Reduced recoil 338 federal loads

webberwood · September 30, 2017, 01:33 AM

I have a savage chambered in 338 federal that I'm trying to set up as a youth gun for this years upcoming youth hunt. Cut down the stock and installed a limb saver pad

I'm currently running Barnes ttsx 185's over 8208 xbr. I'm loading at hodgons max load for this combo and the recoil is quite mild (to me) already.

Should I just go with a reduced charge and the 185's or try to go with a 160?

Geezerbiker · September 30, 2017, 03:33 AM

I think the problem would be finding .338 bullets that expand properly at that velocity.

Tony

NHSHOOTER · September 30, 2017, 03:39 AM

I have tried reduced recoil loads in my 7-08 and found that with a heavy bullet even with a reduced recoil charge (according to the manual) the recoil didnt reduce much, I do think that the lighter bullet would be the way to go with a reduced recoil charge.

webberwood · September 30, 2017, 10:56 AM

My current load with the 185 ttsx is running 2850 fps and so far I have had no problem with expansion. I harvested 3 deer with it last season and every one of them dropped in their tracks. My son will be deer hunting with it here in TN and I don't expect many shots beyond 75- 100yds. I should be able to render a similar velocity with the 160's.

T. O'Heir · September 30, 2017, 11:51 AM

"...go with a 160..." Yep. It's about the physics of it. A 160 grain TTSX runs about the same velocities as a 150 grain out of a .30-06. A 200 grain .338 at 2600 FPS has about the same recoil as a 180 grain .30-06 at 2700 FPS. Both out of an 8 pound rifle. About 20 ft-lbs.
The kid matters more than the cartridge or rifle though. Not his size, his attitude. Let him try the 185's and see. More bullet than is required, but it's what you have.

September 30, 2017, 01:33 AM	#1
webberwood Member Join Date: September 12, 2017 Posts: 25	Reduced recoil 338 federal loads I have a savage chambered in 338 federal that I'm trying to set up as a youth gun for this years upcoming youth hunt. Cut down the stock and installed a limb saver pad I'm currently running Barnes ttsx 185's over 8208 xbr. I'm loading at hodgons max load for this combo and the recoil is quite mild (to me) already. Should I just go with a reduced charge and the 185's or try to go with a 160?

September 30, 2017, 11:51 AM	#5
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	"...go with a 160..." Yep. It's about the physics of it. A 160 grain TTSX runs about the same velocities as a 150 grain out of a .30-06. A 200 grain .338 at 2600 FPS has about the same recoil as a 180 grain .30-06 at 2700 FPS. Both out of an 8 pound rifle. About 20 ft-lbs. The kid matters more than the cartridge or rifle though. Not his size, his attitude. Let him try the 185's and see. More bullet than is required, but it's what you have. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

September 30, 2017, 03:33 AM	#2
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	I think the problem would be finding .338 bullets that expand properly at that velocity. Tony

September 30, 2017, 03:39 AM	#3
NHSHOOTER Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2012 Location: Concord NH Posts: 1,002	I have tried reduced recoil loads in my 7-08 and found that with a heavy bullet even with a reduced recoil charge (according to the manual) the recoil didnt reduce much, I do think that the lighter bullet would be the way to go with a reduced recoil charge.

September 30, 2017, 10:56 AM	#4
webberwood Member Join Date: September 12, 2017 Posts: 25	My current load with the 185 ttsx is running 2850 fps and so far I have had no problem with expansion. I harvested 3 deer with it last season and every one of them dropped in their tracks. My son will be deer hunting with it here in TN and I don't expect many shots beyond 75- 100yds. I should be able to render a similar velocity with the 160's.