I saw you can get a 338 federal in a 15" barrel, but haven't seen anyone talk about it here. Has anyone messed with one or know what kind of velocities you would get?

I was looking at one but went with the 358 Win. Like the bullet / brass selection for the 358 better. I think it would be a nice gun to have. I would go with at least a heavy taper of break it.

Federal lists their 180 gr load @ 2830 fps out of a long gun. A bit optimistic I think. You could probably get 2350, maybe 2450 out of a 15" barrel. Does anyone make a 338 bullet desgined to perform on game at 2400 fps?

I noticed that the heavier bullets in a 308 didn't have as much differance in velocity from rifle to pistol length barrels. I was thinking with a 338 with its wider barrel, larger bullet, and same volume of powder as a 308 would vary velocities even less between rifle and pistol length barrels.

There is a guy on a midwayusa review that states in a 15" tc he gets 2425 fps from the factory 200 grain fusion which federal rates at 2660 fps.

ranger...I've taken quite a few head of game w/ my SSK .338JDJ#2. It launches 180gr NBT's at 2525fps and is a HAMMER on deer. I've gone as heavy as the 225gr Hornady Interlock at 2200fps and it still works great on deer. Also tried the Hornady 200gr FP's on deer one year...not real impressed w/ its "on-game" performance so I use them for fireforming.

The 180gr NBT's are no longer in production but Nosler does make the 180gr in the Accubond design.

The Hornady 200 gr. spire point has outstanding terminal performance and accuracy out of my .338JDJ No. 2 @ 2300 fps.

Could someone explain the differences between the 338 federal and 338 jdj #2?

The 338 Federal is based on a .308 case and operates at higher pressures which are beyond what the Contender can handle. The .338JDJ #2 is made with necked down .444 Marlin brass and has lower pressures that are safe in the Contender. I don't think there is too much difference between the ballistics of the two rounds from a short barrel. Factory ammo is available for the .338 Fed, but the .338JDJ #2 is a handload round only. I would think you would get the most out of the .338 Fed by handloading, so I guess it comes down to whether you handload, and which gun you prefer, the Encore or the Contender.

pab1....excellent explanation.

Thanks Dan!

I have been shooting a Braked, 15" Encore 338-06 for years now. Dan B can attest to it. He shot it at the SWPA handgun shoot. We chono'd the 200 Nolser Balistic tip at 2650fps ave. It is accurate on Dan's water jugs to 400 yds with a 4x Leuie and is what I consider to be near perfect for Deer. They don't run far, if at all! I never did take an Elk with it, but I will. It is a standard chambering from Fox Ridge and EA Brown. Brass is as easy just like as it is for a 308 to make 338 Federal or 358 winchester.