[jywolfe]

We've decided to offer a limited run of barrels in .338 Federal. The .338 Federal is in my opinion, an optimum medium-bore cartridge and is well suited for the M14. Our newsletter subscribers and this forum have first dibs on this offering. The .338 Federal offers unparalleled energy in a short action case. Most standard loads offer 750 to a 1000 more ft-lbs. of energy than the 308 Winchester.

.338 Federal brass can be formed from .308 which makes brass easy and inexpensive, and the .338 Federal uses powders in the same medium-fast burn rate as the .308 so no modifications are necessary to the gas system.

The cost per barrel is estimated to be less than $450, and it can be ordered in our WMSW profile in 18.5" or 22". These can also be nitrided. Total cost for barrel and installation is estimated to be between $550 and $575.

Please email us if you have an interest and to reserve a .338 Federal M14 barrel. In the subject line of your email put ".338 Federal" so I can sort through and get a running estimate of how many barrels to produce. Send your email to [email protected]. You can also reach me by phone, but please send an email first so I can gauge interest.

The two caveats are increased recoil and careful use of flash hiders and muzzle breaks. Care must be taken that muzzle devices are sufficiently large enough to safely shoot the larger .338 projectile.

Ballistics of Factory Ammunition in a 22" Barrel:


--------------MUZZLE *100 **200 ***300 ****400
180-gr. Nosler AccuBond
Velocity (fps) 2,830 **2,590 2,350 2,130 1,930
Energy (ft-lbs) 3,200 2,670 2,215 1,820 1,480

185-gr. Barnes Triple-Shock
Velocity (fps) 2,750 **2,550 2,350 2,160 1,980
Energy (ft-lbs) 3,105 2,660 2,265 1,920 1,615

210-grain Nosler Partition
Velocity (fps) 2,630 **2,590 2,200 2,010 1,820
Energy (ft-lbs) 3,225 2,710 2,265 1,880 1,545

 

[leonardc]

Will these barrels be short chambered so headspace can be adjusted?

 

[MOAxp]

Did this project ever get born? Any change of plans with the larger gas system you and Bula are intending?

 

[BLACKTAIL 8541]

Mr Wolfe is on Active duty till the end of the month.

 

[NATOBTHP]

A picture of the .338 Federal next to a 7.62 NATO round would be appreciated.

 

[Rich D]

http://www.ammoland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/338-Federal-and-a-308-Wiinchester.jpg?50f27d

 

[POLACK]

http://www.shortrifles.com/

has a 300 wsm barrel for the m14 also

 

[jywolfe]

The .338 Federal barrels will be here this week. I have two left over from the pre-orders. If any of you are interested, please contact us as soon as possible.

The barrel is our Wolfe Modified Medium weight profile in 410 SS 22" in length. These barrels can be cut down to any length over 18"; if you so desire.

 

[polygunner]

I'll take one of them!
Thanks
PG
USA2

 

[jywolfe]

The few that remain will be here Friday 26 JAN 18.

Get your .308 brass resized and ready to go.

 

[POLACK]

is a schuster plug mandatory?

 

[jywolfe]

No, the powders used in the .338 Federal are in line with those used in the .308/7.62x51.

The primary powders are CFE 223, H4895, IMR4895, IMR3031, Varget, RE15.

 

[jywolfe]

Just got a chance to inspect the new barrels. They are very nice and due to the larger bore are somewhat lighter than the .308 barrel of the same profile.

We've got several builds with these and I'll post up results as soon as we get to the range for testing.

Right now I have the following projectiles for testing:
1. 200 grain Hornady SST .455 G1 BC
2. 225 Hornady SST .515 G1 BC
3. 250 Grain Nosler Partition .473 G1 BC (Low velocity load only)
4. 215 Sierra SBT GK .485 G1 BC

Brass is being necked up from Federal .308 and is a one step operation with no neck trimming required.

 

[hytekrednek]

if those barrels were in your modified standard weight, I would have to start another build, and somehow come up with the funds for that build. I need to lose 20 pounds anyway, so maybe I can cut out eating for a month?

 

[jywolfe]

if those barrels were in your modified standard weight, I would have to start another build, and somehow come up with the funds for that build. I need to lose 20 pounds anyway, so maybe I can cut out eating for a month?

I could always turn it down at the shank and profile it like a DMR. That would get you close with the already .2 lbs drop from the larger bore diameter.

That's actually what I have planned for my personal build, but then the little bit of extra weight will sure help offset some of the added recoil from that 225 grain chunk of lead.

 

[hytekrednek]

That is tempting. I will have to think about that. About how much will the profile change and cut down to 19.25'' cost?

 

[sandman2]

I would like the last one please.

 

[jywolfe]

You got it

I would like the last one please.

You got it!

 

[polygunner]

Looking forward to your load development updates.
My parts will go in the mail tomorrow.
Can't wait!

pg
USA2

 

[jywolfe]

For those that ordered and confirmed, please go to the following link and place your order but do not pay, just enter the print and call option. This will allow me to track your order and contact you with updates. Select the special caliber option .338 Fed, but do not select shop install. I will asses that on the back end.

http://www.shop.m-14parts.com/Wolfe-5R-20-Match-Medium-Weight-Matte-Gray-WMMWSS-5R.htm