It is a rimless, bottlenecked, centerfire rifle cartridge. It was developed during the 1980s as a high-powered, long-range cartridge for military snipers. It is used by many of the world’s military forces, particularly those of NATO, as well as by many civilian long-range shooting enthusiasts.
Features😎
This ammo stands out for its power, precision, and performance. Originally conceived for military application, it has gained a sterling reputation for its remarkable ballistic characteristics.
🔰 At the heart of its design is a high-capacity case. This enables the use of heavy, high-performance bullets which are aerodynamically efficient, thus maintaining a superior momentum over long distances. This feature makes it a favourite among long-range shooting aficionados who seek unparalleled accuracy at extreme ranges.
🔰 One of the most noteworthy characteristics is its rimless, bottlenecked structure. This unique design ensures smooth chambering and ejection, thereby facilitating reliable functionality under various conditions, particularly in high-stress environments typical of military operations.
🔰 Furthermore, it exhibits impressive terminal ballistics. Its distinct combination of bullet weight and speed delivers an exceptional energy transfer upon impact, ensuring high efficacy in neutralizing targets.
🔰 In terms of user experience, this ammo is celebrated for its relatively manageable recoil. Despite the cartridge’s high power, the recoil is typically less severe than other comparable calibres, aiding in improved shot-to-shot consistency.
The 338 Lapua Magnum is a compelling choice for anyone from a military sniper to a civilian shooting enthusiast. Its design centres on maximizing precision, power, and reliability, thus making it one of the most reliable cartridges for long-range applications.
The Lapua Scenar Open Tip Match Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition stands as a top-tier choice, earning favor and trust in international shooting competitions. Tailored to meet the rigorous demands of long-range shooting, this cartridge boasts wide recognition and extensive use by military forces worldwide. Its exceptional accuracy empowers shooters to unlock their rifles' full potential, achieving remarkable groupings even at astonishing distances. With the Open Tip Match boat tail design, Lapua Scenar bullets are engineered to elevate precision and flat-shooting capabilities to unparalleled heights.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Ammo Ballistic🙄
The ballistic performance of this ammo is exceptional, making it a preferred choice for long-range shooting. The ammo’s high velocity and accurate trajectory, coupled with a heavy bullet, result in superior terminal ballistics.
✴️ The 338 Lapua Magnum typically fires projectiles in the 250-300 grain range. This weight, combined with a very high velocity (about 2,690 to 3,340 feet per second), results in a high ballistic coefficient. This coefficient ensures that the bullet resists wind drift and retains velocity exceptionally well.
✴️ The ammo’s high energy retention means it maintains lethal force over long distances, making it an effective cartridge for sniping, hunting, and target shooting at extreme ranges.
✴️ Its impressive flat trajectory makes it easier to hit targets at varying distances without needing to adjust the scope for bullet drop.
Types🤠
✦ Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): These are traditional bullets, designed primarily for target shooting and military use. They are less likely to fragment upon impact and therefore less likely to cause excessive damage.
✦ Hollow Point Boat Tail (HPBT): These are made for long-range shooting. The boat tail design reduces drag and provides a more stable flight. The hollow point initiates expansion upon impact.
✦ Open Tip Match (OTM): These are precision bullets used for matches and precision shooting. The open-tip design is not meant for expansion, but to ensure the bullet’s uniformity, which enhances accuracy.
✦ Soft Point (SP): These bullets are designed to expand slower than a hollow point, which creates a larger wound channel. They are excellent for hunting, offering a balance of penetration and expansion.
.338 Lapua Magnum Ammo Review | Best 338 Lapua Magnum Ammo
Image
Product
Brand
Lapua Scenar 338 Lapua Magnum Ammo 300 grain
Lapua
Hornady Precision Hunter 338 Lapua Magnum Ammo 270 Grain
Hornady
Hornady Match 338 Lapua Magnum Ammo 285 Grain
Hornady
Winchester MATCH 338 Lapua Magnum Ammo 250 grain
Winchester
Hornady Match 338 Lapua Magnum Ammo 250 Grain
Hornady
Nosler Trophy Grade 338 Lapua Magnum Ammo 300 Grain
Nosler
Federal Premium SIERRA MATCHKING BTHP 338 Lapua Magnum Ammo 300 grain
Federal Premium
Nosler Match Grade 338 Lapua Magnum Ammo 300 Grain
Nosler
Winchester S338LCT Expedition Big Game 338 Lapua Mag Ammo 300 Grain
Winchester
Federal Premium SOFT POINT 338 Lapua Magnum Ammo 250 grain
Federal Premium
Federal Premium VITAL-SHOK 338 Lapua Magnum Ammo 300 grain
Federal Premium
Norma Match 338 Lapua Magnum Ammo 250 Grain
Norma
Fort Scott Munitions 338 Lapua Magnum Ammo 250 Grain
Fort Scott Munitions
Barnes Vor-Tx 338 Lapua Magnum Ammo 280 grain
Barnes
Barnes Precision Match 338 Lapua Magnum Ammo 300 grain
The Lapua Scenar Open Tip Match Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition is a top-tier, match-quality ammo, favored and trusted in international shooting competitions. Designed to meet the extreme demands of long-range shooting, this cartridge is highly regarded and widely used by militaries worldwide. Its outstanding accuracy allows shooters to maximize their rifle’s potential and achieve remarkable groups even at incredible distances. The Open Tip Match boat tail design of Lapua Scenar bullets enhances their precision and flat-shooting capabilities.
