338 Federal

[hoser1268]

Hi guys,

I was just wondering if anyone out there has tried the new 338 federal in a encore yet.  I'm thinking about having one made and I wondering what to expect.  Velocitys, recoil, ect. Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,  Rob...

[spinafish]

I'm afraid its too early to find many who have a .338 Federal in any firearm..except for those with the older 338-.08 wildcat.  Its an interesting round though..have always wanted a .338 JDJ #2 for my Contender..miht just get an Encore chambered for the .338 Federal.

[Jay HHI6818]

I would go with a 338-06JDJ for the Encore.

http://specialtypistols.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/7946077864/m/7641094634

[hoser1268]

Well, I will find out soon enough. I just ordered one from Fox Ridge in a 14" Encore barrel. I'm just hoping that the velocities are going to be high enough.  If I can match the 338jdj#2 with factory ammo  I'll be happy.

[hoser1268]

Well, I just received my new barrel in 338 Federal from the TC Custom shop.  Weather permitting, I'll give it a try this weekend.  I don't know if anyone is interested but I will post my results. I'll be trying the Federal fusion 200 gr and the Federal 180 gr AB.  I'll also crony the loads and see what the velocities are.

[Grumulkin]

I'll be interested in your results.  Of the new rifle cartridges (30 TC, 338 Federal and 375 Ruger) out, it and the 375 Ruger are the ones that make some sense to me.  I may jump for a bolt action 338 Federal handgun.

[Ken ONeill]

hoser 1268,
FYI, the .338 JDJ No.2 will run a 200 gr. Hornady Spire point @ 2300 fps from my 14" Contender. Some will report running close to 2400 fps, but they're in dangerous frame-stretching territory. You could probably safely get 2400 fps from a 15" Encore in the .338 No.2. I suspect that the .338 Federal will be it's factory loaded rimless twin.

[hoser1268]

Well, I got a chance to shoot this weekend.  All and all I was impressed.  I only got to try 2 different ammo types but it was a good start.  The barrel is a 14" Encore barrel from Fox Ridge.  I was using a Burris posi-lock 2-7 scope.

Muzzle velocity was impressive for factory ammo. The Nosler 180 AB's  were giving me 2525 fps.  Accuracy was not that fantastic with about 2 1/2 inch groups at 100 yards. I don't know if it is the ammo or if it was me.  I need to work with it some more.  The next ammo was the Federal Fusion 200 gr.  The velocity was 2425 and the accuracy was better.  The last group I shot with it was 3 shots into 1" at 100 yards.  For $21.00 dollars a box you can't really beat it. For someone that doesn't want to reload it is perfect. I do not have a brake on this barrel and don't really feel it needs one. Recoil was not bad at all.  I'm now waiting for some more ammo, the 185 gr Barnes TS bullets and I will do some more testing.  I bought dies and I just dont have time right now to start working up loads.  I would like to use the Nosler AB bullets but I'll probably have to try some different powders to close up the groups. Well, thats it for now when I get some more testing in I'll let you guys know.

[poncaguy]

Thanks for the report, I want a rifle barrel 338 Federal.

[hoser1268]

Well, Did some more shooting.  This time I tried the 185 gr Barnes TSB factory ammo from federal.  I was very impressed.  Accuracy was very good with 1 inch groups.  I tried the 180 gr AB's again and they do not shoot well out of my barrel.  I'll try to reload them with some different powders and see if accuracy will improve.  The federal fusion 200 gr ammo shot pretty good with overall groups about 1 1/2 inch.  I will probably use this round for now because its cheap and I haven't taken a shot at a deer at more than 50 yards in the past 10 years. When I get enough brass and time I'll start reloading and see what I can do with it. 

[Ken ONeill]

hoser 1268,
What barrel contour did you get from Fox Ridge ?

[hoser1268]

I went with the heavy barrel.  I thought it would balance out better and help with recoil.