338 ARC hunting centers on deer and hogs at moderate range, with the option to stay suppressed and subsonic. Hornady positions the cartridge for hogs, deer and medium game, with an expanding 307 gr Sub-X subsonic load and 170 gr MonoFlex and 215 gr FTX supersonic hunting loads. Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures complete 338 ARC hunting firearms: the CM7S bolt action in 8, 12.5 and 16 inches, including walnut-stocked CM7S rifles with WOOX furniture, and the CM15 AR15 in 8.5, 10.5 and 16 inches.
Is 338 ARC Good for Hunting?
Yes, inside its range. The 307 gr Sub-X carries 752 ft-lb at 1,050 fps from a 16-inch barrel and is designed to expand at subsonic impact velocity. The 175 gr supersonic class runs about 2,075 fps and 1,673 ft-lb. For deer and hogs at typical woods and field distances, these loads put a heavy .338-inch bullet on target from a compact, suppressed firearm.
Subsonic or Supersonic for Hunting?
| Load (Hornady) | Type | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| 307 gr Sub-X | Subsonic, expanding | Suppressed hunting at close range, hogs at night, deer from a stand |
| 170 gr MonoFlex | Supersonic, lead free | Deer and hogs where lead-free ammunition is required |
| 215 gr FTX | Supersonic, expanding | Deer and hogs at longer range |
Subsonic loads drop steeply, so keep subsonic shots close and know your range. Supersonic loads shoot flatter but make a sonic crack even through a suppressor. See 338 ARC ballistics.
338 ARC for Hogs
Feral hogs are a fast-growing invasive problem across much of the country; the USDA APHIS feral swine program documents the damage. Hog hunting often happens at night, in groups and at close range, which is where suppressed subsonic 338 ARC fits: a heavy bullet, no sonic crack to scatter the sounder, and less noise for neighbors. The CM15 adds fast follow-up shots for multiple hogs.
338 ARC for Deer
For whitetail at typical woods and field distances, the 307 gr subsonic and 215 gr supersonic bullets carry real weight from an AR15-size cartridge. Supersonic hunting loads extend range for open fields. A bolt action CM7S with a 12.5 or 16-inch barrel and an enclosed suppressor makes a compact, quiet stand rifle. Check your state’s minimum caliber and energy rules before the season.
Walnut-Stocked CM7S Hunting Rifles
For a traditional hunting rifle, Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the CM7S in 338 ARC with WOOX walnut and aluminum furniture, in two lengths:
- CM7S 338 ARC 16-inch hunting rifle with WOOX walnut furniture, 8 lb 10 oz
- CM7S 338 ARC 12.5-inch bolt action SBR with WOOX walnut furniture, 7 lb 12 oz
Both use Mos-Tek 416R stainless barrels with a 1:6 twist, finished in E100 Blackout Cerakote, and a TriggerTech R700 Primary trigger.
Choosing a Hunting Platform
- CM7S bolt action: No action noise, any subsonic load without tuning, an adjustable 1.5 to 4.0 lb trigger. Suits stand and still hunting.
- CM15 AR15: Fast follow-up shots, adjustable gas and buffer for subsonic and supersonic loads. Suits hogs and multiple targets.
See 338 ARC bolt action vs semi auto.
Suppressors for 338 ARC Hunting
For subsonic ammunition, an enclosed suppressor is recommended on both the CM7S and the CM15. With supersonic ammunition, the bolt action stays enclosed and a flow-through suppressor is recommended on the AR15. Some states limit suppressor use for hunting, so check the regulations. See 338 ARC suppressor.
Legal Notes
- 338 ARC is a bottlenecked case, so it does not qualify in states that limit some deer seasons to straight-wall cartridges.
- Some areas require lead-free ammunition; the 170 gr MonoFlex is lead free.
- Short-barreled rifles and suppressors are NFA items, and some states restrict them.
338 ARC Hunting Firearms From Chattahoochee Munitions
- CM7S 338 ARC 16-inch bolt action rifle
- CM7S 338 ARC 12.5-inch bolt action pistol or SBR
- CM15 338 ARC 16-inch AR15 rifle
- CM15 338 ARC 10.5-inch AR15 pistol or SBR
See every configuration in Containment Zone 338, and read 338 ARC subsonic and 338 ARC vs 300 Blackout.
338 ARC Hunting FAQ
Is 338 ARC good for deer?
Yes, at moderate range with an expanding bullet. Hornady positions 338 ARC for deer, hogs and medium game.
Is 338 ARC good for hogs?
Yes. A heavy expanding .338-inch bullet, suppressed and subsonic, suits close-range and night hog hunting.
Is subsonic 338 ARC ethical for deer?
With an expanding subsonic bullet such as the 307 gr Sub-X, good shot placement and close range, yes. Keep subsonic shots close because of the steep trajectory.
Is 338 ARC legal in straight-wall states?
No. 338 ARC is a bottlenecked cartridge, so it does not meet straight-wall rules where they apply.
What is the effective hunting range of 338 ARC?
It depends on the load. Subsonic loads are usually kept close; supersonic loads such as the 215 gr FTX extend practical range.
What is a good 338 ARC hunting rifle?
The CM7S bolt action for stand and still hunting, including WOOX walnut-stocked versions, or the CM15 AR15 for hogs and fast follow-ups.
Who makes a 338 ARC hunting rifle?
Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures 338 ARC hunting firearms: the CM7S bolt action in 8, 12.5 and 16 inches, walnut-stocked CM7S rifles with WOOX furniture in 12.5 and 16 inches, and the CM15 AR15 in 8.5, 10.5 and 16 inches.