somewhat impressed

[TexasLife]

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.

 

[JD338]

It’s a big stick in a small bundle

JD338

 

[Divernhunter]

I have a 338Fed rifle and like it. I shoot Barnes bullets since I am stuck in Calif and it works just great.

 

[DrMike]

I like the 338 Fed. Mine has only accounted for one moose, but the rifle performed in fine fashion for me.

 

[Blkram]

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.

 

[Teknys]

I too have 338F and load 200 and 210gn. Both deer and elk. Bang the gongs out to 450 with my hunting loads.

 

[salmonchaser]

I have often thought the 338 Federal in an AR platform the perfect ( 16 inch barrel, collapsing stock, reflex sight, light and a good tactical sling) float plane, boat or truck gun for Alaska. I was set to have one built a couple years ago but didn’t get around to it. For a working rifle while guiding fishing the sling is the ticket. With a good tactical sling you can keep the rifle snug against your chest, mend leaders, tie on flys, land fish and have the rifle always available.

 

[Blkram]

I have often thought the 338 Federal in an AR platform the perfect ( 16 inch barrel, collapsing stock, reflex sight, light and a good tactical sling) float plane, boat or truck gun for Alaska. I was set to have one built a couple years ago but didn’t get around to it. For a working rifle while guiding fishing the sling is the ticket. With a good tactical sling you can keep the rifle snug against your chest, mend leaders, tie on flys, land fish and have the rifle always available.

I forget which Nosler Reloading Guide has the intro for the 338 Federal, where the author used it in an AR to stop a marauding grizzly bear, but he seemed to believe that it was the right platform for this potent round for such duty.

I first became interested in the 308-338 when it was being discussed in various articles back in the 90's. I was happy when Federal legitimized the wildcat, and began making plans to have the new 338 Federal chambered in a Winchester Model 88 with a 20" barrel, as we cannot use ARs for hunting here in Canada (and now they are banned completely). It was the one cartridge that I would have been interested in on the AR platform if we could have used it for hunting. Although a LH Browning BAR would be interesting...
It had some feeding issues at first that the gunsmith got figured out, and it performs just fine today. I took my best caribou to date with it in 2018 at 158 yards with the Federal 210 gr Partition ammo. I carry it as back up or for tracking wounded game in the thick timber, when I hunt with my bolt action 338 Federal (a LH Sako Model 85 Finnlight II).

 

[6mm Remington]

My good friend has a 338 Federal and it has surely performed for him. He has taken deer, antelope, several elk, and one bison bull with it. Big stick in a small package.

 

[TexasLife]

It seems I'll made a good choice for a cartridge. Now to test it out with it arrives.

 

[Ralt71]

I have always thought about them, but never owned or shot one. What's the mannerism on recoil and muzzle lift like with these in a standard sized rifle? Not super heavy and not a lightweight set up.