Is there still hope for the.338 federal?

someguy2800 · Sep 21, 2022

DM~ said:
So, instead of blaming the bullet mfg'ers, why didn't you guys stock up when they were available?

That's what I did, I just don't consider it "their" fault that you were lax. lol

DM

Some of us were busy being children when everything was cheap! :uhoh:

Chuck R. · Sep 21, 2022

DM~ said:
So, instead of blaming the bullet mfg'ers, why didn't you guys stock up when they were available?

That's what I did, I just don't consider it "their" fault that you were lax. lol

DM

I did to some extent.

I've got enough in 6.5, .270, and .308 to put a serious dent in the NE KS whitetail population. It's the bonded and partitions I'm short on. I'm trying to get ready for a couple elk hunts and wanted to use the .350RM. IF I settle for my .300WM, I've got enough 180 Accubonds to get by. I can practice with the 180 BTs I have stockpiled.

someguy2800 said:
Some of us were busy being children when everything was cheap!

It's funny AND true...

someguy2800 · Sep 21, 2022

Crosshair said:
They're not cheap though. Which puts it at a crippling disadvantage vs a 358 Winchester. Some 35 caliber bullets are expensive, but most are quite a bit less than an equivalent 338. Then there are the 35 caliber pistol and cast bullets that are readily available and usable within their limits.

I wouldn't call it a crippling disadvantage. I would say it more like a tie for worst jacket bullet cost and availability. These are the cheapest options listed on midway and goes up from there. Note the FTX is actually $56/100

PerryHubbling Sep. 21, 2022 04.43 PM.jpg

.358 definitely has way more availability of cast bullets. On that side note, here is a fantastic option for .358 cast bullets. I shoot these in my 35 rem Model 141

https://www.gtbullets.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=46

Nature Boy · Sep 21, 2022

I have more .35 cal bullets in my inventory than I will ever shoot, and most of them were bought from forum members selling them in classified sections.

Discussing the .358 win deviates a bit from the .338 fed but the pros and cons of either are pretty similar.

ETA: my favorite load

CrazyHands13 · Sep 21, 2022

someguy2800 said:
The problem with both the 358 win and the 338 fed is that there are only a handful of bullets for each that are really optimal to take advantage of what they can do. Most of the .358 bullets are designed specifically either for 35 remington or 35 whelen. The 35 remington bullets are pretty soft except for the 180 grain speed hot core, and generally have terrible ballistic coefficients. The heavier bullets intended for 35 whelen and 350 rem mag, are pretty heavy and tough for 358 win velocities. 338 federal has a similar problem with most of the bullets being designed for 338 win mag, but in my opinion it has more and better bullet options than 358 does. Bullets like the 180 and 200 grain accubond, 200 grain speer, and of course the federal fusion bullet that was designed specifically for the 338 fed. Those fusion bullets have been discontinued by the way, so grab them if you see them.

As for the 308 doing everything better than a 358, I would have to staunchly disagree with that. I hunt deer with a 358 yeti using 180 grain speer's at just under 358 win velocities, and the wounding and tissue damage, and resulting blood trail from the 35 cal bullet is far bigger than anything I've ever witnessed from a 308 or 30/06.

I think you're nailing it on the head here with what the bullets are designed for.

DM~ said:
In actual use of both on big game, I've not seen ANY advantage of the .358" bullet over a .338" bullet, at least not on big game.

No big advantage at all.

DM

Very interesting, I suppose the increased frontal area of the .358 has to do with theory/physics and may not necessarily translate into better outcomes practically.

CrazyHands13 · Sep 21, 2022

Chuck R. said:
You can count on it!

I've set myself up for the .350RM for the long haul since I'm dumping some change into my existing M7:

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/show-me-a-carbine-with-real-power-and.910169/

I've now also set myself up to convert belted magnum brass into .350RM, and secured a couple hundred once fired 7mm RM, so the only possible issue now is bullets.

I also agree about the companies that have left us high and dry. Pretty sad really. My absolute favorite bullet for the .350RM is the 225 Nosler Partition. I've been searching for them for at least a year and a half now. I've got 25 loaded rounds and 16 spare bullets against an upcoming elk hunt next year.

Unfortunately these kinds of issues put guys off some pretty unique and effective calibers that are perfect for a particular set of conditions. Before you know it we'll all be shooting .308s and sayin it's "just as good".

And what's the fun in that?

Love the idea of setting up for the 350 RM for the long haul! Especially in a Model 7 like that... fantastic looking rifle. Now that's a cartridge I wish had held on harder. I guess the masses just think it ain't as cool as 6.5mm...

35 Whelen · Sep 21, 2022

MISportsman said:
I have been looking at the ballistics of the .338 federal lately and they look to be pretty decent. That paired with the light handy rifles they were made it it looks like it would be one heck of a woods gun. I went on line to check ammo and the disappointment came. There was almost nothing available and the little that was is going for north of $100/box. Yesterday I stopped into my lgs and the owner told me that .338 federal was dead and not to bother with it. Is there any hope left for the .338 federal?

Back when I was going elk hunting every fall, I seriously contemplated re-barreling a 99 Savage to .338 Federal to go along with my 35 Whelen, which was my primary and proven elk rifle. With a 210 Nosler Partition running 2500 fps or a 225 gr. Nosler Partition running 2400 fps, it'd easily do to at least 250 yds.
So if a fella is a handloader, the .338 Federal is far from dead.

35W

Nature Boy · Sep 23, 2022

If these things were decided strictly on pragmatic grounds we’d all have one rifle, probably a .30-06, and life would be good, efficient and dull.

My favorite hunting round is a .308. It’s merits are obvious and it checks every box that doesn’t include the extremes. With that said, my .358 win has put more venison in my freezer than I can count. Like the .338 fed, it has the intrinsic benefit of being different and I like that about it.

Is there still hope for the.338 federal?

someguy2800

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Chuck R.

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someguy2800

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Nature Boy

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CrazyHands13

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35 Whelen

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