The .338 Federal cartridge has an intriguing history rooted in innovation and adaptation to new hunting requirements. Developed as a joint effort between Federal Premium Ammunition and Sako, the caliber was officially introduced in 2006. The .338 Federal builds upon the reliable .308 Winchester case, necking it up to accept .338-inch diameter bullets. This move combined the efficiency, manageable recoil, and compact dimensions of the .308 case with the renowned stopping power and ballistic performance of larger-caliber projectiles. The development of the .338 Federal was driven by the desire for a versatile mid-bore cartridge that could deliver superior energy and penetration at moderate ranges, all while being compatible with standard short-action rifles.
For reloaders and hunters, the .338 Federal offers broad application potential. While it does not reach the velocity or flat trajectory of magnum cartridges, it is specifically valued for delivering impressive energy at ethical hunting distances, typically under 300 yards. Its relatively moderate recoil, especially when compared to larger magnums, makes the .338 Federal particularly attractive for those who want significant on-target effectiveness without the punishment of heavy recoil. It is suitable for use in lightweight hunting rifles and lends itself well to both bolt-action and semi-automatic platforms, such as the AR-10, offering flexibility that appeals to modern shooters.
When it comes to target species, the .338 Federal shines as a versatile option for medium to large North American game. The caliber is ideal for hunting deer, black bear, wild hogs, and especially for elk, where its ability to deliver deep penetration and reliable expansion proves invaluable. With well-constructed bullets, the .338 Federal can even be considered for larger game at responsible distances, such as moose, though shot placement and bullet selection become critical at that level. Its performance characteristics ensure that reloaders can tailor loads for a variety of game, making it a strong all-around choice for hunters seeking one rifle for multiple pursuits.
Typical bullet weights for .338 Federal range from 180 to 225 grains, with some lighter and heavier options available depending on reloading goals. Bullets in the 180–200 grain range offer flatter trajectory and mild recoil, while heavier bullets, up to 225 grains, provide maximum penetration and retained energy for larger game. The cartridge exhibits efficient powder usage thanks to its .308-based case design, and with careful load development, reloaders can achieve impressive balance between velocity, accuracy, and terminal performance. Standard .338 caliber bullets offer a wide variety of controlled-expansion and bonded-core designs, enabling reloaders to tailor their loads precisely for their intended applications. Overall, the .338 Federal stands out as an excellent choice for reloaders seeking a medium-bore cartridge with flexibility, effectiveness, and manageable recoil.
Suitable Powders
Bullet Weight (gr) -> | 0-50 | 50-75 | 75-100 | 100-150 | 150-200 | 200-300 | >300 |
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👍 ... suitable powder
👍👍 ... suitable AND popular powder among our reloading community (clasification might evolve as more community members share their loads )
.338 Federal load data is available with the following bullets:
(most popular first)