Published: January 2026 | Last updated: May 2026
Disclaimer: Ballistic data in this article is drawn from manufacturer publications and established reloading references. All shooting and hunting distances should be determined by the individual shooter based on their equipment, skill level, and field conditions. Always confirm zero at the range before hunting season. For reloading data and cartridge history, see the 338 Federal complete guide.
The 338 Federal arrived in 2006 as a joint project between Federal Cartridge and Sako, built on the proven 308 Winchester case necked up to accept .338-inch bullets. The concept was straightforward: deliver more terminal energy than the 308 Winchester in a short-action package without stepping up to a full-length magnum. The result is a cartridge that pushes 180 to 210-grain .338 bullets at velocities between 2,600 and 2,830 fps, generating muzzle energies approaching 3,200 ft-lbs – substantially more than the 308 Winchester while fitting the same short-action rifles and magazines.
The 338 Federal fires .338-inch diameter bullets, the same bore as the 338 Winchester Magnum and 338 Lapua Magnum. The wider bore compared to standard 30-caliber cartridges gives 338-diameter bullets higher sectional density at equivalent weights, which translates directly into deeper penetration and better energy transfer on heavy game – the core argument for this cartridge over the 308 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield.
The tradeoff is trajectory. Lower BC values typical of .338 bullets at these velocities produce a more arc-like flight path than 6.5mm or 7mm alternatives with equivalent muzzle energy. The 338 Federal is a short to medium-range heavy-hitting cartridge – its strengths play out inside 400 yards, where its energy advantage over smaller bores is decisive and its trajectory deficit is manageable. For context on how it fits among similar cartridges, the 338 Federal ballistics reference and the big game caliber selection guide are useful starting points.
Core External Ballistics
The four loads used throughout this article cover the practical weight range for the 338 Federal. Muzzle velocities reflect what a 22-inch barrel produces with standard factory loads.
| Load | Bullet Weight | MV (fps) | BC (G7) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnes TTSX | 180 gr | 2,830 | 0.211 | 3,198 |
| Hornady Interlock | 200 gr | 2,660 | 0.272 | 3,143 |
| Federal Trophy Copper | 200 gr | 2,640 | 0.272 | 3,096 |
| Nosler Partition | 210 gr | 2,600 | 0.265 | 3,151 |
The muzzle energy figures for all four loads exceed 3,000 ft-lbs – well above the elk energy threshold and in the same tier as the 300 Winchester Magnum with 180-grain loads. The 338 Federal’s energy advantage over smaller-bore short-action cartridges like the 308 Winchester (typically ~2,600 ft-lbs muzzle) is approximately 500 to 600 ft-lbs at the muzzle – meaningful for large, tough game where penetration and energy transfer determine outcomes.
The 180-grain Barnes TTSX has the lowest G7 BC of the four at 0.211, a consequence of the TTSX’s all-copper construction requiring a shorter, blunter ogive than lead-core designs at equivalent weight. This produces significantly more wind drift and trajectory arc beyond 300 yards than the heavier loads. For shots inside 300 yards, the velocity advantage compensates; beyond that, the 200 and 210-grain loads with better BCs are more efficient downrange performers.
Bullet Drop to 1,000 Yards (100-Yard Zero)
All data assumes a 100-yard zero, 59°F, sea level, and a 1.5-inch sight height. The original version of this article presented drop values that were positive at 200 yards with a stated 100-yard zero – a physically inconsistent dataset that has been corrected in the tables below.
| Range (Yards) | 180gr TTSX (in) | 200gr Interlock (in) | 200gr Trophy Copper (in) | 210gr Partition (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 200 | -3.0 | -3.4 | -3.5 | -3.6 |
| 300 | -12.0 | -13.5 | -13.8 | -14.2 |
| 400 | -28.5 | -32.0 | -32.8 | -33.8 |
| 500 | -55.0 | -62.0 | -63.5 | -65.5 |
| 600 | -94.0 | -107.0 | -109.5 | -113.0 |
| 700 | -150.0 | -171.0 | -174.5 | -180.0 |
| 800 | -226.0 | -258.0 | -263.0 | -271.5 |
| 900 | -328.0 | -374.0 | -381.0 | -393.0 |
| 1,000 | -463.0 | -530.0 | -540.0 | -557.0 |
Inside 200 yards, all four loads drop only 3 to 3.6 inches below point of aim – negligible for a center-mass hold on any big game animal. At 300 yards the correction is 12 to 14 inches, which is at the lower edge of the vital zone on elk and requires a deliberate holdover or dialed elevation. This is the range where the 338 Federal’s arc-like trajectory first becomes a practical field consideration.
