.338 Federal

[Casull]

I was just reading about this round. Anyone use it yet for bench or hunting. Basically a .308 Win necked up to .338. If it works close to what the .338/06 does, they should have a winner on their hands.

 

[prosper]

It's still fairly new, AFAIK only Tikka/Sako chamber for it currently. It looks like a good round, but lacks any real 'glitz' so it will probably go the way of the 358. Which is a real shame, as the 338-08 should be about perfect for the needs of most typical hunters, but they'll probably buy a wizzum instead. (not that there's anything WRONG with a WSM, I personally like them but I also acknowledge that they're probably more cartridge than is truly needed most of the time)

By all accounts, the factory ballistics are somewhat 'optimistic,' it is essentially to the 338-06 what the 358 is to the 35 Whelen or the 308 to the 30-06; 100-150fps behind with 'standard-weight' bullets.

 

[gth]

I know of one guy who has one. He had it made probably 20 years ago by a guy near Chatsworth Ontario. I love the round and i was very glad to see Federal standardize the chambering.


I will have one. I still need a .358 and a 25 Souper to finish off the family.

 

[todbartell]

Prospertition is right, the 338 Federal, while having enough power and flat enough trajectory for 95% of hunters needs in Canada, lacks the velocity and short mag pizazz to sell big time. That wont stop it from being a great cartridge, just not going to be a popular one