338 Marlin Express vs 338 Federal

[tahoe2]

one is a lever, one is a bolt (doesn't matter, I like both), I reload, so ammo availability is not an issue.
Opinions on performance is what I'm asking, the prey will be deer, black bear, and elk. Accuracy only needs to effective for a clean kill out to 300 yds or so.
Ranges will possibly be 300 yds at most, but typically less than 200, around 75-150 will be the norm. So let me have it !!

[PetahW]

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AFAIK the Federal round will produce better energy in factory guise, since both use different powders. (IIRC, the .338ME's propietary)

Since you'll be handloading with commercially-available powders, they'll be virtually ballistic twins - so, I'd say go with whichever rifle you prefer or can get a better deal on.



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[taylorce1]

Looks like Ramshot Big Game (http://www.realguns.com/loads/338marlin.htm)will be your huckleberry in the .338 ME capable of delivering near factory velocities with 200 grain bullets. However, I'm not a lever guy so I'd prefer the .338 Fed over the ME. Plus the Fed offers a little more velocity and a much, much larger variety of bullet options.

[natman]

You'll be limited in bullet selection with the Marlin Expess. Only flat nose, round nose and special flex tips. The Federal will take any .338 bullet.

[JD0x0]

You'll be limited in bullet selection with the Marlin Expess. Only flat nose, round nose and special flex tips. The Federal will take any .338 bullet.

This.

I like both bolts and lever actions but I think if I had the choice i'd go bolt every time. The lever may be capable of higher rate of fire but all the advantages of a bolt far outweigh that IMO.

[375NE]

Why not look at a Browning BLR...lever action, bolt strength and range of calibres...plus a magazine so no restrictions on projectile choice.... Nothing in 338 but they do 325, 358 and 450marlin etc....

[big al hunter]

If you hunt east of the Cascades, 338 Federal in a bolt action. West of the Cascades, let the rifle you like determite the cartridge.

[jmr40]

At short ranges both are a tie. At ranges over 100 yards the Federal wins by a bunch. You don't say which bolt rifle, but you can usually get a bolt rifle that is lighter, and more accurate than any lever. Especially the Marlin's in larger calibers which are hefty.

I'd pick another caliber alltogether, but between the 2 the 338 Fed in the right rifle would be my pick.

[Metal god]

I say federal cus of bullet choice and the fact it's parent case is the 308 win .

308 cases are a plenty not so much for the 338ME or it's parent case the 376 Steyr

[Jack O'Conner]

They're both very good cartridges but .308 rifle shooting 180 grain bullets is still a very good big game cartrdige for elk and moose.

Jack