338 Federal

[Rem Jim]

I should have my 338 Federal by spring. It will wear a PacNor barrel. My 35 Whelen wears a Hart. Either will do you well. I agree that stainless has appeal, though I'm not afraid of a chromoly barrel. My chromoly barrels are all Teflon coated. I really like the Teflon finish and it gives me good service here in the Peace. Powder coating is tougher still.

Hi DR Mike - you are building a 338 federal also with a pac nor barrel - will it be a 5 twist 10 inch or ? ssteel or cmoly ? lenght and contour ? on what action ? thsk and Cheers RJ

 

[Rem Jim]

I should have my 338 Federal by spring. It will wear a PacNor barrel. My 35 Whelen wears a Hart. Either will do you well. I agree that stainless has appeal, though I'm not afraid of a chromoly barrel. My chromoly barrels are all Teflon coated. I really like the Teflon finish and it gives me good service here in the Peace. Powder coating is tougher still.

Hi DR Mike - you are building a 338 federal also with a pac nor barrel - will it be a 5 twist 10 inch or ? ssteel or cmoly ? lenght and contour ? on what action ? thsk and Cheers RJ

Sorry ! Dr Mike - i asked you this before -AND i think you are using a m70 action and a 10 twist -what contour and lenght though please ? Cheers RJ

 

[DrMike]

It is a 24 inch pipe, #3 sporter.

 

[IdahoCTD]

RJ,

I have a Rock Creek #4 fluted .338 barrel I'm probably going to get rid of that would be perfect for a .338 Federal or .338-06 if your interested. The flutes end at 21.25" so you could probably do as short as 22". It's a 26+" blank. I'd like to get the 350.00 I have in it. Let me know if your interested.

Nathan

 

[35 Whelen]

What a great build keep us posted how it all comes out. I am actually thinking of doing a one off in this caliber as well. You will laugh when I tell you what I am thinking. I have a spare Savage 99 barrel that is mint in .308 it is a featherweight that I pulled from a nice 1957 gun and replaced with a .358 barrel. I have been toying around with the thought of having that barrel rebored to .338 and sticking it on a frame I have here . What would be wrong with a .338 Federal in a Savage 99 Featherweight for hunting in dark timber??? Use 210s for most of it and 250/or the new 300gr Nosler for the down and dirty stuff?? Think I should do it??? I know I still have a nice piece of Black Walnut from Mo that has been laying around upstairs in the shop for years that I bought when Fajen went outta bussiness , it was the mate to the blanks I made the stocks for the 1899 I have posted before on here and about 3X in quality. I guess it would be the only one around???

 

[BK]

Nothing wrong with a .338 in a 99... in fact, if Savage ever starts building the 99 again, I could see me buying one if offered.

 

[Oldtrader3]

If they can make a .358 Win Model 99 Savage that worked as well as it did, the .338 Federal should be a snap for a fine wood's rifle. All for it!

 

[SJB358]

Go for it Earle! That stock on that 99 in the picture is unreal! What a hunk of wood!

 

[Rem Jim]

I have decided to order a Ron Smith gain twist ss barrel for my 338 Fed build after much dilemma !
I think i have made a good decision !

Cheers Rj

 

[gerry]

I have decided to order a Ron Smith gain twist ss barrel for my 338 Fed build after much dilemma !
I think i have made a good decision !

Cheers Rj

Aha! Was wondering what it would be, I'm sure it will be good Jim. How long till it is in your hands?

 

[Rem Jim]

I have decided to order a Ron Smith gain twist ss barrel for my 338 Fed build after much dilemma !
I think i have made a good decision !

Cheers Rj

Aha! Was wondering what it would be, I'm sure it will be good Jim. How long till it is in your hands?

Couple months ! Oh well ! RJ

 

[DrMike]

That's actually pretty fast, Jim.

 

[nvbroncrider]

Took 4 months for my tube.

 

[Rem Jim]

That's actually pretty fast, Jim.

Hi Mike - yea well we will see in 2 months won't we ? :?:

Cheers RJ :grin:

 

[BillPa]

I also would appreciate any insight as to which powders and primers have worked in the .338 Federal.

H4895/ BR2 / Lapua brass.

Three 215 Sierras @100 (2510fps). 180 ABs ( 2640 Fps) shot about the same.

Bill

 

[Oldtrader3]

I have been using three different loads in my .338 Federal. They are:

-180 gr Nosler BT, 45.0 gr, IMR 3031 @ 2700 fps, CCI 200 primers and Federal cases.
-200 gr Hornady Interbonds, 47.5 gr, IMR 4064 @ 2580 fps.
-210 Nosler Partitions, 47.0 gr, IMR 4064 @ 2540 fps.

These loads are not really hot and are chronographed at 15 feet and accuracy is right at MOA for the Partitions and about 3/4 MOA for the other two bullets in Sako, Model 85 with Kahles 3-9x42 scope at 100 yards.

Factory Federal 200 gr ammo runs at MOA consistantly.

 

[DrMike]

That is an excellent group, Bill. I hope mine shoots as well.

 

[Oldtrader3]

Bill, mine shoots groups like that with the 180 and 200 gr bullets. The 210 Partitions are very good as well but I always have one flyer about a half inch out of the group. Also I am using Federal and Hornady Match (.308) cases. The Lapua cases may be different in weight. I will try some Lapua cases soon, I really like their quality.

Good groups in your rifle, looks like it is a shooter!

 

[Gm weatherby man]

Reading all your posts sure makes a guys mouth water, and wallet twitch. I would be happy if browning or savage built a rifle for the 338 federal in a lever action.:grin:

 

[Rem Jim]

I sure hope mine is ready by august to sight in and shoot it a bit by the time i need ? it to hunt with ! LOL

Cheers RJ