The 338/06 AI Is Finely a Completed Project

[wildcatter]

Picked it up yesterday, and so far, I'm surprisingly happy! This was the rifle I stated would be my last big game rifle. For anything from Pronghoen to Dangerous game. It will have a a 257 AI barrel before this fall, but right now my goal is to get this ready to hunt, even deer if need be.

I spent 3 months waiting on the magazine parts, action and stock all from PT&G this winter. I got everything before they quoted the deliveries time. The stock made about 2 weeks before their quoted date from Peak 44 (Weatherby) in the Blacktooth model, while everything else was waiting when it arrived.

The Peak 44 Stock was ordered prefit for the Remington long action, with pillars installed and ready as a drop in. I chose this over their Bastion stock for the less vertical grip on the Blacktooth, I prefer the longer swept back pistol grip for my liking. The fit was better than other stocks I have ordered as drop in's. The skim coat bedding was all that was needed to properly bed the Carbon fiber stock. I did have to add the gray as you only had two color options added for the camo paint job, so I added the gray as soon as the stock arrived.

With pillars and pad ready for skim bedding the Peak 44 beat the quoted weight of 22 oz at less than 18 1/2 oz, but the added grey sponge paint I added was needed for my approval. This stock was well worth the money, and I have never owned a stock that was able to absorb the recoil like it does at any weight!

I got a heads up from Fred just before he completed to let me know, he had somehow put a scratch in the chamber throating it to my preferred free bore length. Since we had decided to shorten the chamber end to a minimum for weight savings this meant he needed to take about 3/4" more off to redo the chamber. This resulted in a finished length of 21 3/8" barrel length. My first thought was ???? *(&%. But after seeing it and shouldering it and seeing the finished weight, I think maybe it was a blessing.


My concern after seeing the final weight was recoil? I was aiming for as light as I thought I could stand then when I saw this I told Fred, you shoot it for the first shot. He took the loaded round I brought that was loaded same as the dummy he used to set the throat, a 200 grain SST BT over 58.5 grains of Varget, the max load in my Hornady manual. After preparing for a good jarring, he immediately turned to me after firing it and said, I don't believe it! He said it was less than any 30/06 he could remember shooting.

So after getting it home last night I got the glass mounted with the lightweight Vortex dual screw rings and a 20 moa Leupold Backcountry Picatinny base. Along with the 3-18x44i illuminated Leica Amplus6 scope, it brought the hole package up to right at 8 lbs. Still very light for this Hammer and very well balanced! I can't state it clear enough just how easy this gun recoils, and attribute that to the excellent Peak 44 Blacktooth stock.


The chamber is quite tight and with fired cases holding less than .001" of expansion from a fully sized case, I will have to have Fred tack .002" off the shell holder for this set of dies to give me the .003" sizing I want for hunting purpose. But for now the 30/06 Lapua cases I am fire forming during barrel break in, are a perfect fit. The 58.5 grains of Varget are delivering once fired perfect cases, which I now have 8 of after today.


I have done nothing but shoot one shot the clean so far, as the Brux 1-10 barrel was one of the heaviest fouling barrels I've had after the first shot. Copper from breach to muzzle was very heavy, and required heavy copper removal. But that is changing, by shot three the barrel was pretty good to the last 10 or so inches, and tonight after a total of 8 shots, it is getting less copper and cleaning quickly. The 200 grain Hornady are the only ones I shot so far. But after the 10th round, I will see what a 180 grain Nosler AB will do. I hope to work a load with bothe the 180 and 225 AB for hunting loads.

I am trying to acquire the 210 grain Swift Scirocco II bullets, but with 300 on back order for 6 months now, I don't know when or if I will ever get them? If not the the 180 accubond would be my load for anything smaller than Elk, and the 225 AB for everything larger. I just need to get a few more rounds thru it to get this cut rifled barrel broke in. It is getting close, and as soon as I can, I will start some load development with these fireform loads. Then as soon as I get the 50 rounds I have necked up I will be doing some serious load development for the Ackley Improved cases. I am not looking for more speed than the 338 A-Square, just better brass life and less bolt thrust.

I have a #4 sporter barrel ordered in 257 for the twin barrel to this one in 257 AI for my smaller than Elk work, and hope to have it before fall hunting season? When that happens, this will be my one and only big game hunting rifle. I am getting to old to take full advantage of this setup, but hope to do my best to enjoy it on a few hunts yet as long as the Good Lord provides the health to do it! But I have what I believe is the best I have found over the years for my choice as my ultimate on gun, big game rifle, and NO, I don't want any magnums, rimmed or otherwise, I consider this setup, Ideal, and as efficient as they get. Key word,,,, EFFICIENT!

