Perception is 90% of this business, just like every other. In most peoples minds, rounds like the .338 Federal:
Kick too much
Don't shoot flat enough
Are too big for deer
True or not, that's how ordinary folks view cartridges in this category. Added to the lack of available rifles and ammo, it's a deal killer. Winchester lost several shirts trying to sell medium-bore, moderate powered rounds.
Just be thankful the .338 Fed is based on the .308 instead of some non-standard case so it's easy to feed.
