with it/trendy
( being a hip/young/trendy 65) why not 6.5x57 AI instead? Even with a monster muzzle brake the 180s in .338 with light you up a bit more than a 140 or 120 in 6.5. And the 6.5x57AI will do elk/oryx all day, if you don't jerk the trigger...

 

[358WCF]

Unsure how much your injuries affect your shooting so YMMV. I'll be 70 soon too. I had a 338-06 Ackley built back when I still had the world by the balls in hopes of hunting bigger critters than PA whitetail. With various back, leg, & neck injuries over the years it didn't quite work out that way, but I still have the rifle. With sling & scope it's right at 9#s on my old postal scale. There's a 25" barrel that's about .650" at the muzzle, so that helps a bit with muzzle rise. It's really not bad to shoot, even from the bench, mostly using 200s or 210s getting real close to 3000fps. In fact, I had it out last month working with the 185 Barnes up to 3115fps & it was just another day at the range. My eyes aren't improving with age so it needs more scope... sufficient eye relief is still a thing with my rifle & the 200/210s from the bench.

My 7 1/2# 358 Winchester may have a wee bit more backthrust. An 8# 9.3x62, & 700 Classics in 35 Whelen, & 358 Norma certainly do. I still shoot them regularly. In fact the Norma needs some dusting off. It's been a while & I scored some 225 Sierras. Stock shape helps. They're all straight comb with a low power scope mounted low as possible... no rail, no nothin', but Leupold low dual dovetails on most.

Hope this helps rather than clouding your decision further.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

You will need a muzzle brake, so just make it part of the build.

 

[wi50]

I'm young, 46. Good shape. I like my .338-06. but I feel like if I was 70 and had some more issues, I sure wouldn't like the 338-06. But I'd love a 6.5x55 Swede. Gotta build something odd, be different, pick a Swede

 

[357Mag]

If it was me (and I've been there recently) I would not pick that cartridge unless you absolutely/positively need something to put down elk/oryx sized game reliably. Just in consideration of the 7 pins/8 fused situation. Given the current craze for all things 6.5, and in the general interest of staying hip/with it/trendy
( being a hip/young/trendy 65) why not 6.5x57 AI instead? Even with a monster muzzle brake the 180s in .338 with light you up a bit more than a 140 or 120 in 6.5. And the 6.5x57AI will do elk/oryx all day, if you don't jerk the trigger...

Something about building new rifles and handguns, I just can't stop myself, and I always have a reason, this time. I guess since I don't have one for big game this light, I think I have a need,,,,

I've gotta be outa my mind, but I am thinking of doing this in 338-06 AI caliber, only a complete custom build. I have a new Stainless Steel 700 Remington Long Action, standard bolt face ordered. I also ordered all the hardware for a BDL bottom metal and mag box follower and spring. All this to go in the, under 20 oz. Peak 44 Blacktooth stock. to top it off, I will building it on a 24" Douglas #3 remington Sporter blank.

I say outa my mind as I'm 70 years old, and with severe arthritis and 3 vertebrae pinned in my neck to go with the 8 fused vertebrae in my back, I aint sure how much fun this will be to shoot in 338-06 AI. I aint even sure I will even be able to use it? But I've had about everything else in the past, and since I want this to be light, I figured the 338-06 AI was about all I should try in a 7ish pound hunting gun?

I know in the past, I decided some 15 or 20 years ago, I don't really care for the magnums, they just don't offer anything to kill big game that I can't do with non magnums, as long as I have a medium to heavy bullet that shoots accurately out to 500 hundred or so yards. Besides, I never thought those magnums, belted or unbelted, had as much class, or as sexy as the Ackley cartridges on Xx57 or 30-06 brass were.

But if this caliber is to hard on the old bones, I can always screw a 6mm rem, 257 Roberts, on the Xx57 case or even a 25-06 or 280, all in the Ackley Improved versions. The Long Action will work with either, and accommodate longer seating for those Xx57 rounds. But my thoughts are, the 338 with 180 grain I can use for even whitetail, and still take the recoil. Hunting them is still doable in my condition, not so sure I could still hit Public land for Elk, or even draw a tag, and the price for a Grizz or Moose hunt is out!