 

[Evlshnngns]

That came out nice. It will certainly put meat in the freezer.

 

[alf]

Well done, I'll always have a soft spot for the 338-06 Ackley.

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Another fan of the .338-06 Ackley. I've never lost a bull shot with mine, all have had complete penetration including the one below shot here in Orygun that was jumped out of his bed at 35 yards going away.

At the moment of the shot, all I could really see clearly was his horns getting laid back across his back as he jumped up, so I put the crosshairs on his poop-chute and fired. The bullet broke the large right hip joint, traversed through his body to exit and break his off shoulder. He piled up with "two flats" after stumbling about for 25 yards or so and ended up on a skid road against an old deadfall. The Nosler 210gr Partition went through about 4' of elk, not to be recovered.



Great game caliber, and about duplicates the old 333 OKH that Elmer Keith said if he could only have one rifle caliber, that's what it would be. No small praise, and he used his here in the U.S. and in Africa extensively.

Mine is built on my old pre-'64 M70 action, barrel by Chic Donnelley of Siskiyou Gun Works, 10T, scope is a Leupold VX3 1.5-5X as I hunt the black timber and need a nice wide FOV. It's paid off many times, and keeps the overall bulk of the package down for quick handling. Bulls fear this rifle.

 

[wildcatter]

Another fan of the .338-06 Ackley. I've never lost a bull shot with mine, all have had complete penetration including the one below shot here in Orygun that was jumped out of his bed at 35 yards going away.

At the moment of the shot, all I could really see clearly was his horns getting laid back across his back as he jumped up, so I put the crosshairs on his poop-chute and fired. The bullet broke the large right hip joint, traversed through his body to exit and break his off shoulder. He piled up with "two flats" after stumbling about for 25 yards or so and ended up on a skid road against an old deadfall. The Nosler 210gr Partition went through about 4' of elk, not to be recovered.



Great game caliber, and about duplicates the old 333 OKH that Elmer Keith said if he could only have one rifle caliber, that's what it would be. No small praise, and he used his here in the U.S. and in Africa extensively.

Mine is built on my old pre-'64 M70 action, barrel by Chic Donnelley of Siskiyou Gun Works, 10T, scope is a Leupold VX3 1.5-5X as I hunt the black timber and need a nice wide FOV. It's paid off many times, and keeps the overall bulk of the package down for quick handling. Bulls fear this rifle.

I almost mounted the 1-6x28 Meopta on this rifle, with it's BCC-3 reticle for ranging and aiming on distant shots, along with it's great Illuminated floating dot for the lowest of light situations in early and late deep timber.

But, since this rifle will share duty with the 257 AI for smaller big game in open country, I opted for the Leica. It has the widest FOV at 3x than the other scopes I would trust for this duty. Plus it's Illumination is unmatched for low light hunting. Plus I prefer the 18x for load development which I will work at 200 yards on. But in all honesty that idea of the 1-6x scopes range on any big game rifle is all thats needed for hunting. I find with any rifle I hunt big game with from a M/L to my long gone 300 Win Mag, 6X was my highest power used, and mostly 3-4x w=is where they do most of their killing.

So this just might be wearing that Meopta 1-6x after loads are worked up, it is a very reliable scope, with excellent optics and I like the reticle better.

As for the 338/06 choice. Over the years I found the 338 Mag to offer very little over the standard 30/06 case. But at a more hungry powder charge, and more noise. I would say more recoil but I can't stress how well the Peek 44 Blacktooth stock tames the recoil! It is remarkable, but has the feel the old general purpose McMillan my old long gone 300 win mag, and 338 win mag wore. Both were built by Fred sinclair on 700 Long actions. both great rifles, and I think this is a blend of the best of both of them. That was my goal building it. I think Fred would have approved!

 

[ISS]

Beautiful rifle! More than adequate for this continent for anything with a back up guide for big bears. If it were legal, likely enough for either of the cats in Africa as well.

You have done well Grasshopper...!

 

[wildcatter]

No plans of Africa, but if I was it would be plains game and I think mare than adequate for what I'd be after. I think it should take anything on this continent I decide to tackle. after my 338 Mag and a 375 H&H years ago, I decided this was much more efficient and plenty for my needs. My buddy kills Alaskan Bear with a stick and string, with no more than his 475L on his hip in case, and ain't needed it in a decade after three bruins, but knows his limitations, and kinda why we call it hunting..

