The 338 Federal?

[SJB358]

Sorry, Scotty, that scope is too handy to sell! The Zeiss Terra series is going to have a 2-7x32. That should be a good scope for levers and single shot cannons?

I agree with that too Charlie. I am keeping my eyes open for them as well.

I would love a 4X Zeiss.. Be a good scope on a few rifles.

 

[Oldtrader3]

I don't know when the Terra's will be relaesed for sale but rebadging should not be a big issue for the US Zeiss plant they are already in production. I already see some being advertized by EuroOptics and others. I really like my 3.5-10x44 Conquest, it is mounted on my super accurate Model 70, .30-06. The 2.5-8x32 is the only spare scope that I presently own.

 

[Rem Jim]

I got my Tikka T3 Lite SS in 338 Federal today in the mail ! I am excited about this rifle - being a long time since i bought anything but a REMMY except for the BLR in 358 Win a while ago !
My first loads will be with the Nosler 210 Partitons and i think with H4895 power and BR2 primers !
Any loads to ahre with me ?

Cheers RJ

 

[gerry]

Great RJ, looking forward to seeing how it shoots.

 

[Oldtrader3]

For the 210 gr Nosler Partition, I use IMR 4064, 47.0 g at almost 2600 fps with BR-2 primers.

 

[DrMike]

I got my Tikka T3 Lite SS in 338 Federal today in the mail ! I am excited about this rifle - being a long time since i bought anything but a REMMY except for the BLR in 358 Win a while ago !
My first loads will be with the Nosler 210 Partitons and i think with H4895 power and BR2 primers !
Any loads to ahre with me ?

Cheers RJ

That is great news. It will undoubtedly be fund to watch the progress as you work up a load.

 

[Oldtrader3]

I got my Tikka T3 Lite SS in 338 Federal today in the mail ! I am excited about this rifle - being a long time since i bought anything but a REMMY except for the BLR in 358 Win a while ago !
My first loads will be with the Nosler 210 Partitons and i think with H4895 power and BR2 primers !
Any loads to ahre with me ?

Cheers RJ

H4895 with the 210 Partitions and BR2's ought to work out great for you. If you can't get a load out of 4895, drop back to IMR 3031 with the 210 Partitions. It will work great too.

 

[orchemo]

Anyone tried 200 gr E-tips in the 338 Fed?

I am happening into a Tikka T3 with a bunch of factory ammo. Will shoot the factory stuff up, then see what I think of the rifle.

I have lots of 200 gr E-tips that I load for my 338 WM. Seems they would be good for the 338 Fed also.

Eric

 

[DrMike]

Anyone tried 200 gr E-tips in the 338 Fed?

I am happening into a Tikka T3 with a bunch of factory ammo. Will shoot the factory stuff up, then see what I think of the rifle.

I have lots of 200 gr E-tips that I load for my 338 WM. Seems they would be good for the 338 Fed also.

Eric

It is my "go to" bullet for the 338 Federal. It does take down a moose right smartly.

 

[runtohunt]

Why not a 325 WSM? A 200 grain AB with a BC of 0.450 at 2800-2900 FPS, would put the Whack on anything in N. America. I would think. In apposition, the 338 fed looks anemic at 2400 to 2500 FPS with a 200 grain silver tip with a BC of 0.414. Just a thought.

 

[DrMike]

Why not a 325 WSM? A 200 grain AB with a BC of 0.450 at 2800-2900 FPS, would put the Whack on anything in N. America. I would think. In apposition, the 338 fed looks anemic at 2400 to 2500 FPS with a 200 grain silver tip with a BC of 0.414. Just a thought.

You are correct. My 325WSM drops moose and elk with boring regularity. The smack down is audible and the rifle performs with aplomb. The 338 Federal compares surprising well to the 325WSM, however. It is just another great cartridge.

 

[Oldtrader3]

Why not a 325 WSM? A 200 grain AB with a BC of 0.450 at 2800-2900 FPS, would put the Whack on anything in N. America. I would think. In apposition, the 338 fed looks anemic at 2400 to 2500 FPS with a 200 grain silver tip with a BC of 0.414. Just a thought.

More like 210 grain Partition at almost 2600, not quite as anemic as you might assume.

 

[SJB358]

You are correct. My 325WSM drops moose and elk with boring regularity. The smack down is audible and the rifle performs with aplomb.

Man, you make it tough on a guy...

 

[DrMike]

I do believe it would be easier to surrender my 300WSM than my 325WSM (just as it would be easier to give up my 270WSM rather than my 7mmWSM); and you know how much I love the 270WSM and the 300WSM.

 

[CatskillCrawler]

I do believe it would be easier to surrender my 300WSM than my 325WSM (just as it would be easier to give up my 270WSM rather than my 7mmWSM); and you know how much I love the 270WSM and the 300WSM.

I own none of the WSMs but my thoughts are akin to this train of thought.

 

[AzDak42]

I have come to find I have a severe affinity for two things: Rifles (Mainly Model 70's and their clones :grin: ) and the 308 family of rounds. I have a 7mm08 already, and I love the rifle; but I have been reading up on the 338 Federal and it has got me itching for another MRC 1999. What can be said about the 338 Federal? Is it a short-action thumper capable of taking big-game such as bears, elk, and moose? Especially hogs in the thick brush...

Back to the original post...

I too am a huge fan of the .308 family of cases. I regularly shoot .243, 7mm08 and .308. But I've yet to jump in on the 338 Federal for one simple reason.. The 35 Whelen. The .308 is a fantastic base case because the rounds built off it are efficient, easy on the shoulder and can be fit into a 6 1/2 pound rifle. But if I'm actually after something that needs .338 sized bullets or bigger, I'd rather have bullets on the heavier side for caliber, I don't care so much about powder efficiency and a 6 1/2 pound rifle with those boomers is a bit jaring.

If I was only ever going to hunt in the heavy woods where shots were 200 yards or less, then it's probably not a bad option...

 

[Oldtrader3]

I am the opposite, being a loyal fan of the calibers based on the .30-06 case (.270, .280, .30-06, .338-06). The only cartridge that I own which was based on the .308 Win case, is the .338 Federal. I have owned a .243 and a .308 Win but preferred the 6mm Rem and .30-06 instead. You only save .375 inches of action (1/2 pound) by going to the .308 case family.

 

[AzDak42]

I am the opposite, being a loyal fan of the calibers based on the .30-06 case (.270, .280, .30-06, .338-06).

Yah.. well.. I like those too! :grin:

I think the only cartridge I've ever taken an instant dislike to is the .40 S&W. Otherwise, I think when asked, the answer is usually.. Yes.

 

[Oldtrader3]

Hmm, I like the.40 S&W but mine is a revolver. Lots of smack and .40 caliber as well! I am a late adopter though and wanted a concealable revolver with knock down. My .45 Colts are too big to carry concealed.

 

[orchemo]

Well I picked up the Tikka 338 Fed today. Came with several boxes of Federal ammo loaded with AB and Barnes bullets. Will shoot it all up and see if the rifle is a keeper. If nothing else will have fun shooting it.

Eric