Then something keeps telling me, even the 25 calibers will do that,, and maybe in my physical condition, at my age, maybe a better choice. I always loved my custom 300 WM and 338 WN I had years ago built by Fred Sinclair back in my 20's. Knowing those old guns were built much like I am planning today. We just didn't have 20 oz stable hunting stocks, the General Purpose classic McMillan hunting stock was what those used. Probably 15 to 20 oz. heavier to start with. But they were built with the same light hunting contoured barrels I'm choosing today. I've just always enjoyed building new rifles, and this one, will be the lightest I've ever built over 30 cal. will it be a smooth shooter, ar a snappy kicker?

But I have 90 days or so to change my mind, and only need 3 to 4 weeks to get a barrel from Shilen Douglass or Hart. So I'm waiting a couple months to order it. My question to you all is, is this new stock package going to make the 338-06 AI fun to use, or will it be a safe queen, only taken out to shoot when I want to hunt with it. 2 years ago my Linebaugh's got sold, because they were just to hard on my wrists after 20 or rounds, and I hate safe queens!

Wildcatter -

Howdy !


Cheat….

- Install a “ Sorbothane “- based recoil pad.

- Widen the butt stock & use a wide’r pad.

- Wear a removable recoil paid on your person.

- Wear a vest or jacket featuring a dedicated recoil pad on them.

- Install a cylindrical recoil reducer.

- Mix N’ match.

Them deer won’t care.


With regards,
357Mag

 

[wildcatter]

Wildcatter -

Howdy !


Cheat….

- Install a “ Sorbothane “- based recoil pad.

- Widen the butt stock & use a wide’r pad.

- Wear a removable recoil paid on your person.

- Wear a vest or jacket featuring a dedicated recoil pad on them.

- Install a cylindrical recoil reducer.

- Mix N’ match.

Them deer won’t care.


With regards,
357Mag

That would screw this hole rifle up! Take a look at the geometry of the 3D HEX recoil pad design, and function. As for widening or lengthening or any other obese, features to destroy the 20 OZ! petite sleek design of the stock, that is the opposite of what this rifle is being built for.

I looked long and hard to find the lightest stock being made for a sporting rifle. I also found most modern stocks have ridiculous palm swells and weird looking tall deep buts that are oiut of proportion to the rest of the stock. I want the sleek swept grip of the McMillan classic hunter, with almost half the weight, and twise the stiffness. But I am told this 3D Hex pad will slow absorb and take the bite of the recoil. Converting it to a slow push and still make this a light quick handling rifle.

I could also go to a heavier contour barrel, again adding unwanted weight, and bulk, and probably making for an unwelcomed balance!

Lastly, the deer are not what its main purpose is for in this caliber. This is as light as think sensible for a big game or dangerous game hunting rig. I will later add a 257 AI barrel for a much better match as a mule deer and smaller game. I simply don't have a dedicated true big game rifle, Moose, Brown Bear, Elk etc. one thing I am missing.

Will I use it for that,,,,,,,,, one thing is for sure, I won't have the option if I don't have one! But I want something better than the 300 win mag or the 338 win mag Fred built me on the McMillan general Purpose stocks years ago, I think this is it. Plus with the components, as well as my own reloading and shooting skills today, some 40 years later, I think I will have an equally capable rifle to those two missed rifles of yesteryear.

One thing is for sure, I'm going to find out! As this is it!




Redding three die deluxe set of dies, 180 accubonds on the way, along with 200 grain Hornady sst's to break in the barrel and fireform the Lapua Brass thats setting on the bench. It's done, just a waiting game on the stock and action now!

Merry Christmas to me!! Like I told another guy, this beats the he!! outa a pack a socks and some hankies,,,,,,,

 

[WyleWD]

That would screw this hole rifle up! Take a look at the geometry of the 3D HEX recoil pad design, and function. As for widening or lengthening or any other obese, features to destroy the 20 OZ! petite sleek design of the stock, that is the opposite of what this rifle is being built for.

I looked long and hard to find the lightest stock being made for a sporting rifle. I also found most modern stocks have ridiculous palm swells and weird looking tall deep buts that are oiut of proportion to the rest of the stock. I want the sleek swept grip of the McMillan classic hunter, with almost half the weight, and twise the stiffness. But I am told this 3D Hex pad will slow absorb and take the bite of the recoil. Converting it to a slow push and still make this a light quick handling rifle.

I could also go to a heavier contour barrel, again adding unwanted weight, and bulk, and probably making for an unwelcomed balance!

Lastly, the deer are not what its main purpose is for in this caliber. This is as light as think sensible for a big game or dangerous game hunting rig. I will later add a 257 AI barrel for a much better match as a mule deer and smaller game. I simply don't have a dedicated true big game rifle, Moose, Brown Bear, Elk etc. one thing I am missing.