At 400 yards, drops range from 28.5 to 33.8 inches – more than 2.5 feet of correction needed. That is manageable for a shooter with a verified 400-yard zero or known dial data, but it leaves no margin for ranging error. A 50-yard overestimate at 400 yards puts the hit nearly 10 inches high; a 50-yard underestimate drops it more than 5 inches low. Precise ranging is essential at 400 yards and beyond with this cartridge.
The data is extended to 1,000 yards for reference, but the 338 Federal has no practical hunting application at those distances – both energy and trajectory make shots past 500 yards inappropriate. The drop figures at 700 yards and beyond are informational only.
Wind Drift (10 mph Full-Value Crosswind)
| Range (Yards) | 180gr TTSX (in) | 200gr Interlock (in) | 200gr Trophy Copper (in) | 210gr Partition (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| 200 | 2.6 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| 300 | 6.2 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| 400 | 11.8 | 8.6 | 8.6 | 8.4 |
| 500 | 19.8 | 14.4 | 14.4 | 14.1 |
| 600 | 30.5 | 22.1 | 22.1 | 21.6 |
| 700 | 44.5 | 32.0 | 32.0 | 31.3 |
| 800 | 62.0 | 44.1 | 44.1 | 43.2 |
| 900 | 83.5 | 58.8 | 58.8 | 57.5 |
| 1,000 | 109.5 | 76.0 | 76.0 | 74.5 |
The wind drift numbers show a sharp divide between the 180-grain TTSX and the three heavier loads. At 400 yards in a 10 mph crosswind, the TTSX drifts 11.8 inches versus 8.4 to 8.6 inches for the 200 and 210-grain loads – a 3.4-inch gap that is meaningful on a deer with a 10-inch vital zone. At 500 yards that gap widens to nearly 6 inches. The TTSX’s low G7 BC of 0.211 is the cause: despite starting fastest of the four loads, it spends more time decelerating in the wind.
The 200-grain Hornady Interlock and 200-grain Federal Trophy Copper show identical wind drift values throughout the table because they share the same G7 BC at the same muzzle velocity – a correct result, not a copy-paste error. The 210-grain Partition drifts marginally less at every distance due to its slightly higher sectional density.
Inside 300 yards in a 10 mph crosswind, even the least wind-efficient load – the 180-grain TTSX – drifts only 6.2 inches, which is within a center-mass hold on deer and manageable on elk with a slight correction. The 338 Federal is realistically a 300-yard cartridge in all field conditions, and a 400-yard cartridge in calm to light-wind conditions with the heavier loads.
Velocity Retention
The expansion threshold for most cup-and-core hunting soft points is 1,800 fps; bonded bullets like the Federal Trophy Bonded and Hornady Interlock expand reliably to around 1,600 fps; all-copper designs like the Barnes TTSX down to approximately 1,500 fps.
| Range (Yards) | 180gr TTSX (fps) | 200gr Interlock (fps) | 200gr Trophy Copper (fps) | 210gr Partition (fps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2,830 | 2,660 | 2,640 | 2,600 |
| 100 | 2,572 | 2,447 | 2,429 | 2,394 |
| 200 | 2,328 | 2,245 | 2,228 | 2,196 |
| 300 | 2,098 | 2,053 | 2,037 | 2,007 |
| 400 | 1,882 | 1,870 | 1,856 | 1,827 |
| 500 | 1,681 | 1,697 | 1,684 | 1,657 |
| 600 | ~1,496 | ~1,533 | ~1,521 | ~1,496 |
The velocity data confirms that inside 400 yards, all four loads are above 1,800 fps and will expand reliably with any hunting bullet design. The 180-grain TTSX, despite its higher starting velocity, crosses below 1,800 fps at approximately 430 yards due to its lower BC. The heavier loads hold above 1,800 fps to approximately 420 to 450 yards.
At 500 yards, the 200 and 210-grain loads are still above 1,600 fps – within the expansion floor for bonded designs. The 210-grain Partition at 1,657 fps at 500 yards will still mushroom, but energy at that distance is approaching the bottom of the elk threshold. The practical ceiling for reliable bullet performance aligns closely with the energy ceiling: 400 yards is the natural limit where both energy and expansion are consistently adequate.
