When compared to the .338 Win Mag the .338 Federal dosen't offer much.But we are not comparing apples to apples.
With same case the .338 Fed offers a decent jump over the .308 as in term of Muzzle velocity and Ft/lbs.
I'm not going to argue the low grain bullets thats point less,I feel the .338 cal should be shot with 210 gr bullets on up.Since federal is chambering a 210 gr bullet I will use that.In my hunting relm I wouldn't take shots over 300 yds with either rounds.
So at 300 yds using a Nolser bullets 180 gr for the 308 (the heaviest offering) and the 210 gr for the .338 Fed.
.308 Win
Ft/lb 1745
FPS 2089
Drop -9.0 @ 200 yds sight in, B.C is .474
now the
.338 Fed
Ft/lb 1879
FPS 2007
Drop 9.4 @ 200 yds sight in, B.Cis .400
Now all the .338 Fed offers is a little more FT/LB's over the .308 win.
If we use the 180 gr loads for both .308 win Nosler Part. 180 gr and the .338 Fed 180 gr Nosler Acc-bond(only 180 gr offering) shooting 300 yds.
.308 win
Ft/Lbs 1745
FPS 2089
Drop 9.0-
Now the .338 fed
Ft/Lbs 1821
Fps 2134
Drop 8.2-
This is all pretty much moot point if you look at papper.The only real advantage I see with the .338 Fed is the 210 gr bullet.If I and I stress I were to use this caliber it would be in the 210 gr Bullet.This combined with the Browning BLR's compact desing or the Rem Mdl 7 would make a fine in close hunting weapon with shots up to 300 yds.If you are looking for more range the I would go with the .338 win Mag or just as deer rifle the .308.I do see a real nich for this round.Just the compactness of a short action/barrled gun that could serve as a woods rifle or a bear stopper.
Those are my thoghts on this little round,just might be one in the closet come next season.
BBJ