Lindcott Armory Compare / .338 Federal vs .338 RCM
Cartridge comparison
.338 Federal vs .338 RCM
.338 RCM is faster (2,850 vs 2,840 fps); .338 RCM carries more energy (4,510 vs 3,225 ft·lb); .338 RCM recoils less.
.338 Federal →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–800 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.338 RCM →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–800 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .338 Federal | .338 RCM | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Rifle | Rifle |
| Introduced | 2006 | 2008 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.338″ | 0.338″ |
| Case length | 2.015″ | 2.1″ |
| Velocity | 2,650–2,840 fps | 2,600–2,850 fps |
| Energy | 2,830–3,225 ft·lb | 3,004–4,510 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 62,000 psi | 65,000 psi |
| Recoil | 25–35 ft·lb | 15–22 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 400 yd | 350 yd |
FAQs
- Is .338 Federal faster than .338 RCM?
- .338 RCM is faster — up to 2,850 fps versus 2,840 fps.
- Does .338 Federal hit harder than .338 RCM?
- .338 RCM carries more muzzle energy (4,510 vs 3,225 ft·lb).