Hi Ron, I’am a Dutchman, and I use a Sako 85 Grizzly. 338 Federal for al my Hogs , roe and reddeer hunting trips, most of the time I use 185 grain Barnes TSSX. A great Caliber and round .
Sako no longer makes the the grizzly in 338. You my friend have a nice rifle! What optic do you have, or just use irons? I think the 338 fed shines using 200+ grain bullets over the 308.
@@SVUBSIS but on red deer/stag, it's a pretty ideal choice. A heavier constructed bullet in it will not be as destructive on roe either while giving better "big deer" performance. Nothing is ideal for both. The size disparity is too large.
I've used a 338federal for several years on elk out to 500yards it absolutely hammers elk . The 200gr bullet is my choice. This is a way underrated round.
I agree 338 federal is one of the best whitetail and black bear cartridges ever. I gave always wished that it had caught on. Unfortunately I think it came along right at the end of the magnum craze and just before the light and fast craze which really held it back
@cwlongshot I like my .358" bore cartridges too. I think the reason they have cult followings rather than mass appeal is that the .358" bullets as a whole are not as accurate as the .338". For years the only accurate .358" bullet was the 225 grain Nosler Accubond and the old style Speer Grand Slam. Meanwhile the .338" bore had multiple bullets that were reliable big game killers and accurate to boot. The situation may have changed in recent years but if it has it escapes me. Anyway, keep on using your .358" rifles and enjoy them. I sure do!
I would rather have a .460 S&W magnum rifle. Out of a 16 inch barrel it would have as much power, make a bigger hole and shoot as flat; easily over 320 grains for game from goat to grizzly size.
@@JohnLloydScharf Awesome idea but I think only one company makes a repeater similar to what you describe and it's an expensive affair...like REALLY expensive. Maybe Henry will pony up and make one, and I do love my Henry's!
I have had the .338 Federal since 2007 in a Ruger M77 Hawkeye. Does everything I need it to, but factory loads are definitely lacking. With handloading you can get new brass from Starline or use .308 brass, many powder options, and bullet weights from 160 to 225 grains. It has a lot more potential than most people realize. Thanks for another great video.
My favorite cartridge ever. I bought a savage hog hunter chambered in 338 federal out of curiosity. After hand loading this cartridge it’s absolutely awesome. I can get the 160 Barnes ttsx to go 3050fps with a max charge of H322 out of the 20” barrel. 200 gr bullets around 2700. I only load 160 and 200gr bullets and love it.
I have used the 200gr Speer Hotcore bullets. I purchased a Tikka T3 in 2007. The 338 Federal makes feral hogs get very tired and they sit down. I use RL-15 and 2000 MR powders. This round should be way more popular!
From one Fed .338 Hog Hunter to another great videos re you did on the range! Very helpful and socked buyers remorse away! What a match we have in round and model. Super gun!
@@glennrowan1331 appreciate I’m gonna be putting out some new videos soon I finally found a couple hundred large rifle primers after searching for a long long time. I love the 338 federal finally got a deer with it this year and I love it even more now. The hog hunter is a great gun to I love mine I’m glad I stumbled upon it
I was interested in the Hog Hunter in this chambering too. SW showed it on their website until a few months ago. Savage no longer shows it, so it has apparently been discontinued
The .338" bore diameter has a decent selection of accurate and reliable big game bullets. I like the .338-06 as a compromise between the .338 Win. Mag./.338 Federal and have had good results with it. I doubt that any of them will be that popular in the future based on the comments I see posted regarding cartridge selection. Loading your own will keep any good rifle running despite popularity. Thanks for another great feature Ron!
The 338/06 doesn't get the attention or love that it should. Though I'm currently in love with the 9.3x62, the cartridges are very, VERY close. The big difference is that the 9.3x62 is a storied African cartridge and I like that. * I have a Remington pump gun in 338/06 in the works. I'm certainly looking forward to it.
I have a .303 British that I bought in high school that’s nearly 100 years old I still hunt with. Bagged many many whitetails with it and the occasional coyote . Still extremely reliable and accurate but getting harder to feed ha ha , I think popularity is subjective.
.35 Rem will easily kill elk but not at 300 yards. Keep it inside 150 with either the 180 grain Speer or 200 grain Hornady RN and it will do the job. Avoid the 200 grain Hornady Leverevolution rounds. On heavier game the bullets tend to come apart. On small deer the Leverevplutions do just fine.
I have a 35 Remington pump, and I love the gun and cartridge. I hunt whitetail in the thick brush and it has never failed me. I use the 200 grain corelock and have taken deer from 5 to 150 yards. I don't hunt elk or bear, but have no doubt it would be good out to 150. I never understood the point in making such a small adjustment to a great round, Ron is correct, that 338 federal won't last
That's interesting. I purchased a 338 Win last spring and I used it for my elk this fall. I have a pair if 308 Savage1899 that may dad used since he bought them new in the 60s. They did the job but I felt they were under performing when my brothers showed up to hunting camp with the newest and greatest. I'm still in love with my trusty 30-06 Rem 700.
Learned something today …. Didn’t really know much about this cartridge other hearing the name. That said …. this is how I think about the 32 Win Spl. The 30-30 Win just took all the spotlight but those that shoot the ole 32 Win Spl out of Winchester and Marlin’s lever guns sure appreciate it. Ron - maybe do quick video on it. Have a very Happy New Year!
The older 32 Win guns had a different twist than the newer rifles. It was hard enough to find 30-30 ammo this year I can’t imagine what it was like looking for 32 Win!
@@charlesmckinley29 I hear ya! Mine is a “newer” 1960 vintage with the faster twist. I have found exactly two boxes of loaded ammo in the last 365 days. 😟 I can’t even find 32 cal (.321”) bullets. Still is an awesome calibre in any event! Happy New Year!
Thank you for covering this round. So underrated as a deer and elk round. By the time I learned about it two years ago it was already on the way out. Such a shame.
I own a Ruger Hawkeye in 338 Federal and I hunt swamps and finding blood in swamps can be very difficult but not with this cartridge if deer don't drop they poor blood for 50 yards max 338 Federal ROCKS!
Ron, the good ol' 30-06 is still the gold standard and the 35 Whelen is there if you need to sling a bit more metal downrange. I remember when the Winchester WSM craze hit and none of those calibers were an improvement, just more expensive and harder to find. The 338Fed seems to have suffered from the same fate.
Paul, did you go to school in Louisiana? Or Arkansas, because you are making claims backed by nothing. The 35 Whelen has no billet support. You sound like the biggest boomer ever.
@@davidandre886 what are you attempting to say? All paul said was the 35 whelen throws a little heavier bullet than the 06 at similar velocity. No need for you to be a peter puffer.
@@davidandre886 So, I'm guessing you bought a couple of rifles in 338Fed and are still hoping it replaces the '06 as America's go-to caliber. And BTW, where someone attended school doesn't mean anything when it comes to their knowing the 30-06 would outlast a non-308 caliber. The 325/8mm/338 market is too slim to support too many options, let alone a new round like the 338Fed. Unless a company can get every writer in every gun magazine to write and rave about a new caliber, it's honeymoon period isn't going to last over a few years. It looks like the 6.5Cr is going to make the cut. Seeing as how Hornady has introduced 6mm and 6.5mm rounds in their Creedmore line with notable success, I'm wondering if they have a 7mmCr in the works. That'd be interesting but I think it'd be too close to the 7mmWSM and would be taking on the 7mm RemMag. I don't see that being too successful. Anyways, there's plenty of good rounds that never really catch on for whatever reason and the 338Fed was one of them.
A 7mm Creedmoor would be great. You're not wrong about its competition, but the reason the Creedmoors do so well is their compatibility with the AR platform. 7 Mag can't do that, lol.
These cartridges would make great woods rifles when you spend more time in the timber still hunting. That is where they make the best choice for hunting Elk. 🤠
Thanks for highlighting the 338 Federal. I didn't think there was a more underrated round than the 303 British until I was I introduced to the 338 Fed about 6 years ago. Now, if I had to pick just one short action cartridge to hunt the Great Lakes region with it'd be the 338 Fed. A 200gr. SP will handle anything. The "Fed" has me contemplating custom builds in 338 RCM and 338/06. Love the 33 caliber even more than my 35's.
