.338 Federal aka 338/08

Flint54 · Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2006 5:29 am Post subject: .338 Federal aka 338/08

As someone who Loves the 308 case and its many spinoffs I am seriously considering the purchase of a 338 Federal barrel for my Savage rifles. I have a feeling that it will give me a bit more range than my 358 Winchester but at the same time provide the ability to use heavier bullets and greater penetration with less meat damage.

What are your thoughts on this new/old cartridge. To me it looks like a shorter version of the 338/06 vs 35 Welen battle. Both have their following. Cool

PaulS · Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2006 9:03 pm Post subject: Re: .338 Federal aka 338/08

Flint54,

I think you will find that as the diameter drops you will have less velocity than with the same weight bullt in a larger caliber version. It would be better than the 308 but not as good as the 358. I am not saying it would not be a good idea . . . just that it will be about the same as the 358. The biggest problem with big bullets in this case-family is the lack of space available for powder. At the same time its saving grace is the higher pressure that it operates at. I really like 180 grain bullets out of my 358 but there is so little difference between it and my 3006 that they run to about the same use at the same range - the same reason I don't buy a 308 - it is just the same use at the same range except for the heavier bullets and the 358 does that. If I want more than the 358 gives me I will need to find a cartridge with more volume - more than my 3006 to make it worthwhile to me.
Your milage may vary - just my thoughts on the subject

roklok · Posted: Thu Mar 16, 2006 12:18 am Post subject: Re: .338 Federal aka 338/08

I think this cartridge should be a winner.Dont mean it will be though,as the .358 Win is nowhere near as popular as it should be.After all the short magnum and super short magnum nonsense it is refreshing to see a new cartridge built on a standard case.I already own a .358 and a 35 Whelen so I dont think I need a 338 Federal but I hope it does well.

Jack · Member Joined: Oct 19, 2005 Posts: 98

The 338 Federal seems to me to be a really useful cartridge, and I hope it does well.
I must say, tho, from a marketing point of view, it has a very big disadvantage- it doesn't say "mangleum" in the name....
I hope I'm wrong, but I kinda think the 338 Federal will go the way of the 358 Winchester- a very fine cartridge that everyone liked, but few people bought.

ogre · Member Joined: Jan 15, 2006 Posts: 79 Location: Melbourne

I really hope it does well.

In a BLR lever gun loaded with a 225 (or 230 failsafe's)it would make an awsome woods gun with still some legs if required.
For you guys , elk, bear etc would be in trouble and for us scrub bulls, donkeys, camels and especially pigs.

Hope browning brings out the BLR in 338 Fed- I'd buy one and I know about 4 other people that would to.

later
P