Sorry to start another thread but I didn't think about the .338 Fed until after I asked the question about the .308 vs. the 7mm-08. Seems the 338 Fed shoots a 185 grain TSX at about the same speed as the .308 with 165's. On the other hand it doesn't have the BC of the 165s. If you were looking at two on the rack specifically for elk which would you choose?
...........Slidellkid,,,,,,,,,,,,As a suggestion, here`s what I would do to help you settle your debate as to which elk round to get.
On the Hornady site, there is an "external ballistics" table. For each round you`re considering, grab a sheet of paper for notes, type in the various bullet weights that you`ll be using, their BCs, your approx MVs, outside temps, your rifle`s yardage zeros, etc. You`ll want to compare the "downrange" #s for velocities retained, retained energys and bullet trajectories, that will best fit into your hunting style, type, distances and so on.
It`s fun to play with. Doing that will give you very good and accurate performance comparisons and help you to speed up the decision process. Write all the downrange #s down and compare them.
You`re going to get multiple and differing opinions from everyone which is all well and good. But going to an external ballistics table, will imo, better seal the deal as to your final cartridge decision.