By the numbers, the 338Fed with 200gr looks good, to me, unless you're driving a copper bullet which you can go lighter. I have a 338Fed and it definitely hits hard and makes a bigger hole than a .30cal.
Not what i was thinking before the reveal. But after comparing. The reason it is not going to last is ....the .308 already does it. Still comes down to availability and common platforms.
boom .. and to say a heavier bullet won't hit your shoulder harder ? it just goes to show the perfectness of the 308 case length and all it's wildcats and the amount of powder to get more performance out of bigger case capacities.. not to mention I just got 2000 cases for 800
I, myself in my early 20s see my self being like these old timers sticking with 30-06 til they die. But I'm sticking with 308 for hunting til I die lol
The numbers on federals power Shok 200 grain are really good 3237 muzzle energy 2740 (100) 2304 (200) 1924 (300 2700 muzzle velocity 2484 (100) 2278(200) 2082(300) 1895(400)
Another great video Ron.. I think the 338 Federal just does not have enough case capacity for the heavier bullets. It was placed between the .308 and the .358 win. For heavier bullets I think the 35 Whelan makes more sense (or actually the 338/06). Thanks for posting and a belated Merry Christmas..
I’ve always been impressed by the .35 Whelen and it’s European counterpart the 9.3x62 Mauser. It’s unfortunate that no one commercialized the the .35 Whelen until after Winchester introduced the 300 and 338 magnums in off the shelf rifles. For most hunters, a commercially available rifle will win out over a caliber that requires rebarreling an action.
@@dg20120 my brother in law had an old s X s shotgun converted to 9.3.x62.. it weights a ton but he got it done for a trip to Africa.. .he took it over there and did good with it
@@mikes1097 The 9.3x62 has probably been used to bag every medium, large and dangerous game species on the planet. One of the chain outdoor stores had a CZ in 9.3x62 on the shelf for months. They even marked it down a hundred bucks because no one knew what it was. I should have bought it.
Still running a .300 savage lever for the whitetail. The combination just has a balance that is just a pleasure to shoot.Seems like it was made to do exactly that.Love that old critter getter.
As a Sambar hunter and M99 Savage tragic here in OZ, I've used a 99C in 308W for years. Friends with both 338Fed and 358W short actions find them good on big Territory boars and Sambar at common (short) ranges. I haven't seen info on the 338Ruger, but I feel that an M99 in 338 Canadian (338/284) would be fine, like a 338-06 with 225-250 gn bullets. If I need more, I'll use my M70 in 375 H&H.
I actually learned about this caliber this past year and for a while was considering rebarreling my 243 to the 338 Federal because I do think especially out to 300 yards it is a great looking cartridge for deer up to moose without having the recoil of the bigger cartridges if moose was something you may get a chance at once-in-a-lifetime and not regularly hunted.
Oddly enough I was reading a couple of your old articles about the 338 Federal last night. I enjoy my Ruger M77 in 338 Federal. Enjoy your videos please keep it up.
Thanks for shedding light on this wonderful cartridge. I have been shooting the .338 Fed since 2007. We have taken hogs, Whitetail, Mule deer and Antelope with great results.
Something not many people bring up is ‘waste of meat’ I’ve owned/own the the 30-378 and 300 Weatherby, 300 Ultra Mag, 300 WSM, 7mm Ultra Mag, 7mm REM Mag. Those calibers tear up deer and antelope and at least one moose I shot something fierce, if that bullet even thinks about landing anywhere near the shoulder area. My uncle bought a 338. Win Mag for deer hunting and I thought he was nuts.. Surprisingly, the recoil isn’t bad at all (same brass as the 7mm REM Mag with less powder) you can get away with a shorter/lighter barrel like 22-23” (I personally hate swinging around a 26” barrel) It didn’t hardly waste any meat, almost like a .35 Rem or 45-70 Gov. quarter size hole even in the shoulder area. The .338 Win Mag covers more bases than the 6.8 Western or 7mm SAUM, the .338-06 A-Squared and 338 RCM need just,,, a couple more grains of powder to run those .338 bullets, better bullet selection than the .325 WSM (8mm) The .338 Win Mag IS the “perfect North American biggame cartridge” longer distance than the 30-06 or 270 Win or .270 WSM which I own/owned as well. Thank you Mr. Spooner for your wonderful videos!
I haven't shot one, yet! But I will own one soon. Savage seems to be the only company trying to keep it alive. Thanks for covering this cartridge Ron. I like the idea of the .338 rcm, but even Ruger no longer chambers for it.
Another great video Ron. The .338 Fed was another good round that was ignored. A ton of great bullets available in .338, but it looks like it's heading the way of the .358 Win. For some reason larger than .30 caliber rounds based on the .30-06 and .308 Win just never seem to take off. My guess is that the public jumps to the "mag" choices in those caliber. Plus there are no flees on either of the parent cases.
The .338fed really shines when you hand load. My 200gr SST hand load is going 2625fps with H322. If you go with some ball powders you can get well into the 2700’s with a 200gr bullet! It’s really an amazing little cartridge.
I have no dog in this fight. I once owned a .338WM which I bought for a once in a lifetime Alaskan Moose hunt which got cancelled due to me being called back out on deployment for Operation Desert Shield. Anyhoo...never had another chance so sold it. I grew up in Wyoming hunting all sorts of game and always used my .280Rem with great success so that's all I've ever used or needed. IF, IF I were to go with a larger bullet I'd go for the 338/06. My guess is that a handloader like myself could really have a lot of "fun" with it. The time tested and much wild catted 30-06 case is really a "jack of all trades" from the light 25-06 up to the aforementioned 338-06 and basically even the .280Rem and .270Win. I've never seen the need for the big magnums myself but to each their own!
Yes,don't forget the 358win it also got my hard look, great show Ron, I been doing the hunting thing for 45 years the older we get the less recoil we need, may have to go after the deer with the 222 duce, if I get that weak maybe. GOD BLESS.
I'm currently working on building a custom scout rifle that will be a 338 Federal. I've long wanted a scout rifle for hunting elk in the dark timber, and at those short ranges the 338 Federal is superior to the 308 Win. Yet it also has enough gas to cleanly take a bull at 300-400 yards. Like so many other great rifle cartridges, I think the 338 Federal will live on as a handloader's proposition, much like the 220 Swift, 284 Winchester, and the 8mm Remington Magnum to name a few. Commercial success isn't the only way to determine the worth of a cartridge. As far as my project, I have secured a good amount of Federal ammo loaded with the 185 grain softpoints to shoot away so I can load the cases with 210 grain Nosler Partition bullets. This will most likely be the rifle that I take for hunting Roosevelt elk in Oregon's Coast Range. I can't think of a better setup for that thick green timber!
I never payed the 338 fed any attention. But that's because I wildcat chambered for 338-08. I never knew they finally officialized the round. Still been reloading 308 cases. Nice to know I might be able to buy factory brass for the old gun.
I'm late to the game here but . I purchased a Kimber Montana in 338 federal and hand load for it . I used a 185 grain Barnes triple shock and went 9 big games animals in a row (4 being elk) with a single killing round. With handloads I produce darn near factory 30-06 energy with a short action that weighs 6 pounds with scope sling and fully loaded. In the end I did eventually come back to the ol 308 but I will never sell that 338 federal. It is a great and highly underated round. And while I realize my evidence is highly anecdotal. 338 federal has steered me more to the bigger bullet slower side of the ancient debate of what kills better big or fast. Roy weatherby had no problems choosing both :) I just don't like pouring a quarter can of powder into every cartridge. Haha
Great video Ron. Down here in Australia the 338 Federal was popular for a time in both Sako and Tikka rifles for sambar deer hunting. However it came out at the same time pretty much as the 325WSM. The 338RCM really wasn't available in many rifles and never took off. Also with so many offerings of the 308 with a plethora of bullet weights, etc I think the 338 Federal just wasn't that much of a difference. All the same it was and is a great cartridge. But with the 325WSM seemed to be more popular down here for sambar in Browning/Winchester and other brands that it just killed it. Thanks for sharing!
