Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles 338 Federal

I just got a new Ruger Frontier in 338 federal. Does anyone have hunting reports with this round? I am going to take it to Canada this year for a black bear hunt with 185 gr. Barnes TSX bullets.

Thanks

Welcome to the 'fire Redhawk1!

The search function would be your best friend for your question.

Elkslayer

Did that, got a bunch of results when 338 Federal was entered, any thing from 338 to just federal.
I was hoping for some direct results.
But thanks ....

Yep! Love this site!! BUT, the search function bites sometimes. Maybe I just need to learn how to use it, but try looking for something like "CZ", "PPK", "USP" or "H&K". Just doesn't work!

Has anyone hand-loaded this gem yet. And are you getting factory ballistics???

I'm worried that if I get one, I wont be able to get factory ballistics through hand-loads.

The other big question is. Can a 210gn TSX be loaded up without running out of powder space. And would it gel in the newer Sako 85's.

How long is the mag-box on the 85's? And how about Sako 85 free-bore. Is there any.

So many questions, not enough time. ha ha ha



340.

Long thread on the forum, maybe under 'ask gunwriters'

340, Federal marketing gives impression you cannot match, but those who have experience say yes, you can match ballistics.

2) Yes, 210 is fine

3) Yes, a Finnlight would be my pick, mag length is around 2.85-2.9 I do believe very strongly.

Freebore.......most all mfg have some,,,,,don't worry, 5 in inch guarantee.......it will do better than most anyone here can hold I believe!

I've only tried a few loads. I am currently using IMR4895 and Hornady 200gr SPs. I get 2550fps out of a 21" barrel. I'm not pushing too hot either. The load is accurate and fast enough for me.

RH

Don't know about the 185 TSX but the Speer 200's and WC844 works well.

2007 Elk

Make your query more specific. Instead if typing 338 and Federal, try "338 Federal" The open and close quotes tell it that both words must appear and together. This will give you a much better result.

What rifle? And what's the maximum AOL your mag/free-bore will take?


340

That worked, thanks.

I've been shooting a 338-08 (338 Federal) for about 10 years. It will do anything a 358 will do, or a 308. I've used mine to take hogs and deer. I like the round due to the bullets available for reloading. My favorite reload is 225 Nosler over 47.5 gr. of IMR4895 using new 308 Federal Match Brass. I've tried the new Federal 338 ammo through my gun (180gr. Accubond) but didn't like the groups I got. At $40+ a box I don't think I'll try any others, my reloads work just fine.

JBMI I am currently looking at the 338 Federal myself. I am almost convinced to get a 308 instead as most here maintain that the 308 with a 168 grain TSX would have similar or better penetration and wound channel as the 338 Federal. My initial reason for wanting the 338 Federal was to knock a bigger hole thru stuff for a bigger blood trail, on reflection and discussions with many on the fire it is not a clear cut as that.