338 federal

[matt 270WSM]

I was looking at a ar10 in 338 federal what do you think

[Solothurn]

A waste of a fairly decent rifle. I am lost as to what the 338 federal can do that a 308 can't. Not enough case capacity to propel a heavy 338 bullet, so why not shoot a heavy 30 cal bullet that does the same job?

[catnthehat]

The 338 federal is only a bit different than the 358 Winchester is it not?
The 358 has a very good reputation for throwing big bullets at closer ranges on stuff like big bears and moose in lever action rifles.
I've never hunted with the 358 but have worked up loads for two, and they were good cartridges out to 200 yards.
One of the fellas shot an antelope with his, and also a few deer - likes it a lot!.
Many hunters like the big slower bullets for brush hunting , etc.

Basiclly I think it is what my father used to say " somebody building something for someone who thinks they need it" - or maybe want it?
There are many cartridges that are so close that we could get rid of over half of them on the market , maybe even 99% but that would be no fun!
Cat

I shot 3 deer this year with a 338 federal. It killed very efficiently. I used to use a 30-06 for deer but am glad I switched to the 338. Each deer maybe went 20 yds, massive trauma to all 3. I like it, little less recoil than my 06. And in an AR would be wicked.

[Homesteader]

Maybe a stupid question, but can you take an AR-10 out and hunt with it, or is it restricted. If it's restricted, I'd go 308 all the way. 338 Fed is an interesting round, I looked at a T3 in it. I was hoping to open it up to 338-06 if I didn't like the federal, but the shoulder is too wide, so I skipped it for now.

Originally Posted by Homesteader

Maybe a stupid question, but can you take an AR-10 out and hunt with it

Restricted and my thoughts exactly. Not too many deer shot at the range LOL

[raised by wolves]

The Swedes and Fins came up with the 338 Federal specifically with moose at close range in mind. Great cartridge for a big animal within 200 yards. I would stick with the 308. A few other have already identified the 308 as having all of the same capabilities as the 338.

A 338 is great in a larger cartrridge such as a Win Mag, RUM, Lapua, or even the recent hype around the -06 Wildcat.

[matt 270WSM]

I checked it out as long as you have a clip that can hold no more than 3 shots you can hunt with it

[Homesteader]

That's good news if it is unrestricted, but I'm pretty sure if it is an AR variant it would be restricted and wouldn't matter if it had now clip. Where did you check this out at?

[Dick284]

Originally Posted by matt 270WSM

I checked it out as long as you have a clip that can hold no more than 3 shots you can hunt with it

Try 5 shots and you might be ok.
Depends on what AR 10 platform it is built off of, some by way of their liniage are more evil than others. (restricted)

[gunsnreels]

eol

[Dean2]

Have both 308s and 338 Fed. They are basically interchangeable so no real advantage one over the other. The 338 will chuck heavier bullets, >180 grain, 1 to 200 fps than the 308. Definetly not enough difference to make one choose it. Fun part of the 338 Fed is it comes in short action, Tikka T-3 light, recoil is light like at 308, fun to play with loads for and they come in lefty. Fun gun to play with but the 308 would serve one as well, and if you don't reload, I would definitely stick to the 308. If a guy can handle the recoil, or get it braked, a 338 Win is far superior ballistically.