A Look Back: Origins and Inspirations
The Enduring Legacy of the 308 Winchester
The 308 Winchester, a cartridge that has become a staple for hunters and shooters worldwide, has a rich history. It’s been a workhorse for target shooting and has seen significant service in various military applications. Its origins trace back to the post-World War II era when the U.S. military began seeking a replacement for the .30-06 Springfield. The goal was to create a more compact and efficient cartridge that would offer similar ballistic performance. The result of this pursuit was the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, which the 308 Winchester closely mirrors. Winchester, seeing the potential, adapted the military design for civilian use.
The 308 Winchester quickly gained popularity. It offered excellent accuracy and a respectable level of power in a shorter, more manageable package than its predecessor. This made it easier to chamber in shorter and lighter rifles. The 308 Winchester proved itself incredibly versatile, adaptable to a variety of game animals, and a popular choice for both seasoned hunters and newcomers to the sport. The 308’s widespread adoption can be credited to its good ballistic performance, reasonable recoil, and its effectiveness on animals from deer and pronghorn to black bear.
The Genesis of the 338 Federal: A Modern Innovation
The 338 Federal is a newer entry to the hunting scene, but it has quickly established itself as a formidable cartridge. It was developed by Federal Cartridge in collaboration with Sako, a Finnish firearms manufacturer. The 338 Federal is essentially a 308 Winchester case necked up to accommodate a larger .338-inch diameter bullet. This design was made to bring the power and performance of the larger .338 caliber cartridges into a short-action rifle platform, something that was not previously easy to do with the more common magnum rounds.
The creators of the 338 Federal sought to capitalize on the benefits of a larger bullet diameter, focusing on increased energy transfer and improved terminal ballistics, particularly at moderate ranges. The cartridge’s development answered the calls for a hunting round that offered a significant advantage in the short-action platform. It was intended to offer hunters a powerful and versatile round with excellent performance on medium to large-sized game. The 338 Federal carved out a distinct niche in the market, appealing to hunters who wanted more stopping power in a compact, easy-to-handle rifle.
Putting the Ballistics Head-to-Head
Bullet Selection: The Heart of Performance
One of the primary differences between these two cartridges lies in their bullet diameter. The 308 Winchester fires bullets that measure .308 inches in diameter, while the 338 Federal uses bullets that are .338 inches in diameter. This seemingly small difference is critical. The larger .338-inch bullet offers the potential for greater energy transfer upon impact.
When it comes to bullet weights, both cartridges offer a range of choices, and the selection is crucial. The 308 Winchester typically sees bullet weights ranging from 150 grains to 180 grains, with 150- and 165-grain bullets being the most common. The 338 Federal, on the other hand, often utilizes bullets weighing between 180 grains and 225 grains, providing heavier options to deliver more energy and make a bigger impact.
Trajectory and Velocity: How They Fly
Velocity and trajectory are critical elements in long-range accuracy and hunting effectiveness. The 308 Winchester, due to its generally lighter bullets and a slightly higher powder capacity, tends to have a higher muzzle velocity than the 338 Federal with comparable bullet weights. This can give it a flatter trajectory, meaning the bullet drops less over a given distance. This can be advantageous when shooting at longer ranges, and can minimize the need for holdover corrections.
However, the 338 Federal, while typically having a lower muzzle velocity, uses heavier bullets that tend to retain their velocity and energy better at longer ranges. This means that while the 308 Winchester may have a slight edge in trajectory at closer ranges, the 338 Federal can often deliver more energy at longer distances, which can improve its effectiveness.
Energy Delivery: Punch on Impact
Energy, measured in foot-pounds (ft-lbs), is a crucial factor when it comes to the effectiveness of a hunting cartridge. The energy delivered by a bullet at impact is a direct indication of its potential to cause damage and effectively bring down game. The 308 Winchester, depending on bullet weight and velocity, can deliver a substantial amount of energy at various ranges. It is known for its ability to harvest deer-sized game efficiently.
The 338 Federal, with its larger and heavier bullets, typically delivers more energy than the 308 Winchester at most practical hunting ranges. Because of the increased energy and the larger bullet diameter, it has a greater ability to penetrate deep and create a wider wound channel. This makes it a strong choice for larger game and situations where more stopping power is required.
Terminal Performance: The Wound Channel Matters
Terminal performance refers to what happens when the bullet impacts the target. The larger bullet diameter of the 338 Federal is a significant advantage in terms of wound channel and tissue damage. Upon impact, the larger .338-inch bullet creates a wider wound channel than the .308-inch bullet of the 308 Winchester. This wider wound channel leads to greater tissue disruption, which can result in more rapid incapacitation and a quicker, more humane harvest of the animal.
The choice between these two cartridges also depends on the type of ammunition used. Both rounds have many bullet designs, from soft-points and hollow-points to bonded and monolithic bullets. Consider how each design performs when interacting with the game animal.
