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- 300 PRC AMMO
- 300 REMINGTON ULTRA MAGNUM AMMO
- 300 WEATHERBY MAGNUM AMMO
- 300 WINCHESTER MAGNUM AMMO
- 300 WINCHESTER SHORT MAGNUM AMMO
- 303 BRITISH AMMO
- 30-30 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 338 LAPUA MAGNUM AMMO
- 350 LEGEND AMMO
- 375 H&H MAGNUM AMMO
- 444 MARLIN AMMO
- 450 BUSHMASTER AMMO
- 45-70 GOVERNMENT AMMO
- 50 CAL BMG AMMO
- 6.5 PRC AMMO
- 6.8MM REMINGTON SPECIAL AMMO
- 6MM CREEDMOOR AMMO
- 7.62x54R AMMO
- 7MM REMINGTON MAGNUM AMMO
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- 7x57MM MAUSER AMMO
- 10 GAUGE SHOTGUN AMMO
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- 16 GAUGE SHOTGUN AMMO
- 20 GAUGE SHOTGUN AMMO
- 24 GAUGE SHOTGUN AMMO
- 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN AMMO
- 32 GAUGE SHOTGUN AMMO
- 410 GAUGE SHOTGUN AMMO
- 17 AGUILA AMMO
- 17 HMR AMMO
- 17 WSM AMMO
- 22 CB LONG AMMO
- 22 CB SHORT
- 22 LONG AMMO
- 22 LONG RIFLE AMMO
- 5MM REMINGTON MAGNUM AMMO
- 22 WMR AMMO
- 17 HORNADY MACH 2 AMMO
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- 338 LAPUA MAGNUM AMMO
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- Aguila
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- 300 WEATHERBY MAGNUM AMMO
- 300 WINCHESTER MAGNUM AMMO
- 300 WINCHESTER SHORT MAGNUM AMMO
- 303 BRITISH AMMO
- 30-30 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 338 LAPUA MAGNUM AMMO
- 350 LEGEND AMMO
- 375 H&H MAGNUM AMMO
- 444 MARLIN AMMO
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- 45-70 GOVERNMENT AMMO
- 50 CAL BMG AMMO
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- 10MM AUTO AMMO
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- 32 ACP AUTO AMMO
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- 270 WINCHESTER SHORT MAGNUM AMMO
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- 300 NORMA MAGNUM AMMO
- 300 WEATHERBY MAGNUM AMMO
- 300 WINCHESTER MAGNUM AMMO
- 303 BRITISH AMMO
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- 338 LAPUA MAGNUM AMMO
- 350 LEGEND AMMO
- 375 H&H MAGNUM AMMO
- 444 MARLIN AMMO
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- 7x57MM MAUSER AMMO
338 LAPUA MAGNUM AMMO
Ultimate Guide to 338 Lapua Ammo: Extreme Long-Range Power
Introduction
The .338 Lapua Magnum is one of the most powerful and accurate long-range rifle cartridges, designed for precision shooting, military applications, and big-game hunting. Originally developed in the 1980s for military snipers, this hard-hitting round has become a favorite among long-range marksmen, competitive shooters, and hunters pursuing large and dangerous game.
With its superior ballistics, high energy retention, and flat trajectory, the .338 Lapua Magnum ammo is built for extreme precision at distances exceeding 1,500 yards. Whether you’re a long-range shooter, law enforcement professional, serious hunter, or using hunting rifles, this magnum cartridge delivers unmatched performance.
What is the .338 Lapua Magnum?
The .338 Lapua Magnum is a Finnish rimless, bottlenecked, centerfire rifle cartridge designed for high-powered, long-range shooting, or hunting. Developed in the 1980s by Research Armament Industries (RAI) and Lapua, a Finnish ammunition company, this cartridge has become a staple in the world of precision shooting. Named after the Finnish town of Lapua, it is renowned for its exceptional accuracy, range, and penetration capabilities. The .338 Lapua Magnum is widely used by military snipers, hunters, and civilian long-range shooting enthusiasts, thanks to its ability to deliver lethal energy at distances exceeding 1,500 yards. Whether you’re engaging targets at extreme ranges or hunting large game, the .338 Lapua Magnum offers unparalleled performance.
