Introduction
The crack of a rifle echoing through the woods, followed by the satisfying thump of impact. This is the allure of the 338 Federal, a cartridge known for its impressive balance of power and manageable recoil. But for those who truly want to unlock the full potential of this versatile round, reloading is the key. Handloading allows you to fine-tune your ammunition to meet your specific needs, whether you’re chasing big game across vast landscapes or simply seeking the tightest groups at the range. It’s an art and a science, a process that fosters a deeper connection with your firearm and an intimate understanding of ballistics. With the ability to tailor loads to your rifle’s individual characteristics, you can optimize for accuracy, velocity, and terminal performance. The 338 Federal cartridge offers a unique blend of power and efficiency, making it a favorite among hunters and shooting enthusiasts. The ability to personalize your rounds and create ammunition perfectly suited for your hunting pursuits is one of the most appealing aspects of handloading the 338 Federal.
The 338 Federal is a relatively modern cartridge, born from the collaboration between Federal Cartridge and Sako in the early 2000s. It was designed to offer excellent performance in a short-action rifle, providing a good balance of power and recoil. It delivers a substantial punch at moderate ranges, making it effective on a variety of game. The cartridge essentially shrinks the proven 338 Winchester Magnum down to a shorter case, offering great performance in a more compact and efficient package.
This article serves as a comprehensive guide to 338 Federal reloading data, offering the essential information you need to safely and effectively handload your own ammunition. Before we dive into the specifics, let’s make this unequivocally clear: Reloading is inherently dangerous. Improper handling of components, incorrect measurements, and overlooking safety procedures can lead to serious injury or even death. **ALWAYS prioritize safety**. Never exceed the recommended loads, and always wear appropriate eye protection. Follow all safety guidelines and double-check your work.
338 Federal Cartridge Basics
The 338 Federal is built on the .308 Winchester case, necked up to accommodate a .338-inch diameter bullet. This clever design allows the use of readily available components while delivering exceptional ballistic performance.
The 338 Federal is known for its impressive ballistic performance and ability to perform on various game, from deer to elk-sized animals. The popularity of this cartridge continues to grow, particularly among hunters who appreciate its balance of power, accuracy, and manageable recoil.
The cartridge boasts a case length that is typically around one inch and sixty-three hundredths of an inch, while the overall length of a loaded cartridge is often around two inches and eighty-two hundredths of an inch, depending on the bullet type. The rim diameter measures around four inches and seventy-three hundredths of an inch.
Rifles chambered for the 338 Federal typically come in bolt-action platforms, offering inherent accuracy and reliability. However, you can also find this cartridge in semi-automatic rifles as well, providing rapid follow-up shots. Some manufacturers that produce rifles in this caliber include Savage, Tikka, and Remington, each offering a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets.
Essential Reloading Components for 338 Federal
The selection of high-quality reloading components is a cornerstone of producing accurate and safe ammunition. Each component plays a crucial role in the final product, so careful consideration and selection are paramount.
Beginning with the brass or case, you’ll find a wide variety of options to choose from. Many reloaders prefer cases produced by reputable manufacturers such as Federal or Nosler. Properly preparing your cases is extremely important for consistent and safe reloading. This includes thorough cleaning, inspecting for any damage or flaws, trimming to the correct length, deburring the case mouth, and chamfering the inside edge of the case mouth. These steps ensure the bullet seats properly and provide consistent bullet release, which is essential for accuracy.
Moving on to primers, you’ll need large rifle primers. Make sure you choose the proper primer type for your specific rifle and powder. Reliable brands, such as Federal, CCI, and Remington, are excellent choices. Consider the specific needs of your loads, and select the best primer type for your intended performance. Different primers burn at slightly different rates, influencing the consistency of the powder ignition and the resulting ballistic performance. Matching the primer to your powder and the specific demands of your loads is an important step in the reloading process.
Choosing the right bullets will determine how your rounds perform downrange. The 338 Federal supports bullets in various weights and designs to suit different shooting applications. Nosler, Barnes, Hornady, and Sierra, among other manufacturers, produce high-quality bullets ideal for hunting and target shooting. Popular bullet weights often range from one hundred eighty grains to two hundred twenty-five grains, allowing you to select bullets tailored for your specific hunting needs. For example, when hunting deer, you might choose lighter bullets with expanding properties. If you’re after elk, heavier, controlled-expansion bullets may be better choices. When selecting bullets, also consider their construction, ballistic coefficient, and sectional density.
Selecting the right powder is among the most critical decisions in handloading. The right powder will give you the desired muzzle velocity, accuracy, and pressure characteristics. This process typically involves meticulous testing to determine the ideal combination for your rifle and intended use.
Reloading Information
**Safety First:** This cannot be stressed enough. Reloading is potentially dangerous. Always double-check every step of the reloading process, wear eye protection, and handle all components with care. Before attempting any of the loads below, it is imperative that you consult with a trusted reloading manual, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, and never exceed the maximum published loads. Overcharging can cause catastrophic firearm failures.
- **Always begin with the lowest recommended powder charge** listed in your reloading manual.
- **Increase the charge gradually** to find the best performance.
- **Never exceed maximum load recommendations.**
- **Monitor pressure signs closely.**
Data Tables:
To help guide you through the process, here’s some sample 338 Federal reloading data. *Please use these values as a starting point only*. ALWAYS verify these loads with reputable reloading manuals and powder manufacturer websites. Use a chronograph to measure your actual velocities and adjust your loads as needed.
