338 Federal

[6pt-sika]

Anyone laid eyes or hands on a 338 Federal rifle ?

I've only seen them mentioned in the Sako stuff , so I assume thats the only rifle they are being chambered in so far.

Sure would like to see one in a Remington Model 7 CDL :drinks:

[6pt-sika]

This 338 Federal would be another fine addition that I do not need but sure would like.

Thought about building one of these a few years ago when I read the article Ken Waters wrote about the 338-08 . My two favourite bolt cartridges now are the 243 and 260 . With the 7-08 following closely.
Used to not care for the 308 even thou I've owned a bunch over the years . This past summer I got a old model Ruger 77RSI in 308 mounted a 2.5-8 leupold and killed a couple deer , those were the first for me ever with a 308.
Had a 358 WIN in an old model Ruger 77R , and sold it .
But I believe this 338 should be a very intresting cartridge . Now if remington would just pick up the chambering.

[9.3X62AL]

Just my ancient and decrepit attitude at work here.....but the 30-06 seems to be at its best when necked up from its original dimensions, and the 308 when necked down from same.

About the smallest 338 diameter bullet out there is 180 grains--at this weight, the 308 starts to really get strained as a hunting caliber. The 338-06 just seems like a better idea to me, esp. with a Nosler 210 Partition. The 338 Federal might be at its best as a cast boolit platform--1-10" twist, 200 grain flatpoint (RCBS makes one), might get to 33 Winchester ballistics with a little effort and R&D.

[6pt-sika]

Just my ancient and decrepit attitude at work here.....but the 30-06 seems to be at its best when necked up from its original dimensions, and the 308 when necked down from same.

About the smallest 338 diameter bullet out there is 180 grains--at this weight, the 308 starts to really get strained as a hunting caliber. The 338-06 just seems like a better idea to me, esp. with a Nosler 210 Partition. The 338 Federal might be at its best as a cast boolit platform--1-10" twist, 200 grain flatpoint (RCBS makes one), might get to 33 Winchester ballistics with a little effort and R&D.


With the 06 cases I tend to like the 25-06 and 280 the best . Although I've shot a couple 6.5-06's that were pretty decent . Did the 35 Whelan thing for awhile , its alright but I didn't really like it. The 338-06 might be alright but I've never had my hands on one.
I shoot the cast stuff in the levers and I have an 1898 Krag . But the new bolt guns I've not strayed from jacketed bullets .
I've talked with quite a few people that were proponents of the 358 WIN . If they thought it was alright the 338-08 should be just as good if not better.
I have no real need for heavy hitters even thou I have quite a few . I'm probably one of a very few people in VA to shoot whitetail deer with a 416 REM MAG and a 375 H&H MAG .
Something about that 338-08 concept intrests me .
Part of it I suppose is my affection for short action bolt guns and Remington Model 7's in particuler . I believe if I ever find a factory gun I like in 338 Federal , I will most likely shoot the 180 and 200 Nosler BT's . And also the Nosler 210 Partition .

[felix]

14 twist is about right, if not a tad fast, for 200 grainer boolits in 338 caliber. ... felix

[waksupi]

We're just finishing up one at work. Shot into about 1/2 MOA, at 2700 fps, condum bullets.
Ok round I guess, but why get this, when you can have a .358 Win? [smilie=1:

[6pt-sika]

We're just finishing up one at work. Shot into about 1/2 MOA, at 2700 fps, condum bullets.
Ok round I guess, but why get this, when you can have a .358 Win? [smilie=1:


I've had the 358 WIN , 35 Whelan and 350 REM MAG . But I've never owned a 338 caliber and I like stuff that fits in short actions :drinks:

[StarMetal]

Waksupi,

Why get a 338-08? Maybe it recoils a tad less then the 358. There's not alot of bullet difference between .338 and .358. I agree with you the 358 Win is a heck of a good round that never got all the fan fare it deserved. That 2700 fps you recorded thate what weight bullet? If it 200 gr or up that sure isn't snuffing along.

Joe

[Four Fingers of Death]

Waksupi,

Why get a 338-08? Maybe it recoils a tad less then the 358. There's not alot of bullet difference between .338 and .358. I agree with you the 358 Win is a heck of a good round that never got all the fan fare it deserved. That 2700 fps you recorded thate what weight bullet? If it 200 gr or up that sure isn't snuffing along.

Joe

If you have a 358 and you are happy with it, I see no reason to buy a 338Federal. However, if you don't it is a very nice package and will no doubt have more available factory ammo available (if that is an issue).

[TCLouis]

Did Federal stick to 338-08 specs when they did their cartridge?


I just want it legitimized so dies will get into the reasonable category.

Oh, I love the way my 338 Mag shoots the 220 grain RN GC Lee boolits. Now if I could just get the 200 grain RNFP GC RCBS (?) booit to shoot.