Vapodog

There were three excellent places for the .338 Federal....Winchester's M-88, Winchester's M-100, and Savages M-99......take it from there.

HEAD0001

338 Federal looks like a great cartridge. However I would go with the 358 Winchester. You still use the 308 cases. So brass will always be available. You have the choice of some larger bullets which I think you want. And the best part is that the 358 Winchester is a great cast bullet cartridge. Just the perfect mix of velocity and bullet weight, along with good bore size for cast bullets. That way you can either buy a bunch of bullets or even cast your own, and you can practice for a whole lot cheaper. Heck I can cast and shoot 700 or 800 rounds for $100 in my 358 Winchester. Plus if you want you can shoot a lighter bullet for great down range power. Tom.

rjhans53

338 federal, EXELLENT round, hard hitter (200 speers). Ballistically superior to the 358 win (which I have 2 of and deer hit by them act like they were touched by thors hammer). 4 deer have fallen to my 338 fed. A doe that went maybe 20 yards, a big 9 that was DRT (facing me spine shot) a 3 year old 8 that went 15 yards, another that was DRT (in the bread basket) I do not load hot, my hunting load is just over 2500 fps. 338 fed verses the 45-70, well if you are hunting thick probably the 45-70 might hit harder but I don't know how anything can be any deader and the recoil of the 45 is a BUNCH more. If you are hunting bean fields and the range is over 300 then other rounds might be better choices but 300 yards and closer in I'd take the 338 fed anytime and never feel under gunned.