I've been doing a little reading on this cartridge. As soon as I saw the ballistics a question came to mind. Does anyone know if the type of ballistics Federal claims with the 180 grain at 2750 and the 210 grain bullet at 2,600 attainable in reloads. The reason I ask is that Hornady uses an unknown powder component in a unique reloading technique to get the velocities it gets from the Lite Magnum rounds. Is the .338 Federal the same deal, or does anyone know for sure. Thanks for any replies. Tom Purdom

Loading the 338/06 and the 8 x 57 has taught me that it is entirely possible...

Since the case capacity is limited and short, it will probably be a faster burning powder if it is a commerically available powder.... I am sure a Commerically available powder would be able to duplicate the performance....

I'd be looking at RL 7 and RL 10, or IMR 3031 and IMR 4198 to work up...Powders that work well with a 223 case would be where I'd start.....I have gotten some astounding velocities out of a 8 x 57 with a 170 grain Speer and using RL 7 and IMR 4198 as powders.. RL 7 proved the best for velocity and both gave great accuracy.....

RL 7 and RL 10 would be my first two choices tho....

I see it as more practical than the time honored 358 Winchester.... 180 to 210 grain bullets would be perfect....as opposed to 225s to 250s....

Although a 250 grain round nose, with a fast powder for thick brush hog hunting, could have some real possibilities....

I see this cartridge used in places that you would mount a 2 x 7 or 1 x 5 scope on the rifle moreso than the wide open 3 x 9 type of hunting...


With a 180/185 grain Match bullet, I can interesting possibilities as a military sniper round...

cheers
seafire

I doubt seriously that Hornady has any access to powders that Federal doesn't.....

I wonder how well norma 201 would work in it ?