Bullet: Barnes TTSX 185gr
| Powder | Starting Load (grains) | Max Load (grains) | Estimated Velocity (fps) | Primer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varget | forty-two | forty-six | two thousand seven hundred fifty – two thousand nine hundred | Large Rifle | Compressed load may be required |
| Reloader 15 | forty-three | forty-seven | two thousand eight hundred – three thousand | Large Rifle | Excellent accuracy potential |
Bullet: Nosler Accubond 200gr
| Powder | Starting Load (grains) | Max Load (grains) | Estimated Velocity (fps) | Primer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reloader 15 | forty-four | forty-eight | two thousand six hundred – two thousand seven hundred fifty | Large Rifle | Very consistent performance |
| H4895 | forty-two | forty-six | two thousand five hundred – two thousand six hundred | Large Rifle | Good all-around performance. |
*Important Note:* *These values are derived from various sources and are presented for informational purposes only.* *Always consult reliable reloading manuals and verify data before use.*
Pressure Signs:
Understanding pressure signs is critical for safe and effective reloading. Be vigilant, and learn to recognize the common indicators of excessive pressure. Pay close attention to the following:
- **Flattened Primers:** A primer that appears flattened or has its edges flowing towards the firing pin.
- **Cratered Primers:** A raised ring around the firing pin indentation.
- **Ejector Marks:** Marks on the case head from the ejector.
- **Sticky Bolt Lift:** The bolt is difficult to open after firing.
- **Case Head Expansion:** Excessive expansion of the case head.
- **Bulged Cases:** The case bulging near the base.
- **Smoky Cases:** Visible smoke coming from the case upon firing.
If you see any of these signs, immediately stop reloading, reduce your powder charge, and reassess your loads.
Reloading Process for 338 Federal
Now, let’s outline the typical steps involved in the reloading process, ensuring that you’re taking all the steps to make your reloading as safe as possible.
Case Preparation
Start by inspecting each case carefully, looking for defects like cracks or dents. Then, clean the brass thoroughly, removing any dirt, carbon, or other contaminants. Next, resize the cases to restore them to the proper dimensions. Trim the cases to the correct length and deburr and chamfer the case mouths for smooth bullet seating.
Priming
Use a priming tool to seat the primers. Ensure that the primer is seated completely and flush with the case head.
Powder Charging
Using a scale, carefully measure your chosen powder charge. Then, charge each case accurately, using either a powder measure or a powder dispenser. Be extremely careful when measuring powder; accuracy is critical.
Bullet Seating
Place the bullet onto the case mouth and seat it to the desired overall cartridge length (OAL) using a bullet seating die. Consult your reloading manual for the recommended OAL for your specific bullet.
Inspection
Inspect each loaded round carefully, checking for any inconsistencies. Make sure the bullets are seated correctly, the cases are not damaged, and the OAL is correct.
Tools and Equipment
You will need several tools and pieces of equipment to start reloading. These include a reloading press, resizing/seating dies, a powder scale, calipers for measurement, case trimmers, and a deburring tool. Additional helpful items would be a case tumbler for cleaning cases, a bullet puller (for disassembling rounds), and a chronograph for measuring velocity.
Load Development and Testing
Once you have assembled your ammunition, the next step is to develop a load optimized for your rifle. This process involves testing different powder charges and seating depths to achieve accuracy and optimize performance.
Start with starting loads
Begin with the lowest recommended powder charge as indicated in your reloading manual.
Incrementally increase the load
Increase the powder charge in small increments, typically no more than one-half grain, and load a few rounds at each charge weight.
Range testing
Head to the range and fire each load, carefully noting group size, bullet impact, and any signs of pressure.
Record keeping
Maintain a detailed reloading log to record all your data, including powder charge, bullet weight, primer type, group size, and velocity.
Pressure signs monitoring
Continuously check for pressure signs.
The accuracy of your reloads is influenced by several factors, including bullet selection, powder choice, and seating depth. Factors to optimize for accuracy include ensuring a consistent crimp, uniform neck tension, and careful bullet seating. Measuring velocity with a chronograph is important to determine the velocity of your rounds.
Tips and Troubleshooting
Handloading can be a rewarding process, but it’s not without its challenges. Common reloading problems include cases that are hard to chamber, sticky bolt lift, inconsistent velocities, and poor accuracy. Some common troubleshooting tips are the following:
Difficult Chambering
Check your resizing die and case length; you may need to adjust or trim your brass.
Sticky Bolt Lift
Reduce the powder charge and examine your cases for excessive pressure signs.
Inconsistent Velocity
Ensure consistent case preparation, and proper powder charging, and consider using a chronograph to identify issues.
Poor Accuracy
Experiment with different bullet weights, seating depths, and powders, and analyze group size.
For further information, consult the most recent reloading manuals, explore online forums and reloading communities, and check the websites of powder manufacturers.
Conclusion
The ability to handload offers incredible benefits. By tailoring your ammunition to your specific rifle and needs, you can achieve the highest possible level of accuracy, performance, and consistency. Reloading also offers a connection to the sport, which helps build a deeper understanding of ballistics and an appreciation for the art of precision shooting. As with any reloading venture, it’s critical to stay informed, follow recommended procedures, and prioritize safety above all else. By following these guidelines, you can create high-quality ammunition. Get out there and enjoy the experience of shooting your own ammunition, tailored to your own rifle and specific hunting circumstances!
Disclaimer and Acknowledgements
**DISCLAIMER:** *Reloading is an activity with inherent risks, and the author is not liable for any damages or injuries resulting from the use of this information. This information is provided for informational purposes only, and it is the responsibility of the user to ensure the safety of their reloading practices. Always follow the recommendations of reputable reloading manuals and consult with qualified professionals if you have any questions or concerns.*
