This article aims to provide a comprehensive and detailed overview of Federal Premium 338 Federal 200 gr Trophy Copper ammunition, available at DEGuns.com. This in-depth guide is designed to assist both seasoned hunters and those new to the field in making informed decisions about their ammunition choice.

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Federal Premium 338 Federal 200 gr Trophy Copper Ammunition: The Definitive Guide for Serious Hunters

When it comes to ethical big game hunting, ammunition choice is paramount. The Federal Premium 338 Federal 200 gr Trophy Copper (TC) stands out as a top-tier option, meticulously engineered for devastating terminal performance, exceptional accuracy, and compliance with modern lead-free regulations. This detailed guide explores every facet of this remarkable hunting round, providing insights into its technology, applications, and why it might be the ideal choice for your next hunting adventure.

Who Is This Ammunition Designed For?

This specific ammunition from Federal Premium is crafted with the needs of a particular type of hunter in mind:

• The Big Game Enthusiast: If your pursuits include animals like whitetail deer, mule deer, elk, moose, caribou, black bear, or even large wild boars, the 338 Federal with its 200-grain Trophy Copper bullet offers the power and penetration necessary for a quick, humane harvest. It bridges the gap between traditional .30-caliber rounds and heavier magnum cartridges, providing a versatile solution.
• The Ethically Conscious Hunter: A key driving force behind the development of all-copper bullets like the Trophy Copper is the commitment to ethical hunting. These bullets are designed for maximum energy transfer and minimal fragmentation, ensuring a clean kill and reducing the environmental impact associated with lead.
• Hunters Operating in Lead-Restricted Zones: With increasing environmental regulations, many popular hunting areas, particularly in states like California, Washington, Oregon, and parts of Arizona, require lead-free ammunition. The Federal Premium Trophy Copper ensures legal compliance without compromising on performance.
• The Precision-Minded Shooter: Federal Premium ammunition is synonymous with consistency and accuracy. Hunters who demand tight groups and reliable point of impact will appreciate the meticulous manufacturing processes behind every round of 338 Federal 200 gr Trophy Copper.
• Owners of 338 Federal Rifles: This ammunition is the perfect complement to rifles chambered in 338 Federal, maximizing the cartridge's potential for ballistic performance and terminal effectiveness.

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What Core Problems Does Federal Premium 338 Federal 200 gr Trophy Copper Solve for Hunters?

Modern hunting presents unique challenges, and this ammunition directly addresses several critical pain points:

1. Ensuring a Humane and Swift Harvest: The most critical aspect of any hunting shot is its terminal effect. The Trophy Copper bullet is engineered for immediate and devastating performance upon impact. Its design facilitates rapid, controlled expansion and retains virtually 100% of its initial weight. This ensures that maximum kinetic energy is transferred directly into the animal, creating a wide, permanent wound channel that leads to swift incapacitation. The result is typically a very short blood trail, if any, and a clean, humane harvest, which is the cornerstone of ethical hunting. This reliability builds immense confidence for the hunter.
2. Navigating Strict Lead-Free Ammunition Regulations: As conservation efforts expand, many popular hunting grounds, especially in Western states and increasingly across North America, are implementing lead-free ammunition requirements. This can be a significant hurdle for hunters who rely on traditional lead-core bullets. The Federal Premium Trophy Copper eliminates this concern entirely. Being constructed purely from copper, it is inherently non-toxic and compliant with all current lead-free regulations. This allows hunters to pursue game in environmentally sensitive areas without fear of violating local laws or compromising on the quality of their ammunition. It simplifies pre-hunt planning and broadens accessible hunting territories.
3. Achieving Deep Penetration on Tough Game and Heavy Bone: When targeting larger animals like elk, moose, or bear, the ability of a bullet to penetrate deeply through thick hide, dense muscle, and heavy bone is crucial for reaching vital organs. Traditional lead-core bullets can sometimes fragment prematurely or deflect upon encountering significant resistance. The monolithic construction of the Trophy Copper bullet provides superior structural integrity. It maintains its shape and momentum, driving straight through barriers to ensure that critical vitals are disrupted, even on challenging quartering shots. This robust penetration capability is a hallmark of its design.
4. Minimizing Meat Damage for a Superior Yields: Beyond the ethical kill, hunters also value the quality of the harvested meat. Excessive fragmentation from some traditional bullets can cause widespread tissue damage, reducing the amount of usable meat. The Trophy Copper bullet's controlled expansion and exceptional weight retention mean that the bullet largely stays intact after impact. The energy transfer is concentrated, creating a clean wound channel without significant fragmentation spreading through the surrounding meat. This often results in less bloodshot tissue and a higher yield of prime venison, elk, or bear meat.
5. Boosting Hunter Confidence in Diverse Field Conditions: Confidence in your equipment is paramount in hunting. Knowing that your ammunition is reliable, consistent, and performs predictably across various environmental conditions—from dense forests to open plains, and across different shot distances—instills critical confidence. The consistent ballistic performance of Federal Premium 338 Federal 200 gr Trophy Copper provides this critical assurance, making it easier to remain calm and focused when the moment of truth arrives.