Applying Theory in the Field: Practical Game Performance
Hunting with the 308 Winchester: A Versatile Performer
The 308 Winchester shines as an extremely versatile hunting round. It is well-suited for hunting deer, antelope, and black bear. Its good accuracy, manageable recoil, and availability make it a favorite for a wide range of hunters. When hunting deer, the 308 Winchester is capable of delivering a quick and clean kill at appropriate ranges. It’s also an excellent choice for longer shots. The 308’s flatter trajectory at closer ranges can be a benefit when hunting across open terrain.
While the 308 Winchester can be used for larger game like elk or moose, it’s essential to select heavier, premium bullets and to place shots precisely to ensure a quick and humane harvest.
Hunting with the 338 Federal: Power for Larger Game
The 338 Federal is specifically designed to excel on larger game species. It is an excellent choice for elk, moose, and black bear. Its larger bullet diameter and higher energy delivery make it particularly effective in areas with dense cover or at moderate ranges where the additional impact can be critical. The larger wound channel and greater penetration of the 338 Federal often lead to faster knockdown, which is valuable in situations where follow-up shots might be challenging.
The 338 Federal is a good choice for hunting in heavier cover and areas where shots might be close-range. The increased energy delivery and larger bullet can offer a valuable advantage when dealing with tougher, larger animals.
Rifle Options: Finding the Right Fit
Rifle Availability and Choice
The 308 Winchester has been around for a while. The popularity of the 308 Winchester has resulted in a vast selection of rifles chambered in that caliber, ranging from bolt-action rifles and lever-action rifles to semi-automatic platforms. The abundance of 308 Winchester rifles makes it easy to find a rifle to fit any budget or preference.
The 338 Federal is a more niche cartridge, so the selection of rifles is more limited. However, rifles chambered in 338 Federal are available from several respected manufacturers, offering a range of price points and configurations.
Recoil Considerations
Recoil is an important consideration, especially for new shooters or those who are sensitive to recoil. The 308 Winchester typically produces manageable recoil, making it comfortable to shoot for extended periods. This can enhance accuracy and allows for quicker follow-up shots.
The 338 Federal, with its larger bullets and higher energy, generally has more recoil than the 308 Winchester. Recoil can be mitigated with proper rifle design, such as a well-designed stock, a good recoil pad, and proper shooting technique. The increased recoil of the 338 Federal may affect accuracy, especially for shooters who are not accustomed to it.
Cost of Ownership: Ammunition and More
Ammunition Availability and Price
The 308 Winchester’s status as one of the most popular hunting cartridges translates into a significantly higher availability of ammunition. Ammunition is widely available from many manufacturers. This ensures consistent availability for hunters. The price of 308 Winchester ammunition is typically more affordable than that of the 338 Federal.
While the 338 Federal isn’t as widely stocked as the 308 Winchester, it is still readily available. There are also fewer manufacturers that produce this ammo, which can affect availability in some areas. The price of 338 Federal ammunition tends to be slightly higher than that of the 308 Winchester.
Handloading as an Option
For those who handload, both cartridges offer good opportunities to customize loads. The 308 Winchester is extremely popular for handloading. The variety of bullets and powders is extensive, providing many options to fine-tune your loads. Handloading can make the 338 Federal more flexible too.
Weighing the Pros and Cons: A Summary
Advantages of the 308 Winchester:
Wider availability of rifles and ammunition.
Lower ammunition costs.
Manageable recoil, making it easier to shoot accurately.
Excellent accuracy and versatility for a variety of game animals.
Disadvantages of the 308 Winchester:
May be marginal for very large game or extremely long-range shots.
Advantages of the 338 Federal:
More energy at most hunting ranges.
Larger bullet diameter, which creates a wider wound channel.
Good terminal performance on larger game.
Disadvantages of the 338 Federal:
Less availability of rifles and ammunition.
Higher ammunition cost.
More recoil than the 308 Winchester.
Making Your Choice: Tailoring to Your Needs
The decision between the 338 Federal and 308 Winchester depends on your specific needs and hunting situations.
For hunters who prioritize versatility, affordability, and ease of finding ammunition, the 308 Winchester remains an excellent choice. It’s well-suited for deer, pronghorn, black bear, and similar-sized game. It is also a good option for hunters who prefer longer-range shooting and want a flatter trajectory.
If you hunt primarily larger game such as elk, moose, or bear, or if you hunt in areas with thick cover, the 338 Federal might be a better choice. It provides a significant advantage in terms of energy delivery and terminal performance. It’s also a great option if you are looking for a short-action cartridge that offers a step up in power.
Ultimately, the best cartridge is the one that best suits your individual needs and hunting goals. Assess your target game, typical shot distances, terrain, and shooting ability.
Final Thoughts: A Word of Wisdom
Choosing the right cartridge is about matching the tool to the job. Both the 338 Federal and the 308 Winchester are capable cartridges, each with strengths and weaknesses. By carefully evaluating your needs and understanding the characteristics of each cartridge, you can make an informed decision and enhance your hunting success. Consider your target species, average shot distances, and personal preference when making the final call. Remember that both are highly effective options; the most important thing is to practice with your chosen cartridge and become proficient with it to ensure a clean and ethical harvest. Whether you choose the classic 308 Winchester or the potent 338 Federal, happy hunting!