Will I use it for that,,,,,,,,, one thing is for sure, I won't have the option if I don't have one! But I want something better than the 300 win mag or the 338 win mag Fred built me on the McMillan general Purpose stocks years ago, I think this is it. Plus with the components, as well as my own reloading and shooting skills today, some 40 years later, I think I will have an equally capable rifle to those two missed rifles of yesteryear.

One thing is for sure, I'm going to find out! As this is it!

View attachment 1616846
View attachment 1616847

Redding three die deluxe set of dies, 180 accubonds on the way, along with 200 grain Hornady sst's to break in the barrel and fireform the Lapua Brass thats setting on the bench. It's done, just a waiting game on the stock and action now!

Merry Christmas to me!! Like I told another guy, this beats the he!! outa a pack a socks and some hankies,,,,,,,

What about a 7mm-06 or 7mm-06 AI?? Just a thought. WD

 

[wildcatter]

What about a 7mm-06 or 7mm-06 AI?? Just a thought. WD

Merry Late Christmas WD, I will never own another 7mm in any caliber, if I did it would be a 7x57 AI. I thought it was the most efficient 7mm I've owned. The 7mm mag I thought was a waste, the same killing factor I though was better with a 30-06, less meat damage, and just as quick of kills.

Same with the 6mm for hunting, I wont build or own another 6mm for anything game taking outside of varmints at close range, the 25 cal is way better at stopping deer size game quicker and it does not destroy as much meat when pushed to the same power levels. In my opinion the 6mm is a paper punching caliber when it is at its finest or taking varmints inside 500 yards, but never my choice for deer and antelope. The 25 excels over the 6 for that, and even squeak into elk territory at reasonable range, something I'd never consider the 6mm for except at point blank range.

I've had no problem with accuracy from any of the 7mm or 6mm calibers I've owned, which is most. My preferences for anything hunting lies in 4 calibers, .22 small game and varmints, 25 medium game and long range varmints, 338 for any big game and squeaking into dangerous game territory. Finally 45 for the most dangerous and largest game, which is out at my age.

This is probably the last big game rifle I will ever build. In over 70 years I have at one time or another owned most standard and many wildcats in every caliber from 14 to 50. These are where I feel the best in there range work for taking game animals. Paper and varmint are not a concern here.

Like I say, I also don't see the need ever to magnumize anything. I would much prefer, going up to my next prefered caliber to take anything needing more power than making one caliber less mannered, and less reliable. Magnums in my opinion are the least efficient cartridges I've owned.

I will later add that 25 cal barrel to this gun a 257 Rob AI and in my opinion, after decades of experimentation and deciding, with the 338-06 AI on the same rifle. It will make one gun that will serve extremely well for anything from antelope to brown bear. Not just on this continent but most of the world, which I don't plan on traveling to in order to use it.

A 6.5 to 30 cal leaves that need for the 3rd barrel in my opinion? My only other thought was the 35 whelen AI. I think it would be better at the very top end. But why I chose the 338-06 AI was, I feel it is much better on the smaller game end, and a touch better for useable bullets.

But as I said, this no longer a coulda woulda or shoulda, the dies, bullets, and brass are here. The stock and action are paid for and awaiting being built. The barrel will be purchased and here before the stock and action arrives. The scope, a Leica 3-18x44i, with MOA Illuminated reticle, is setting in the safe with the Seeking lightweight dual screw rings, and the lightweight aluminum picatinny mount, patiently awaiting.

I also have some prayers in to be able to still use this rigg for a couple more years when It's done. But the one thing is certain whatever I do with it. I know my oldest grandson will enjoy it someday for many years to come! That's what matters most!

 

[wildcatter]

Well Barrel is taken care of and this is final! Brux informed me my 257 HV barrel is ready to ship, and asked if I wanted it now, or wait 4 or 5 weeks for the 6mm barrel I had ordered at the same time. I said now, but before you build that 6mm, how far out are you making a run of 338 barrels?

I about dropped to the floor when Ken said, well, we are retooling today and by monday will be running them, so 2 to 3 weeks? I instantly said can I drop the 6mm and get on this batch of 338's. His response was consider it done!!! HOT DANG!! were all set. My only weight now is from Dave, as soon as the stock and action get here, we are in!!

That just about be perfect timing for me to get this new 257 AI long range varmint rigg done and dialed in for spring, just in time to finish the 338-06 AI build in late spring and give me plenty of time to dial it in on my spare time this summer so it will be ready come next fall!!

