Federal Brass for .338-06 Project

doceaux · January 11, 2016, 09:02 AM

Have dies coming in today for new 338-06 rifle. Have a lot of 30-06 brass in Federal, Rem and Win. Leaning toward the Federal brass for resizing to 338-06. Has any one used these components and what results did you have with them.

steveno · January 11, 2016, 09:22 AM

I have always like Federal brass with Winchester as a second choice. I don't care for Remington brass at all

condor bravo · January 11, 2016, 09:50 AM

Since the Federal cases are heavier and especially thicker in the neck, thereby probably resulting in better bullet to neck tension after sizing and seating, would probably be the best choice. Winchester brass, although good with the mag calibers, seems to provide the least neck tension while remaining as '06, and would stay that way when necked up. Remingtons should fall in between.

F. Guffey · January 11, 2016, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Have dies coming in today for new 338-06 rifle. Have a lot of 30-06 brass in Federal, Rem and Win. Leaning toward the Federal brass for resizing to 338-06. Has any one used these components and what results did you have with them.

Yes I have, I would use all three, four or five. After firing I tumble, when sorting after tumbling there is nothing that makes more sense than using different head stamps when sorting brass. As you can see it is assumed case bodies are thicker and or thinner. I have 30/06 cases that have thin case heads and thick case bodies and I have 30/06 cases with thick case heads and thin case bodies.

Then there is a problem with reloaders that do not measure before and again after. If you neck the 30/06 case up to 338 the case will shorten at least .035”, same thing happens when necking the 30/06 case up to 35 Whelen. I have formed wildcat cases using 30/06 cases. During forming and firing the cases shortened .045”.

Point? I would suggest you anneal the 30/06 cases unless they are new/unfired. I have purchased 1,000s of pull down 30/06 cases from Pat’s reloading in Ohio and other places for the sole purpose for forming.

I started to build a 338/06 then changed my mind. I built a 338x280 Remington. The case body on the 280 Remington is longer than the 30/06 case body by .051”. I used 280 Remington cases. The 280 Remington case is .041” longer than the 30/06 case, when the case was necked up it shortened.

F. Guffey

January 11, 2016, 09:02 AM	#1
doceaux Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 124	Federal Brass for .338-06 Project Have dies coming in today for new 338-06 rifle. Have a lot of 30-06 brass in Federal, Rem and Win. Leaning toward the Federal brass for resizing to 338-06. Has any one used these components and what results did you have with them.

January 11, 2016, 09:50 AM	#3
condor bravo Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2014 Location: Nevada/Ariz/CA Posts: 1,753	Since the Federal cases are heavier and especially thicker in the neck, thereby probably resulting in better bullet to neck tension after sizing and seating, would probably be the best choice. Winchester brass, although good with the mag calibers, seems to provide the least neck tension while remaining as '06, and would stay that way when necked up. Remingtons should fall in between. __________________ Ouch, the dreaded "M-1 thumb", you just know it will happen eventually, so why not do it now and get it over with?? Last edited by condor bravo; January 11, 2016 at 10:01 AM.

January 11, 2016, 09:22 AM	#2
steveno Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2004 Location: Minden , Nebraska Posts: 1,407	I have always like Federal brass with Winchester as a second choice. I don't care for Remington brass at all