The best deer cartridge is the one that delivered the one-shot heart/lung fatal wound that you just found inside your furry prize. Always has been, always will.
By far my favorite all around cartridge. I have never had to use more than one round on an animal with it, and they have never gone more than 10 yards. Thanks Ron
@@cwiller I never understood need of this cartridge either. I suppose some die hard 338 diameter hunter who can no longer shoot their 338 win, 338 Lapua, or 338 rem ultra due to recoil or rifle weight/handling?
Comparing 185gr and 180gr projectiles out of a 24" barrel doesn't yield much difference, but try 225gr and 180gr out of a 16" barrel and the 338 will have a sizeable advantage. With larger bores at equivalent bullet geometry you can get a lot more energy out of a short barrel than smaller bores.
I was all excited to try out the .338 federal with a Kimber m84 rifle. I look around for .338 fed ammo. At 3 different stores I found the same ammo at $35, $40 and $45 a box. When I could get the same bullet In A box of .308 for about $25 . If they kept the ammo prices about the same as .308 it might still be Viable. I didn't think the Elk would know the difference. But I sure would.
I handload but even for people that don’t, if they want a good reference of bullets and ability to compare them on paper, handloading books are a great resource. I know of the 338 Federal because of the books but I’ve never seen one in person.
Personally 257-AI, with the old Nosler 120-grain Solid Base bullets, with the lead tips. Loaded to 25-06 velocities. I figure that if the 25-06 can handle 62kpsi, I can bump the 257-AI on the same actions, with the same case head thicknesses, to the same pressures. No pressure signed so I continue to shoot them. The other favorite for short range, in the woods, elk is still the 35-Whelen, with the 225 Grain Nosler Partitions. As an aside, I was looking at some data on the 25 Creedmoor. I am thinking of getting a faster twist barrel, and chambering it for the 257-AI, with a longer than normal throat. Mounted on a long action receiver, it should allow the use of the longer, higher BC bullets.
As everyone can see, the guys that shoot the mid range calibers, .308, .323,.338, and .35 Very passionate group of shooters!! Thank Ron for stirring up some passion for your Caliber with another awesome video!!!
Ron, great video. Great cartridge, but manufacturers fail to give it a stage. Fortunately people that know the 338 Federal love it. I also own a 338-06 A-Square cartridge which is another excellent cartridge. I use 30-06 Springfield brass for my reloads. The 338 Federal and 338-06 A-Square cartridges are an inexpensive way to shoot a 338 caliber cartridge. The 338 Ruger Compact Magnum and 338 Winchester Magnum cartridges come at a much higher cost. The huge money saving is the decision maker for me. I quickly bought a Savage 16FCSS Weather Warrior in 338 Federal. I also have a Thompson Center Encore 15 inch 338 Federal pistol barrel. I use inexpensive 308 Winchester/7.62x51 Nato brass. My favorite bullet is the Nosler 210 grain Partition.
I have 2 338 feds. They are very effective. Taken Deer, Elk and Bear with them. Will stop and drop anything to 300 Yards. I have over a dozen different cartridge rifles but for performance and light recoil none come close to the Fed. For longer ranges I lean to the 7 MM STW or the 6.5-300 WBY Mag.
One problem with this cartridge, and others similar, is that most of the bullets that are available to handloaders in that diameter are going to be constructed for the magnum or higher velocity cartridges. 300BO and 7mmTCU suffer the same problem, a lot of bullets just won't expand at the velocity the cartridge can deliver. I use both of these calibers so my opinion is from my own practical experience handloading for them.
Similar to the reason why the 444 Marlin never became especially popular. In its early years Remington loaded it with 44 Magnum bullets, which wouldn't expand properly at 444 velocities, and the round got a bad reputation it couldn't shake.
I think the 33 and 35 caliber cartridges are some of the best out there and they are much more versatile then they get credit for. So many people are so in love with small bores (30 and under) and beleive any thing bigger is hard recoiling and drop to fast that they can't see what their missing from the medium bore cartridges.
Performancewise the 8mm Mauser (8x57is) is very similar and after some years of ignorance it has come back here in Germany since Driven Hunts has gotten more and more popular The 8x57is is around since over 120 years and still got the Job done with also a very high variety of Bullet Weights from 160 to 240 grains for all purposes and distances
I like your channel because you speak so well and not so fast, as English is not my mother language that helps me understand every word you say. Keep up the good work.
My best friends Dad had an 8mm/06 made. Mauser 98 action Douglas barrel and Fagen stock. It is a sweet gun. Little heavy handed on deer but awesome on black bear.
If you are a reloader, the 338 Federal will never really die. Necking up cartridges is a bit easier than necking down. (less shoulder movement and neck turning needed). The 308 will be around pretty much forever, so your brass supply is good.
Ì did look hard at the 338 federal, but I went with the 325WSM very efficient hard hitting and can load it down a bit for deer and can load it up for anything else, the 170 sst great for deer and the 200 accubond for the bigger animals and it stacks up with the 8mm mag but doesn't remove your teeth with recoil but it also got side lined but those that use it will not get rid of it and still doesn't boot as much as the 300win mag as I said before I looked hard at 338 federal but the 325 is also short action my choice. Aim small, good hunting, GOD BLESS.
One more chance to mix ammunition & cause accidents though to tweak the ego of a designer and those who wear the sales pitches. The .243 is the only excuse for resizing that case. Interesting most who provide the expert opinions are pretty inexperienced themselves on the realities of field work, and this platform is stuffed full of them to overflowing in the hunting topic. (Still has very interesting stuff, just some opinions need to be taken on their merits).
And that is exactly why it hasn't been more successful. Most people want a rifle they can go in any gun store and buy ammo. It would have to be a significantly better cartridge for people to take the leap
I enjoy your videos because you provide stats that show the performance on the calibers that you feature. I'd like to see a 205 grain bullet loaded into the 338 Federal case. I think it would be just about right for it. Also the 358 Winchester would be good with 225 grain bullet - based on case limitations.
Hey there boss man‼️ another awesome video‼️ I love the 338 federal cartridge‼️ A friend of mine had a rifle chambered in 338 federal. we went to the range and had a good time. I asked if he was planning on selling it. he said no, a month later I seen him again, and he sold it. I was so mad. I've been trying ever since to purchase A 338 federal rifle with no luck‼️ I really wanted that rifle‼️
Definitely a good cartridge. Had a Ruger that shot sub moa. Very similar to the 8mm Mauser. 200gr @2550-2600 fps. Ron I would love to see a video on properly loaded 7x57 and 8x57!
Never tried the 338 federal myself, but it is a rather interesting cartridge. Another one I find that is actually a great cartridge but doesn't have the popularity that it should have is the .325wsm. I've been shooting one for a couple years now in a browning blr and it has great accuracy, velocities that beat the .300wsm with the same or heavier weight of bullet, and recoil that's still manageable to newer shooters
Anything that trashes the vitals at 400yrds is going to be good enough. But, like you, I really enjoy the 325. I hope the components for it will be available to this handloader for as long as his hunting/shooting ability will last
@@robertfree1908 I handload for it as well. Factory ammo is usually close to $80/box here and it's not often in stock. My favorite load is a 200gr Barnes tsx over 52gr of vhitavuori n150 at about 2522. It's capable of much higher velocities with hotter charges and different powders but that load seems to be rather accurate for me
I haven’t tried the 200gr version. I have been reserving that weight for either the Partition or the AccuBond. I honestly don’t know how strong your gun is so I can’t in good conscience share that 180 recipe. I can tell you that it does an avg of 3130fps from my A Bolt’s 23”bbl. It groups under half inch with the best right at 3/8” at 100yrds. That powder is RL19. Accurate 4350 is another stellar performer. It comes back hard in that lite gun but the power delivery is well worth that price. I bought a bunch of 180 Ballistic Tips from the Cabela’s Bargain Cave when there was such a thing dirt cheap. I’m looking forward to making a deer load of those. I haven’t decided if I want to tone down the velocity or match the TSX
@@robertfree1908 if I decided to bump up the charge of the n150 according to Barnes it would hit about 2775fps out of a 24" barrel. Highest velocity for the 200gr tsx listed is 2951 with 67gr of win760 powder. I'm sure the gun could handle a hotter load, but they were my first reloads and I just want to work my way up
So many short action performers fall by the wayside, to just get replaced by the latest and greatest that do exactly the same thing! Or, a void left with no replacement, 250 Savage, 257 Roberts, 260 rem, 284 win, 307 win, 308 fed, 33 win , 338fed, 348 win, 356 win, 358, 38-55! Just to name a few. It boils down to timing in most cases, marketing and patience.