Amazing how making the right decisions seem to just fall into place when everything is right. Thats how I now feel about this new project, if it were not the right setup, it wouldn't have been so timely and smooth!

 

[Webster]

Something about building new rifles and handguns, I just can't stop myself, and I always have a reason, this time. I guess since I don't have one for big game this light, I think I have a need,,,,

I've gotta be outa my mind, but I am thinking of doing this in 338-06 AI caliber, only a complete custom build. I have a new Stainless Steel 700 Remington Long Action, standard bolt face ordered. I also ordered all the hardware for a BDL bottom metal and mag box follower and spring. All this to go in the, under 20 oz. Peak 44 Blacktooth stock. to top it off, I will building it on a 24" Douglas #3 remington Sporter blank.

I say outa my mind as I'm 70 years old, and with severe arthritis and 3 vertebrae pinned in my neck to go with the 8 fused vertebrae in my back, I aint sure how much fun this will be to shoot in 338-06 AI. I aint even sure I will even be able to use it? But I've had about everything else in the past, and since I want this to be light, I figured the 338-06 AI was about all I should try in a 7ish pound hunting gun?

I know in the past, I decided some 15 or 20 years ago, I don't really care for the magnums, they just don't offer anything to kill big game that I can't do with non magnums, as long as I have a medium to heavy bullet that shoots accurately out to 500 hundred or so yards. Besides, I never thought those magnums, belted or unbelted, had as much class, or as sexy as the Ackley cartridges on Xx57 or 30-06 brass were.

But if this caliber is to hard on the old bones, I can always screw a 6mm rem, 257 Roberts, on the Xx57 case or even a 25-06 or 280, all in the Ackley Improved versions. The Long Action will work with either, and accommodate longer seating for those Xx57 rounds. But my thoughts are, the 338 with 180 grain I can use for even whitetail, and still take the recoil. Hunting them is still doable in my condition, not so sure I could still hit Public land for Elk, or even draw a tag, and the price for a Grizz or Moose hunt is out!

Then something keeps telling me, even the 25 calibers will do that,, and maybe in my physical condition, at my age, maybe a better choice. I always loved my custom 300 WM and 338 WN I had years ago built by Fred Sinclair back in my 20's. Knowing those old guns were built much like I am planning today. We just didn't have 20 oz stable hunting stocks, the General Purpose classic McMillan hunting stock was what those used. Probably 15 to 20 oz. heavier to start with. But they were built with the same light hunting contoured barrels I'm choosing today. I've just always enjoyed building new rifles, and this one, will be the lightest I've ever built over 30 cal. will it be a smooth shooter, ar a snappy kicker?

But I have 90 days or so to change my mind, and only need 3 to 4 weeks to get a barrel from Shilen Douglass or Hart. So I'm waiting a couple months to order it. My question to you all is, is this new stock package going to make the 338-06 AI fun to use, or will it be a safe queen, only taken out to shoot when I want to hunt with it. 2 years ago my Linebaugh's got sold, because they were just to hard on my wrists after 20 or rounds, and I hate safe queens!

I used 1 rifle for 40 years for GH hunting. Wanting more is OCD.

 

[wildcatter]

I used 1 rifle for 40 years for GH hunting. Wanting more is OCD.

Ya, I know,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, fun ain't it!

 

[danny]

I'm young, 46. Good shape. I like my .338-06. but I feel like if I was 70 and had some more issues, I sure wouldn't like the 338-06. But I'd love a 6.5x55 Swede. Gotta build something odd, be different, pick a Swede

I think that 60 to 70 is a young shooter. 46 is someone more interested in the newest IPhone and or not sure what bathroom they need to use.

Danny

 

[wildcatter]

Well I should be getting on this in about 2 weeks, that will give me 8 weeks before the action and stock make it to me, everything else is accounted for and in my possession. I need to figure a few things out. Powder, for me I'm thinking big bore with short barrel 22" N135 to Varget?

I think the 22" barrel will help make this lightweight a more accurate field platform than the 24" I know I don't want to go 26" like I've seen mentioned by many. Lighter bullets for game smaller than Elk are going to be it's main use, 180grain to 200 being it's main diet. EDITED

So with no 4064 around, and N135 H322 or XBR8208 even Benchmark in the shop, has anyone used any of them, with the lighter bullets in this caliber. I do think I'll be looking at N140, or maybe H4350 when I look for loads with the 225 or 250 grain bullets. But for right now, with it's first hunting season over 8 or 9 months away, I want to get an accurate to a fault load worked up, and am looking to run around 2850 to 2900 fps. This seems very doable to me.