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The Technology Inside: .338 Federal Cartridge and Trophy Copper Bullet Technology

The exceptional performance of this Federal Premium load stems from the symbiotic relationship between the .338 Federal cartridge and the advanced Trophy Copper bullet.

The .338 Federal Cartridge: A Short-Action Dynamo

The .338 Federal is a groundbreaking cartridge that has carved a niche for itself in the hunting world. Developed in a collaborative effort between Federal Premium and Sako, it's a prime example of efficient design:

• Parent Case Ingenuity: The .338 Federal is derived from the ubiquitous .308 Winchester case, but with its neck expanded to accommodate a .338-inch diameter bullet. This smart adaptation allows it to fit into standard short-action rifle platforms, which are inherently lighter, more compact, and easier to maneuver in dense brush or tight hunting blinds.
• Remarkable Power-to-Recoil Ratio: Despite its compact size, the .338 Federal delivers impressive energy levels on target. It can often rival the kinetic energy of a .30-06 Springfield with heavier bullets and even approaches the performance of some lighter .338 Winchester Magnum loads. Crucially, it does so with significantly less felt recoil than its magnum counterparts, making it more comfortable to shoot accurately, especially during extended range sessions or when quick follow-up shots are necessary.
• Versatility for Various Game: The larger bullet diameter and heavier grain weights of the .338 Federal make it incredibly versatile for a wide range of game. It provides a substantial step up in impact performance over .30-caliber cartridges, making it suitable for anything from medium-sized deer to the largest North American game.

The 200-Grain Trophy Copper Bullet: Precision Engineered Monometal

The heart of this Federal Premium offering is the 200-grain Trophy Copper (TC) bullet, a true feat of ballistic engineering:

• Monolithic Copper Construction: Unlike traditional bullets that utilize a lead core and copper jacket, the Trophy Copper is machined entirely from a single piece of copper. This monolithic design ensures incredibly consistent performance, superior structural integrity, and makes it 100% lead-free, meeting modern environmental requirements.
• Deep Skived Hollow Point: The bullet features a precisely designed hollow point with deep skives (cuts) at the nose. These skives are engineered to initiate immediate and reliable expansion upon impact, even at lower velocities that may be encountered at longer ranges. This rapid expansion creates a wide, devastating wound cavity, crucial for quick, humane kills.
• Pressure-Reducing Grooves on Shank: Distinctive grooves are cut into the bullet's shank. These grooves serve to reduce the bearing surface of the bullet against the rifle's rifling, which in turn minimizes friction and pressure as the bullet travels down the barrel. This design feature contributes to more consistent velocities, reduced copper fouling in the bore, and ultimately, enhanced accuracy over sustained firing, while also easing barrel cleaning.
• Aerodynamic Boat-Tail Design: The tapered base of the Trophy Copper bullet, known as a boat-tail, is a critical aerodynamic feature. It significantly reduces drag, allowing the bullet to maintain its velocity and energy more efficiently over longer distances. This results in a flatter trajectory and less susceptibility to wind deflection, providing increased precision for ethical shot placement at varying ranges.
• Exceptional Weight Retention: One of the most significant advantages of the Trophy Copper bullet is its ability to retain nearly 100% of its original weight after impacting game. This characteristic ensures that the maximum kinetic energy is transferred into the animal, and the bullet maintains sufficient mass and momentum to achieve deep penetration through tough hide, muscle, and bone, ensuring vital organs are reached and disrupted for a swift, conclusive harvest.

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Practical Applications: Answering Your Hunting Questions with Confidence

Hunters frequently ask practical questions about ammunition performance. Here's how Federal Premium 338 Federal 200 gr Trophy Copper (UPC: 029465063079) provides compelling answers:

Q: What is the ideal ammunition for ethical big game hunting in areas with strict lead-free regulations?

