338 Federal

kooz · Post by **kooz** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 8:22 pm

What do you guys think of the 338 Federal ? I am in the market for a new Elk rifle and thinking about a Ruger Frontier/Compact in this caliber.

1886 · Post by **1886** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 8:49 pm

I like the Ruger Front. Rifle. I am partial to the .358 however. I actually discussed this very question with Mic McPherson some time ago. Mic felt that the .338 would be his choice if he were in the market for such a rifle. Coming from Mic, this is hardly faint praise and probably should be taken as gospel. Best of luck with your decision. 1886.

kooz · Post by **kooz** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 9:00 pm

Ruger also offers the same gun in .358 Winchester and I have been considering that caliber as well. Thanks for the input

BlaineCGarverakaTubbyTuba · Mon Sep 24, 2007 9:16 pm

Man, a 99 in 338 Fed would be the bee's knees, maybe even the cat's meow

handirifle · Post by **handirifle** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 12:59 am

Lots of options.

While the BLR isn't offered in 338 I feel that's too bad. It is offered in the 358 Win.

When I was considering converting my Savage bolt to another caliber, I considered the 338-06 and the 35 Whelen.

I chose the 338-06 for several reasons. Cost of components was similar except the 338 brass was a bit higher. There are more bullets to choose from in 338 and it has better ballistics than the 358, not a huge difference but enough. The 338 is nearly identical to the 30 cal in trajectories, but with heavier bullets and greater energy. The 35 cal looses it's edge quicker.

To me, the 338 is the better choice, with 30 cal ballistics and 35 cal energies.

My 24" 338-06 delivers a 180gr bullet at nearly 3100fps, and a 210gr at 2800. The 180gr trajectory matches the 165gr ballistics of the 30-06, with a LOT more energy, especially inside 200yds.

Like I said, too bad browning doesn't offer the BLR in 338 cal.

1886 · Post by **1886** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 7:22 am

I too have a 338-06 but mine is the Ackley Improved 40 degree version built by Bernie Morrison of Hereford AZ. It is built on a Ruger MKII action and stocked by Lone Wolf. Mine is accurate in the extreme but I can get no better ballistics than the standard version. The A.I. version is worth it due to better headspace control but big time velocity gains are largely a myth. 1886.

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 7:44 am

I like the cartridge, but not the guns it's offered in.......... so far.

Too bad it can't be had (yet ?) in a BLR, as posted above, or (better yet) the Ruger 77RSI International/Mannlicher.

Post by **Hobie** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:30 am

Maybe if I find an old grey 99 I can convert to the .338 Federal... I agree with Blaine, that would be the ticket. I can't get excited about the BLR even though Doc Hudson loves his.

Junior · Post by **Junior** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 11:06 am

Pete44ru wrote:I like the cartridge, but not the guns it's offered in.......... so far.

Too bad it can't be had (yet ?) in a BLR, as posted above, or (better yet) the Ruger 77RSI International/Mannlicher.

My son-in-law got, as a safety award, one in 308 and with the gray stainless steel finish. It's probably the best looking rifle I've ever seen. It came with a scout scope mount, but a regular mount works just fine.

86er · Post by **86er** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 7:48 pm

I have had one customer with a 338 Federal. He shot and elk, a whitetail, two hogs and a four-horned sheep. The results were comparative to similar bullet/velocity combinations. At the time I thought -"It shoots like an '06, but a shorter cartridge". I shot it at the range just a few shots. To me, low-medium recoil and good accuracy. It is a niche cartridge, it doesn't do any more than others but it does its job well. I have seen the 358 shine on moose, black bear, nilgai and elk. I have always remembered and been facinated by the whoop-dead results I have witnessed with the 358. I keep convincing myself those were unique experiences and I don't really need one.

Junior: First of all congratulations to your son for receiving an award!

Second: I am confused by your reply. Did he get a Ruger Frontier in 308 or a BLR in 308?

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