Introduction
The world of rifle cartridges can be a complex and fascinating one, filled with options designed to excel in a wide range of applications. From varmint hunting to long-range target shooting, the choice of cartridge is crucial for achieving optimal performance and ensuring ethical results. In this realm, two cartridges often find themselves at the center of comparison: the 308 Winchester and the 338 Federal. Both are popular choices among hunters and shooters, each offering a distinct set of advantages.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive head-to-head comparison of the 308 Win and the 338 Federal. We will delve into their specifications, ballistics, hunting applications, rifle availability, and the overall shooting experience. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter looking to upgrade your setup or a newcomer exploring the world of centerfire rifles, this comparison will equip you with the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision. The goal is not to declare a winner, but rather to illuminate the unique strengths of each cartridge, allowing you to determine which best suits your specific needs and shooting preferences. We’ll explore their capabilities, limitations, and what makes them tick, catering to a range of individuals, from those pursuing game to those seeking precision on the range.
Cartridge Fundamentals and Specifications
Let’s begin by exploring the fundamental details of these two popular cartridges. Understanding their origins and specifications is essential for grasping their potential.
The 308 Winchester’s Story
The 308 Winchester, a cartridge that has become a cornerstone of modern shooting, boasts a rich history. Born from the need for a more compact and efficient cartridge than the .30-06 Springfield, the 308 Winchester emerged in the mid-1950s. Its development was intertwined with the U.S. military’s adoption of the 7.62x51mm NATO round, a near-identical cartridge. Winchester’s commercialization of the cartridge quickly made it a favorite among hunters and target shooters alike, and its impact on the world of firearms is undeniable. It continues to be one of the most ubiquitous and widely used rifle cartridges in the world.
Its physical dimensions are quite manageable. The cartridge is known for its relatively short case length, which aids in its adaptability to a variety of rifle actions. The bullet diameter is .308 inches, the standard for many popular cartridges, and it typically accommodates bullet weights ranging from 125 to 180 grains, allowing for versatile performance across various applications. The 308 Winchester’s adoption as the NATO standard 7.62x51mm round underscores its reliability and effectiveness.
The Genesis of the 338 Federal
The 338 Federal, a relative newcomer compared to the 308 Winchester, entered the scene in the early 2000s. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of cartridge designers. The 338 Federal was developed by Federal Premium Ammunition in partnership with Sako, with the goal of creating a cartridge that would deliver .338-caliber performance within the dimensions of a .308 Winchester-based case. The goal was to create a cartridge with more stopping power than the .308 but in a package that would be compatible with short-action rifles.
The design team took the .308 Winchester as its parent case, expanding the neck to accept a .338-inch diameter bullet. This creative adaptation resulted in a cartridge that can be chambered in a rifle with a short-action. The 338 Federal’s case length is very similar to the .308 Winchester, and this design feature contributes to the cartridge’s efficiency and suitability for a variety of modern hunting rifles. It is designed to handle bullet weights generally from 180 grains to 225 grains.
Basic Similarities and Differences
Both cartridges share a common ancestor in the .308 Winchester case, giving them shared traits in terms of their overall dimensions and suitability for short-action rifles. However, the most apparent distinction lies in their bullet diameters: .308 inch for the 308 Win and .338 inch for the 338 Federal. This difference in bullet diameter leads to significant variations in their ballistic performance and hunting applications. The 338 Federal fires a heavier bullet, leading to a greater transfer of energy.
Ballistic Performance: A Detailed Look
Understanding ballistic performance is crucial for evaluating the capabilities of any rifle cartridge. This section will delve into the key ballistic characteristics of both the 308 Winchester and the 338 Federal, focusing on muzzle velocity, trajectory, energy, and wind drift.
Velocity at the Muzzle
The 308 Winchester, known for its versatility, typically achieves muzzle velocities that vary depending on the bullet weight and powder used. Generally, when using a 150-grain bullet, the 308 Win can achieve muzzle velocities around 2,800 to 2,900 feet per second (fps). With a 165-grain bullet, you might expect velocities around 2,700 to 2,800 fps.
