As a lifelong hunter and outdoor writer, I’ve spent countless hours behind the rifle, and I’ve seen cartridges come and go. Lately, I’ve been fielding a lot of questions about the .338 Federal. Is it discontinued? Is .338 Federal ammo still available? What about rifles chambered in .338 Federal? The answer is… complicated. While production has been significantly scaled back, it isn’t entirely gone. This article will break down the history of the .338 Federal, its performance characteristics, current availability, and how it compares to other popular hunting cartridges, helping you decide if it’s the right choice for your next hunt.
Introduced in 2001 by Federal Premium Ammunition, the .338 Federal was designed to deliver magnum performance in a standard-length action. This was a significant advantage, as it allowed hunters to retain the maneuverability and weight benefits of a shorter action rifle while still achieving the downrange energy and flat trajectory of larger, more powerful cartridges. The goal was to create a cartridge that bridged the gap between the .308 Winchester and the .338 Winchester Magnum. Federal achieved this by necking down the .308 Winchester case to accept .338 caliber bullets. Initially, it gained popularity for its effectiveness on deer, black bear, and even elk, particularly in areas where shots were often longer range. It quickly became a favorite among hunters seeking a versatile and hard-hitting cartridge.
Before the .338 Federal, hunters wanting magnum performance often had to choose between the power of a .338 Win Mag and the convenience of a shorter action. The .338 Win Mag requires a longer action, adding weight and bulk to the rifle. The .338 Federal offered a compelling compromise. It provided a significant increase in energy and range over the .308 Winchester, while still fitting into a standard short action. This made it an attractive option for hunters who valued portability and ease of handling.
Let's look at how the .338 Federal compares to some of its closest competitors. Understanding these differences is crucial when deciding which cartridge is best for your needs.
The .30-06 Springfield is a legendary cartridge with a long and storied history. It remains a popular choice for a wide range of game. However, the .338 Federal generally outperforms the .30-06 in terms of energy delivery and ballistic coefficient, especially with heavier bullets. While the .30-06 offers a flatter trajectory with lighter bullets, the .338 Federal’s heavier bullets retain more energy downrange, making it a better choice for larger game and longer shots. A 338 vs 30-06 comparison often favors the .338 Federal for elk and bear, while the .30-06 remains a solid all-around choice.
The .338 Winchester Magnum is a true magnum cartridge, offering significantly more power than the .338 Federal. However, that power comes at a cost. The .338 Win Mag generates considerably more recoil, making it more challenging to shoot accurately, especially for less experienced shooters. It also requires a longer action, resulting in a heavier and bulkier rifle. The .338 vs 338 Win Mag debate often comes down to personal preference and the type of game being hunted. For most North American big game, the .338 Federal provides sufficient power with manageable recoil.
The 6.5 Creedmoor has gained immense popularity in recent years, known for its exceptional long-range accuracy and relatively mild recoil. While the 6.5 Creedmoor excels at long-range target shooting and smaller game, the .338 Federal vs 6.5 Creedmoor comparison reveals the .338 Federal’s superiority for larger game. The .338 Federal’s heavier bullets deliver significantly more energy on impact, making it a more effective choice for elk, bear, and other big game animals.
This is where things get tricky. In recent years, Federal Premium significantly reduced production of .338 Federal ammunition. While not officially discontinued, it’s become increasingly difficult to find, and prices have risen considerably. Several factors contributed to this, including shifting market demands and production priorities. The surge in popularity of cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor and the ongoing global ammunition shortage have also played a role. You can still find .338 Federal ammo from some retailers, but expect to pay a premium and potentially wait for backorders to be filled. Checking online retailers like MidwayUSA, Brownells, and Palmetto State Armory is a good starting point. Federal Premium's website is also a good resource, though it may not always reflect current availability.
Here are a few tips for finding .338 Federal ammunition:
While new rifles chambered in .338 Federal are becoming less common, several manufacturers previously offered them. Remington, Savage, and Ruger all produced rifles in this caliber. You can still find new-in-stock rifles at some retailers, but the selection is limited. The used market is a more viable option. Look for rifles like the Remington Model 7600, Savage Model 111, and Ruger American Rifle in .338 Federal. You can also find .338 Federal AR10 uppers and complete rifles from some custom builders, though these tend to be more expensive.
The .338 Federal AR10 platform offers a modern sporting rifle option for those who prefer the AR-15 style. These rifles are typically built on an AR-10 frame and chambered in .338 Federal. They offer the advantages of modularity and customization that AR-15s are known for. However, they are generally more expensive than traditional bolt-action rifles.
Despite the challenges with ammunition availability, the .338 Federal remains a capable and effective cartridge for hunting a variety of North American big game. Its flat trajectory, excellent energy retention, and manageable recoil make it a versatile option for hunters who prioritize performance and shootability. If you already own a rifle chambered in .338 Federal, it’s still worth keeping. However, if you’re considering purchasing a new rifle, you may want to weigh the pros and cons carefully, considering the current ammunition situation. Refer to Leave No Trace principles when hunting to ensure responsible and ethical harvesting.
For detailed federal ballistic chart information and .338 federal load data, I recommend consulting the following resources:
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use the .338 Federal is a personal one. Consider your hunting needs, shooting skills, and the availability of ammunition before making a choice. As a final thought, always prioritize safety and ethical hunting practices. You can find more information on safe hunting practices from the National Park Service and your state’s wildlife agency.