.338 Federal on game

S

Scout

New member
Has anyone here used the .338 Federal on game? I can guess as to the probable effects based on the published data, but I'm interested in your real world experiences. Thanks in advance...
 
A hunting buddy uses an 18" Encore loaded with the 200 gr Accubond - handloads with 1/2 MOA - and the deer and hogs have dropped like rocks. Very impressive to watch.
 
interesting

Not shooting a .338 Fed, but I sure like the concept. Faster and flatter than its neglected brother, the .358, and head and shoulders above the grand old .35 Rem, And .33 premium slugs are abundant and give another edge over .35 cal., which may be an advantage over the .35 Whelen. And its a short action ctg to boot.

Federal, Tikka, and all others who supported the ctg deserve a big attaboy, but it seems like the jury is still out on the round itself.

I have pondered a scout type rifle in .358 for quite a few years, never scratched the itch. The .338 fed would be an interesting alternative for a thumper scout.
 
I'm not shooting one either, but I agree. It is a great concept. Recoil is supposed to be the same as an 06' firing 180 grain bullets. That's not bad for the smack your laying down with a potent .338 and it's in a short action. I would love a new ruger hawkeye .338 fed.
 
Over the last several years, I've shot five deer with the 338 federal, using the 200 grain Speer at about 2500 fps. All were shot at ranges under 125 yards. The load flattened four of them on the spot, and the other ran about 30 yards leaving a heavy blood trail. Meat damage was minimal, even with shoulder shots.
 
I REALLY like the idea of the .338 Federal. The downside is a very limited number of rifles chambered in it and an even more limited supply of ammo. Last time I looked, only Federal itself was producing it.
 
I don't know why I was just thinking "deer". I've killed two feral hogs with my .338 Federal and both dropped immediatly. One was shot though the spine at 20 yards and the second thru the lungs at 80 yards. It's kills fast and doesn't tear up a lot of meat.
 
Federal carefully adjusts the primer and powder to get the maximum performance. Since you don't have those special primer and powder you can' t reload to the same performance !!
 
I got more velocity and better accuracy with my handloads - at least compared to Federal's 200 gr. Fusion load. I used reformed Remington .308 Winchester brass (more capacity) and seated out closer to the lands to do it. It would have been easier with ball powder but I prefer stick powder in my hunting loads.
 
I heard recently that Federal is going to start selling brass for the .338. I'm sure that at least a few of the other big name ammo producers will have their own .338 federal offerings soon. It's been one of those cartridges I've been rooting for, but it hasn't really become popular yet.
 
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