The 338 Federal, introduced in 2006, is renowned for its powerful performance in a short-action cartridge. Developed by Federal Cartridge and Sako, this cartridge was designed to provide enhanced stopping power for big game hunting by necking up the 308 Winchester case to accept 338-caliber bullets. It excels in hunting applications for medium to large game such as deer, bear, and elk, while also suitable for sport shooting. Its versatility stems from delivering magnum-like energy in compact rifles, making it ideal for hunters seeking a balance of power and portability. This guide covers the caliber’s description, technical characteristics, twist rates, recoil, comparisons to similar calibers, applications, ballistics, reloading practices, and practical considerations, including comparisons to the 308 Winchester and 338 Winchester Magnum.
Caliber Description
The 338 Federal features a bullet diameter of 0.338 inches and a case length of 2.015 inches. Bullet weights typically range from 180 to 225 grains, with configurations suited to various purposes.
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): Used for training and target practice, offering reliable feeding and minimal expansion.
Hunting (Soft Point, Ballistic Tip, Hollow Point): These provide controlled expansion for ethical harvests on game animals.
Match-Grade: Designed for precision in competitive shooting, emphasizing accuracy over expansion.
This caliber utilizes medium-burning powders to achieve muzzle velocities around 2630 feet per second with 200-grain bullets. Compatible rifles include the Sako 85, Tikka T3, and AR-10 platforms chambered for this round.
Advantages: Substantial energy delivery in short actions for lighter rifles, effective terminal performance on big game, and manageable recoil for its power class.
Disadvantages: Limited factory ammunition availability compared to more popular calibers, higher recoil than parent 308 Winchester, and potential for increased costs due to specialty components.
Comparison: Compared to the 308 Winchester, the 338 Federal offers greater sectional density and energy with similar case capacity. Versus the 338 Winchester Magnum, it provides comparable ballistics in a more compact format with reduced recoil.
Technical Characteristics
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Bullet Diameter (inches) | 0.338 |
| Case Length (inches) | 2.015 |
| Bullet Weight (grains) | 180-225 |
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | 2630 (200 grain) |
| Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | 3074 (200 grain) |
Twist Rate Overview
The 338 Federal typically uses twist rates from 1:9 to 1:10, influencing bullet stabilization based on weight and barrel length. A 1:10 twist stabilizes mid-weight bullets effectively for hunting, while faster twists like 1:9 accommodate heavier projectiles for enhanced penetration.
| Twist Rate | Optimal Bullet Weight (grains) | Recommended Barrel Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| 1:9 | 200-225 | 20-24 |
| 1:9.5 | 185-210 | 18-22 |
| 1:10 | 180-200 | 16-20 |
Recoil
The 338 Federal generates approximately 25 ft-lbs of recoil energy in an 8-pound rifle, using the formula: recoil energy = (rifle weight in pounds / 64.34) * (recoil velocity in fps squared). This level is noticeable but manageable for experienced shooters, though it may challenge novices during extended sessions.
Recoil Comparison:
Lower Recoil: The 308 Winchester produces about 18 ft-lbs, making it more suitable for lighter builds or youth hunters.
Higher Recoil: The 338 Winchester Magnum yields around 35 ft-lbs with similar rifle weights, offering more power at the cost of increased kick.
This balance positions the 338 Federal as a versatile option for those seeking performance without excessive punishment.
Recoil Comparison Table
| Caliber | Recoil (ft-lbs) | Rifle Weight (pounds) |
|---|---|---|
| 338 Federal | 25 | 8 |
| 308 Winchester | 18 | 8 |
| 338 Winchester Magnum | 35 | 8 |
Caliber Comparison
Compared to the lighter 308 Winchester, the 338 Federal offers higher energy and better sectional density for big game but with increased recoil. Versus the harder 338 Winchester Magnum, it provides similar terminal performance in shorter actions, though the Magnum excels at longer ranges with higher velocities.
| Caliber | Bullet Weight (grains) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | Effective Range (yards) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 338 Federal | 200 | 2630 | 3074 | 400 |
| 308 Winchester | 180 | 2620 | 2743 | 400 |
| 338 Winchester Magnum | 225 | 2800 | 3920 | 500 |
For more details, see 308 Win vs 30-06 Springfield and 308 Winchester vs 6-5 Creedmoor.
Applications and Practical Use
Hunting: Ideal for big game like deer and bear with 180-200 grain bullets, and larger species such as elk with 210-225 grain options.
Sport Shooting: Excels in medium-range competitions due to its accuracy.
Military/Self-Defense: Rarely used, as its power exceeds typical needs and may overpenetrate.
Recommendations:
Hunting: Opt for bonded bullets like the Nosler AccuBond for deep penetration.
Sport Shooting: Match-grade projectiles for consistent groups.
Training: Use economical FMJ rounds for practice.
