338-06 AI

[elkguide]

Those of you that have or have had this caliber, tell me about it, please.

Have a chance to buy one and just wondering your experiences and thoughts. I have lots of .30 caliber rifles and many others up to .30 but none in .338 so it's tempting me.

 

[elkguide]

Nobody?

 

[Bearlodge10]

elkguide, I do not have a 338-06 AI but I am building a 338-06 on a Savage action. I debated the AI version but just wasn't familiar with the standard to really have the AI take flight for me. Furthermore, I chanced into a 338-06 barrel without the wait time etc. of having the AI barrel built. I have never been a speed chaser but have found the thought of a AI version of some rounds like the 257 Roberts, 280 and the 35 Whelen appealing. That said, if I had the opportunity to buy one, I probably would. My thought being that the added velocity would be beneficial for the mid-weight bullets specifically in the 338 to gain the BC and all the fancy and magical numbers.
Hope this helps a little bit in making the decision. If you do buy it, I'd love to hear the info on what loads you decide on and what shoots well in the rifle.

 

[wyodan]

I'm looking at building a 338-06 myself, probably not an AI though. But I'm also interested in hearing others thoughts on these cartridges. Not too many people seem to be increasing in caliber nowadays.

 

[Yellowknife]

Haven't used that one, but have had other AI's. Can't see it being worth the trouble with custom dies, fire forming, load workup and potential feeding issues. Would have to be a pretty sweet deal AND come with the reloading gear for me to be interested.

.338-06 if you want to sling big bullets slow. .338 WM if you want do it slightly faster. The gap between is pretty small, so if I personally bought one it would be DESPITE the caliber. YMMV

 

[wyben]

I've had both, really enjoyed them. They work really well on Elk. I still have a standard 338-06.

 

[Charon]

I am planning to build a standard 338-06 A-Square on a 98 mauser action. I have considered the AI, but the information I can find indicates that there is only about 2 grains difference in case capacity.

I would be very interested to know how your rifle performs once you have it in hand.

 

[gumbl3]

I built one on a cheap old Marlin XL7 only because the finish reamer and dies were on clearance at Midway and I wanted to do something you don't see everyday. So I got rid of the barrel nut and ordered a short chambered barrel to make a frankengun.. I agree with the above, fire forming makes load development a pain. It is fun to shoot though, not snappy like a magnum and easy to get on target shouldering. No experience with terminal ballistics, has yet to draw blood.

 

[deerkiller]

Just had an '06 AI rebored to 338/06 AI (done by the outstanding J.E.S.) The weather here in mid Willamette Valley is so abysmal I've just not been enthused to get out to shoot yet, but soon I will - There is seldom any "velocity" reason for an AI chamber (although I've had outstanding results with a number of 223 AI's and my .280 AI is beloved) I keep reading these "fireforming is a PIA and not worth the trouble" comments, I could not begin to count the PD's I've "off'd" with fireform loads from 223 AI's, accurate, fast and brass ready to go afterwards - Fireform loads for others, like the 338/06 AI, are no big deal to form and with a bigger bore I like the bit of a shoulder increase for HS'ing - Shot 338 Win Mag forever, great cartridge but the 333/06 is more efficient and kicks less AND more efficiency from a 22" barrel (which I really prefer) First try for loads will be with 200 gr etips, will try 225 TSX if the 200's don't pan out

 

[stxdeer hound]

I shoot a Mark 5 ultra lite 338-06 for bear hunting here in Eastern NC its a hammer at 100-200 yards. recoil is mild. carried it to AK last year on a bear hunt hard to beat on a mid range gun. Makes for a good blood trail. Im shooting 210 grain Accubonds