.338 Federal Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.338 Federal: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle |
| Used For | Hunting, Long-range Shooting |
| Case Design | Rimless, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 2006 |
.338 Federal: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Excellent balance of power and recoil
- ✔ Effective for medium to large game hunting
- ✔ Good long-range performance
- ✔ Less recoil than larger .338 calibers
- ✔ Compatible with short-action rifles
Cons
- ✘ Less common than some other calibers
- ✘ Ammunition can be more expensive
- ✘ Limited factory load options compared to more popular calibers
- ✘ Not as flat-shooting as some smaller calibers
- ✘ Overkill for smaller game animals
.338 Federal: A Comprehensive Overview
The .338 Federal is a rifle cartridge developed by Federal Premium Ammunition in collaboration with Sako. It was introduced in 2006 as a magnum-class cartridge based on the .308 Winchester case necked up to .338 caliber. The .338 Federal offers improved ballistics over the .308 Winchester while maintaining moderate recoil, making it an excellent choice for medium to large game hunting at medium ranges.
Development and Characteristics
The .338 Federal was designed to bridge the gap between the .308 Winchester and larger magnum cartridges. It uses a .308 Winchester case necked up to accept .338 caliber bullets, typically weighing between 180 and 210 grains. This combination results in a cartridge that delivers magnum-level performance from a standard-length action, offering hunters increased power without the need for a larger, heavier rifle.
One of the key advantages of the .338 Federal is its efficiency. The cartridge achieves high velocities with moderate powder charges, resulting in less recoil than larger magnum cartridges while still delivering excellent terminal performance on medium to large game. This makes it particularly suitable for hunters who want magnum-class performance in a more manageable package.
Applications and Performance
The .338 Federal excels in hunting scenarios involving medium to large game at moderate ranges. It is particularly effective on animals such as elk, moose, and bear. The cartridge's combination of bullet weight and velocity results in high kinetic energy transfer and deep penetration, ensuring clean, ethical kills on large animals.
In terms of ballistics, the .338 Federal typically propels a 200-grain bullet at velocities around 2,700 fps, generating over 3,200 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. This performance surpasses the .308 Winchester while remaining more manageable than larger magnum cartridges like the .338 Winchester Magnum. The cartridge maintains supersonic velocities beyond 500 yards, making it effective for long-range shooting as well.
.338 Federal Development Timeline:
.338 Federal Performance Characteristics
Key performance metrics of the .338 Federal cartridge:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 180-210 grains Most common loadings use 200-grain bullets |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,630-2,800 fps Varies based on bullet weight and load |
| Muzzle Energy | 3,200-3,400 ft-lbs Sufficient for large game at moderate ranges |
| Effective Range | 500+ yards Maintains supersonic velocity beyond this distance |
| Recoil | Moderate Less than larger magnum cartridges, more than .308 Winchester |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .338 Federal loads.
.338 Federal: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .338 Federal ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting (Medium Game) | 0-400 | Excellent for deer, black bear, and similar-sized game |
| Hunting (Large Game) | 0-300 | Effective for elk, moose, and larger game at closer ranges |
| Target Shooting | 0-800 | Capable of long-range accuracy with proper loads |
| Self-Defense | 0-100 | Powerful but significant recoil in close-quarters situations |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .338 Federal offers a balance of power and manageable recoil, making it versatile for various applications. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .338 Federal
The .338 Federal's performance profile makes it suitable for several applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .338 Federal's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .338 Federal with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .338 Federal with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .338 Federal with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .338 Federal with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .338 Federal
The .338 Federal is a rifle cartridge introduced in 2006 by Federal Cartridge. It is based on the .308 Winchester case necked up to .338 caliber.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .338 Federal | 185 | 0.232 |
| .338 Federal | 200 | 0.251 |
| .338 Federal | 210 | 0.263 |
| .338 Federal | 225 | 0.282 |
| .338 Federal | 230 | 0.288 |
Note: The .338 Federal offers improved ballistics over the .308 Winchester while maintaining similar recoil levels. It provides excellent performance for medium to large game hunting at moderate ranges.