Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles 338 Federal

Hey Guys, I’ve always had a want for a 338 Federal. Bought a Winchester model 70 extreme weather years ago with the intention of sending it off for a rebore, well i shot it and it shoots too well and has since accounted for 2 cow elk several white tails and a couple pronghorn. I recently picked up a new model 70 super grade in 6.5 Creedmoor that has a spectacular piece of wood on it. Am I crazy for thinking about sending it to JES for a rebore to 338 federal?

I like my fed rebore from JES. I sent a new 308.

I normally don't care how he stamps, but for a brand new super grade, get someone else to do that part!

My 338F is my favorite hunting rifle, and I have plenty of rifles.

Nope, not crazy at all...send it off, and while you are waiting, order a few boxes of these:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1023840599?pid=207758

I think I’d opt for a rebarrel job with a quality barrel.

I wouldn’t trade a 308 WCF or a 6.5 Creedmoor for a 338 Federal. The 6.5 is so useful for any alpine, high altitude hunting. There’s nothing you can kill with a 338 that you can’t with a 308. From 110gr - 200gr loads the 308 does it all and with easy to achieve, and in many cases unbelievable accuracy. No knock on the 338, but if you have a 308 already why bother. With a 308 in tow I would just jump to a 358 WCF in that case size if I wanted to punch bigger holes in game. Only one man’s opinion.

Honestly the first thing I'd want to know is does the .338 Federal chamber clean up the 6.5 Creedmoor? I know the Creedmoor has less body taper, it might not be as simple as rebore and cut a new chamber.

Give JES a call and leave a message. He'll call you back and discuss your project with you. If you choose to go ahead with it you'll likely have a good shooter. I would sell the 6.5 though as it sounds like a top dollar package. For the rebore I would buy an older, less perfect .243, 7-08 or .308.

The .338 federal is a step up in power. Perfect for elk and mule deer at normal hunting ranges. Also like having 5 rounds in the mag of my Rem M7 instead of 3 rounds in my .338 WM. Velocity is within 200 fps but in a lightweight easy carrying package.

Agree on all points ...... I'd go with the 358Win as well.

Ken Waters tested the 338-08 before Federal jumped in He felt it was better than both the .308 and the .358.

Tested it how and on what?

Some information about it here: https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/659422/3

My barrel is stamped 338-08. It was built prior to the .338 Federal factory version. All my brass is still .308 brass necked up to .338. It's a great hunting round if you don't shoot far.

Waters: Handloader 177
Barsness: Handloader254

I've had four 308's over the years. None of them impressed me with their killing power. The 338 Federal is a definite step up in killing power IME, especially on elk or moose. If you only hunt deer keep your 308 or Creedmoor.

....and the Midway price for bullets is down to $18/100.

I bouught some at 27 and was happy. Then had to buy more at 19. Must resist 18. Lol

No kidding...must. not. buy. more!!

Great, now you have me thinking about a new calilber.