The .338 Lapua Magnum was developed in the 1980s by Lapua, SAKO, and Accuracy International for long-range military snipers. The goal was to create a high-powered cartridge that could deliver lethal energy beyond 1,000 yards, outperforming both the .300 Winchester Magnum and .50 BMG in certain scenarios. Initial designs incorporated a 250 grain Hornady A-MAX bullet for optimal ballistic performance but ultimately shifted away from Hornady bullets in favor of a new design to meet military specifications.
Since its introduction, the .338 Lapua Magnum has gained popularity among civilian long-range shooters and hunters due to its accuracy, energy retention, and versatility.
Why the .338 Lapua Magnum Stands Out as a Long Range Sniper Cartridge:
- Extreme Long-Range Accuracy: Capable of engaging targets beyond 1,500 yards.
- High Energy Transfer: Delivers over 4,500 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, making it suitable for big-game hunting.
- Superior Ballistics: A flat trajectory ensures minimal bullet drop over long distances.
- Military Proven: Used by snipers and law enforcement for precision shooting.
Ballistic Performance of .338 Lapua Magnum
The .338 Lapua Magnum is known for its high-velocity, hard-hitting performance. Below is a ballistic performance chart featuring the most popular bullet weights.
.338 Lapua Magnum Ballistics Data
|
Bullet Weight (Grains) |
Muzzle Velocity (fps) |
Energy (ft-lbs) |
500 Yards (fps) |
1,000 Yards (fps) |
1,500 Yards (fps) |
2,000 Yards (fps) |
|
250 gr. |
3,000 |
4,998 |
2,300 |
1,900 |
1,550 |
1,250 |
|
270 gr. |
2,850 |
4,875 |
2,250 |
1,850 |
1,525 |
1,230 |
|
285 gr. |
2,750 |
4,770 |
2,200 |
1,800 |
1,500 |
1,200 |
|
300 gr. |
2,700 |
4,832 |
2,150 |
1,750 |
1,480 |
1,180 |
Key Takeaways:
- Superior Energy Retention – The high muzzle energy ensures effective terminal performance even at extreme distances.
- Flat Trajectory – Ideal for long-range competitive shooting and precision targeting.
- Minimal Wind Drift – Heavy bullets reduce the impact of wind at extended ranges.
Bullet Options and Their Performance by Bullet Weight
Choosing the right .338 Lapua Magnum bullet depends on your shooting application, whether it’s long-range precision, hunting, or tactical use. The .338 Lapua Magnum is known for its savage recoil, which can significantly impact shooters. Managing this recoil is crucial for maintaining trigger discipline and achieving precision in long-range shooting.
Best Bullets for .338 Lapua Magnum
|
Bullet Type |
Features |
Best For |
|
Hornady ELD Match |
High ballistic coefficient, extreme accuracy |
Long-range target shooting |
|
Sierra MatchKing |
Precision-engineered for stability |
Competitive shooting, sniping |
|
Barnes LRX |
Lead-free, deep penetration |
Hunting large game |
|
Nosler AccuBond |
Bonded core, controlled expansion |
Hunting elk, moose, bears |
|
Lapua Scenar |
High consistency and accuracy |
Tactical and military applications |
For precision shooting, match-grade bullets like the Hornady ELD Match and Sierra MatchKing are ideal. For hunting applications, bonded-core bullets such as Nosler AccuBond ensure deep penetration and effective energy transfer on large game.
Hunting Rifles and Applications of .338 Lapua Magnum
The .338 Lapua Magnum is highly effective for hunting large and dangerous game at long distances. Its deep penetration and energy retention make it a top choice for hunters needing stopping power beyond 500 yards. Compared to other popular calibers used in hunting rifles, such as the .30-06, the .338 Lapua Magnum offers superior performance but at a higher cost.
