Federal Premium is proud to introduce the first centerfire rifle cartridge to bear its name. Hunters around the country bucking the magnum trend are sure to welcome the arrival of .338 Federal. This unique new cartridge was designed in conjunction with Sako and gives big game hunters a wider diameter bullett for more weight and overall energy on target without the recoil of a magnum. Built on the .308 cartridge case and "necked-up" to hold a .338 diameter bullet, this cartridge offers hunters a faster muzzle velocity then the .308 Win., with neavier bullet weights. It provides 5% more muzzle energy than a 30-06 Spring. and equals that of a 7mm Rem Mag. This non-magnum cartridge boasts a short action configuration for short bolt throw and provides magnum energy for devastating performance on game. Federal's groundbreaking new cartridge will be available in three Premium offerings: Nosler Accubond, Partition and the Barnes Triple-Shock X0Bullet.
Features & Benefits
- Magnum energy in a non-magnum cartridge - 5% more muzzle energy then a 30-06 Spring. - 150-200 fps faster velocity than a 308 Win. with a .338 bullet - Short action configuration for quick bolt throw and faster reload - Designed for ultimate performance on nedium and large game
What do you guys think? I'm sure the wildcat has been done, but will it be successful or die in a couple years? Why couldn't they have just done the .338-06 instead, seems like there would be a much bigger market for that.
Posts: 63 | Location: north carolina | Registered: 04 January 2005
If it is just the .308 Win. necked up to .338, then a gentleman named Roy Smith built one that was written up in either Rifle ot handloader back in the 1970s IIRC. Ken Waters also did a Pet Loads article on the cartridge. Probably the reason they did not go to a .338-06 is I think the 338-06 may be a proprietary cartridge owned by A-Square and loaded under license by Weatherby for an outrageous price, naturally. It might be aninteresting cartridge to play with. Paul B.
Posts: 2814 | Location: Tucson AZ USA | Registered: 11 May 2001
With such a small case I'd guess they are offering only about 180 grain bullets. So, if it's faster than a .308 are they thinking about 2750fps?? What are they claiming for bullet wt and speed exactly??
Posts: 2002 | Location: central wi | Registered: 13 September 2002
