Looking for longevity of the .338 Fed. <img src="http://www.accuratereloading.com/forums/lol.gif" alt="lol" width="34" height="35"><!--graemlin::lol:-->rogerDo you own or intend to own a .338 fed. in the next two years?YESNOPerhaps

I own one already. A Nosler M48 that I picked up half price as it was sent to a writer to review. I bought it on a whim as I had just sold something and had too much money in my pocket but figured it would be fun to play with for awhile. I had no intention of buying this chambering ever but the deal appeared

It loves the Federal 185gr TSX load and easily shoots .75 inch groups at 100 yards. I have yet to take it hunting but may this fall.

Matthew

I went with no.
I already have a 358 win,an 8 mauser, and a 308.
the 338 would just be another bunch of stuff i'd have to buy.
if I didn't have any of them and a 338 was available then I might buy it.

I went with "no" also. I have a .338 RCM and I think it is a much better cartridge.

I am a huge 358 Win fan so I don't have a need or interest for the little 338. Not that the 358 wasn't an answer to a question not asked, but the 338 Fed definitely has no need to exist other that if you're 338 cal fan.

I'm not adverse to the .338 Fed. But I have a pretty cool little .358 win already so I have no reason go out and retool for the .338 Fed.

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Bush:
I went with "no" also. I have a .338 RCM and I think it is a much better cartridge.

That would be the way I'd go as well.

I have one. I like plethora of 338 bullets that makes the Federal truly useful. You should be able to find a load that shoots well. Brass is easy since 308 brass can be resized. It's an economical thumper since standard bullets won't be stressed at Federal velocities.

In reality, it won't do anything that most other cartridges will but it's something different and it's reloader friendly (except for Geedubya) .

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Bush:
I went with "no" also. I have a .338 RCM and I think it is a much better cartridge.

Yes, if one of the ladies in our families wanted a 338 package, it would likely be a 338RCM in a shorter length-of-pull package, the kind that Ruger quit producing this year (though the Guide gun with the butt pad set at 13" LOP might work. I don't mind the laminate colors). The guys would enjoy it, too, as something lighter than a 416.

Went with no...

Frankly, I was thrilled upon the introduction of the cartridge!
Before becoming aware of the .338/06 I had fathomed such a cartridge to be just about optimal for any and all use. While the .338 Fed is a short cartridge and thus has its limitations, it's forte is the shortness, i.e. the ability to be chambered in a short action. As such, it's IMO a dandy addition to the .308 family of cartridges.
Many have opined that it has no virtues over the 8x57 Mauser but the Mauser requires a long action. Knowing how good the 8mms are, a short .338 would be very useful, indeed, for most of my hunting.
Why I don't intend to own one - I already have a 8,2x53R for general use; a .30-06 for general use and travels; and the fact that .338 Fed ammo is quite scarce.

- Lars/Finland

I went with "no".....

I have a friend that loves his.....for me the only possible use I see is in an upper for LR308 or similar.

Ammo is scarce, and range and capability are limited, IMO.....


Cheers,

Dan

I voted NO, as i've been shooting a .338-06 since the 70's, for all my brown bear medicine...

If i wast a Federal, i'll just light load my .338-06 a bit. lol

DM

I have Tikka T3 in .338 Fed. I found nothing interesting in that cartridge. 308 do the same work. For more stopping power 9.3 or 338 winmag much better. I will continue to use it for deer hunting, but will not recommend it :-)