338 Marlin Express vs 338 Federal

T

tahoe2

New member
one is a lever, one is a bolt (doesn't matter, I like both), I reload, so ammo availability is not an issue.
Opinions on performance is what I'm asking, the prey will be deer, black bear, and elk. Accuracy only needs to effective for a clean kill out to 300 yds or so.
Ranges will possibly be 300 yds at most, but typically less than 200, around 75-150 will be the norm. So let me have it !!
 
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AFAIK the Federal round will produce better energy in factory guise, since both use different powders. (IIRC, the .338ME's propietary)

Since you'll be handloading with commercially-available powders, they'll be virtually ballistic twins - so, I'd say go with whichever rifle you prefer or can get a better deal on.



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Looks like Ramshot Big Game will be your huckleberry in the .338 ME capable of delivering near factory velocities with 200 grain bullets. However, I'm not a lever guy so I'd prefer the .338 Fed over the ME. Plus the Fed offers a little more velocity and a much, much larger variety of bullet options.
 
You'll be limited in bullet selection with the Marlin Expess. Only flat nose, round nose and special flex tips. The Federal will take any .338 bullet.
 
You'll be limited in bullet selection with the Marlin Expess. Only flat nose, round nose and special flex tips. The Federal will take any .338 bullet.
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This.

I like both bolts and lever actions but I think if I had the choice i'd go bolt every time. The lever may be capable of higher rate of fire but all the advantages of a bolt far outweigh that IMO.
 
Why not look at a Browning BLR...lever action, bolt strength and range of calibres...plus a magazine so no restrictions on projectile choice.... Nothing in 338 but they do 325, 358 and 450marlin etc....
 
If you hunt east of the Cascades, 338 Federal in a bolt action. West of the Cascades, let the rifle you like determite the cartridge.
 
At short ranges both are a tie. At ranges over 100 yards the Federal wins by a bunch. You don't say which bolt rifle, but you can usually get a bolt rifle that is lighter, and more accurate than any lever. Especially the Marlin's in larger calibers which are hefty.

I'd pick another caliber alltogether, but between the 2 the 338 Fed in the right rifle would be my pick.
 
I say federal cus of bullet choice and the fact it's parent case is the 308 win .

308 cases are a plenty not so much for the 338ME or it's parent case the 376 Steyr
 
They're both very good cartridges but .308 rifle shooting 180 grain bullets is still a very good big game cartrdige for elk and moose.

Jack
 
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