Recommended Uses by Game Type
|
Game Type |
Recommended Bullet Weight |
Recommended Bullet Type |
|
Elk / Moose |
250 - 300 gr. |
Nosler AccuBond, Barnes LRX |
|
Bear (Brown/Grizzly) |
250 - 300 gr. |
Barnes LRX, Swift A-Frame |
|
African Plains Game |
250 - 300 gr. |
Hornady ELD-X, Nosler AccuBond |
|
Long-Range Precision Shooting |
250 - 285 gr. |
Lapua Scenar, Sierra MatchKing |
- Extreme Range Effectiveness: Capable of taking big game at distances exceeding 1,000 yards.
- Deep Penetration: Heavy, bonded bullets retain energy and expand reliably.
Comparison to Other Cartridges
When it comes to long-range shooting, the .338 Lapua Magnum often finds itself compared to other heavy hitters like the .50 BMG and the .300 Winchester Magnum. While the .50 BMG boasts a larger case capacity and more kinetic energy, the .338 Lapua Magnum excels with a flatter trajectory and superior accuracy at extended ranges. On the other hand, the .300 Winchester Magnum, though popular for hunting and long-range shooting, has a smaller case capacity and less kinetic energy compared to the .338 Lapua Magnum. Another close contender is the .338 Norma Magnum, which shares similar case capacity and ballistic performance with the .338 Lapua Magnum. Each cartridge has its unique strengths, but the .338 Lapua Magnum stands out for its balance of power, precision, and versatility.
Choosing the Right Rifle for .338 Lapua Magnum
The .338 Lapua Magnum requires a strong and precise rifle to handle its high pressure and recoil.
Key Considerations for .338 Lapua Rifles:
- Barrel Length: 26-30 inches for maximum velocity and accuracy.
- Action Type: Bolt-action rifles provide the best stability and precision.
- Stock Design: Adjustable stocks improve ergonomics and recoil control.
Top Rifles for .338 Lapua Magnum: Accuracy International
- Accuracy International AXMC – Military-grade precision rifle with modular features.
- Barrett MRAD – Multi-role bolt-action rifle known for extreme accuracy.
- Sako TRG 42 – Built for professional long-range shooters.
- Savage 110 Elite Precision – Affordable yet highly accurate option for precision shooters.
Technical Considerations
Using the .338 Lapua Magnum requires attention to several technical details to ensure optimal performance. First and foremost, a high-quality rifle with a strong action and a heavy barrel is essential to handle the high pressures and recoil of this powerful cartridge. Equipping your rifle with a good muzzle brake can significantly reduce recoil and improve accuracy, making your shooting experience more manageable. Additionally, the .338 Lapua Magnum is sensitive to bullet weight and seating depth, both of which can impact accuracy and range. Hornady match bullets are a popular choice for this cartridge, offering excellent accuracy and consistency. By paying close attention to these technical considerations, you can maximize the performance of your .338 Lapua Magnum setup.
Reloading and Customization
For shooters who reload .338 Lapua Magnum rounds, handloading offers customization for ballistic performance and consistency.
- Popular Powders: H1000, Retumbo, RL-25 – Optimized for consistent burn rates and long-range velocity.
- Bullet Weights: 250 - 300 grains for hunting and target shooting applications.
- Custom Barrels: Fluted, match-grade barrels enhance accuracy and heat dissipation.
Troubleshooting and Optimization
If you encounter issues with your .338 Lapua Magnum, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to get back on track. Start by inspecting the rifle’s action and barrel for any signs of wear or damage. Ensure that the muzzle brake is properly installed and functioning correctly, as this can greatly affect recoil and accuracy. Check the bullet weight and seating depth to confirm they are within the recommended specifications. If accuracy issues persist, try experimenting with different types of bullets or adjusting the seating depth. For recoil problems, consider using lighter bullets or fine-tuning the muzzle brake. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your rifle are also crucial for maintaining optimal performance. By addressing these factors, you can troubleshoot and optimize your .338 Lapua Magnum for the best possible results.
Final Thoughts
The .338 Lapua Magnum is the ultimate long-range cartridge, offering unmatched accuracy, stopping power, and precision. Whether you're a sniper, competitive shooter, or big-game hunter, this round delivers exceptional ballistic performance beyond 1,500 yards.
- Best For: Extreme long-range shooting, hunting large game, tactical use
- Bullet Weights: 250 - 300 grains
- Top Features: Flat trajectory, high energy retention, superior precision
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