I am now working up loads for the .338 Win Mag and will later be working up loads for a 30.06. What few powders would you suggest that I have around for these two cartridges? Right now I am using IMR4350. Thanks for any and all advice.
Powders on hand?
- Thread starter 1_pointer
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I always keep IMR 4895, 4350, 4831, 7828, 4320, and 4065 on hand. I also keep H-380, 4895, 4831, 1000, and 870. Winchester 760, 748, 296 on hand. Unique, red dot, 700X, Norma 205, and MRP when I can find it.
Of those listed, 4320, 4065, 4895, 4350, 4831, 748, and 760 all have applications with the -06. My suggestion is to pick one or two in the mid range and start there. I am set up to load over 60 different calibers including wildcats, so I have a considerable stock. You never know when someone might say, "Smile, I need 500 rounds of 7mm Wapiti by tomorrow morning."........
Of those listed, 4320, 4065, 4895, 4350, 4831, 748, and 760 all have applications with the -06. My suggestion is to pick one or two in the mid range and start there. I am set up to load over 60 different calibers including wildcats, so I have a considerable stock. You never know when someone might say, "Smile, I need 500 rounds of 7mm Wapiti by tomorrow morning."........
Nodak Hunter
New member
I have found the best dual purpose powder for both the .338 and the 30-06 to be Vihtavouri N160, if you can find it. It's burning rate is right in between 4350 and 4831, very similar to Re 19, which is also an excellent dual purpose powder. 4350 should work well for both, as will 4831.
Of course, what turns out to be the best powder for one particular caliber may not be the best for the other. If you use different weight bullets for the same caliber, you may find two different powders that work best that way also.
Fortunately for me, for 210, 225, and 250 grain bullets in my .338, N160 works best. It is also the best powder for my '06 with 180 grain bullets.
One word of advice, before you go nuts with powders. You currently have 4350. That's one of the most versatile powders going. If I were you, I would probably get a pound of slower burning powder to try in the .338, like RE 22, N160, or 4831. With the 4350 and one of those, I can almost guarantee you'll find the right combination of velocity and accuracy for just about any weight bullet you'd want to try in either caliber.
Of course, what turns out to be the best powder for one particular caliber may not be the best for the other. If you use different weight bullets for the same caliber, you may find two different powders that work best that way also.
Fortunately for me, for 210, 225, and 250 grain bullets in my .338, N160 works best. It is also the best powder for my '06 with 180 grain bullets.
One word of advice, before you go nuts with powders. You currently have 4350. That's one of the most versatile powders going. If I were you, I would probably get a pound of slower burning powder to try in the .338, like RE 22, N160, or 4831. With the 4350 and one of those, I can almost guarantee you'll find the right combination of velocity and accuracy for just about any weight bullet you'd want to try in either caliber.
Nodak Hunter
New member
One other thing. Once I find the "ultimate" load for a given caliber, I go to the store where I bought the powder and stock up on that lot number.
I currently have eight pounds of N160 from the same lot, and six pounds of RE 22 from the same lot. The jugs hold a lot more than what comes in them, so I can consolidate canisters to save shelf space.
It also makes it harder for my better half to keep track of my powder purchasing habits.
I currently have eight pounds of N160 from the same lot, and six pounds of RE 22 from the same lot. The jugs hold a lot more than what comes in them, so I can consolidate canisters to save shelf space.
It also makes it harder for my better half to keep track of my powder purchasing habits.
One more tip for those of you thinking about starting a powder collection. If you can get an old refrigerator that no longer works, they make a great powder safe. They are well insulated and almost impossible to get to burn. I have one that I've put a hasp and lock on and it works great.
Calif. Hunter
Active member
That is a great tip, Dan! I never thought of using an old refrigerator. (Legally, here in Kalifornia, we have to have "unused" refrigerators locked or the door removed. That makes sense anywhere, though, since if a kid gets in one and shuts the door, he can't get out and suffocates.)
CH, Most referigerators are now made with magnetic locks. They will no longer trap kids inside. I remember when kids used to get killed inside discarded referigerators though. Now they get left in cars, during the summer time in Arizona by Moms who have to shop. If it's not one thing, it's something else.
Anyway, the old referigerator works great.
Anyway, the old referigerator works great.
Danr one more thing that I just saw here lately, a guy has his powder stored as you say in an old refrigerator, and to keep his powder dry inside there, he drilled a 5/8" hole in the top of it and rigged it so that the 15watt light stayed on inside. The light generates enough heat to keep the moisture driven out.
The reason for the hole is to allow excess heat out. He said he got the Idea from his welding shop days, that was how he kept his welding rod dry.
WD
The reason for the hole is to allow excess heat out. He said he got the Idea from his welding shop days, that was how he kept his welding rod dry.
Wayne, I don't have a lot of problem with moisture here. If you lived in a humid environment, that would be an excellent idea though.
I used to use a refrigerator to dry gunstocks after oil finishing. I rigged the button in the door to stay on all the time and used a 40 watt bulb. It would dry a gunstock with one coat of tongue oil in about 12 hours. Worked like a champ. I can see where a 15 watt bulb would keep moisture away.
I used to use a refrigerator to dry gunstocks after oil finishing. I rigged the button in the door to stay on all the time and used a 40 watt bulb. It would dry a gunstock with one coat of tongue oil in about 12 hours. Worked like a champ. I can see where a 15 watt bulb would keep moisture away.
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