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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 184
Campfire Member
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OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 184 |
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?
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,799
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,799 |
I like my fed rebore from JES. I sent a new 308.
Its not always easy to do the right thing, But it is always the right thing to do.
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Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 4,680
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 4,680 |
I normally don't care how he stamps, but for a brand new super grade, get someone else to do that part!
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,214
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,214 |
My 338F is my favorite hunting rifle, and I have plenty of rifles.
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 4,916
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 4,916 |
I think I’d opt for a rebarrel job with a quality barrel.
Life Member NRA, RMEF, American Legion, MAGA. Not necessarily in that order.
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,360
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,360 |
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.
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,170
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,170 |
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.
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 1,334
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 1,334 |
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.
God Bless America
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 11,952
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 11,952 |
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. Agree on all points ...... I'd go with the 358Win as well.
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 591
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 591 |
Ken Waters tested the 338-08 before Federal jumped in He felt it was better than both the .308 and the .358.
NRA Benefactor Life Member NAHC Life Member
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,360
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,360 |
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?
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 1,334
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 1,334 |
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.
God Bless America
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 591
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 591 |
Waters: Handloader 177 Barsness: Handloader254
NRA Benefactor Life Member NAHC Life Member
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,206
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,206 |
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. 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.
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,679
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,679 |
....and the Midway price for bullets is down to $18/100.
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,483
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,483 |
I bouught some at 27 and was happy. Then had to buy more at 19. Must resist 18. Lol
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,679
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,679 |
No kidding...must. not. buy. more!!
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 10,142 Likes: 4
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 10,142 Likes: 4 |
Great, now you have me thinking about a new calilber.
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