So, I have been trying to find a perfect load for my 338-06 and, while there is data available on loaddata.com and other sources, some of the better, current, extreme powders are just not listed. Much of the data I find is with powders like H414/W760, BLC2, 4320, and others that are temperature sensitive. I presume it’s because this isn’t the hottest, most popular caliber out there. I don’t want to travel half way around the world with loads that can change 80 fps due to temperature swings.
I could find H4350 load data but in some other calibers I have found RL16 to give better velocity, SD’s and as good of accuracy but data was missing for this powder. I also have most of an 8# keg, so that’s obviously another incentive to try it. Without available data, I extrapolated and started quite low, then worked up to this load.
My rifle is an Ackley version so keep that in mind. Velocity doesn’t improve much with the AI version so you might get similar with the standard chamber.
My rifle also has a 26” barrel.
Weatherby (Nosler) 338-06 cases, FLS, third firing.
210 gr Nosler Partition
RL16 proved to show the best velocity with the least pressure. Today I got 2843 FPS with a case full, slightly compressed at 60.0 grains. That’s about equal to 338WM factory loads.
If you try this, start really low, like 56.0 gr and work up, but it seems to be a great powder for this caliber.
I have only done cursory Accuracy testing so far but this rifle seems to be really good with about any load and bullet so far. I’m hopeful this combination will follow suit and I’ll update once I have some more time to shoot more groups.
Hope this helps someone.