I did change up on shot 11 and 12 today, first time I shot two shots between cleaning, and first time I shot anything but the 200 grain Hornady. I loaded the 180 AB over 58.5 grains of Varget, with a WW standard primer. Not bad and room to go up, with no hard recoil. It gave me 2901 and 2918 fps crowding the lands fireforming. So I think 3000 fps with this bullet is likely easy to get to, but I see most settling around 2900 for accuracy? Time will tell. I would like this 180 grain for a light load if used of mule deer or black bear.

I found no more fouling with two shots than I had with the last 200 grain load I shot singly and cleaned. I would like to stick with it, but probably head east for 3 or 4 days chasing Small Mouth on the Lake Tributaries this week, as the rivers are starting to load up with spawners. The next two weeks should get better and better. I can finish the fire forming and load development anytime, them smally wont be in them gorgeous rivers for long!

I'm only one man, and at my age in my health, I gotta spread myself thin to enjoy everything I used to be able to full bore. But man is nice to have options enjoying everything today I have for decades.

 

[Steve Donlon]

When you first started your project, I warned you to take care of yourself with a 338/06 Al. Only because my shooting buddy has lots of injuries too. I had no idea a rifle stock could make so much difference and have learned much from watching your progress. When I saw my friend acquire a 375/ 338, I felt the same way. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Great outcome!

 

[wildcatter]

When you first started your project, I warned you to take care of yourself with a 338/06 Al. Only because my shooting buddy has lots of injuries too. I had no idea a rifle stock could make so much difference and have learned much from watching your progress. When I saw my friend acquire a 375/ 338, I felt the same way. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Great outcome!

Steve it was just my hopes what I had experienced in the past with my 338 Win Mag on the old McMillan general purpose hunting stock. a blind mag version of the factory Rem ADL Walnut stocK. The difference over the same caliber in each was huge.

Then after reading, something I take with hesitation on social media, all the praise for how soft the Weatherby Backcountry shot for owners, and those that were surprised just shooting one. I found no one stating it was harsh or more than stated or expected, I researched more.

I've learned a lot about stock materials and designs over the years shooting long and short range BR. My gunsmith actually built a test table to explore stiffness as well as forearm deflection with different styles and materials. So Carbon fiber is about as good as it gets as we speak, then strength, deflection, and durability for weight, it excels. But IT DONT GIVE! The older McMillan gains greatly with its hollow shell and soft Pachmayr pad back then, creating a slower push, over the Walnut harsh kick.

The Peak 44 Blacktooth was built specifically for lightweight backcountry hard shooting cartridges at minimal weight, lighter than I wanted to go. But the pad is totally redesigned to accommodate softening the harsh kick of the bigger caliber rifles. This Matrix pad is supposedly, high tech, at least newly developed technology. Something we have seen over and over how little tweaks aimed at specific task over the years can make noticeable changes in our shooting sports. Both in accuracy and control.

I wont say you can't build an easier shooting rifle, and I have not seen yet that will be useable in the way it allows the delivery of accuracy? I understand that it has to be consistent to make it possible for the rifle to deliver repeatable accuracy. The rifle does recoil. But no way would I call it harsh, or punishing.

Time will tell how good everything turns out, but if this thing shoots anywhere around 3/4" or under 1" for 3 shots, every time I test it. I could not be happier! The main this will be every time I shoot it when I find a load, is that first shot on the same bull every day. I will also have three bulls I shoot at at one shot for each 1st 2nd, and 3rd shot. I built this as a a one and done hunting machine, but my interest is only how accurate those first 3 shots are, after that your either done, or had no business taking the first shot to begin with.

But I hope this helps others as well. Big Game rifle are different animals with different needs and capabilities than varmint or smaller bore hunting rigs, I just hope I got this one right.

 

[FNSafari]

Another fan of the .338-06 Ackley. I've never lost a bull shot with mine, all have had complete penetration including the one below shot here in Orygun that was jumped out of his bed at 35 yards going away.

At the moment of the shot, all I could really see clearly was his horns getting laid back across his back as he jumped up, so I put the crosshairs on his poop-chute and fired. The bullet broke the large right hip joint, traversed through his body to exit and break his off shoulder. He piled up with "two flats" after stumbling about for 25 yards or so and ended up on a skid road against an old deadfall. The Nosler 210gr Partition went through about 4' of elk, not to be recovered.