EDIT COMMENT: Fat fingers! I changed the N135 loaded case I said was to the bottom of the neck! IT IS NOT! there is much space. Allways used metered loads by weight and know what starting is! The Hornady Manual I have has always been very light for the calibers I have tested with them. But I still load 10% under by weight to start! I ALWAYS, go up from there!!

 

[Hntnhrd]

I have both the standard an AI version. Both on Remington action. The standard version I have a decent load with reloader 15 and 225 grain partitions . I was actually think of playing with some loads of H380 and the same partitions.
I have a load figured out for the AI version with 200 grain e tips. I don’t find the recoil unpleasant from either one. I am hoping to tackle an Alaskan moose in 2026 with one or the other. Been very impressed with the caliber so far.

 

[DShortt]

I like an accurate. 308Win for hunting. Does everything I need for any hunting I choose to do.

No, it's not particularly fun to talk about.

No, everything about it has been said a thousand times over so I've nothing new to add.

But damn. It just works.

I'm gettin' old, so I have gravitated toward the simple and reliable.

But that's just me and my opinion.

 

[Fire Dog]

Merry Late Christmas WD, I will never own another 7mm in any caliber, if I did it would be a 7x57 AI. I thought it was the most efficient 7mm I've owned. The 7mm mag I thought was a waste, the same killing factor I though was better with a 30-06, less meat damage, and just as quick of kills.

Same with the 6mm for hunting, I wont build or own another 6mm for anything game taking outside of varmints at close range, the 25 cal is way better at stopping deer size game quicker and it does not destroy as much meat when pushed to the same power levels. In my opinion the 6mm is a paper punching caliber when it is at its finest or taking varmints inside 500 yards, but never my choice for deer and antelope. The 25 excels over the 6 for that, and even squeak into elk territory at reasonable range, something I'd never consider the 6mm for except at point blank range.

I've had no problem with accuracy from any of the 7mm or 6mm calibers I've owned, which is most. My preferences for anything hunting lies in 4 calibers, .22 small game and varmints, 25 medium game and long range varmints, 338 for any big game and squeaking into dangerous game territory. Finally 45 for the most dangerous and largest game, which is out at my age.

This is probably the last big game rifle I will ever build. In over 70 years I have at one time or another owned most standard and many wildcats in every caliber from 14 to 50. These are where I feel the best in there range work for taking game animals. Paper and varmint are not a concern here.

Like I say, I also don't see the need ever to magnumize anything. I would much prefer, going up to my next prefered caliber to take anything needing more power than making one caliber less mannered, and less reliable. Magnums in my opinion are the least efficient cartridges I've owned.

I will later add that 25 cal barrel to this gun a 257 Rob AI and in my opinion, after decades of experimentation and deciding, with the 338-06 AI on the same rifle. It will make one gun that will serve extremely well for anything from antelope to brown bear. Not just on this continent but most of the world, which I don't plan on traveling to in order to use it.

A 6.5 to 30 cal leaves that need for the 3rd barrel in my opinion? My only other thought was the 35 whelen AI. I think it would be better at the very top end. But why I chose the 338-06 AI was, I feel it is much better on the smaller game end, and a touch better for useable bullets.

But as I said, this no longer a coulda woulda or shoulda, the dies, bullets, and brass are here. The stock and action are paid for and awaiting being built. The barrel will be purchased and here before the stock and action arrives. The scope, a Leica 3-18x44i, with MOA Illuminated reticle, is setting in the safe with the Seeking lightweight dual screw rings, and the lightweight aluminum picatinny mount, patiently awaiting.

I also have some prayers in to be able to still use this rigg for a couple more years when It's done. But the one thing is certain whatever I do with it. I know my oldest grandson will enjoy it someday for many years to come! That's what matters most!
View attachment 1616921

Just judging by the sort of background hunting forest I see, I would suggest that a .338 Federal would be just the thing.
It will not wind up as a "Safe Queen" due to recoil, deliver 185-200+ grain bullets that won't be damaging as much meat as something driven out at 338-06 speeds.
I use mine to bowel pigs and deer in just such scrub country and around the edges if I catch one out on the flat cleared edges it is never more than a 300yd shot to keep things ethical.
A head/neck shot will keep that venison in prime condition... Says my hunting buddies, "The Backstrap Boys"

 

[358WCF]

So with no 4064 around, and N135 H322 or XBR8208 even Benchmark in the shop, has anyone used any of them, with the lighter bullets in this caliber. I do think I'll be looking at N140, or maybe H4350 when I look for loads with the 225 or 250 grain bullets. But for right now, with it's first hunting season over 8 or 9 months away, I want to get an accurate to a fault load worked up, and am looking to run around 2850 to 2900 fps. This seems very doable to me.

