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Old June 4, 2013, 12:19 AM   #1
tahoe2
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338 Marlin Express vs 338 Federal

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 !!
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Old June 4, 2013, 09:34 AM   #2
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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Old June 4, 2013, 09:50 AM   #3
taylorce1
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Looks like Ramshot Big Game 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.
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Old June 4, 2013, 11:26 AM   #4
natman
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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.
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Old June 4, 2013, 11:55 AM   #5
JD0x0
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Quote:
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.
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Old June 4, 2013, 03:03 PM   #6
375NE
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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....
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Old June 4, 2013, 11:02 PM   #7
big al hunter
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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.
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Old June 6, 2013, 10:06 AM   #8
jmr40
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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.
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Old June 6, 2013, 03:36 PM   #9
Metal god
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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
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Old June 7, 2013, 03:34 PM   #10
Jack O'Conner
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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
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