Great game caliber, and about duplicates the old 333 OKH that Elmer Keith said if he could only have one rifle caliber, that's what it would be. No small praise, and he used his here in the U.S. and in Africa extensively.

Mine is built on my old pre-'64 M70 action, barrel by Chic Donnelley of Siskiyou Gun Works, 10T, scope is a Leupold VX3 1.5-5X as I hunt the black timber and need a nice wide FOV. It's paid off many times, and keeps the overall bulk of the package down for quick handling. Bulls fear this rifle.

Siskiyou gun works. That's where Ken Waters used to get some barrel and gun work done.

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Siskiyou gun works. That's where Ken Waters used to get some barrel and gun work done.

Right you are.
Chic Donnelley was an aprintice of P.O. himself, also related to the man by way of marriage. Ken was the one who originally pointed me to Chic many years ago. He was truly a master like his mentor. Both are sorely missed to this day.

 

[wildcatter]

After cleaning the rifle Saturday after the first time I shot two shots and cleaned, I was surprised at how well it cleaned up. So today I had a Dr. appointment first thing, I was going fishing but he wants some lab work done, so till the hospital gets with me, I'm sticking close to home.

I decided to load 4 shots of the fire forming load, 57.5 grains of Varget ignited by WW standard primers, driving the 200 grain Hornady SST's. This load shoots easy, and the brass is good to go after the initial shot. So I decided to get the scope close. Plus I want to see how well the barrel is smoothing out.

First off, I shot the first shot clear off the paper at 100 yards, just barely low and left. So I jacked the scope up and right just shooting standing resting my hands on the cooler I had placed on the bench. So I shot the first shot same way on the target shown at the left top bull. Again still left but close to center. I decided since I had a brick bag and two sandbags with me as well as an old leather rear bag half full, to ditch the cooler and set at the concrete bench and shoot the last two I had loaded with this load.

I again held the rifle resting my hand under the forearm and holding it with the bags under the back of my hand, while resting the but on top of a sandbag on the half full old rear bag, and decided to see if the last two shots were close. After giving the windage a fair amount of adjustment to the right, I shot those last two holding the same center of bull hold, and ended up with both shots to far to the right. BUT, very happy to see both shots just just shy of 5/8" CTC of each other. Now I wished I would have loaded another to see what a third shot would have done.

That was shot 15 and 16 thru this barrel, meaningless without a third shot, but it gives me hope I will be happy with this rig. It made me want to shoot more, but since I wasn't ready to get serious yet, and really wanted to see how bad this barrel was still fouling before over doing it, it was all I took.

But I did have one 180 grain AB loaded just 1/2 grain hotter than the two I shot # 11 and 12 shots with over the chrony. So, seeing it was holding about center for elevation, I gave it 6 clicks up and decided to shoot that lone 180 on the bul below. Surprisingly even though the 20 grain lighter 180 AB was loaded with 1.5 grains more than the 200 SST's were, it shot noticeably softer. I have never shot a 150 grain load in a 30/06 that shot with less recoil than either of these loads.

Now the best part of this little experiment was, I think this barrel is real close to being broke in completely. When I got hom the only copper was in that last 10" of barrel, and less than I have had since I started breaking it in. 3 to 5 shots are what I will be shooting from here on out. I gave it 3 wet patches of Butch's, the I gave it 10 brush strokes with the Butches, followed with three more wet, then two dry patches. Very light and spotty streaks scattered thru that last 10" of barrel. So I got the JB out and two patches with a pea sized drop of the JB worked thru the barrel followed by three wet, and two dry, was all it took. One JB patch might have worked, but after those 5 shots it cleaned the easiest it has.


Needless to say I'm happy and at the same time optimistic with this rifle. I was leary how comfortable it would be shooting from the bench the first time, but that fear is gone, it aint no 6mm PPC, but it truly is a joy, and knowing the last shot was North of 2900 fps with a 180 grain bullet, it only leaves one question,,,,, "should I have built the 35 Whelen AI instead",,,,,,,,,

 

[Hntnhrd]

“should I have built the 35 Whelen AI instead",,,,,,,,,
That’s crazy talk right there! Nice rifle!! I have taken a bison. Two cow elk , a bull elk and a black bear with my 338/06 and 225 grain partitions.