A: Without question, the Federal Premium 338 Federal 200 gr Trophy Copper is an optimal choice. Its monolithic copper construction ensures it is completely lead-free, making it fully compliant with environmental regulations in places like California, Washington, and other increasingly regulated hunting territories. This means you can hunt with peace of mind, knowing you are adhering to conservation standards without compromising on a bullet’s terminal performance.

Q: How does this specific copper ammunition perform on common North American big game such as deer, elk, bear, or even moose?

A: The 200-grain Trophy Copper bullet is designed for versatile and effective performance across a range of large game:

• Deer (Whitetail, Mule Deer, Blacktail): For these medium-sized animals, the 200-grain bullet delivers abundant kinetic energy for rapid, decisive kills. The Trophy Copper's controlled expansion creates a wide, devastating wound channel, leading to very short or non-existent tracking. Its robust design also handles bone cleanly, ensuring vitals are disrupted even on less-than-perfect shot angles.
• Elk & Caribou: These larger, more resilient animals demand substantial penetration and energy transfer. The Trophy Copper's ability to maintain its mass and drive through thick hide, heavy muscle, and bone makes it exceptionally effective. Many experienced elk hunters consider the .338 Federal with quality copper projectiles, like the Trophy Copper, to be an excellent, manageable option for these large game animals.
• Black Bear: Black bears possess surprisingly dense bones and thick layers of fat and muscle. The 200-grain Trophy Copper offers superior stopping power due to its ability to penetrate deeply and maintain its integrity. This is vital for reaching central nervous system or organ systems for a swift, humane end to the hunt.
• Moose: While often reserved for heavier magnum calibers, the .338 Federal with the 200-grain Trophy Copper can be remarkably effective on moose. Its deep-penetrating capabilities and significant wound channel potential make it a viable and more comfortable alternative for hunters seeking less recoil while still achieving reliable results on North America's largest antlered game.

Q: What rifle calibers strike the best balance between power for large game and manageable recoil for extended shooting?

A: The .338 Federal is an often-underestimated champion in this regard. It skillfully bridges the gap between the popular .30-caliber hunting cartridges (like the .308 Win and .30-06 Sprg) and the more powerful, recoil-heavy magnums (.338 Win Mag). When loaded with the 200-grain Trophy Copper, it provides superior terminal performance on large game compared to most .30-calibers, but with significantly less recoil than the larger magnums. This makes it an ideal choice for hunters who want formidable power without the associated discomfort, enabling better accuracy and quicker follow-up shots.

Q: How can I optimize my ammunition choice for deep penetration and reliable bullet expansion?

A: The key is to select a bullet explicitly engineered for these characteristics, and the Federal Premium Trophy Copper is a prime example. Its solid copper construction and skived hollow-point design are purpose-built to initiate consistent, controlled expansion across a wide range of velocities, from close encounters to longer shots. Furthermore, its ability to retain nearly 100% of its weight ensures that the expanded bullet continues to drive deeply, disrupting vitals even after encountering heavy bone or dense muscle, which is paramount for a clean kill.

Q: What ammunition considerations help in achieving cleaner game harvests and minimizing meat damage?

A: Bullet fragmentation is a primary cause of excessive meat damage. The Federal Premium Trophy Copper bullet's design directly addresses this. Its controlled expansion and virtually non-existent fragmentation mean that the bullet maintains its integrity, creating a focused wound channel without scattering tiny lead or copper fragments throughout the surrounding meat. This localized damage typically results in less bloodshot tissue and a greater yield of high-quality, pristine meat from your harvest, a benefit appreciated by all hunters who process their own game.

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Detailed Ballistic Performance of Federal Premium 338 Federal 200 gr Trophy Copper

Understanding the ballistic profile of your ammunition is crucial for predicting its performance in the field. The Federal Premium 338 Federal 200 gr Trophy Copper (UPC: 029465063079) delivers impressive figures:

