What did you do in the reloading room today?

[cstone]

Since the bullet I like from Hornady is temporarily suspended, I loaded another .338-06 test batch with 225 Accubonds. Had to start all over, really... the Win brass I've been using is done for, so I switched to reforming LC 43 .30-06 brass. Thanks, Jack! RIP.

Just out of curiosity, what made you decide on the .338-06 vs a .35 Whelen? I know I will eventually do a swap barrel on my Savage .30-06, but haven't decided which of the bigger bullets to go with. The smaller caliber seems easier to choose for the barrel swap, .260 Rem barrel will do just about anything with the right bullet selection.

[Zombie Steve]

Just out of curiosity, what made you decide on the .338-06 vs a .35 Whelen? I know I will eventually do a swap barrel on my Savage .30-06, but haven't decided which of the bigger bullets to go with. The smaller caliber seems easier to choose for the barrel swap, .260 Rem barrel will do just about anything with the right bullet selection.

Better bullet selection with the .338, and it's just gaining steam in popularity. Has an edge in BC too, but I'd be lying if I thought it was that important in a 200-300 yard hunting rifle. Reality is I have a lot of respect for a fella from another forum that recommended it after dumping a bunch of African plains game with the cartridge. 35 Whelen never really came into the mix. I was either necking up to .338 or down to 7mm (280 Rem). I'm pretty darn happy with the way I went... I'm shooting 225 grain bullets as fast as I was shooting 180's from the '06 with an almost identical trajectory (full disclosure - 24" barrel now vs. 22" before). No real change in powder volume either.

As you know, the difference between the .338-06 and 35 Whelen is pretty negligible. There's factory brass to be had, but if you're reforming .30-06 keep in mind necking up to .338 makes for some short brass. Going up to .35 is going to be even shorter. Again, not a huge deal, but very easy to see once you start.

[cstone]

Better bullet selection with the .338, and it's just gaining steam in popularity. Has an edge in BC too, but I'd be lying if I thought it was that important in a 200-300 yard hunting rifle. Reality is I have a lot of respect for a fella from another forum that recommended it after dumping a bunch of African plains game with the cartridge. 35 Whelen never really came into the mix. I was either necking up to .338 or down to 7mm (280 Rem). I'm pretty darn happy with the way I went... I'm shooting 225 grain bullets as fast as I was shooting 180's from the '06 with an almost identical trajectory (full disclosure - 24" barrel now vs. 22" before). No real change in powder volume either.

As you know, the difference between the .338-06 and 35 Whelen is pretty negligible. There's factory brass to be had, but if you're reforming .30-06 keep in mind necking up to .338 makes for some short brass. Going up to .35 is going to be even shorter. Again, not a huge deal, but very easy to see once you start.

Good information. Thanks!