Ballistics and Performance
For a 200-grain bullet:
Muzzle Velocity: 2630 fps
Energy: 3074 ft-lbs at muzzle, 2480 at 100 yards, 1970 at 200 yards.
Trajectory Drop: 1.5 inches at 100 yards (zeroed at 200), -7.0 at 300, -20.5 at 400.
Ballistic Coefficient (BC): 0.416
This setup ensures effective performance for hunting out to 400 yards. For a deeper analysis, see Ballistics of 338 Federal.
Basic Ballistics Table
| Distance (yards) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Drop (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2630 | 3074 | – |
| 100 | 2400 | 2480 | 1.5 |
| 200 | 2180 | 1970 | 0 |
| 300 | 1970 | 1620 | -7.0 |
| 400 | 1770 | 1350 | -20.5 |
| 500 | 1580 | 1100 | -41.0 |
Note: Data for standard conditions: 59°F, sea level, sight height 1.5 inches, zeroed at 100 yards, 24-inch barrel.
Long-Range Performance
At 1000 yards:
Velocity: 1200 fps
Energy: 640 ft-lbs
Drop: -350 inches
Wind Drift: 45 inches in 10 mph crosswind
These figures highlight its capability for medium distances, effective on big game.
Factors Affecting Performance
Several elements influence the 338 Federal’s ballistics.
Atmospheric Conditions: Higher altitudes reduce drag for increased velocity, while cold temperatures densify air and slightly decrease performance.
Powder Type: Medium-burning options like Varget optimize velocity without excessive pressure.
Barrel Length: Longer barrels (20-24 inches) enhance muzzle velocity by allowing complete powder burn.
Trajectory Calculation: Use the formula for drop: d = (1/2) * g * t^2, where g is gravity (32.2 ft/s²) and t is time of flight; for example, at 300 yards, drop approximates 7.0 inches when zeroed at 200.
Reloading
Reloading the 338 Federal is economical given the availability of components and the potential for customized loads. Always adhere to SAAMI specifications for safety, starting at minimum charges and monitoring for pressure signs like flattened primers or sticky extraction. This caliber benefits from large rifle primers to ensure consistent ignition with standard charges. Case preparation involves trimming to 2.005 inches after resizing, and annealing every few firings to maintain neck tension. With proper techniques, reloaders can achieve velocities matching or exceeding factory loads while tailoring bullets for specific applications, such as varmint or big game hunting. Consult reliable manuals like those from Hodgdon or Nosler for data, and use a chronograph to verify performance.
Primers and Cases
Primers for the 338 Federal are typically Large Rifle types to handle the standard loads. Cases are rimless brass, often from Federal or Norma, with capacities supporting medium powders.
| Component Type | Common Brands/Markings | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Primer | CCI 200 | Standard loads |
| Primer | Federal 210 | Consistent ignition |
| Case | Federal | Factory equivalent |
| Case | Norma | High quality reloads |
Bullets
Popular bullets for the 338 Federal include options from Nosler, Barnes, and Hornady, suited for hunting and precision.
| Bullet Brand/Model | Weight (grains) | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nosler AccuBond | 180 | Bonded | All-purpose |
| Barnes TTSX | 185 | Copper | Hunting |
| Hornady ELD-X | 200 | Polymer Tip | Long-range |
| Nosler Partition | 210 | Partition | Deep penetration |
| Sierra GameKing | 225 | Soft Point | Big game |
| Berger VLD Hunting | 210 | VLD | Precision hunting |
Powders
Suitable powders for the 338 Federal focus on medium-burning types for optimal velocity with 180-225 grain bullets.
| Powder Brand/Marking | Suitable Bullet Weights (grains) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon Varget | 180-200 | Accuracy |
| IMR 4064 | 185-210 | Consistent loads |
| Hodgdon H4895 | 200-225 | General use |
| Alliant RL15 | 180-200 | High velocity |
| Winchester 748 | 185-210 | Versatile |
| IMR 3031 | 180-185 | Light loads |
| Ramshot TAC | 200-225 | Heavy bullets |
| Hodgdon Benchmark | 180-200 | Precision |
| Alliant RL19 | 210-225 | Long-range |
| Vihtavuori N140 | 185-210 | Hunting |
Practical Considerations
Barrel Wear: Moderate velocities result in standard erosion; select stainless steel barrels and clean regularly.
Optics and Setup: Pair with medium-magnification scopes (e.g., 3-12x) for versatile hunting ranges.
Conclusion
The 338 Federal stands out for its versatility in hunting and sport shooting, offering substantial energy in short actions that excel on big game. Its advantages in compact power outweigh limitations like ammo scarcity for dedicated users. As cartridge technology advances, this caliber remains relevant for reloaders and hunters seeking efficiency without bulk. Future developments may enhance its popularity further.
