Anyone have/build a .338 Federal?

[Newtosavage]

I have been toying with the idea of a shorter-range, lightweight elk rifle and this caliber has piqued my interest. Looks like just the ticket for shots inside of 300 yards. Anyone have one? If so, what do you think about it?

I know the "Hog Hunter" was chambered in .338 Fed, so there should be some Savage factory 20" barrels out there somewhere. That's what I would be after if I go this route.

[Swissfan]

I traded for a 338 Federal take off barrel last year, but I have not had the opportunity to get to the range with it. I'm like you and it piqued by interest, so I thought I'd give it a try. I may have the opportunity to hog hunt this year, I plan on using it for that hunt. This will make me get a load figured out.

[Longshotjames]

I've been playing with a Tikka T3 in 338fed. With most loadings it will still be above most bullet recommended impact velocities out to approx 450yds. That's not long range but it will handle most elk shots with more weight than smaller calibers.

I am getting 2450fps with MR2000 in a 22" barrel with the 230eldX. Keep in mind I am loading single shot because the magazine won't take the length of the long boat tail bullets. The Tikka can be easily converted to LA bolt stop, if I stick with that bullet. I am also going to play with some 210NP and 225AB (I like heavy bullets for elk)
James

[Longshotjames]

Also, It is fun running 308 brass through the sizing die and converting brass to 338fed in 1 stroke,......ha ha ha
James

[Newtosavage]

That's a good idea. Never thought of that. BTW, if you're interested, I converted my short action Tikka 7mm-08 to an "intermediate action" with just some common shop tools and about 20 min. of my time. I wanted to seat my 162 ELD-X's near the lands, and needed to get them out to 2.90-2.94" to do that. It wasn't difficult and didn't cost me a thing. Those 162's shoot so good now that I'm glad I did!

[Newtosavage]

Swissfan, I'd be curious to hear about your results. I already have my Tikka 7mm-08 and don't "really" need another, so I'm trying to decide whether to have the Tikka rechambered to .284 Win and keep the Savage like it is, or keep the Tikka like it is and rebarrel the Savage to .338 Fed. Probably the latter since I'm afraid to touch the Tikka. LOL But I want to hear from someone who has a Savage .338 barrel, and see how it works for them.

[Robinhood]

Tikka 284. Good for 600. 162 ELD-X and Reloder 17.

[Newtosavage]

Tikka 284. Good for 600. 162 ELD-X and Reloder 17.

Yea, that's tempting alright. I already load the 162's long in my adapted magazine and bolt stop for 2650 fps. with outstanding accuracy tested out to 400 yards so far. I know my barrel is accurate, so I wonder what another 150 fps. would do. If I go that route, then the Savage will remain a 7mm-08. After shooting about 15 rounds through it (the Savage 7mm-08) at the range today, I'm not sure I want .338 Fed recoil in that particular rifle.