Introduced in 2005, the 338 Federal is the most recent factory cartridge based on the 308 Winchester case. It is actually similar in performance to the 358 Winchester, but shoots a bit flatter and takes advantage of the 338-caliber's greater popularity and greater range of available bullets. The 338 Federal is a little powerhouse, capable of excellent velocities with bullets up to 225 grains. Current factory loads include a 185-grain bullet at 2750 feet per second and a 210-grain bullet at 2630. The 338 Federal doesn't offer the range of the 338 Winchester Magnum, but it can be housed in short actions and is almost its equal as an elk/black bear cartridge within 200 yards. Federal is the primary supplier of factory ammunition, but numerous rifles are chambered to it.
