never given the 338fed a second look before i ran QL and QT numbers (not verified) w/16" barrel using lapua 250 loc/base fmj's @ 2.870". QT shows @ 1k yards it's still super with less than 60 moa in drop. so i changed the barrel to 20" and drop is just over 52moa. i was thinking of making it a sub gun, but it might be a fun varmint gun! i haven't figured out how to paste or load QL or QT info yet. powders used were big game, 760 and 15 (17 was a bit much). it's like having 45-70 velocities with better bc's.
somewhat impressed
- Thread starter TexasLife
- Start date
- Nov 4, 2004
- 27,152
- 13,679
It’s a big stick in a small bundle
JD338
JD338
Divernhunter
Handloader
- Apr 1, 2009
- 827
- 185
I have a 338Fed rifle and like it. I shoot Barnes bullets since I am stuck in Calif and it works just great.
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 38,200
- 8,314
I like the 338 Fed. Mine has only accounted for one moose, but the rifle performed in fine fashion for me.
Blkram
Handloader
- Nov 25, 2013
- 3,471
- 4,407
I have two rifles chambered in the 338 Federal, and am enjoying the performance of this cartridge on game.
As I hunt larger game mostly with these rifles, I am focusing more on the heavier bullets such as the 200 and 210 grainers, which provide the minimum recommended sectional density (0.250) for big game, for more reliable penetration on the larger animals with heavier muscle and bone, and more mass to penetrate to the vitals.
My bolt action is performing well with the 200 gr bullets, both the Federal Blue Box with the Speer 200 gr Uni-Cor and the 200 gr Trophy Copper ammunition. I want to develop a great load with the 200 gr AccuBond in this rifle. Powder candidates include BL-C2, CFE 223, Win 748, Big Game, and Re-15.
My lever action is doing well with the 210 gr Partition ammo.
It is nice to know that even should I want to use the lighter bullets (180-185 gr) for smaller big game, that the additional velocity does provide energies in excess of 2000 ft lbs past 200 yards, and close to 1500 ft lbs of energy out to almost 400 yards, with enough velocity for reliable expansion, and similar drops at that distance.
As I hunt larger game mostly with these rifles, I am focusing more on the heavier bullets such as the 200 and 210 grainers, which provide the minimum recommended sectional density (0.250) for big game, for more reliable penetration on the larger animals with heavier muscle and bone, and more mass to penetrate to the vitals.
My bolt action is performing well with the 200 gr bullets, both the Federal Blue Box with the Speer 200 gr Uni-Cor and the 200 gr Trophy Copper ammunition. I want to develop a great load with the 200 gr AccuBond in this rifle. Powder candidates include BL-C2, CFE 223, Win 748, Big Game, and Re-15.
My lever action is doing well with the 210 gr Partition ammo.
It is nice to know that even should I want to use the lighter bullets (180-185 gr) for smaller big game, that the additional velocity does provide energies in excess of 2000 ft lbs past 200 yards, and close to 1500 ft lbs of energy out to almost 400 yards, with enough velocity for reliable expansion, and similar drops at that distance.
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