As I click on each of your vids from my Subscribed notifications, I enjoy every one. If I may suggest one that I haven’t seen covered yet anywhere; it would relate to defining the maximum distances for deer and elk according to sectional densities of select bullets of select cartridges (perhaps keep them in the 308 and WM families for mainstream comparisons,) and minimum distances according to bullet composition and velocity (will cup & draw penetrate into the vitals, or disintegrate in a rib or shoulder?) For example: Will an ELDX perform better @100 yards in in a 260 Rem. than a 264 WM? This brings up a good point that’s ignored: There are minimum distances to consider with the cartridge and bullet as well as maximum. I am a steady believer that cup & draw is indeed a good choice for mild and medium velocity cartridges, such as in the 308 family. I would love the 243, 260, 7-08, 308, 338 Fed, and 264, 7mm, 300 and 338WM included in this study using Hornady and Nosler Load Manuals and their gelatin terminal tests.
I chose my 6.5x57 in a Savage m110 action. Does everything ill ever need in Wisconsin. Heck, i wouldnt even be too worried with elk, though, im probably going to get a second little project and build a 6.5x65 RWS for those bigger critters. I fell in love with the 6.5mm bullets. Im quite surprised with the .338 Federal's lack of popularity myself. Thought it was doing better than it was. Great video as always!
I purchased mine about 15 years ago. Was difficult to find because the bolt is on the left side. I consider it one of the best if not the best firearm purchase I made. It has taken moose and deer. Never put much study into the numbers. I use a 200gr Speer cup and core bullet. For those who think that bullet isn’t tough enough I put one north to south through a bull moose. That bull never complained and to quote another outdoors personality “ didn’t go 20”. The more I use this cartridge the more I like it. I can see why it is dying it’s not a magnum, it’s easy to load for and doesn’t require a boat load of powder to perform. Oh well I’m not worried because I have access to a chamber reamer too. I’m surprised it’s dying considering the copious amounts of praise extolling it’s virtues that gun writers have provided since its inception.
Very effective caliber lots of knock down power and low recoil. I actually have an Encore single shot pistol in this caliber and it does great job on elk and deer.
338 Win Mag is an oversized 7X57 and therefore has an ideal powder to bullet diameter ratio and it offers lot of flexibility for the hand loader. You can always load it down to 338 federal levels but with the option to have full 250 grain loads or even heavier if any needs arise. For recoil sensitive hunters it is always better to shoot a round they can handle! Even a marginal .243 with a good tough hunting projectile in the heart of an elk is better than any .338 in its guts. Ethical hunting is about clean kills at close distances and not about always wanting to pull the trigger and especially not at unreasonable distances.
I bought a Ruger Hawkeye in 338RCM a few years back because it was offered in left hand. That gun knocked the snot out of you when you pulled the trigger. I sold it because the gun seemed too small for my 6’ frame. Since then, I haven’t seen any RCM’s in Rugers lineup.
Keep an eye out for 8.6 blackout when it comes out. Less powder but using faster powders. Can take longer more efficient bullets. Very high twist..optimized for short barrels and the ability to cycle gas guns using supers and subs, like 300 blk... but in the lighter short action firearms.
i shoot a 338-06 with 250 grain Partition bullets and have had great success using on African plains game. The 338 Fed is similar in a slightly smaller package. I agree that the 225gr bullet would be optimum for this cartridge.
Great content again Ron! Thank you. I did buy anything Fed .338 reload supplies relatively easy in covid times. I track bucks and its short action paid off this year, fast action. Great versatility in a short action. Makes sense it faded but too many pros these days to not reconsider for those who reload and take woodsy big game animals moose on down. Recoil was similiar to my .270 win., fun perk!
@@RonSpomerOutdoors Hey Ron another great video thank you. There really is something special about the 3006 that no other cartridge has. So much history behind it, so American and Patriotic. I have a Winchester 70 Extreme Weather in 3006 , its a great feeling.
As soon as you said you said graveyard I guess it! I also like the 358 Winchester which I own in a BLR and killed nine deer with it in three years none of which ran more than 40 yds using 225 gr TSX. I also enjoy loading .357 pistol bullets for affordable target shooting. For a woods gun any of the cartridges you mentioned are excellent. .308 is more practical for those who do not reload. At 300 yds my pick would be the .338 Federal.
338 fed should have a fast metabolism. Probably works awesome out of short barrels. Make a real good compact backcountry rifle with say a folding stock.
Thanks for the video. Hopefully this sparks some interest and the ammo companies get back on board. I have an AR 10 in 338Fed and its awesome. Id like to find a bolt gun also. I see Savage is cranking them out. Apparently it is a great hog cartridge too.
Hi Ron, I’am a Dutchman, and I use a Sako 85 Grizzly. 338 Federal for al my Hogs , roe and reddeer hunting trips, most of the time I use 185 grain Barnes TSSX. A great Caliber and round .
Sako no longer makes the the grizzly in 338. You my friend have a nice rifle! What optic do you have, or just use irons? I think the 338 fed shines using 200+ grain bullets over the 308.
Nice way to waste meat on Roe deer
@@SVUBSIS but on red deer/stag, it's a pretty ideal choice. A heavier constructed bullet in it will not be as destructive on roe either while giving better "big deer" performance.
Nothing is ideal for both. The size disparity is too large.
I've used a 338federal for several years on elk out to 500yards it absolutely hammers elk . The 200gr bullet is my choice. This is a way underrated round.
I agree 338 federal is one of the best whitetail and black bear cartridges ever. I gave always wished that it had caught on. Unfortunately I think it came along right at the end of the magnum craze and just before the light and fast craze which really held it back
@cwlongshot I like my .358" bore cartridges too. I think the reason they have cult followings rather than mass appeal is that the .358" bullets as a whole are not as accurate as the .338". For years the only accurate .358" bullet was the 225 grain Nosler Accubond and the old style Speer Grand Slam. Meanwhile the .338" bore had multiple bullets that were reliable big game killers and accurate to boot. The situation may have changed in recent years but if it has it escapes me. Anyway, keep on using your .358" rifles and enjoy them. I sure do!
I would rather have a .460 S&W magnum rifle. Out of a 16 inch barrel it would have as much power, make a bigger hole and shoot as flat; easily over 320 grains for game from goat to grizzly size.
@@JohnLloydScharf Awesome idea but I think only one company makes a repeater similar to what you describe and it's an expensive affair...like REALLY expensive. Maybe Henry will pony up and make one, and I do love my Henry's!
@cwlongshot .358-06? Would that be a shoulder killer or go with a .358-08?
@@jameski5oeb668 That’s been around for about 100 years in the .35 Whelen. A .30/06 case necked up to.358 caliber.
I have had the .338 Federal since 2007 in a Ruger M77 Hawkeye. Does everything I need it to, but factory loads are definitely lacking. With handloading you can get new brass from Starline or use .308 brass, many powder options, and bullet weights from 160 to 225 grains. It has a lot more potential than most people realize.
Thanks for another great video.
So many great calibers and cartridges to choose from. The "Best...", is a matter of whatever floats your brass. Remember dead deer(elk) tell no tales!
My favorite cartridge ever. I bought a savage hog hunter chambered in 338 federal out of curiosity. After hand loading this cartridge it’s absolutely awesome. I can get the 160 Barnes ttsx to go 3050fps with a max charge of H322 out of the 20” barrel. 200 gr bullets around 2700. I only load 160 and 200gr bullets and love it.
