No matter what level of experience you have, hunting can be an exciting sport. Perhaps that’s why it continues to be so popular throughout the United States.
Consider the following statistic about the global sports gun market. It’s expected to grow by over 6% leading up to the year 2028. If you’re just getting started in this sport, you’ll have plenty of enthusiastic participants to enjoy the game right alongside you.
Maybe you’re specifically interested in hunting big game. If that’s the case, you’ve come to just the right article. Detailed below is everything you need to know about why the .338 Federal is one of the best calibers for your interest.
Background of the .338 Federal Caliber
The .338 Federal cartridge was introduced in 2006 as a collaboration between Federal Cartridge and Sako Ltd. The goal was to create a cartridge that could deliver the power of a .338-caliber bullet with the recoil and accuracy of a smaller cartridge.
The .338 Federal cartridge is based on the .308 Winchester cartridge and is designed to be fired in standard short-action rifles.
The cartridge has quickly gained popularity among hunters, target shooters, and long-range enthusiasts. This is due to its versatility and ability to perform well in a variety of shooting scenarios.
The .338 Federal cartridge is capable of delivering high energy and velocity. This makes it suitable for a wide range of hunting applications, from medium-sized game animals like deer to larger game like elk and bear.
Its accuracy and versatility also make it popular among target shooters and long-range enthusiasts. It’s also a top choice for competition shooting.
The .338 Federal has also been used successfully in military and law enforcement applications, due to its ability to penetrate light armor and deliver effective shots at long ranges. In short, the .338 Federal is a highly versatile cartridge that continues to gain popularity among hunters, target shooters, and firearms enthusiasts.
The Versatility of the .338 Federal Caliber
One of the main advantages of the .338 Federal is its versatility. It is a medium-bore cartridge that falls between the .308 Winchester and the .375 H&H. It is also effective at long ranges, making it ideal for hunters who enjoy shooting at long distances.
The .338 Federal cartridge is also known for its versatility in terms of firearms compatibility. It can be used in a variety of rifles, including bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles. This makes it an ideal choice for hunters who already own a rifle or who want to purchase a rifle specifically for hunting.
Also, consider its versatility in terms of the types of hunting it can be used for. It is well-suited for both rifle hunting and bow hunting.
It can also be used for hunting a wide range of big game species, including but not limited to deer, elk, moose, and bear. This versatility makes it a popular choice among hunters who want a single cartridge that can be used for a variety of big game hunting situations.
The Accuracy of the .338 Federal Caliber
Another advantage of the .338 Federal is its accuracy. This cartridge is known for this, even at long ranges. The .338 Federal also has a flatter trajectory than many other calibers, which makes it easier to hit targets at longer ranges.
The accuracy of the .338 Federal cartridge is due in part to its high Ballistic Coefficient (BC). This is a measure of a bullet’s ability to maintain its velocity over long distances.
The high BC of the .338 Federal bullet means that it is able to maintain its velocity and energy over long distances, which helps to minimize the effects of wind drift and drop, making it easier to hit targets at long ranges.
In addition to its high BC, the .338 Federal cartridge also features a boat-tailed design that helps to reduce air resistance. This allows the bullet to maintain its velocity for longer distances. This, combined with its flatter trajectory, makes it easier for hunters to hit their targets at long ranges, even in windy conditions.
This makes the .338 Federal cartridge an ideal choice for hunters who like to take shots at longer distances. It helps to increase their chances of making a swift, easy kill.
The Benefits of a Low Recoil
The low recoil of the .338 Federal cartridge is one of its most important advantages. When taking a shot, any movement or disturbance of the firearm can affect accuracy. The recoil of a cartridge is a significant factor in this.
The .338 Federal cartridge has a relatively low recoil compared to other cartridges in its class, which means that hunters can shoot more accurately with less movement. This makes it easier for hunters to stay on target, which is particularly important when taking shots at moving targets.
Another benefit of the low recoil of the .338 Federal cartridge is that it makes it an ideal choice for hunters who may be recoil-sensitive. Recoil sensitivity is a common issue among hunters, especially those who are new to shooting or who have limited experience.
The recoil from a high-powered firearm can cause flinching, which can greatly reduce accuracy. The low recoil of the .338 Federal helps to reduce the chances of flinching, allowing hunters to focus on making an accurate shot.
The Stopping Power of the .338 Federal Caliber
The .338 Federal also has a high level of stopping power, which is crucial for big game hunting. This cartridge delivers a significant amount of energy to the target, which makes it a reliable choice for hunters who want to make a quick kill.
The .338 Federal has a large and heavy bullet that delivers a lot of energy to the target, making it an excellent choice for hunting large animals like elk and moose.
Hunting large animals, like elk and moose, requires a cartridge that can deliver a significant amount of energy to the target, in order to bring the animal down quickly and humanely. The .338 Federal cartridge meets this requirement, with its large and heavy bullet that delivers a lot of energy to the target.
This means that hunters can make a clean, ethical kill, without causing undue suffering to the animal. This is crucial for hunters who want to ensure that their hunting practices are responsible and sustainable.
Why the .338 Federal Caliber Is Ideal for Hunting Big Game
When hunting big game, it is important to make an accurate shot in order to bring the animal down quickly and efficiently. The .338 Federal cartridge has a reputation for being a very accurate cartridge, which means that hunters can be confident that their shots will hit the target. It’s also capable of penetrating deep into big game animals, ensuring a quick and humane kill.
Additionally, the .338 Federal caliber is capable of reaching out to longer distances, allowing hunters to take shots at big game from a safe distance. This is a critical consideration for hunters who are looking to stay safe in the field, and it also helps to increase the chances of a successful harvest.
Remember that you’re not alone in choosing to hunt for larger animals. Consider how many people simply work in the firearms and ammunition industry. If you’re ever looking for knowledge and expertise to improve your hunting skills, you should be able to find someone in your local ammo shop or even online to help you.
The Availability of This Cartridge
Federal Cartridge produces a wide range of .338 Federal ammunition, making it easy to find the right ammunition for your needs. In addition, the .338 Federal is widely used and widely recognized, so it is a good choice for hunters who want to use a caliber that is well-regarded by other hunters.
Plus, it might interest you to know that you can purchase once-fired brass for this kind of cartridge. The .338 Federal cartridge is available enough to be reused in this way, which furthers your sustainability as a hunter. Take some time to consider whether that could be useful for your big game hunting needs.
In fact, you might be interested in learning as much as you can about the rifle brass industry. Continue your research in this area to become the most knowledgeable and reliable big game hunter in your area.
Additionally, the .338 Federal cartridge is compatible with a wide range of sights, scopes, and other accessories. This makes it easy for hunters to customize their rifles for their specific needs.
It’s the compatibility of cartridges like this one that allows the guns & ammo industry to thrive. Already in 2023, the market has generated $20 billion in revenue.
Invest in Your Ideal Equipment and Ammo Today
Now that you have more knowledge about hunting big game, it’s time to get the tools and equipment you need. That’s where we can be of assistance.
Our team of experts knows how to ensure you’re loaded with all of the best guns, tools, and ammo. For that reason, we hope you take the time to browse through our website and see what we have available.
In particular, you might be interested in our once-fired rifle brass for sale. Don’t worry, though. We also have brand-new pieces for sale, too!