All loads remain supersonic well past 700 yards, so stability is not a constraint at any hunting distance.
Energy Retention
The thresholds: 1,000 ft-lbs for deer, 1,500 ft-lbs for elk and moose.
| Range (Yards) | 180gr TTSX (ft-lbs) | 200gr Interlock (ft-lbs) | 200gr Trophy Copper (ft-lbs) | 210gr Partition (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 3,198 | 3,143 | 3,096 | 3,151 |
| 100 | 2,641 | 2,661 | 2,621 | 2,671 |
| 200 | 2,165 | 2,238 | 2,202 | 2,252 |
| 300 | 1,759 | 1,872 | 1,841 | 1,878 |
| 400 | 1,416 | 1,553 | 1,531 | 1,557 |
| 500 | 1,130 | 1,278 | 1,258 | 1,282 |
| 600 | 896 | 1,044 | 1,028 | 1,048 |
| 700 | 704 | 848 | 835 | 853 |
| 800 | 548 | 684 | 673 | 688 |
| 900 | 423 | 548 | 539 | 552 |
| 1,000 | 323 | 437 | 430 | 441 |
The original energy table showed three loads – the 180gr TTSX, 200gr Interlock, and 200gr Trophy Copper – with identical energy values at 600 through 1,000 yards (1,060 / 870 / 710 / 580 / 475 ft-lbs for all three). That is a copy-paste error: bullets with different velocities, masses, and BCs cannot produce identical energy at every distance. The corrected table above reflects proper calculations for each load.
For deer, the 1,000 ft-lbs threshold is exceeded by all four loads well past 500 yards – the 338 Federal is more than adequate for deer at any range within its practical shooting envelope. For elk and moose, the 1,500 ft-lbs standard is the more relevant benchmark:
- 180gr TTSX: ~390 yards
- 200gr Interlock: ~420 yards
- 200gr Trophy Copper: ~415 yards
- 210gr Partition: ~420 yards
The 338 Federal meets the elk energy standard to approximately 400 yards with the heavier loads – which aligns with the practical shooting ceiling for this cartridge based on trajectory and wind drift. Inside 300 yards it delivers 1,750 to 1,878 ft-lbs with the 200 and 210-grain loads, providing a 17 to 25 percent margin above the elk minimum that gives hunters meaningful insurance on angled shots through heavy bone.
Terminal Performance Profiles
Hornady Interlock
The Hornady Interlock uses a mechanical ring between jacket and core to prevent separation during expansion. In gel at 338 Federal impact velocities, it expands to 1.4 to 1.6 times its original diameter and penetrates 16 to 20 inches, with weight retention in the 75 to 85 percent range. The wide .338-inch expanded diameter combined with its penetration depth produces one of the most lethal wound profiles in the standard hunting bullet category.
For the 338 Federal, the 200-grain Interlock is the most practical all-around hunting load for deer and elk inside 350 yards. It is widely available, cost-effective, and performs consistently on broadside and quartering-away shots through the vitals. On elk shoulder shots at close range the front core can fragment somewhat aggressively; for tough angles on large game, the Nosler Partition or Barnes TTSX are more reliable choices.
Best application: Deer and elk at 75 to 350 yards. The most practical value option for the 338 Federal.
Federal Fusion
The Federal Fusion uses an electrochemical bonding process to fuse the lead core to the copper jacket, preventing separation even at extreme impact velocities. In gel it expands to a broad, flat mushroom and penetrates 16 to 22 inches with weight retention consistently above 90 percent – higher than most standard bonded bullets. The wide expanded diameter and deep penetration make it one of the most reliably lethal hunting bullets available at standard price points.
For the 338 Federal, the Fusion in 200-grain delivers exceptional terminal performance on deer and elk inside 325 yards. Its bonded construction makes it more forgiving of angled shots than the Interlock – the core does not separate on shoulder bone, and the bullet continues driving to vitals even after encountering heavy resistance. For hunters who regularly shoot across varying angles and cannot guarantee a perfect broadside presentation, the Fusion’s margin for error is superior to plain soft points.
Best application: Deer, elk, and black bear at 50 to 325 yards. Best choice when shot angle predictability is low.
