Another 338-06 question

[Mac11700]

No problem...I had so much good luck using the BL-C2 with the 180 grain BT's and Accubonds...it will be the first powder I use..

Mac

[handirifle]

Mac
How does the trajectory for the 338-06 180gr load compare to the 165gr of similar type in the '06?

[Mac11700]

I don't have my reloading room finished yet..and all my data is stuck on a different computer (it died from all the remodeling dust)..but..from what I can remember it out performs it across the board..I know the BC's are close..My 180 grain load is 3 grains under max with BL-C2..and getting 3050fps with the Accubonds...I'll be pushing them up further just to see how they do later on in the fall...I expect another 75-125fps with them at max...The 200 grainers should be close to 3000fps with a max load...Which is why I elected to go this route.....but I am not done yet.I won't run them at this velocity ofcourse...not unless the accuracy is better than what I'm getting now...

Now...here's a nice thought for you...if you really like the 06'...why not have Wayne rework a 26" 25-06 for you in a Handi?It's still cheaper than buying a bolt gun and barrel and paying the gunsmithing charges......and you wind up with a semi custom gun with awsome cut rifling...

 Sometime next year I'll have a 26" 30-06 done..I'm having a 270 Winchester done by him this summer...With the right load combinations in the 26" tubes..even the standard calibers perform as well as the short mags..so that's always something to consider too...and I don't think you would ever have to worry about finding 06' ammo anywhere you go...It was a hard decision for me...trying to figure out which to get first..but I'm real glad I went with the 338-06 A-Square first...it opened my eyes to a great cartridge...and seeing the Ultra Handi's come into their own with it..Now I'll just save my money and have a custom done one each year

Mac

[handirifle]

Mac
I have a Savage 110, and all I have to do is buy a barrel and the go no-go guages and set it up myself.  Midway sells the barrels for $129 and another $30 for the guages, so I'm still way ahead for the cost.  Plus, like the Handi, I can still switch back when I want to.  Just takes a bit longer.  maybe an hour at the bench.

I lost some of my enthusiasm for the Handi when the last barrel I shot, a 26" 280 Rem, showed it was either drilled off center, ot the lug was mounted off center, cause it hit the primershigh and right every time.  Accuracy was horrible.  I knew it was the barrel, cause none of my other calibers did that, and the thought of sending the receiver back AGAIN really turned me off.

So it was back to the bolt for me.

I still enjoy reading the posts and about the Handi's but not sure if I'll do it again.  They are fun rifles.  Sometimes.

[Mac11700]

Handi:

I remember well your frustrations with it..and as well you know..our Handi-rifles aren't alone in being problematic..The cost I was referring to was in purchasing a bolt rifle..then making the changes...

Here's the way I see it..Find a good used ultra 25-06 ejector rifle...there are plenty around...and have it reworked...This is how I recommend  doing it.When I get finished with the 30-06 class of cartridges in the 26" barrels...I'll probably start with reworking the 24" 223 barrels.

I am a big fan of the single shots as you can tell...and it is still cheaper and easier for me to have a couple good Handi frames and set up with different barrels..and even forarms for it..in case the barrel lugs are a bit off.Each one is bedded into it's own fore arm..set up with a scope...Quick/easy/dependable...and I have found doing that using the same stock forearm isn't always possible...o-ring or not..

Going the bolt gun route may be right for you..and utilizing the Savage is probably the right choice to achieve what you want at the lowest cost..It's easy to loose faith in a rifle once it gives you fits...that's for sure..this is just another reason I have elected to customize mine..this way I am assure of the correct chamber/bore axis..I can have the best of both worlds this way..and have them out preform standard lenght barreled guns quite easily..and still be over-all shorter to boot...

I wish you luck with your my friend..let me know how it turns out...I'm sure your going to really like the caliber...

Mac

[handirifle]

Mac
As you well know, I have a fondness for the single shots too.  Like I said I still go back and check up on everyone from time to time.  I still keep the name Handirifle for ALL my forums .  So if you see the name, it most likely is me.

Yea I figured that was what you menat, money wise.    I often wonder about the TC, for another singleshot, but they are pricey, and I really do not like the stock on the TC rifles.  Have given serious thought to buying one in handgun, since Ahnold signed a law allowing them to be excempt from CA's stupid drop safety test.  I got a real good deal on a Win 94 Trapper, in 44 mag some time back.  It is an angle eject with rebounding hammer, that I converted back to the half cock system.  I bought it as an investment towards buying a TC handgun, but I like it too much, I think.

If I went with another Handi, it would probably be the 280 again.  I liked the caliber, and it would be great on nearly anything I wanted.  I could then convert the Savage to anything from a 338-06 to 300 win mag or 338 win mag if I wanted a dedicated BIG Game rifle.  Besides, I was smart enough this time to keep the reloading dies for it .

[Les Staley]

Handirifle:  I would use a stainless barrel for the corrosion resistance on an Alaskan trip..  I called E.R.Shaw about spinning one up for one of my Springfields, but it would be twelve weeks before delivery, and at the time my Alaska trip was out about thirteen weeks.   too close for comfort..  I'm takeing a Model 70 Classic SS 338 win mag instead..  it's bugholeing with 72 gr RL19 behind a 210 Nosler partition..  should do the trick..   Les

[handirifle]

Les
Thanks, good food for thought.  Wonder how much a  stainless barrel for a Savage would run?