I have used the 200gr Speer Hotcore bullets. I purchased a Tikka T3 in 2007. The 338 Federal makes feral hogs get very tired and they sit down. I use RL-15 and 2000 MR powders. This round should be way more popular!
From one Fed .338 Hog Hunter to another great videos re you did on the range! Very helpful and socked buyers remorse away! What a match we have in round and model. Super gun!
@@glennrowan1331 appreciate I’m gonna be putting out some new videos soon I finally found a couple hundred large rifle primers after searching for a long long time. I love the 338 federal finally got a deer with it this year and I love it even more now. The hog hunter is a great gun to I love mine I’m glad I stumbled upon it
@RushShooting it's good to hear from you. I have enjoyed many of your videos! Waiting for more! 😁
I was interested in the Hog Hunter in this chambering too. SW showed it on their website until a few months ago. Savage no longer shows it, so it has apparently been discontinued
The .338" bore diameter has a decent selection of accurate and reliable big game bullets. I like the .338-06 as a compromise between the .338 Win. Mag./.338 Federal and have had good results with it. I doubt that any of them will be that popular in the future based on the comments I see posted regarding cartridge selection. Loading your own will keep any good rifle running despite popularity. Thanks for another great feature Ron!
You are welcome, Hillbilly.
The 338/06 doesn't get the attention or love that it should. Though I'm currently in love with the 9.3x62, the cartridges are very, VERY close. The big difference is that the 9.3x62 is a storied African cartridge and I like that. * I have a Remington pump gun in 338/06 in the works. I'm certainly looking forward to it.
@@martinstiastny7679 That pump rifle sounds like a keeper! Thanks for sharing!
I have a .303 British that I bought in high school that’s nearly 100 years old I still hunt with. Bagged many many whitetails with it and the occasional coyote . Still extremely reliable and accurate but getting harder to feed ha ha , I think popularity is subjective.
@@jackburton5483 I pray that you have many more hunts with your treasured .303. Thanks for sharing!
I've known about the .338 FEDERAL since it came out! I agree that it's one of the most versatile rounds out there!!
This is my favorite elk cartridge in 200gr. Hits with so much authority with 308 recoil. Keep this cartridge alive!
Love my 338 federal in tikka t3. Taken 2 elk with it super fun to shoot. I enjoy all 338s.
Had a 338 fed in an M77 MkII with a 16.5" barrel. That's a thumpin little round, and probably the most under appreciated cartridge on the market.
.35 Remington using the Marlin 336 lever action rifle is the platform my family has been using for generations. For whitetail. We don’t elk hunt
Enough for the 20th and surely enough for the 21st century (unless the deer start armoring up)
.35 Rem will easily kill elk but not at 300 yards. Keep it inside 150 with either the 180 grain Speer or 200 grain Hornady RN and it will do the job. Avoid the 200 grain Hornady Leverevolution rounds. On heavier game the bullets tend to come apart. On small deer the Leverevplutions do just fine.
I have a 35 Remington pump, and I love the gun and cartridge. I hunt whitetail in the thick brush and it has never failed me. I use the 200 grain corelock and have taken deer from 5 to 150 yards. I don't hunt elk or bear, but have no doubt it would be good out to 150.
I never understood the point in making such a small adjustment to a great round, Ron is correct, that 338 federal won't last
@Jsn b I have a 7600 in .308 that I really love. I'd love to have the same rifle in
.35 Rem. or better still a .358 Winchester.
@@Mark-uq9km is the 7600 semi auto?
My 35 is a 760 game master
thank you for covering this cartridge. This is the most underrated round ever I don't understand why these 33 & 35 cal options aren't more popular.
That's interesting. I purchased a 338 Win last spring and I used it for my elk this fall. I have a pair if 308 Savage1899 that may dad used since he bought them new in the 60s. They did the job but I felt they were under performing when my brothers showed up to hunting camp with the newest and greatest. I'm still in love with my trusty 30-06 Rem 700.
Learned something today …. Didn’t really know much about this cartridge other hearing the name. That said …. this is how I think about the 32 Win Spl. The 30-30 Win just took all the spotlight but those that shoot the ole 32 Win Spl out of Winchester and Marlin’s lever guns sure appreciate it. Ron - maybe do quick video on it. Have a very Happy New Year!
The older 32 Win guns had a different twist than the newer rifles. It was hard enough to find 30-30 ammo this year I can’t imagine what it was like looking for 32 Win!
@@charlesmckinley29 I hear ya! Mine is a “newer” 1960 vintage with the faster twist. I have found exactly two boxes of loaded ammo in the last 365 days. 😟 I can’t even find 32 cal (.321”) bullets. Still is an awesome calibre in any event! Happy New Year!
And the 358 Winchester??? No comments Ron? Happy New Year and Be Well.
Thank you for covering this round. So underrated as a deer and elk round. By the time I learned about it two years ago it was already on the way out. Such a shame.
I own a Ruger Hawkeye in 338 Federal and I hunt swamps and finding blood in swamps can be very difficult but not with this cartridge if deer don't drop they poor blood for 50 yards max 338 Federal ROCKS!
Ron, the good ol' 30-06 is still the gold standard and the 35 Whelen is there if you need to sling a bit more metal downrange. I remember when the Winchester WSM craze hit and none of those calibers were an improvement, just more expensive and harder to find. The 338Fed seems to have suffered from the same fate.
Paul, did you go to school in Louisiana? Or Arkansas, because you are making claims backed by nothing. The 35 Whelen has no billet support. You sound like the biggest boomer ever.
@@davidandre886 what are you attempting to say? All paul said was the 35 whelen throws a little heavier bullet than the 06 at similar velocity. No need for you to be a peter puffer.
@@davidandre886 So, I'm guessing you bought a couple of rifles in 338Fed and are still hoping it replaces the '06 as America's go-to caliber. And BTW, where someone attended school doesn't mean anything when it comes to their knowing the 30-06 would outlast a non-308 caliber. The 325/8mm/338 market is too slim to support too many options, let alone a new round like the 338Fed.
Unless a company can get every writer in every gun magazine to write and rave about a new caliber, it's honeymoon period isn't going to last over a few years. It looks like the 6.5Cr is going to make the cut.
Seeing as how Hornady has introduced 6mm and 6.5mm rounds in their Creedmore line with notable success, I'm wondering if they have a 7mmCr in the works. That'd be interesting but I think it'd be too close to the 7mmWSM and would be taking on the 7mm RemMag. I don't see that being too successful.
Anyways, there's plenty of good rounds that never really catch on for whatever reason and the 338Fed was one of them.
A 7mm Creedmoor would be great.
You're not wrong about its competition, but the reason the Creedmoors do so well is their compatibility with the AR platform. 7 Mag can't do that, lol.
I LOVE slinging HEAVIER LEAD out of my WHELENS & 358 WINCHESTERS too...it makes me HAPPY
These cartridges would make great woods rifles when you spend more time in the timber still hunting. That is where they make the best choice for hunting Elk. 🤠
Thanks for highlighting the 338 Federal. I didn't think there was a more underrated round than the 303 British until I was I introduced to the 338 Fed about 6 years ago. Now, if I had to pick just one short action cartridge to hunt the Great Lakes region with it'd be the 338 Fed. A 200gr. SP will handle anything. The "Fed" has me contemplating custom builds in 338 RCM and 338/06. Love the 33 caliber even more than my 35's.
Another advantage of 338 is that it'll lose less velocity in shorter barrels when compared to 308.
Wherever you get that idea 💡
By the numbers, the 338Fed with 200gr looks good, to me, unless you're driving a copper bullet which you can go lighter. I have a 338Fed and it definitely hits hard and makes a bigger hole than a .30cal.
