As I mentioned in another post, the bbl came in Friday afternoon. Friday night I resized some 35 Whelen brass & loaded 31 "fire-forming" loads (200 gr Hornady & 49 gr RL 15). It is almost 90 miles down to the range & I did not want to load "a bunch" until I saw that those were going to work.

Went down Saturday and after playing plumber for a while, got to the range about mid-afternoon. It was 102 there and no breeze. Hot enough that the mosquitos were not a problem. Shot all 31 rounds. I am going to like this one. Even though these are relatively mild loads, the "heavier" bullet whacks the steel with authority. The forming load worked fine. Every case was perfect.

Will get some "real" ones loaded up this week & get another report in a few days.

Yaaaaaaaaaaa!
I have been wanting a 338-06AI for my next Encore barrel. Everything I have read states it should be a thumper and a half! Congratulations on your new toy and POST SOME EYE CANDY!!!

102 and no wind.............. you are tough!

http://www.handgunhunt.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=2768&limit=recent

Just finished loading a few. Thought you might like to see a photo of the 338s for comparison.

SWEEEEET!!

Thanks TCMan,

I thought that the photo would come up, but instead I posted just the link.

For those who do not go to the bragging board to see what is shown --- 338 Federal on the left, 338 JDJ#2, 338-06 JDJ (with the case formed) and then 338-06 JDJ ready to fire form.

You have me interested in the 338-06 JDJ now. I had a 338 JDJ #2 years ago but sold it because it was ported. This might be a good replacement!

One of my 'go-to' favorites. I load Varget in mine. It is not sensitive to temperature changes like some powders. The 200 Nosler is fast and flat enough for nearly anything!

I am in hopes that Freedom will eventually chamber their single shot in 338-06. Several have requested that cartridge. I would be a buyer in a heartbeat. If any of you desire the same, a note to Bob might eventually get it done.

I have been enamoured with this cartridge for years. My "perfect elk rifle" (built about the time that I started shooting handguns) was a M70 Win Featherweight in 338-06. Unfortunately, it has never been hunting (however it will shot 5/8" groups with Nosler 210 partitions). At least it would 15 yrs ago when I could still see pretty good.

I believe that the 33 caliber was long overlooked (except by Keith & others that really understood while the rest of us were caught up in the light bullet -- velocity craze). The one very positive things that shooting handguns has done for me is to make me realize that velocity is good to aid in trajectory but the size of the bullet is very important to produce the optimum wound channel. A good mix of both is ideal. IMHO, that is where the 338s shine. I like them.

“The reliability and versatility of the 30-06 cartridge necked up to 338 caliber appealed to many. Implementing this design was quite a simple matter. The resulting ballistics matched the old 338 OKH wildcat from the mid-40’s and exceed those of the 35 Whelen. “ Hornady sixth edition.

The 35 Whelen is a very potent, accurate and dependable round for large game and has been called the poor man’s 375 H&H. Like mentioned above, I think the 338-06 is a balanced cartridge that is simply overlooked.

Let us know when you finally get that beast chronographed. I sure hope it lives up to the hype.

Will do. May not be this weekend. I have a family reunion in NM on Saturday. However, I loaded all of the formed brass --57, 58 and 59 gr of 4064 & 200 gr Hornadys. That should give me a feel for where I want to go with it. I have access to a little range here & might get it chronographed before the weekend.