Thread: .338/06 Acklel IMP

I wanted to have more hunts with the new shooting iron before i posted but covid19 stopped that. After this blows over i will unleash it again. So here is an ' up to now ' report some housebound hunters might like to read.
It was getting close to xmas when Truflite got it finished. (thanks Grant & Athony )
Laminated Tikka, Trueflite 1-9" .338 barrel and VX-5 3-15 Leupold. DPT mag suppressor.
After a quick load test with the 180gr Accu-Bond @ 3025fps i hit the kawekas. In the five days i shot 5 ranging from 150yd - 380yd. All but 1 dropped on the spot and the bullets passed through even angle shots that went through huge grass filled gutbags.

Over xmas i tried a selection of bullets. 250gr Hornady R nose, 225gr Nosler partition,210gr Barnes TTSX, 225gr Federal fusion, 225gr Hornady SST,185gr Barnes TTSX, They all shot well, .5 @ 100yd and 1" @ 200yd showed it probably can shoot a lot better than i can consistently. I chose the 225gr Federal fusion to try this roar but only shot 3 big reds before lockdown.
The fusion seemed to work well, opening up quick under the skin and pushing a big hole through anything in its way Photo of in hole with the bullet found under the skin on back leg.

That's good velocity for the 180gn AB. What barrel length?

22 inch. barrel as i was always going to suppress and thought that it would be a good length vs handiness.
180gr AB. 61grs AR2208 = 3025 fps
225 Fusion 63grs AR2209 = 2700 fps
250gr RN 61grs AR2209 =2550 fps
I havn't tried other powders and maybe i can improve on these but they shoot well and go fast enough so i might not even try

Cool outfit that, nice stock, must have got that off a Bloody Good Sort Eh ?

You getting a bit bored bud ?

Thats a hammer right there , what’s the recoil like compared to standard 3006 ?

I think Newton had a theory about opposite but equal reactions that would indicate it recoils more but in the real world with recoil pads and suppressors its about the same

Originally Posted by 338MAN mk2

22 inch. barrel as i was always going to suppress and thought that it would be a good length vs handiness.
180gr AB. 61grs AR2208 = 3025 fps
225 Fusion 63grs AR2209 = 2700 fps
250gr RN 61grs AR2209 =2550 fps
I havn't tried other powders and maybe i can improve on these but they shoot well and go fast enough so i might not even try

Excellent. I wouldn't bother with other powders if it shoots well. ADI is usually easy to get.
I was keen on a 338 Federal for my bush gun but the 308 was just easier. If I ever have to replace the barrel (which I doubt) I might go that way.

Originally Posted by Shearer

.....I was keen on a 338 Federal for my bush gun but the 308 was just easier. If I ever have to replace the barrel (which I doubt) I might go that way.

Of course, 338MAN mK2 has one of those as well.

That .338/06 Ackley IMP is rifleman's wet dream. I've seen it in action at the range and some of the deer it's pole axed. Of course it helps that 338MAN mK2 is a superb hunter and an excellent shot and can put those fat bullets where he wants them to go.

MMM 338, my first magnum was a 338WM. Fast lead, big holes and recoil. I loved it.

Those velocities are only slightly slower than my 338 win mag with similar weight bullets. The 338 certainly hit with authority.

Yea thanks Mooseman, you're right. only 100 fps slower out of a barrel 2 inches shorter.
Ive used the 338 win mag over 15 years but find the new gun better to carry and shoot. FPS never killed a deer, the bullet does

Whilst I dont have one of these in my sights for a project I've been dreaming/considering a 338-303 for an enfield project one day. Bit like a 338 marlin but wouldnt have to dick about with making it feeding.

I have been using the standard 338/06 in a Weatherby Mark V Ultra Lightweight 5 3/4lbs for years & it has been awesome, (I really like the 30/06 to) didn't find the recoil heavy at all in the Weatherby, I like the 9.3X62 as well, now that can give some push with the heavy slugs !

While the 338/303 is also a fine cartridge, just doesn't seem right in a BSA sporter or Lee Speed type rifle, 7X57R 8X57R 35/303. 375/303 or Express seem to fit the idea better I think ?

There definitely is a fascination with medium bores, I'm liking my 9.3x57 more and more and I've got a 38/55 single shot on the go at present. Mate just brought a 375 H&H and another's got a 45/70 lever gun.