Not what i was thinking before the reveal. But after comparing. The reason it is not going to last is ....the .308 already does it. Still comes down to availability and common platforms.
boom .. and to say a heavier bullet won't hit your shoulder harder ? it just goes to show the perfectness of the 308 case length and all it's wildcats and the amount of powder to get more performance out of bigger case capacities.. not to mention I just got 2000 cases for 800
I, myself in my early 20s see my self being like these old timers sticking with 30-06 til they die. But I'm sticking with 308 for hunting til I die lol
The numbers on federals power Shok 200 grain are really good 3237 muzzle energy 2740 (100) 2304 (200) 1924 (300
2700 muzzle velocity 2484 (100) 2278(200) 2082(300) 1895(400)
I've been wanting to get a 338 federal but haven't found a rifle I want yet
Another great video Ron.. I think the 338 Federal just does not have enough case capacity for the heavier bullets. It was placed between the .308 and the .358 win. For heavier bullets I think the 35 Whelan makes more sense (or actually the 338/06). Thanks for posting and a belated Merry Christmas..
When you step to those calibers, you lose the lighter recoil.
@@murphyspell7125 I agree to that
I’ve always been impressed by the .35 Whelen and it’s European counterpart the 9.3x62 Mauser. It’s unfortunate that no one commercialized the the .35 Whelen until after Winchester introduced the 300 and 338 magnums in off the shelf rifles. For most hunters, a commercially available rifle will win out over a caliber that requires rebarreling an action.
@@dg20120 my brother in law had an old s X s shotgun converted to 9.3.x62.. it weights a ton but he got it done for a trip to Africa.. .he took it over there and did good with it
@@mikes1097
The 9.3x62 has probably been used to bag every medium, large and dangerous game species on the planet. One of the chain outdoor stores had a CZ in 9.3x62 on the shelf for months. They even marked it down a hundred bucks because no one knew what it was. I should have bought it.
a large majority of FACTORY gun have a 1-12 twist in the .308 that maxes out at a 190 grain bullet
Still running a .300 savage lever for the whitetail. The combination just has a balance that is just a pleasure to shoot.Seems like it was made to do exactly that.Love that old critter getter.
As a Sambar hunter and M99 Savage tragic here in OZ, I've used a 99C in 308W for years. Friends with both 338Fed and 358W short actions find them good on big Territory boars and Sambar at common (short) ranges. I haven't seen info on the 338Ruger, but I feel that an M99 in 338 Canadian (338/284) would be fine, like a 338-06 with 225-250 gn bullets.
If I need more, I'll use my M70 in 375 H&H.
I actually learned about this caliber this past year and for a while was considering rebarreling my 243 to the 338 Federal because I do think especially out to 300 yards it is a great looking cartridge for deer up to moose without having the recoil of the bigger cartridges if moose was something you may get a chance at once-in-a-lifetime and not regularly hunted.
Oddly enough I was reading a couple of your old articles about the 338 Federal last night. I enjoy my Ruger M77 in 338 Federal. Enjoy your videos please keep it up.
Very cool! Thanks.
Thanks for shedding light on this wonderful cartridge. I have been shooting the .338 Fed since 2007. We have taken hogs, Whitetail, Mule deer and Antelope with great results.
Something not many people bring up is ‘waste of meat’ I’ve owned/own the the 30-378 and 300 Weatherby, 300 Ultra Mag, 300 WSM, 7mm Ultra Mag, 7mm REM Mag. Those calibers tear up deer and antelope and at least one moose I shot something fierce, if that bullet even thinks about landing anywhere near the shoulder area. My uncle bought a 338. Win Mag for deer hunting and I thought he was nuts.. Surprisingly, the recoil isn’t bad at all (same brass as the 7mm REM Mag with less powder) you can get away with a shorter/lighter barrel like 22-23” (I personally hate swinging around a 26” barrel) It didn’t hardly waste any meat, almost like a .35 Rem or 45-70 Gov. quarter size hole even in the shoulder area. The .338 Win Mag covers more bases than the 6.8 Western or 7mm SAUM, the .338-06 A-Squared and 338 RCM need just,,, a couple more grains of powder to run those .338 bullets, better bullet selection than the .325 WSM (8mm) The .338 Win Mag IS the “perfect North American biggame cartridge” longer distance than the 30-06 or 270 Win or .270 WSM which I own/owned as well. Thank you Mr. Spooner for your wonderful videos!
You are welcome, Kyle.
I haven't shot one, yet! But I will own one soon. Savage seems to be the only company trying to keep it alive. Thanks for covering this cartridge Ron.
I like the idea of the .338 rcm, but even Ruger no longer chambers for it.
Another great video Ron. The .338 Fed was another good round that was ignored. A ton of great bullets available in .338, but it looks like it's heading the way of the .358 Win. For some reason larger than .30 caliber rounds based on the .30-06 and .308 Win just never seem to take off. My guess is that the public jumps to the "mag" choices in those caliber. Plus there are no flees on either of the parent cases.
The .338fed really shines when you hand load. My 200gr SST hand load is going 2625fps with H322. If you go with some ball powders you can get well into the 2700’s with a 200gr bullet! It’s really an amazing little cartridge.
I have no dog in this fight. I once owned a .338WM which I bought for a once in a lifetime Alaskan Moose hunt which got cancelled due to me being called back out on deployment for Operation Desert Shield. Anyhoo...never had another chance so sold it. I grew up in Wyoming hunting all sorts of game and always used my .280Rem with great success so that's all I've ever used or needed. IF, IF I were to go with a larger bullet I'd go for the 338/06. My guess is that a handloader like myself could really have a lot of "fun" with it. The time tested and much wild catted 30-06 case is really a "jack of all trades" from the light 25-06 up to the aforementioned 338-06 and basically even the .280Rem and .270Win. I've never seen the need for the big magnums myself but to each their own!
Yes,don't forget the 358win it also got my hard look, great show Ron, I been doing the hunting thing for 45 years the older we get the less recoil we need, may have to go after the deer with the 222 duce, if I get that weak maybe. GOD BLESS.
I'm currently working on building a custom scout rifle that will be a 338 Federal. I've long wanted a scout rifle for hunting elk in the dark timber, and at those short ranges the 338 Federal is superior to the 308 Win. Yet it also has enough gas to cleanly take a bull at 300-400 yards. Like so many other great rifle cartridges, I think the 338 Federal will live on as a handloader's proposition, much like the 220 Swift, 284 Winchester, and the 8mm Remington Magnum to name a few. Commercial success isn't the only way to determine the worth of a cartridge. As far as my project, I have secured a good amount of Federal ammo loaded with the 185 grain softpoints to shoot away so I can load the cases with 210 grain Nosler Partition bullets. This will most likely be the rifle that I take for hunting Roosevelt elk in Oregon's Coast Range. I can't think of a better setup for that thick green timber!
I never payed the 338 fed any attention. But that's because I wildcat chambered for 338-08. I never knew they finally officialized the round. Still been reloading 308 cases. Nice to know I might be able to buy factory brass for the old gun.
I'm late to the game here but . I purchased a Kimber Montana in 338 federal and hand load for it . I used a 185 grain Barnes triple shock and went 9 big games animals in a row (4 being elk) with a single killing round. With handloads I produce darn near factory 30-06 energy with a short action that weighs 6 pounds with scope sling and fully loaded. In the end I did eventually come back to the ol 308 but I will never sell that 338 federal. It is a great and highly underated round. And while I realize my evidence is highly anecdotal. 338 federal has steered me more to the bigger bullet slower side of the ancient debate of what kills better big or fast. Roy weatherby had no problems choosing both :) I just don't like pouring a quarter can of powder into every cartridge. Haha
I’ve shot a good number of critters with the 338 Fed and I’ve always been impressed. Latest load is with a 175 Hammer Hunter at about 2800 FPS.
Really good video, thanks for bringing this one up! Think I'll do a little pondering about adding it to my collection!
Great video Ron. Down here in Australia the 338 Federal was popular for a time in both Sako and Tikka rifles for sambar deer hunting. However it came out at the same time pretty much as the 325WSM. The 338RCM really wasn't available in many rifles and never took off. Also with so many offerings of the 308 with a plethora of bullet weights, etc I think the 338 Federal just wasn't that much of a difference. All the same it was and is a great cartridge. But with the 325WSM seemed to be more popular down here for sambar in Browning/Winchester and other brands that it just killed it. Thanks for sharing!
The best deer cartridge is the one that delivered the one-shot heart/lung fatal wound that you just found inside your furry prize. Always has been, always will.
