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Common uses: Hunting, Big Game
| Type | rifle (centerfire) |
| Typical load | 210gr Federal Nosler Partition (Vital-Shok) |
| Muzzle velocity | 2630 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 3226 ft-lb |
| Published G1 ballistic coefficient | 0.4 |
| Case length | 51.2 mm |
| Overall length | 71.1 mm |
| SAAMI max pressure | 62000 PSI |
| Common twist rate | 1:10" |
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Drop (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2630 | 3225 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 2409 | 2705 | 0 |
| 200 | 2198 | 2253 | -4.5 |
| 300 | 1999 | 1863 | -16.3 |
| 400 | 1811 | 1529 | -36.7 |
| 500 | 1636 | 1247 | -67.8 |
At 1,000 yards, .338 Federal (210gr at 2630 fps, 100 yd zero, standard conditions) has a modeled come-up of about 46.5 MOA / 13.5 MIL, retaining 1044 fps (subsonic).
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | State | Drop (in) | Elev (MOA) | Elev (MIL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 1999 | Supersonic | -16.3 | 5.2 | 1.51 |
| 400 | 1811 | Supersonic | -36.7 | 8.8 | 2.55 |
| 500 | 1636 | Supersonic | -67.8 | 13.0 | 3.77 |
| 600 | 1475 | Supersonic | -112.0 | 17.8 | 5.19 |
| 700 | 1333 | Transonic | -172.2 | 23.5 | 6.83 |
| 800 | 1212 | Transonic | -251.8 | 30.1 | 8.74 |
| 900 | 1116 | Transonic | -355.3 | 37.7 | 10.97 |
| 1000 | 1044 | Subsonic | -486.7 | 46.5 | 13.52 |
Extended predictions beyond 500 yards are modeled from the same G1 engine — useful for initial DOPE, but outside the 500-yard manufacturer-table validation audit. Confirm with observed DOPE, especially near transonic.
A retained-energy reference only — not a shoot/don't-shoot distance. Real effective range depends on your accuracy, shot placement, bullet construction, and conditions. The ~1,000 ft-lb (deer-sized) and ~1,500 ft-lb (elk-sized) figures are commonly cited rules of thumb, not standards.
Your barrel, ammunition lot, and conditions will differ — always verify against the manufacturer's data and your own rifle.
The .338 Federal is regarded as a specialist woods and mid-range big-game cartridge, prized for driving heavy .338 bullets from a compact short-action rifle. Hunters value it for deer, black bear, elk, and moose at moderate distances, where its bullet weight and energy produce authoritative terminal performance and deep penetration. Recoil is stout but noticeably milder than the magnum .33s, and it functions well in lightweight and short-barreled rifles. Its main limitations are a comparatively steep trajectory and modest velocity that favor closer to medium ranges rather than long-distance work, along with a narrower selection of factory ammunition and rifles than mainstream chamberings. It remains a capable, low-recoil alternative for shooters who want more downrange punch than a .308 without stepping up to a full magnum.
The .338 Federal was introduced in 2006 by Federal Cartridge, developed in collaboration with Sako. It holds the distinction of being the first cartridge to bear the Federal name. The design is straightforward: the .308 Winchester case necked up to accept .33-caliber (.338) bullets. The goal was to deliver heavy-bullet, big-game performance from a compact short-action platform with manageable recoil.
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