338-06 vs 338 ss

[brockel]

Looking at building either one of these on a tikka action. Both would be lightweight builds. Both will probably be slinging 213 grain hammer hunters. 22” barrel is as long as I’ll go. Does the 338ss offer that much more over the 338-06 to justify the additional cost?

 

[CApighunter]

I think it would depend on whether you’re starting with a magnum or standard boltface action. 338-06 is going to have a hard time fitting in a Tikka mag if you’re trying to load the long slippery bullets as well. That said I have a 21 inch 338-06 Montana and it’ll comfortably do 2800fps with a 205 hammer.

 

[BAKPAKR]

I think it would depend on whether you’re starting with a magnum or standard boltface action. 338-06 is going to have a hard time fitting in a Tikka mag if you’re trying to load the long slippery bullets as well. That said I have a 21 inch 338-06 Montana and it’ll comfortably do 2800fps with a 205 hammer.

What is th overall length of your 205 gr Hammer load?

 

[tdot]

I can't speak from practical experience to the 338-06's performance with the 213HH, but when I looked at these two cartridges I chose the SS primarily due to wanting a shorter action and better performance with that weight class of bullet. My 338ss ran the 213HH a touch North of 3000fps in a 22" barrel. From my original review of the 338-06, it wouldn't touch that performance. Though again I don't have any practical experince with that cartridge.

I unfortunately changed the throating on the 338ss and when completing the work the smith screwed up and increased the throat double what I requested. There isn't alot of play in the seating depth for the 213HH and it shot horribly with 0.150" jump. Now I shoot the 235HH at 2850 and loving it. So whatever you choose, if you want to shoot the 213HH, then I'd ensure the throating is compatible with the bullet.

 

[CApighunter]

What is th overall length of your 205 gr Hammer load?

3.250

 

[brockel]

I think it would depend on whether you’re starting with a magnum or standard boltface action. 338-06 is going to have a hard time fitting in a Tikka mag if you’re trying to load the long slippery bullets as well. That said I have a 21 inch 338-06 Montana and it’ll comfortably do 2800fps with a 205 hammer.

Have the option of starting with either right now. I’m thinking back to when I had a kimber and I think the kimber mag box and tikka are same oal. Have you loaded any 213 hammers? How’d they fit

 

[CApighunter]

Have the option of starting with either right now. I’m thinking back to when I had a kimber and I think the kimber mag box and tikka are same oal. Have you loaded any 213 hammers? How’d they fit

I haven’t tried them, no. The 213 (actually a 210) is .205 longer than the 205gr. I think the 213 may work, but might be pushing the limits of the mag box. I stuck with the 205 because I’m not concerned with BC and wanted maximum expansion as this is a 300 yd and in rifle.

 

[tdot]

You may want to look into the 213HH with the 338-06. I'm not 100% sure, but I was just thinking about that combo and I think they'll be too long for the Tikka, or atleast buried deep in the case to make them work.

 

[hereinaz]

I love the short fat case of the SS... super efficient and accurate when done right.

 

[brockel]

Well I’ve made my decision to go 338 ss. Anyone loading 213 hammers? What powders and velocities?

 

[jeffbtripp]

Well I’ve made my decision to go 338 ss. Anyone loading 213 hammers? What powders and velocities?

how did this build turn out?

 

[brockel]

how did this build turn out?

Ended up trading it before I ever shot it