By far my favorite all around cartridge. I have never had to use more than one round on an animal with it, and they have never gone more than 10 yards. Thanks Ron
There's such a small difference in the numbers between the .308 and .338 Federal. Not much of a surprise that the .338 is on it's way to oblivion.
On game, there will be little to no difference in performance between the two. The 338fed was the answer to a question that never needed asking.
?
@@cwiller I never understood need of this cartridge either. I suppose some die hard 338 diameter hunter who can no longer shoot their 338 win, 338 Lapua, or 338 rem ultra due to recoil or rifle weight/handling?
Comparing 185gr and 180gr projectiles out of a 24" barrel doesn't yield much difference, but try 225gr and 180gr out of a 16" barrel and the 338 will have a sizeable advantage.
With larger bores at equivalent bullet geometry you can get a lot more energy out of a short barrel than smaller bores.
The 308 Winchester was a question that never needed an answer to either. We already had the 30-06.
I have a 340wby and I love that gun so much before that I had a 338win I love 338s and 270s calibers
Ron is the best storyteller ever. Not a fan of new cartridges, but he could sell me a freezer in Greenland.
Sorry, Locarnese, all out of freezers in Greenland, but we have a lightly used, 15 C.F. chest style in Siberia. Shipping extra. Thanks, sir!
I was all excited to try out the .338 federal with a Kimber m84 rifle.
I look around for .338 fed ammo.
At 3 different stores I found the same ammo at $35, $40 and $45 a box.
When I could get the same bullet In A box of .308 for about $25 .
If they kept the ammo prices about the same as .308 it might still be Viable.
I didn't think the Elk would know the difference. But I sure would.
I handload but even for people that don’t, if they want a good reference of bullets and ability to compare them on paper, handloading books are a great resource. I know of the 338 Federal because of the books but I’ve never seen one in person.
Personally 257-AI, with the old Nosler 120-grain Solid Base bullets, with the lead tips. Loaded to 25-06 velocities. I figure that if the 25-06 can handle 62kpsi, I can bump the 257-AI on the same actions, with the same case head thicknesses, to the same pressures. No pressure signed so I continue to shoot them.
The other favorite for short range, in the woods, elk is still the 35-Whelen, with the 225 Grain Nosler Partitions.
As an aside, I was looking at some data on the 25 Creedmoor. I am thinking of getting a faster twist barrel, and chambering it for the 257-AI, with a longer than normal throat. Mounted on a long action receiver, it should allow the use of the longer, higher BC bullets.
Fantastic round that got lost in the magnum craze. Would love to see it re-emerge.
It’s just not enough “better” than the great 308. But I’m all for anyone choosing to hunt with something different....I do
I'd love to see you break down the 338-06. Much more versatile than the 338 federal.
As everyone can see, the guys that shoot the mid range calibers, .308, .323,.338, and .35 Very passionate group of shooters!! Thank Ron for stirring up some passion for your Caliber with another awesome video!!!
You're welcome, Wood Stock
We have such a good variety of powders now to get what we want. 338 federal is a great round that you can work up or down with a good twist rate
I've never shot the .338 Federal, but I've always wanted one in the AR10 platform.
Ron, great video.
Great cartridge, but manufacturers fail to give it a stage. Fortunately people that know the 338 Federal love it.
I also own a 338-06 A-Square cartridge which is another excellent cartridge. I use 30-06 Springfield brass for my reloads.
The 338 Federal and 338-06 A-Square cartridges are an inexpensive way to shoot a 338 caliber cartridge. The 338 Ruger Compact Magnum and 338 Winchester Magnum cartridges come at a much higher cost. The huge money saving is the decision maker for me.
I quickly bought a Savage 16FCSS Weather Warrior in 338 Federal. I also have a Thompson Center Encore 15 inch 338 Federal pistol barrel.
I use inexpensive 308 Winchester/7.62x51 Nato brass. My favorite bullet is the Nosler 210 grain Partition.
Not buying either, why? Can you say 30.06 and .35 Whelen?
I have 2 338 feds. They are very effective. Taken Deer, Elk and Bear with them. Will stop and drop anything to 300 Yards. I have over a dozen different cartridge rifles but for performance and light recoil none come close to the Fed. For longer ranges I lean to the 7 MM STW or the 6.5-300 WBY Mag.
One problem with this cartridge, and others similar, is that most of the bullets that are available to handloaders in that diameter are going to be constructed for the magnum or higher velocity cartridges. 300BO and 7mmTCU suffer the same problem, a lot of bullets just won't expand at the velocity the cartridge can deliver. I use both of these calibers so my opinion is from my own practical experience handloading for them.
Similar to the reason why the 444 Marlin never became especially popular. In its early years Remington loaded it with 44 Magnum bullets, which wouldn't expand properly at 444 velocities, and the round got a bad reputation it couldn't shake.
I think the 33 and 35 caliber cartridges are some of the best out there and they are much more versatile then they get credit for. So many people are so in love with small bores (30 and under) and beleive any thing bigger is hard recoiling and drop to fast that they can't see what their missing from the medium bore cartridges.
Heard of it but never really considered it- thanks for the info
Performancewise the 8mm Mauser (8x57is) is very similar and after some years of ignorance it has come back here in Germany since Driven Hunts has gotten more and more popular
The 8x57is is around since over 120 years and still got the Job done with also a very high variety of Bullet Weights from 160 to 240 grains for all purposes and distances
I like your channel because you speak so well and not so fast, as English is not my mother language that helps me understand every word you say. Keep up the good work.
Thank you! 😃
Knew it before it was revealed. .338 federal is the most under rated modern cartridge.
Awesome! 338 federal was what i thought you were going to say. Funny how it isn’t popular. I think it’s as good as it gets for a hunting cartridge.
My best friends Dad had an 8mm/06 made. Mauser 98 action Douglas barrel and Fagen stock. It is a sweet gun. Little heavy handed on deer but awesome on black bear.
Well, we let the .358 Winchester go by the wayside too. And it was no slouch .
If you are a reloader, the 338 Federal will never really die. Necking up cartridges is a bit easier than necking down. (less shoulder movement and neck turning needed). The 308 will be around pretty much forever, so your brass supply is good.
Good point, Remeo!
Ì did look hard at the 338 federal, but I went with the 325WSM very efficient hard hitting and can load it down a bit for deer and can load it up for anything else, the 170 sst great for deer and the 200 accubond for the bigger animals and it stacks up with the 8mm mag but doesn't remove your teeth with recoil but it also got side lined but those that use it will not get rid of it and still doesn't boot as much as the 300win mag as I said before I looked hard at 338 federal but the 325 is also short action my choice.
Aim small, good hunting, GOD BLESS.
338 Federal will fit into an AR-10 magazine!
I just don’t see enough advantage of the 338 to be worth it. 308 is still cheaper and readily available for all aspects of hunting
One more chance to mix ammunition & cause accidents though to tweak the ego of a designer and those who wear the sales pitches. The .243 is the only excuse for resizing that case. Interesting most who provide the expert opinions are pretty inexperienced themselves on the realities of field work, and this platform is stuffed full of them to overflowing in the hunting topic. (Still has very interesting stuff, just some opinions need to be taken on their merits).
And that is exactly why it hasn't been more successful. Most people want a rifle they can go in any gun store and buy ammo. It would have to be a significantly better cartridge for people to take the leap
Never had a 338 federal but got a 338 win mag and a 340 weatherby and love them both
I enjoy your videos because you provide stats that show the performance on the calibers that you feature. I'd like to see a 205 grain bullet loaded into the 338 Federal case. I think it would be just about right for it. Also the 358 Winchester would be good with 225 grain bullet - based on case limitations.
Hey there boss man‼️
another awesome video‼️
I love the 338 federal cartridge‼️
A friend of mine had a rifle chambered in 338 federal.
we went to the range and had a good time.
I asked if he was planning on selling it.
he said no, a month later I seen him again, and he sold it. I was so mad.