 

[wildcatter]

I agree its more than I need. But with the 257 AI being added later, and capable of taking up to Elk, I think the 35 would have made for a bit more hammer for the biggest game. My biggest reason for the 338 over the 35 was I like having more shoulder to work with as well as lighter bullets for the small end on big game, which I am more likely to use it on.

But no I am really happy with how this turned out. But when something works, this good, we always think, what if,,,,,,,,

 

[CharlieNC]

338-06 is a solid hunting round, and in my single experience the recoil was moderate. Sorry i sold it. Hope you enjoy.

 

[wildcatter]

Day 2 at the range, "it is a hunter"! I was pretty sure thay first group wasn't a fluke, but? On any new rifle I always need proof, especially one that is going to be used for big game. I had many questions,
1. will the 18 oz stock take the recoil of a light built rifle?
2. will the rifle group reliably?
3. will point of aim be reliable, dirty clean cold warm dry wet,,,,?
4. Most of all, how will this light rifle respond to being held off hand in different scenarios, rested benched standing with only forearm rest,,, etc?

Well I tackled most of those scenarios yesterday, even in the rain, and it came thru with perfect results. I first shot another group with 58.0 grains of Varget with the same 200 grn SST to the same seated depth. this was what assured me the rifle did not shoot a fluke with the 58.0 grain loads 2 shots the day before. In fact I'm even more sure the 5 shot group I shot to prove it, with one shot low, was me.

But after 3 rounds to finish zeroing, those 5 shots were still only 1" with the one I think I pulled low. But with the barrel still not fully broken in, coppering lightly, but cleaning up easily, I shot the 9th shot with rain coming down now at our 200 yard gong. I aimed slightly low thinking it might be a tad high at 200, I hit exactly where I was aiming. At least I felt it did.

I then give it a good scrub to shoot the 57.5 grain load, "with everything else the same as the 58.0 grain load. But cleaned and ready I started to shoot another 58.0 grain load at the sightin bull, and decided NO, a hunting rifle I need to know where a warm dirty barrel hits, as well as a clean cool barrel? So first shot with the same load I held right on the first shots impact, and I could not have asked for anything better. The hot dirty barrel and the first shot from a clean cool barrel were barely over 1/2" apart from each other,, maybe just a fluke,,,,,

But still in the rain just a little lighter and steadier now. These gong were just freshened up with white paint between 8am and noon as this was our maintenance scheduled wed morning regime.



So back on the 100 yard target, a little soggy now but took the top left bull above the 58.0 5 shot group, and sent the next 5 shots into another 1" group. This is what has me ensured this is goin to be reliable in the field, and the results are no fluke. As these are brand new 30/06 cases, fire forming, with a load I just tried because I thought it would give sharply formed brass with one shot. Then to see a half grain change do the same thing, I can't wait to see what it will do when I try and tune a real load for it.

If that wasn't enough proof for me I had ran out of the one can of Varget I was using for fireforming, so I took a can H4350 I had on the shelf and after checking loads, seen that 62 grains was about a mid level load with a 200 grain bullet. I had some 180 Accu Bonds I decided to load to the same ogive setting I was loading the 200 grain SST bullets and with 3 cases of the 50 left to load, set them up with a Magnum Winchester primer this time. The 3 shots were very mild, but just slightly under 1" and I can call them at the SPI as the other 2 loads @ 100 yards.


I can say today, I am glad I chose the 338/06 AI for the chambering on this rifle. As well as the Peak 44 Blacktooth stock, I couldn't have imagined it would have done everything it does this good, this light, or this consistent. It isn't in anyway hold sensitive, and I really doubt you could find any stock to tame a cartridge the way this one does. The fit, feel and ballance turned out perfect. If there was anything I could change it would be a little longer length on the bolt handle, which can be changed, but for now, we will leave everything just as as it turned out, and call it satisfactory!

I wish my homework always turned out this good. I called Brux right after I had this range session and a #4 sporter blank 26" long in .257 cal. with a 1-10 twist is on order, were going to see how well a 257 AI sporter barrel will work for 100 and 110 grain bonded bullets for antelope to deer on this same action and stock. That would make it even better for smaller big game, at longer range.

 

[Rockchuck]

You may find that you may not need the 257ai. The 338/06 shoots pretty dang flat with 200gr bullets. I cut my throat long and lengthen my magazine. Iam getting i think around 2900 fps maybe a little more with 200gr accu bond. And the blame thing is scary accurate. You are going to love it. Enjoy

 

[Evlshnngns]

You've got to be happy with that.