The 338 Federal, with its larger bullet diameter and heavier bullet weights, often exhibits slightly lower muzzle velocities. For instance, with a 180-grain bullet, the muzzle velocity generally ranges from 2,700 to 2,800 fps. When a 200-grain bullet is used, the muzzle velocity may be in the range of 2,600 to 2,700 fps.
These differences in muzzle velocity directly influence a cartridge’s trajectory and effective range.
Examining the Path of the Bullet
Trajectory is the arc that a bullet follows as it travels downrange, heavily influenced by gravity and the bullet’s ballistic coefficient. The 308 Winchester, with its generally higher muzzle velocity, tends to exhibit a slightly flatter trajectory over shorter distances. For example, when zeroed at 200 yards, a 165-grain 308 Win bullet may drop about 6-8 inches at 300 yards.
The 338 Federal, with its heavier bullets and slightly lower velocities, will generally have a more pronounced drop at longer ranges. At 300 yards, the same bullet (200 grain) in 338 Federal might drop around 9-11 inches, when zeroed at 200 yards. A flatter trajectory simplifies the aiming process, especially at varying distances.
Understanding Energy and Its Impact
Energy, measured in foot-pounds (ft-lbs), represents the potential of a bullet to transfer its force upon impact. The 308 Winchester, depending on the bullet weight, typically delivers energy levels that range from 1,500 to 2,500 ft-lbs at 100 yards.
The 338 Federal, because it is firing a heavier bullet, generally delivers more energy at the same distances. For example, at 100 yards, a 338 Federal bullet (200 grain) can easily deliver upwards of 2,000 to over 2,300 ft-lbs of energy, making it capable of producing a more devastating impact on game.
Higher energy levels translate to a greater potential for stopping power and a more effective transfer of kinetic energy, which is essential for ethical hunting.
The Effects of Wind
Wind drift, the horizontal movement of a bullet caused by wind, is a critical consideration for long-range shooters and hunters alike. The 308 Winchester, due to its lighter bullets, is somewhat more susceptible to wind drift, particularly at longer ranges.
The 338 Federal, using heavier bullets, is typically less affected by wind. This advantage can be particularly beneficial in areas with frequent or strong winds, allowing the shooter to maintain greater accuracy at extended ranges.
Hunting Applications: Game Suitability
The appropriate cartridge for any hunt depends greatly on the quarry. The 308 Winchester and 338 Federal offer distinct capabilities when it comes to hunting applications.
The 308 Winchester in the Field
The 308 Winchester is a versatile cartridge, well-suited for a variety of game animals. It is a popular choice for deer, antelope, and black bear hunting. Its reasonable recoil and manageable trajectory make it easy to shoot accurately. With careful bullet selection, the 308 Win can be effective at ranges up to 300 yards or slightly beyond, depending on the conditions and shooter experience.
For deer-sized game, hunters often select bullets that expand reliably upon impact, delivering sufficient energy transfer to ensure a quick and humane kill. Heavier bullets may be preferable for larger animals, to ensure greater penetration and stopping power.
The 338 Federal’s Hunting Role
The 338 Federal, with its increased energy, is often preferred for bigger and tougher game. It is a suitable choice for hunting elk, larger black bears, and even moose, particularly at moderate ranges. The heavier bullets of the 338 Federal deliver superior penetration and can create a wider wound channel, which is useful in dropping larger animals quickly.
Hunters using the 338 Federal often select bullets designed for deep penetration and controlled expansion. These bullets are designed to retain their weight, ensuring they travel far enough to reach vital organs. The effective range for the 338 Federal is typically around 300 yards, but it can be used at further distances depending on the hunter’s experience and knowledge of ballistics.
Making the Right Choice
When it comes to choosing between these two cartridges for hunting, consider the typical game you’ll be pursuing, the terrain, and the expected shooting distances. The 308 Winchester excels in versatility and ease of use, making it a good choice for deer-sized game and hunters who want a cartridge they can take anywhere. The 338 Federal is a superior choice when hunting larger, tougher animals where more stopping power is required.