I've been trying ever since to purchase A 338 federal rifle with no luck‼️
I really wanted that rifle‼️
Definitely a good cartridge. Had a Ruger that shot sub moa. Very similar to the 8mm Mauser. 200gr @2550-2600 fps.
Ron I would love to see a video on properly loaded 7x57 and 8x57!
The 338 federal is just too practical. Nobody is enamored by cartridges that just work anymore but it's a great round.
Never tried the 338 federal myself, but it is a rather interesting cartridge. Another one I find that is actually a great cartridge but doesn't have the popularity that it should have is the .325wsm. I've been shooting one for a couple years now in a browning blr and it has great accuracy, velocities that beat the .300wsm with the same or heavier weight of bullet, and recoil that's still manageable to newer shooters
Anything that trashes the vitals at 400yrds is going to be good enough. But, like you, I really enjoy the 325. I hope the components for it will be available to this handloader for as long as his hunting/shooting ability will last
@@robertfree1908 I handload for it as well. Factory ammo is usually close to $80/box here and it's not often in stock. My favorite load is a 200gr Barnes tsx over 52gr of vhitavuori n150 at about 2522. It's capable of much higher velocities with hotter charges and different powders but that load seems to be rather accurate for me
I haven’t tried the 200gr version. I have been reserving that weight for either the Partition or the AccuBond. I honestly don’t know how strong your gun is so I can’t in good conscience share that 180 recipe. I can tell you that it does an avg of 3130fps from my A Bolt’s 23”bbl. It groups under half inch with the best right at 3/8” at 100yrds. That powder is RL19. Accurate 4350 is another stellar performer. It comes back hard in that lite gun but the power delivery is well worth that price. I bought a bunch of 180 Ballistic Tips from the Cabela’s Bargain Cave when there was such a thing dirt cheap. I’m looking forward to making a deer load of those. I haven’t decided if I want to tone down the velocity or match the TSX
@@robertfree1908 if I decided to bump up the charge of the n150 according to Barnes it would hit about 2775fps out of a 24" barrel. Highest velocity for the 200gr tsx listed is 2951 with 67gr of win760 powder. I'm sure the gun could handle a hotter load, but they were my first reloads and I just want to work my way up
And that’s the beauty of handloading. The gun/cartridge sets boundaries. But you usually have a loooong leash😉
So many short action performers fall by the wayside, to just get replaced by the latest and greatest that do exactly the same thing! Or, a void left with no replacement, 250 Savage, 257 Roberts, 260 rem, 284 win, 307 win, 308 fed, 33 win , 338fed, 348 win, 356 win, 358, 38-55! Just to name a few. It boils down to timing in most cases, marketing and patience.
I wish I could find 338 Federal brass! What a round.
Great channel Ron. Just subscribed. Never hunted before (only fished) and I’m currently trying to learn everything. This channel is so informative!
Thanks for the sub! Hope we can help.
Go pick u up a 270 that’s is my fav
As I click on each of your vids from my Subscribed notifications, I enjoy every one.
If I may suggest one that I haven’t seen covered yet anywhere; it would relate to defining the maximum distances for deer and elk according to sectional densities of select bullets of select cartridges (perhaps keep them in the 308 and WM families for mainstream comparisons,) and minimum distances according to bullet composition and velocity (will cup & draw penetrate into the vitals, or disintegrate in a rib or shoulder?) For example: Will an ELDX perform better @100 yards in in a 260 Rem. than a 264 WM? This brings up a good point that’s ignored: There are minimum distances to consider with the cartridge and bullet as well as maximum.
I am a steady believer that cup & draw is indeed a good choice for mild and medium velocity cartridges, such as in the 308 family.
I would love the 243, 260, 7-08, 308, 338 Fed, and 264, 7mm, 300 and 338WM included in this study using Hornady and Nosler Load Manuals and their gelatin terminal tests.
Whooo boy, John. That's a tall order. More like a 10-part mini-series than a YT video.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors I would watch a whole season of Ron Spomer Mini Series’.😄
I’ll keep my 356 Winchester with Speer 220gr or Barnes 250gr.
since the early 80’s. If I need more distance I’ll use a magnum length case.
I have three .338 Federal's.....I love it
I chose my 6.5x57 in a Savage m110 action. Does everything ill ever need in Wisconsin. Heck, i wouldnt even be too worried with elk, though, im probably going to get a second little project and build a 6.5x65 RWS for those bigger critters. I fell in love with the 6.5mm bullets.
Im quite surprised with the .338 Federal's lack of popularity myself. Thought it was doing better than it was. Great video as always!
I purchased mine about 15 years ago. Was difficult to find because the bolt is on the left side. I consider it one of the best if not the best firearm purchase I made. It has taken moose and deer. Never put much study into the numbers. I use a 200gr Speer cup and core bullet. For those who think that bullet isn’t tough enough I put one north to south through a bull moose. That bull never complained and to quote another outdoors personality “ didn’t go 20”. The more I use this cartridge the more I like it. I can see why it is dying it’s not a magnum, it’s easy to load for and doesn’t require a boat load of powder to perform. Oh well I’m not worried because I have access to a chamber reamer too. I’m surprised it’s dying considering the copious amounts of praise extolling it’s virtues that gun writers have provided since its inception.
Very effective caliber lots of knock down power and low recoil. I actually have an Encore single shot pistol in this caliber and it does great job on elk and deer.
338 Win Mag is an oversized 7X57 and therefore has an ideal powder to bullet diameter ratio and it offers lot of flexibility for the hand loader. You can always load it down to 338 federal levels but with the option to have full 250 grain loads or even heavier if any needs arise. For recoil sensitive hunters it is always better to shoot a round they can handle! Even a marginal .243 with a good tough hunting projectile in the heart of an elk is better than any .338 in its guts. Ethical hunting is about clean kills at close distances and not about always wanting to pull the trigger and especially not at unreasonable distances.
I've had good luck with my Buick Regal lately. 🤪
But the per-shot ammo costs!
I bought a Ruger Hawkeye in 338RCM a few years back because it was offered in left hand. That gun knocked the snot out of you when you pulled the trigger. I sold it because the gun seemed too small for my 6’ frame. Since then, I haven’t seen any RCM’s in Rugers lineup.
Your excellent analysis, especially those new charts, show why the 338 Fed is going to die.
Keep an eye out for 8.6 blackout when it comes out.
Less powder but using faster powders. Can take longer more efficient bullets. Very high twist..optimized for short barrels and the ability to cycle gas guns using supers and subs, like 300 blk... but in the lighter short action firearms.
i shoot a 338-06 with 250 grain Partition bullets and have had great success using on African plains game. The 338 Fed is similar in a slightly smaller package. I agree that the 225gr bullet would be optimum for this cartridge.
Great content again Ron! Thank you. I did buy anything Fed .338 reload supplies relatively easy in covid times. I track bucks and its short action paid off this year, fast action. Great versatility in a short action. Makes sense it faded but too many pros these days to not reconsider for those who reload and take woodsy big game animals moose on down. Recoil was similiar to my .270 win., fun perk!
Thanks Glenn.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors Hey Ron another great video thank you. There really is something special about the 3006 that no other cartridge has. So much history behind it, so American and Patriotic. I have a Winchester 70 Extreme Weather in 3006 , its a great feeling.
As soon as you said you said graveyard I guess it! I also like the 358 Winchester which I own in a BLR and killed nine deer with it in three years none of which ran more than 40 yds using 225 gr TSX. I also enjoy loading .357 pistol bullets for affordable target shooting. For a woods gun any of the cartridges you mentioned are excellent. .308 is more practical for those who do not reload. At 300 yds my pick would be the .338 Federal.
338 fed should have a fast metabolism. Probably works awesome out of short barrels. Make a real good compact backcountry rifle with say a folding stock.
Great round for a scout rifle. Use a shortened barrel in a BLR or Henry Long Ranger and be invincible.
Thanks for the video. Hopefully this sparks some interest and the ammo companies get back on board. I have an AR 10 in 338Fed and its awesome. Id like to find a bolt gun also. I see Savage is cranking them out. Apparently it is a great hog cartridge too.
Eric, did you buy your AR in 338Fed or install an aftermarket barrel? ...and where could I find one?