Wednesday, December 19, 2007

.338 Federal Revisited


Luke 2:1 "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed"






I read recently that the .338 Federal cartridge won the 2007 NRA Goden Bullseye Award. Bringing out a new proprietary cartridge is risky business for any ammunition company. It looks as though Federal has a winner on its hands with the .338 Federal. This cartridge with the 200 grain Federal Fusion load shot through and broke the shoulder of a 7 foot British Columbian black bear. It penetrated completely and exited out the ribs just behind the opposite shoulder. Excellent performance on a good sized bear. In my own Ruger .338 Federal the 200 grain Fusion load is very accurate and easy on the shoulder. It is also priced at around $20 for a box of 20. Recently I read an article using Taylor's knockdown formula as opposed to foot pounds of energy in rating a given rifle load. I noticed that the .338 Win Mag was given a 28.1 and the .338 Federal was given a 26.1. It shoots flater than you think and handily exceeded both the 30:06 and the 7mm Mag in Taylor's formula. I have always believed that energy levels are important, however it is the construction of the bullet and shot placement that destroys tissue and disrupts lungs, heart and other vital organs.

All of this in an accurate rifle in a short action and with factory ammo. Sako was the first manufacturer to chamber the new round, however now Ruger, Titka and several others are chambering the .338 Federal. If you are in the market for a new rifle, take a hard look at the .338 Federal. You will not be disappointed. For more information, see my bigger critter rifle articles I and II, on the .338 Federal. Dan http://www.gunsandoptics.com/

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