#10MinuteTalk - Lead Balloon: The .338 Federal

Vortex Nation
Vortex Nation
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Published 2023-09-19
It’s time for another of Ryan Muckenhirn’s “Lead Balloon’s.” On paper the .338 Federal checks a lot of boxes hunters look for in a cartridge. Alas, it didn’t make a lot of paper for rifle and ammunition manufactures. As with many cartridges, success or failure can be difficult to make sense of. The .338 Federal certainly outperforms its popularity. Was it timing? Was it not different enough from established offerings? Was there not a need? Did the masses get it wrong by not bringing this cartridge into the fold of gun safes across the globe? Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn pop this lead balloon and chat through its story, as well as its dismal acceptance by hunters and shooters.

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All Comments (21)
  • @BlueNinjaStay
    Every time i watch larger caliber videos... "Psh, that round drops off at 800 yards" - Me, who only has access to 200 yard ranges within reasonable driving distance
  • @FMDad-dm5qo
    Nice shout out to the poor .338-06; that always seemed like a fantastic round
  • @matthewyingling6490
    I have a 338 federal and it is a great round that died because of the ammo shortage.
  • @ronlowney4700
    One of the Best and Most Sensible Cartridges Ever Made! 🥳
  • @stevenparis3459
    I am so glad you finally did .338 Federal. I have a TIkka T3 in .338 Federal. I shoot a 185 grain Hornady GMX , and it is my primary hunting rifle. It anchors every animal it hits as long as I do my part. I love this cartridge.
  • @wadehunnicutt4131
    I absolutely love the 338 federal. I loved it so much that I actually bought a second one. Both after it was a dead cartridge. Both are Tikka T3X. Ryan: take a long look at the Barnes 160 grain ttsx and the performance you get from it. I believe you’ll love your new rifle.
  • @paulharveu526
    327 Federal Magnum. Good on paper, but just odd enough that it never really took off.
  • @jaredfuller1729
    MB doesn't want to admit that his lightweight 300 WSM is what actually injured his shoulder 😂
  • @gregdenton5282
    These lead balloons are my favorite. Every time I walk away learning something new. I have a lead balloon for you guys, the .308 Marlin.
  • @ryanbutler315
    I have a Ruger M77 in 338 federal and it's an absolute hammer on all game may very well be the best practical North America hunting round no one knows about 😅
  • @nathanschulz3651
    Howbout .357 MAXimum for a lead balloon. One of my favorite sleeper cartridges when loaded single shot. Thanks for making such a great podcast!
  • @philipwoiak3228
    I always thought, a Remington 7600/760 Carbine in .338 Federal, would be a perfect central/northern Wisconsin deer and bear rifle. I have carried a 760 in 30-06 carbine for 40 years. I have thought of getting a 7600 and having it re-chambered or re-barreled in .338. federal.
  • @cfaddict4278
    .338 fed is actually my current build. Interesting to see this while im in the midst of it.
  • @scottt.miller8151
    .338 Marlin Express was another lead balloon that deserved t better than it got. You should explore that cartridge, too.
  • @Off-target-xy6bx
    My led balloon is the 7 wsm. It is a good cartridge that just didn’t win the popularity contest but post good numbers on paper and works great on whitetail. The 35 wheelen in my reloading book shows to produce more energy than the 300 win mag or the 338 win mag at the muzzle and that’s impressive. As a short range large game cartridge it should be a more popular choice. IMHO
  • @mikebrewer4349
    Great Podcast! I would love to see a podcast on the 358 Win.
  • @PlunderAndPillage
    It is an absolutely excellent round. Very mild. Great bullet selection.