My fully formed brass holds 72.6 gr of H2O full to the top. Looking at Nosler #9, it shows the 325WSM to have similar capacity, so I used their start loads with same bullet weights as a safe place to work from. My velocity followed their results rather closely.

While I'm not usually a fan of ball powder, Ramshot Big Game works real well with 180/185s and doesn't seem to have any of the foibles of most ball powders. I started at 62gr & worked up to 66 or 66.5 depending on the bullet. Just shy of 3100fps seems to shoot smallest (25" bbl).

Big Game is also a good 2nd choice for 200/210s in my rifle right behind a very full case of a fairly fast lot of H4350. Abbreviated testing with 215/225s & BG was also very promising. The 225s also seemed to like a few gr more of Ramshot Hunter.

 

[Orr89rocz]

Barnes 160 ttsx is a good bullet in 338’s. Low recoil with high speeds. Accurate in two different 338 win mags i load for. I’d still look into a brake or suppressor to help you out

 

[David Milisock]

Something about building new rifles and handguns, I just can't stop myself, and I always have a reason, this time. I guess since I don't have one for big game this light, I think I have a need,,,,

I've gotta be outa my mind, but I am thinking of doing this in 338-06 AI caliber, only a complete custom build. I have a new Stainless Steel 700 Remington Long Action, standard bolt face ordered. I also ordered all the hardware for a BDL bottom metal and mag box follower and spring. All this to go in the, under 20 oz. Peak 44 Blacktooth stock. to top it off, I will building it on a 24" Douglas #3 remington Sporter blank.

I say outa my mind as I'm 70 years old, and with severe arthritis and 3 vertebrae pinned in my neck to go with the 8 fused vertebrae in my back, I aint sure how much fun this will be to shoot in 338-06 AI. I aint even sure I will even be able to use it? But I've had about everything else in the past, and since I want this to be light, I figured the 338-06 AI was about all I should try in a 7ish pound hunting gun?

I know in the past, I decided some 15 or 20 years ago, I don't really care for the magnums, they just don't offer anything to kill big game that I can't do with non magnums, as long as I have a medium to heavy bullet that shoots accurately out to 500 hundred or so yards. Besides, I never thought those magnums, belted or unbelted, had as much class, or as sexy as the Ackley cartridges on Xx57 or 30-06 brass were.

But if this caliber is to hard on the old bones, I can always screw a 6mm rem, 257 Roberts, on the Xx57 case or even a 25-06 or 280, all in the Ackley Improved versions. The Long Action will work with either, and accommodate longer seating for those Xx57 rounds. But my thoughts are, the 338 with 180 grain I can use for even whitetail, and still take the recoil. Hunting them is still doable in my condition, not so sure I could still hit Public land for Elk, or even draw a tag, and the price for a Grizz or Moose hunt is out!

Then something keeps telling me, even the 25 calibers will do that,, and maybe in my physical condition, at my age, maybe a better choice. I always loved my custom 300 WM and 338 WN I had years ago built by Fred Sinclair back in my 20's. Knowing those old guns were built much like I am planning today. We just didn't have 20 oz stable hunting stocks, the General Purpose classic McMillan hunting stock was what those used. Probably 15 to 20 oz. heavier to start with. But they were built with the same light hunting contoured barrels I'm choosing today. I've just always enjoyed building new rifles, and this one, will be the lightest I've ever built over 30 cal. will it be a smooth shooter, ar a snappy kicker?

But I have 90 days or so to change my mind, and only need 3 to 4 weeks to get a barrel from Shilen Douglass or Hart. So I'm waiting a couple months to order it. My question to you all is, is this new stock package going to make the 338-06 AI fun to use, or will it be a safe queen, only taken out to shoot when I want to hunt with it. 2 years ago my Linebaugh's got sold, because they were just to hard on my wrists after 20 or rounds, and I hate safe queens!

2 things matter to me in this situation, 1 am I enjoying myself? 2 if this sits in a safe will it work as intended when I pull it out?

Rember this, no one gets out of this alive, do you want to live as you want to or how someone else thinks you should live?