338 FEDERAL RIFLES for Sale

Quick Look

The .338 Federal cartridge was developed in 2006 by Federal Premium and Sako as a high-energy round optimized for AR-10 platforms and bolt-action rifles. Designed to deliver deep penetration and heavy knockdown power in a short-action format, it combines .308 Winchester case dimensions with a .338-caliber projectile. Today, rifles chambered in .338 Federal are valued for their versatility in hunting across North America, balancing power and manageable recoil.

Why It's a Top Choice

• Delivers .30-06 power in a short-action rifle
• Ideal for medium to large North American game
• Compatible with AR-10 platforms
• Reduced recoil versus .338 Win Mag
• Efficient ballistics in compact hunting setups

Key Variants

Common .338 Federal rifles are offered by top U.S. manufacturers. Here are select options:

Ruger American

Affordable bolt-action option built for rugged hunting conditions and solid accuracy.

Savage 110

Adjustable stock and AccuTrigger make it a customizable option for serious hunters.

Wilson Combat Recon Tactical

Premium AR-10 platform rifle chambered in .338 Federal for tactical or hunting use.

Christensen Arms Ridgeline

Carbon-fiber barrel and lightweight build for mountain hunters needing long carry times.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	338 Federal Rifles	.308 Winchester Rifles	6.5 Creedmoor Rifles
MSRP	$800–$3,000	$600–$2,500	$600–$2,800
Capacity/Size	3–20 rounds	5–20 rounds	5–20 rounds
Weight	6.5–10 lbs	6–9.5 lbs	6–9 lbs
Optics-Ready	Yes	Yes	Yes
Trigger Type	Single-stage/AccuTrigger	Varies widely	Two-stage/sport triggers
Notable Pro	High energy in short-action platform	Broad ammo availability	Excellent long-range accuracy
Notable Con	Limited factory ammo options	Less effective on large game	Reduced terminal energy up close

Best Use Cases

• Medium-to-large game hunting
• Backcountry or mountain hunts
• AR-10 tactical hunting platforms
• Range accuracy with heavy bullets
• Collection for caliber diversity

FAQs

What is the effective range of a .338 Federal rifle?

Most .338 Federal rifles are effective up to 300–400 yards for medium game, depending on load and barrel.

Can I use a .338 Federal in an AR-10 rifle?

Yes. The .338 Federal was designed to function in AR-10 platforms with minimal modification.

How does .338 Federal compare to .308 Win for hunting?

The .338 Federal offers more energy and deeper penetration on game than .308 Win at similar ranges.