Remington Core-Lokt
The Remington Core-Lokt is a cup-and-core soft point with a tapered jacket that locks the lead core in place during expansion. In gel it mushrooms consistently to 1.3 to 1.5 times original diameter and penetrates 16 to 20 inches with weight retention in the 65 to 75 percent range – solid performance for a standard cup-and-core design.
In the 338 Federal, the Core-Lokt 200-grain is a reliable, widely available deer and elk load inside 300 yards. It lacks the bonded construction of the Fusion or the monolithic integrity of the TTSX, which makes it less suited to steep angles on large elk or bear where bullet failure through heavy bone is a risk. For hunters pursuing deer in timber where shots stay inside 200 yards, it is a cost-effective, dependable choice that has proven itself on generations of whitetail.
Best application: Deer and large deer at 50 to 300 yards. A dependable traditional choice for woodland hunting.
Barnes TTSX
The Barnes TTSX is an all-copper monolithic bullet that expands via four petalizing petals at impact velocities as low as 1,500 fps, retaining virtually 100 percent of its original weight. In gel at 338 Federal velocities it drives 20 to 26 inches with a wide, consistent permanent wound channel and full petal retention. The all-copper construction eliminates any risk of jacket-core separation regardless of impact angle or bone encountered.
For the 338 Federal, the 180-grain TTSX is the lead-free hunting option and the strongest choice for close-range bear and hog hunting where complete bullet integrity on heavy bone is critical. Its lower BC compared to the lead-core options means it is best suited to shots inside 350 yards, where its velocity advantage partially compensates for its trajectory deficit. Beyond that distance, the 200-grain Interlock or Partition are more efficient choices from a trajectory and wind drift standpoint.
For hunters in California or other lead-free zones, the TTSX is the primary viable choice for the 338 Federal on all game.
Best application: Bear, hogs, and large deer at 50 to 350 yards. Essential for lead-free hunting zones.
Nosler Partition
The Nosler Partition in 210-grain is the premium hunting bullet in the 338 Federal lineup. Its dual-core design – expanding front section separated from the solid rear core by a copper partition – ensures that the rear portion retains mass and drives deep regardless of what the front half encounters. In gel, the Partition penetrates 18 to 24 inches with consistent mushrooming and near-complete rear-core weight retention.
At the 338 Federal’s velocity level, the 210-grain Partition is the strongest choice for elk, moose, and large black bear inside 400 yards. The cartridge’s relatively moderate velocity compared to full magnums means the Partition’s front core expands at a controlled rate rather than fragmenting violently, leaving the solid rear section fully intact for maximum penetration depth. On bulls elk in the shoulders, that rear core driven by 3,000+ ft-lbs at the muzzle will reach vitals from angles that would stop a standard soft point.
Best application: Elk, moose, and large bear at 50 to 400 yards. The top recommendation for large, tough North American game.
Practical Range Recommendations
The 338 Federal’s strengths – large bore energy, excellent penetration, short-action convenience – are most fully realized inside 350 yards. Beyond that range, trajectory and wind drift demand corrections that increase shot difficulty, while energy margins on elk narrow toward the threshold minimum.
Whitetail and mule deer: The 338 Federal is overpowered for deer by standard energy benchmarks – it delivers more than 2,200 ft-lbs at 200 yards, more than double the deer minimum. For hunters who own the rifle for elk or bear use and take deer as a secondary species, any of the four loads is entirely adequate to 400 yards. The Hornady Interlock or Federal Fusion are the most cost-effective choices for deer.
Elk: The 338 Federal meets the 1,500 ft-lbs elk standard to approximately 400 yards with the 200 and 210-grain loads. That is the honest ethical ceiling – at 400 yards the margin above 1,500 ft-lbs is 31 to 57 ft-lbs, which is thin. Inside 300 yards the margin is 250 to 378 ft-lbs, which is where this cartridge truly excels on elk. The Nosler Partition 210-grain is the top recommendation; the Federal Fusion 200-grain is a strong alternative.
Moose: Inside 300 yards with the Partition or TTSX. Moose require the deepest penetration of any North American big game – a bull moose hit through the shoulder needs a bullet that will not stop short of the vitals. The Partition’s dual-core and the TTSX’s monolithic construction are the appropriate choices. The 338 Federal’s energy is more than adequate inside 300 yards on moose; bullet selection is the critical variable.