In my 338lm ,225gr sst's never shot bragging rights groups. Ok for 300yd hunting, ugly on the 600yd berm. I never found the combo, put a 300nm barrel on.

 

[wildcatter]

You've got to be happy with that.

In my 338lm ,225gr sst's never shot bragging rights groups. Ok for 300yd hunting, ugly on the 600yd berm. I never found the combo, put a 300nm barrel on.

The 200 grain SST's were picked to waste. I chose them because they have a little harder copper jacket for barrel break in, but the main thing was for fireforming while breaking in the barrel, they were my cheapest option! The 225's will be Nosler's Accu Bond. But my main load with this rifle I want the 210 Swift Scirocco II, and if need be, as they are very hard to get, I will run with the 200 grain Accu Bond. But I will only be working with Bonded, or Partition bullets for my hunting loads, now that the brass is ready, and the barrel fouling very little.

 

[wildcatter]

Today this rifle finally became an adult! I started playing with the first 338/06 AI cases. I got my notice the Scirocco II 210 grain bullets will be ready to ship after the holiday. So today in the rain, I went to the range my first Ackley loads in 336/06, with 180 grain accubonds.

I don't intend on shooting anything lighter than the 210 Scirocco II in it, but these were available early on and for a light load I thought I would try them. The 225 Accubond I intend to find a load with for a heavy bullet load for anything dangerous game if I ever were to need them. But my main load has been aimed at the 210's.

I started by loading 53.5 grains with a 215 Federal primer, and seated to touch the land in the Ackly formed cases. then a 54.5 grain for one shot and a single loaded 56.0 grain round, just to see the speed differance, Plus I knew the 53.5 grain load would be weak, and with H4350 powder, with this light a bullet, and the short barrel, wanted to see what it would give me for velocity.

Surprisingly it was way more anemic than I had thought! 2877 fps was all the 53.5 grain load could muster, and about a 60 fps spread. But you can't complain about the 100 yard group. 1/2" for 3 shots on the center left bull, starting with a clean barrel, and the 2nd and 3rd shot sharing the same hole.

But then holding the same 6 oclock hold on the bottom of the mothball, I moved to the target above, top left bull, this was because I wanted to save the first group ever from this rifle in Ackley Improved form. That single 54.5 grain shot would have made three shots touching, and I was getting really happy.
So with one more case of the H4350 experiment, I dropped to the bottom left bull. But now with a little harder rain coming down, and only an 18 power scope, I used the black square to cent my crosshairs more easily. I don't think the total of the 5 shots with 2.5 grains difference would have shot over the initial 3 shot groups 1/2" had I shot them all at that same bull and hold.


But the last 2 cases loaded was with what I expect to be the powder I will go with, Varget, and those cases were loaded with the same 180 grain Accubond, with 59.0 grains of powder, but before I shot that lower right bull, aiming center of the square. I took the time to clean the barrel, and check for copper fouling. The barrel I believe is broke in now and after a simple patch and brush with butches it showed only the slightest of color on two lands near the last couple inches at the muzzle.

But now a hunting load @ 2966 fps that put the first shot from a clean barrel and the second shot touching, with nearly identical poi from aiming point as all but one of the H4350 loads. All this and with the rain coming down steady, and the wind as well.

I am now on hold, I've seen enough till I get the Scirocco's. scope is zeroed and the zero stop set. As soon as the 210's get here I will start with those seated the same, at touch, and around a 57.5 grain charge. working in 3 shot groups, @ 1/2 grain increases to 58.0 and 58.5 loads. that will be my next session after the holidays.

But till then, and I understand one is only 3 shots, and slow, the other is only 2 shots, but from a clean fresh barrel, I can say this is a true 1/2 moa rifle. That is even better than I was hoping for. but the last thing this rifle is, is picky about what it eats. It has also proven to place all shots to the same poi regardless of bullet weight to powder type, charge, or speed. It also has proven not be sensitive to hold. I am starting to think it's as much to do with the shorter length, as well as the Peak 44 stock. But without a quality gunsmith, rifles just don't perform in every way this rifle is, Fred truly impressed me with this rifle.

I would not change on thing about this gun. I also am glad I chose the 338/06 AI over the 338 Win Mag I contemplated. This is one of the easiest rifles to load for, and most forgiving calibers I have built in over 50 years, and thats many! Till I get bullets, further testing is on hold. But I could hunt with this tomorrow from the loads I shot on this first loading session with the Improved cases!