As a lifelong hunter and outdoor writer, I’ve spent countless hours researching and testing various cartridges. Lately, I’ve been fielding a lot of questions about the .338 Federal. Specifically, is the .338 Federal discontinued? The answer is… complicated. While production has been significantly scaled back, it hasn’t been completely dropped. This article will break down the history of the .338 Federal, its performance, how it stacks up against other popular cartridges like the .30-06 and .338 Win Mag, current .338 Federal ammo availability, and what it all means for hunters and shooters. We’ll also cover rifles chambered in .338 Federal, including the increasingly popular .338 Federal AR10 platforms.
The History and Design of the .338 Federal
Introduced in 2001 by Federal Premium Ammunition, the .338 Federal was designed to deliver .338 Magnum performance in a standard-length action rifle. This was a significant advantage, as .338 Winchester Magnum typically requires a longer action, making rifles heavier and potentially less maneuverable. The .338 Federal achieves this by necking down the .308 Winchester case to accept a .338 diameter bullet. This design allows for impressive ballistics in a relatively compact package. It quickly gained popularity among hunters seeking a versatile cartridge for medium to large game, particularly deer and elk. Federal aimed to bridge the gap between the ubiquitous .308 Winchester and the heavier-hitting .338 Win Mag.
Why the Initial Appeal?
Several factors contributed to the .338 Federal’s initial success. First, it offered a substantial increase in energy and bullet weight over the .308 Winchester, making it more effective on larger game. Second, it could be chambered in existing .308 Winchester rifles with a simple barrel change. Finally, the cartridge’s flat trajectory and excellent downrange energy retention made it a favorite among those hunting in varied terrain. You can find more information on cartridge ballistics at Federal Premium's website.
.338 Federal vs. The Competition: How Does It Stack Up?
Let's look at how the .338 Federal compares to some of its closest competitors. Understanding these differences is crucial when deciding if this cartridge is right for you.
.338 Federal vs. .30-06 Springfield
The .30-06 Springfield is a legendary cartridge with a long and storied history. While the .30-06 generally offers a flatter trajectory with lighter bullets, the .338 Federal delivers significantly more energy at closer ranges, particularly with heavier bullets. For deer hunting at moderate distances, the .30-06 is still a viable option, but the .338 Federal provides a noticeable advantage in stopping power. A direct .338 vs 30-06 comparison shows the .338 Federal often exceeds the .30-06 in energy transfer at ranges under 300 yards.
.338 Federal vs. .338 Winchester Magnum
This is where things get interesting. The .338 Win Mag is a powerhouse cartridge known for its long-range capabilities. However, it comes with drawbacks: significant recoil and the need for a longer action rifle. The .338 Federal offers a substantial portion of the .338 Win Mag’s performance in a more manageable package. While the .338 Win Mag will consistently outperform the .338 Federal at extended ranges, the .338 Federal is often preferred for hunting in dense cover where longer shots are less common. The .338 vs 338 Win Mag debate often comes down to personal preference and hunting style.
.338 Federal vs. 6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 Creedmoor has become incredibly popular in recent years, known for its exceptional accuracy and long-range performance. While the 6.5 Creedmoor excels at precision shooting, the .338 Federal offers a significant advantage in terminal ballistics and stopping power, especially on larger game. The 6.5 Creedmoor is a fantastic choice for target shooting and varmint hunting, but the .338 Federal is better suited for taking down deer, elk, and even bear. The .338 federal vs 6.5 creedmoor choice depends heavily on your primary hunting goals.
The Current State of .338 Federal: Discontinued or Just Limited?
This is the million-dollar question. While not officially “discontinued” in the strictest sense, production of .338 Federal ammunition has been drastically reduced in recent years. Federal Premium has cited low demand as the primary reason for the decreased availability. This has led to significant price increases and difficulty finding ammunition, especially during periods of high demand. Many retailers are currently out of stock, and online prices are often inflated. This scarcity has understandably led many hunters to wonder, “is the 338 federal discontinued?”
However, it’s important to note that Federal hasn’t completely ceased production. Limited runs are still being produced, and some retailers may still have stock. It’s also worth checking with smaller, independent ammunition manufacturers who may offer .338 Federal loads. You can often find updates on ammunition availability from hunting forums and online retailers.
Rifles Chambered in .338 Federal: Options and Availability
Despite the ammunition situation, several manufacturers have chambered rifles in .338 Federal. Here are some options:
- Savage Arms: Savage has consistently offered models chambered in .338 Federal, known for their accuracy and affordability.
- Remington: Remington previously offered .338 Federal rifles, but availability may be limited due to the company’s restructuring.
- Ruger: Ruger offers some models in .338 Federal, providing a reliable and durable option.
- Custom Rifle Builders: Many custom rifle builders can chamber rifles in .338 Federal, allowing you to create a truly personalized firearm.
- .338 Federal AR10: The .338 Federal AR10 platform is gaining popularity, offering a modern sporting rifle option in this powerful cartridge. Several companies now offer upper receivers and complete rifles in this configuration.
.338 Federal for Deer and Elk: Is It a Good Choice?
Absolutely. The .338 Federal for elk and deer is an excellent choice, particularly for hunters who prioritize stopping power and versatility. The cartridge’s heavier bullets deliver excellent penetration and energy transfer, ensuring a quick and ethical harvest. It’s particularly well-suited for hunting in wooded areas where shots are often closer. However, responsible shot placement is always paramount, regardless of the cartridge used. Always consult your state’s hunting regulations regarding legal cartridges and bullet weights. The National Park Service and state wildlife agencies offer valuable resources on ethical hunting practices.
Finding .338 Federal Ammo and Load Data
Finding .338 Federal ammunition can be challenging, but here are some tips:
- Check Online Retailers: Regularly check major online retailers like MidwayUSA, Brownells, and Palmetto State Armory.
- Contact Local Gun Stores: Call your local gun stores and ask if they have any .338 Federal ammo in stock or on order.
- Consider Smaller Manufacturers: Explore ammunition from smaller, independent manufacturers.
- Reloading: If you’re comfortable reloading, this can be a cost-effective way to obtain .338 Federal ammunition. You can find .338 federal load data from reputable sources like Hodgdon and Alliant Powder.
Always consult a federal ballistic chart for specific load data and performance characteristics. Remember to follow safe reloading practices and consult with experienced reloaders if you’re new to the process.
The Future of the .338 Federal
The future of the .338 Federal remains uncertain. While the cartridge hasn’t been officially discontinued, its limited availability and increasing price are concerning. Whether it will experience a resurgence in popularity depends on several factors, including increased demand and potential new production from Federal Premium or other manufacturers. For now, hunters and shooters who appreciate the .338 Federal’s performance will need to be diligent in their search for ammunition and consider reloading as a viable option. Remember to always practice responsible gun ownership and follow the principles of Leave No Trace when enjoying the great outdoors.
Disclaimer: I am an outdoor writer and enthusiast, not a firearms expert. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified firearms instructor and follow all applicable laws and regulations.