• Muzzle Velocity (MV): This load achieves an average muzzle velocity of approximately 2630 feet per second (fps) when fired from a standard test barrel. This high initial velocity ensures a potent impact and contributes to a relatively flat trajectory.
• Muzzle Energy (ME): At the muzzle, the 200-grain Trophy Copper generates an impressive energy output exceeding 3000 foot-pounds (ft-lbs). This substantial energy delivery is more than sufficient for ethical and effective harvests of all North American big game.
• Ballistic Coefficient (BC): While precise BC values can vary slightly between lots, the aerodynamic boat-tail design of the Trophy Copper bullet provides a strong ballistic coefficient. This means the bullet efficiently cuts through the air, retaining its velocity and resisting wind drift more effectively over longer distances compared to bullets with less optimized shapes. This translates to increased accuracy and predictability at varying ranges.
• Trajectory Characteristics (Approximate, based on a 200-yard zero):
  • 100 Yards: The bullet will typically be approximately 1.5 inches high.
  • 200 Yards: Point of aim and point of impact converge (zeroed). Retained velocity is excellent, often around 2250 fps, with energy still exceeding 2200 ft-lbs.
  • 300 Yards: Expect a drop of roughly 6-8 inches from your 200-yard zero. The bullet will still carry significant energy, typically above 1800 ft-lbs, making it highly effective for shots within this range, which covers the vast majority of practical hunting scenarios.
  • 400 Yards: At this distance, the drop increases to approximately 18-22 inches. While still retaining enough energy for ethical shots on medium game (often over 1500 ft-lbs), precise rangefinding and holdover become critical.
• Accuracy and Consistency: Federal Premium’s stringent quality control standards ensure that each round of 338 Federal 200 gr Trophy Copper is manufactured to precise tolerances. This meticulous attention to detail results in exceptional shot-to-shot consistency in velocity and highly reliable point of impact, which is paramount for achieving tight groups on the target and ensuring ethical hits in the field. Hunters can expect sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) accuracy from capable rifles.

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Why Choose Federal Premium Trophy Copper? A Brand You Can Trust

Selecting Federal Premium 338 Federal 200 gr Trophy Copper (UPC: 029465063079) isn't just about buying ammunition; it's about investing in a legacy of excellence and innovation that directly contributes to your hunting success and aligns with modern ethical standards.

• Unwavering Quality and Consistency: Federal Premium has built its formidable reputation on an unyielding commitment to quality. Every round undergoes rigorous testing and quality control measures, ensuring that hunters receive ammunition that performs consistently, shot after shot. This reliability is crucial when a fleeting opportunity means the difference between a successful hunt and a missed chance.
• Pioneering Bullet Technology: The Trophy Copper bullet is a testament to Federal’s innovative spirit. It represents the cutting edge of lead-free projectile design, offering a unique combination of rapid, controlled expansion, deep penetration, and near-total weight retention. This advanced engineering ensures maximal terminal performance on game.
• Commitment to Ethical and Responsible Hunting: By choosing the Trophy Copper, you’re actively participating in responsible hunting practices. Its lead-free composition protects the environment from lead contamination and ensures compliance with increasingly widespread regulations, allowing you to hunt sustainably for generations to come.
• Versatility for Diverse Game: The impressive power and advanced bullet design of this 338 Federal load make it a versatile choice for a broad spectrum of North American big game. From deer to elk and bear, it simplifies ammunition selection, allowing you to focus on the hunt itself rather than worrying about specific caliber-to-game matchups.
• A Brand Built on Trust: For generations, hunters and sport shooters have placed their trust in Federal Premium. This trust is earned through consistent performance, continuous innovation, and a deep understanding of what hunters need to succeed in the field. When you chamber a Federal Premium round, you're loading a cartridge backed by decades of expertise.

This premium ammunition, Federal Premium 338 Federal 200 gr Trophy Copper (UPC: 029465063079), is available for your hunting needs. You can purchase it, along with a wide array of other high-quality firearms and accessories, at DEGuns.com. Ensure your next hunt is successful and ethical with ammunition you can truly depend on.

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Comprehensive Product Specifications and Ballistic Tables

Below are detailed specifications and general ballistic data for the Federal Premium 338 Federal 200 gr Trophy Copper (TC) ammunition (UPC: 029465063079). Please note that actual performance can vary slightly based on specific rifle barrel length, atmospheric conditions, and individual firearm characteristics.

Product Features & UPC

Feature	Detail
Cartridge	338 Federal
Bullet Weight	200 Grain (gr)
Bullet Type	Trophy Copper (TC)
Construction	Solid Copper, Lead-Free
Bullet Design	Deep Skived Hollow Point with Pressure-Reducing Grooves, Boat-Tail
Packaging	20 Rounds per Box (Bx)
Case Quantity	10 Boxes per Case (Cs)
UPC	029465063079

Approximate Ballistic Performance (Based on 24-inch Test Barrel)

Distance (Yards)	Velocity (FPS)	Energy (FT-LBS)	Bullet Drop (Inches)
Muzzle	2630	3073	0.0
100	2440	2645	+1.5
200	2260	2268	0.0 (Zeroed)
300	2088	1937	-6.5
400	1925	1650	-18.7