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338 Federal Ammo Overview

Introduced in 2006, .338 Federal ammo merges the classic .308 case with a larger caliber bullet for enhanced stopping power. Its design emphasizes versatility and effective medium to large game hunting. Though niche, it remains popular among hunters seeking a flat trajectory and manageable recoil.

Why .338 Federal Ammo is a Top Choice

Flexible cartridge for medium and large game hunting
Balanced recoil for controlled follow-up shots
Widely available factory loads and handloading options
Good barrel life compared to larger magnums
Compatible with short-action rifles for easier handling

Key Variants

.338 Federal SP

Soft point loads designed for reliable expansion on medium to large game hunting.

.338 Federal Hollow Point

Hollow point variants optimized for controlled expansion and improved accuracy at range.

.338 Federal Ballistic Tip

Ballistic tip rounds delivering higher velocity and flatter trajectory for precision hunting.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	.338 Federal Ammo	.358 Winchester	.35 Remington
MSRP	$2.50 - $3.00 per round	$2.00 - $2.75 per round	$1.85 - $2.50 per round
Capacity / Size	2,600 fps (typical velocity)	2,000 fps (typical velocity)	1,900 fps (typical velocity)
Weight	150-200 grain bullet weight range	180-250 grain bullet weight range	200 grain bullet weight standard
Optics-Ready	Compatible with most short-action rifles	Used in lever-action rifles mainly	Traditional lever-action compatibility
Trigger Type	Depends on rifle platform	Varies by rifle, typically lever-action	Varies by rifle model
Notable Pro	Flat trajectory and moderate recoil	Good for brush hunting	Reliable in lever-action rifles
Notable Con	Less common than popular calibers	Lower velocity and energy	Limited factory ammo availability

Best Use Cases

Medium to large game hunting
Big game short-range hunting
Precision shooting at moderate ranges
Wildlife management
Range practice with hunting rifles

FAQs About .338 Federal Ammo

Can I use .338 Federal ammo in a standard .308 rifle?

No, .338 Federal requires rifles chambered specifically for this round due to its larger caliber and case dimensions.

What is the typical velocity of .338 Federal ammo?

Factory loads generally achieve velocities around 2,600 feet per second with 180 to 200 grain bullets.

How does .338 Federal compare to .308 Winchester in power?

.338 Federal offers greater bullet diameter and energy, suited for larger game at moderate range.

338 FEDERAL AMMO for Sale