Thoughts on a 338 Federal?

[FlaTarheel]

After a wet deer hunt with my wood stocked, blued barrel 25-06 I decided I needed an weather proof deer rifle. I found a Ruger Hawkeye all weather in .338 Fed. at a good price and bought it. I load a 185 Barnes at 2650 and I have a 250 yard load that gives me complete penetration on everything I've shot so far. I could not be more pleased.
I have several deer rifles: Win. pre 64 .243, Rem. 600 6mm, Ruger 77 25-06, Brno combo in 12 ga over 7mm rimed and custom 98 mauser 300 win.
If I hunted in the west, I'm sure the 25-06 would be my choice. I hunt in the east. The .338 is my go-to. Jack O'Conner wrote that the ideal deer load would be a .338 caliber at 2500 fps. I like mine.

 

[K22]

My thoughts - interesting cartridge for sure - a real "hammer" but don't see the need to for it. For medium size big game the 308, 270 and 30 06 will do it all. If you'r going to hunt large big game such a elk or moose the 300 Win will do it well. If you want a size fits all I'd opt for the 30 06 with 180 grain bullets or the 7MM magnum. Why not go with standard cartridges where ammo is available everywhere.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

My thoughts - interesting cartridge for sure - a real "hammer" but don't see the need to for it. For medium size big game the 308, 270 and 30 06 will do it all. If you'r going to hunt large big game such a elk or moose the 300 Win will do it well. If you want a size fits all I'd opt for the 30 06 with 180 grain bullets or the 7MM magnum. Why not go with standard cartridges where ammo is available everywhere.

Because we 'hand load' and build custom rifles. Therefor factory ammo availability doesn't have much precedence amongst this community of shooters.

 

[leadburner]

Hey Mattri. I had my smith build what he calls a 338-08. Which is basically a 338 federal improved with a 40* shoulder. Been working up a load the last couple of months & really like the rifle. Using a 215 Seirra gameking at 2480 fps & shooting 1/2 moa consistently. It will absolutely knock the snot out of a piece of steel out to 300 yards. Can't wait to try it on whitetail this fall. Good luck with what ever you choose to build.

I have now suppressed my 338/08 & shooting subsonic loads still using the 215gn gameking. I took 3 white tail with it last year. One at 30 yards & the other two at 95 & 100. Two ran about 40 yards & the last barely made it out of the lane. The loudest noise was the Sierra striking meat. I wouldn't go any longer with the subs on game but where I hunt that's not a problem. Full power loads work to. LOL. Anyway I'm still pleased & enjoying my rifle.

 

[K22]

Because we 'hand load' and build custom rifles. Therefor factory ammo availability doesn't have much precedence amongst this community of shooters.

So do I and haven't shot factory ammo in 40 years (except 22 rimfire) but it's always nice to be able to go to the local gun shop went traveling and know that you can get ammo in case your reloads do show up in baggage claim.

 

[Wapiti Retlas]

Heck yes, go for the 338 Federal. The benefits are awesome. Shoots as flat as a 308, has more foot pounds and speed is nearly the same BUT, with a 200 grain bullet. Just sayen. Awesome deer rifle, If you get one with the synthetic stock, the weight is minimal. There should never be any caliber made that we as shooters, condemn. I love the fact so many changes come about. You will love the 338 Federal, recoil is light. Accuracy good. Nice short threaded barrel.

 

[Racebannon3855]

I went through the same thought process a few years ago. A local gunsmith had a 338-06 barrel for a Mauser and a local dealer had a Mark X Mauser in 30-06 that had been on the rack for years. After a little horse trading I ended up with all the parts. The guy that helped me square up the action and finish the barrel was a huge help and the rifle turned out to be a real hammer. It almost matches Finn Aagard's rifle from years ago. Mine is painted in textured Rust-Oleum and wears a 1.5-4 Leupold, I put function ahead of form.

In my experience the 215 gr Sierra game King will not open up at 338-06 velocity, it will open up up at 338 Win Mag velocity. For my use the 200 grain Speer at 2500 fps opens up great and still exits on deer. If I get a chance to hunt tougher critters I might go with the 210 gr Partition. I have a 1903 Springfield that was sporterized in the 1950s. It has great wood and deep blueing, but almost no rifling. When I save up enough I am going to have it rebored and I will have a second 338-06.

If the Mauser that I found had been a short action I would have gone 338 Federal. It's cool to be different and even better when different works really good.

 

[Sniper338]

My only drawback is cost of 338 boolits gor a smaller case... but I havent shot anything but bergers. If hornadys were affordable maybe the route to go..

Its a wolloping 30-30 in my book. As in 30-30 with more punch... if that makes any since. Ita def kill anything within 250 yards or so

 

[284winner]

Kicking around the idea of a 338 Federal- anyone here have any experience with one?

Would mostly be for hunting med game, deer, pigs, maybe elk if we ever get back west to hunt.

Like the idea of something a little different, I reload so no issues trying to find ammo.

Would probably play with at the range through the off seasons, we have a local one that goes to 600, might be fun.

Thoughts?

What the hell, I say go for it. It's not what anyone else thinks, it's what you think. Great to get some ideas on a cartridge but don't let anyone talk you out of something you want to try. There's a ton of options out there as you know for pigs, deer and elk. Your choosing one that's an odd ball round. Under dog so to speak. Buy it and post your results. Then maybe some of the doubters will think differently about the 338 federal. I'm sure it will do what you expect It too.