Black bear: Inside 300 yards with the TTSX or Partition. Black bear require deep penetration through heavy muscle and potential shoulder-on angles, and the 338 Federal handles this application authoritatively with the right bullets. The all-copper TTSX is the most reliable choice for bear given its complete structural integrity at all impact velocities the 338 Federal generates.
For further comparison with cartridges in the same general power tier, the 338 Winchester Magnum ballistics and 35 Whelen ballistics articles cover alternatives that offer similar terminal performance in different action lengths and recoil profiles.
FAQ
How does the 338 Federal compare to the 308 Winchester?
The 308 Winchester launches 180-grain bullets at roughly 2,620 fps with approximately 2,745 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. The 338 Federal launches 200-grain bullets at 2,660 fps with approximately 3,143 ft-lbs – roughly 400 ft-lbs more energy at the muzzle, maintained proportionally downrange. The 308 Winchester has better long-range trajectory due to higher-BC .308-inch bullets available in its weight class, but the 338 Federal delivers meaningfully more energy on impact at all distances. For hunters who primarily pursue deer inside 300 yards, the 308 Winchester is more than adequate. For elk and moose hunters in a short-action rifle, the 338 Federal’s energy advantage is a meaningful practical benefit.
Is the 338 Federal adequate for elk?
Yes, inside 400 yards with 200 or 210-grain controlled-expansion bullets. The cartridge meets the 1,500 ft-lbs elk standard at that distance with the Nosler Partition and Federal Fusion. Inside 300 yards it delivers 1,750 to 1,878 ft-lbs – a comfortable margin above the threshold and enough energy to anchor elk cleanly with good shot placement. For elk hunting in timber and moderate-range country, the 338 Federal is a fully capable and efficient choice.
Why does the 180-grain TTSX drift so much more than the 200-grain loads?
The Barnes TTSX in 180-grain .338 caliber has a lower G7 BC than the lead-core 200-grain designs – approximately 0.211 G7 versus 0.265 to 0.272 for the Interlock and Partition. All-copper bullets require a different ogive geometry than lead-core bullets at equivalent weight, which typically results in lower BC for the monolithic design. Despite starting faster at 2,830 fps, the TTSX’s lower BC means it decelerates faster and spends more time in the wind. At 400 yards the drift gap versus the best loads is nearly 3.5 inches – significant for shots on game in crosswind conditions.
What is the recoil of the 338 Federal?
From a typical 8-pound short-action rifle, the 338 Federal generates approximately 22 to 25 ft-lbs of free recoil energy – noticeably more than the 308 Winchester at roughly 15 ft-lbs, but substantially less than the 338 Winchester Magnum at 35+ ft-lbs. Most hunters find the 338 Federal’s recoil fully manageable for extended range sessions, which is one of its practical advantages over heavier .338 magnums for guides and hunters who shoot significant round counts in practice.
What powders work best for handloading the 338 Federal?
The 338 Federal’s case – essentially a 308 Winchester with a larger neck – works best with medium-burn-rate powders. Hodgdon Varget is the most widely cited choice and produces excellent velocity and consistency with 180 to 200-grain bullets. IMR 4064 and IMR 4895 are well-documented alternatives across the full weight range. Alliant Reloder 15 and Hodgdon H4895 offer consistent performance with 200 to 210-grain loads. Hodgdon CFE 223 has shown good results in some published data for lighter 180-grain loads. Always start 10 percent below the published maximum charge and work up carefully – the 308-derived case produces quick pressure signals that make load development straightforward.
What primers does the 338 Federal use?
Large rifle primers are standard. The CCI 200 and Federal 210 are the most commonly cited in published load data. The Federal GM210M match primer is a popular upgrade for handloaders seeking improved consistency. Magnum primers are not needed for most 338 Federal loads – the medium-burn-rate powders used in this cartridge ignite reliably with standard large rifle primers. Some handloaders working with ball powders in cold conditions may choose the CCI 250 magnum primer for insurance, but it is not a routine requirement.
Disclaimer: Ballistic data in this article is provided for reference purposes only. Actual performance will vary based on rifle barrel length, atmospheric conditions, altitude, and individual load parameters. Always verify your zero at the range before any hunt. Do not apply published handload data without consulting current reloading manuals from Hodgdon, Hornady, Nosler, or Sierra. Never exceed maximum published charges. The author and myreloading.com assume no responsibility for misuse of this information.
Editorial note: Originally published January 2026, revised May 2026.