The World of Rifles and Associated Costs
The availability of rifles, the cost of ammunition, and the overall affordability of the shooting experience are important factors to consider.
Rifle Options for the 308 Win
The 308 Winchester benefits from widespread popularity, resulting in a vast array of rifle options. Bolt-action rifles are common, offering excellent accuracy and reliability. Semi-automatic rifles are also available, providing faster follow-up shots. Various brands offer rifles chambered in 308 Win, including Remington, Savage Arms, Tikka, and Browning. The price ranges for 308 Win rifles vary greatly, from economical entry-level models to high-end custom rifles.
The Landscape of 338 Federal Rifles
While the 338 Federal is not as widely available as the 308 Winchester, it still has a growing market. Rifles chambered in 338 Federal are available, often offered by rifle manufacturers like Savage Arms, Browning, and Kimber. You may have fewer model choices, but high-quality bolt-action rifles are easy to find. The prices of rifles chambered in 338 Federal are generally comparable to the price of other similar hunting rifles.
Ammunition Considerations
The cost of ammunition plays a crucial role in the ongoing expense of shooting. 308 Winchester ammunition, due to its high popularity, is typically more affordable and widely available than 338 Federal ammunition. However, the prices of ammunition can fluctuate. It’s also worth considering reloading, which can reduce the cost of ammunition over the long term.
Recoil, the Shooting Experience, and More
The shooting experience and the felt recoil of a rifle are important considerations for all shooters.
Examining Recoil
Recoil, the force that pushes back against the shooter, can significantly impact comfort and accuracy. The 308 Winchester is known for its moderate recoil, making it relatively pleasant to shoot, even for extended periods.
The 338 Federal, with its heavier bullets and greater energy levels, generally produces more recoil. While not excessive, it requires the shooter to have a better grip and follow-through. Proper shooting technique and the use of a well-fitting rifle with a good recoil pad can help mitigate the effects of recoil.
Other Considerations
Beyond recoil, other factors such as the muzzle blast, the report, and the ease of finding components for reloading also contribute to the overall shooting experience. The 308 Winchester generally produces less muzzle blast than the 338 Federal. Reloading options are more prevalent for the 308 Winchester.
The Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Cartridge
Each cartridge presents both advantages and disadvantages.
The Perks and Drawbacks of the 308 Winchester
The 308 Winchester’s key strengths include its wide availability, affordable ammunition, moderate recoil, and excellent versatility. It’s a great choice for hunters and shooters of all skill levels. Its weaknesses are more limited; for some hunters, it may be less ideal for very large game, and its effectiveness at extended ranges can be limited.
The 338 Federal’s Positive and Negative Aspects
The 338 Federal’s strong points include its superior stopping power, greater energy delivery, and effectiveness on larger game animals. It is known for its ability to deliver devastating hits. However, the 338 Federal is not without its downsides: it has more recoil, more limited rifle and ammunition availability, and higher ammunition costs.
Concluding Thoughts
In summary, the 308 Winchester and 338 Federal represent two distinct approaches to rifle cartridge design, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The 308 Winchester is a versatile cartridge suitable for a wide variety of hunting applications, offering a balanced combination of performance, affordability, and user-friendliness. It is a great choice for those looking for a cartridge that can handle various tasks.
The 338 Federal, on the other hand, excels in delivering superior stopping power, making it the better choice for larger game animals or situations where maximum energy transfer is paramount. It offers a distinct performance advantage, but at the cost of increased recoil and more limited rifle and ammunition options.
When deciding between these two cartridges, consider your primary shooting goals, the type of game you intend to hunt, the terrain you’ll be shooting in, and your individual shooting experience and skill level. For general hunting applications and recreational shooting, the 308 Winchester remains a solid choice. If you need to drop big game at moderate ranges, the 338 Federal may be the preferred cartridge. The best decision depends on your specific needs. Careful research and consideration will ensure that you select the cartridge that is best suited for your particular shooting lifestyle.