Pros:
Unrivalled Accuracy: It offers unparalleled precision, making it a go-to choice for competitive shooting.
Extreme Long-Range Performance: This ammo can reach distances well over a mile, making it ideal for long-range shooting and military applications.
Consistency and Quality: It is renowned for its consistency and high-quality manufacturing, ensuring reliable performance with every shot.
Reloadable Brass: The brass is reloadable, maintaining its tolerances even after multiple reloading cycles, providing added value to shooters.
Trusted in International Competitions: The Lapua Scenar is a trusted ammunition brand used and relied upon in prestigious international shooting competitions.
Cons:
Availability: Due to its popularity and demand, the Lapua Scenar may sometimes be harder to find in stock, particularly during peak shooting seasons.
Hornady Precision Hunter is factory-loaded ammunition meticulously crafted with a focus on accuracy and terminal performance, making it a standout choice for hunters. This bullet lies at the heart of this exceptional ammunition, designed to achieve its maximum ballistic potential. The propellants used are clean burning and loaded with uniform capacity, ensuring consistent shot-to-shot results, regardless of temperature. This careful attention to detail guarantees unparalleled accuracy and performance uniformity for even the most demanding hunting scenarios. The innovative Heat Shield tip, a patent-pending feature on the bullet, maintains its shape through aerodynamic heating, offering the highest in-class Ballistic Coefficients over the entire trajectory.
Pros:
Superior Ballistic Coefficients: The tip maintains its shape, resulting in exceptional Ballistic Coefficients verified by Doppler radar.
Match-Accurate Hunting Bullet: The streamlined secant ogive, optimum boattail design, and highly concentric AMP bullet jackets combine to deliver unparalleled aerodynamic efficiency for match-like accuracy.
Effective Terminal Performance: With high-velocity impacts within 0-400 yards, the bullet consistently expands throughout its penetration path, retaining 50-60% of its weight due to the thick shank of the jacket and high Interlock ring.
Cons:
Cost: The ammunition’s premium performance comes at a higher price point compared to standard hunting ammunition.
The components used in Hornady’s ammunition are meticulously chosen to ensure outstanding uniformity, resulting in pinpoint accuracy. The cartridges are loaded with either Hornady Match A-Max or high-performance boattail hollow point bullets, each adhering to exacting specifications. Stringent quality control measures are in place to guarantee consistent bullet seating, charges, pressures, velocity, and repeatable accuracy. Specially selected cases undergo rigorous evaluation based on criteria such as wall thickness uniformity, internal capacity, case weight, and wall concentricity, further enhancing the overall precision.
Pros:
Exceptional Component Selection: Hornady carefully chooses components to ensure uniformity and precision in every round, promoting pinpoint accuracy.
Advanced Manufacturing Process Bullet Jackets: The bullet jackets showcase cutting-edge design, tooling, and manufacturing, leading to unparalleled concentricity and uniformity throughout the jacket, contributing to consistent performance.
Optimized Powder and Primers: Powder and primers are meticulously matched to each specific load, achieving optimal pressure, velocity, and accuracy.
Hand-Selected Cases: Cases are meticulously hand-selected based on strict criteria, ensuring consistent performance and uniformity, thereby further enhancing accuracy.
Consistent Performance: The combination of meticulous component selection, advanced manufacturing techniques, and stringent quality control results in reliable and repeatable accuracy.
Cons:
The powerful recoil of this ammunition might be a challenge for inexperienced shooters, requiring sufficient practice and familiarization to handle it effectively.
The Winchester Ammunition is expertly crafted to deliver outstanding performance on the range. Specifically designed for use in rifles equipped with fast twist barrels (1:7″ to 1:9″), this ammunition ensures extreme accuracy during shooting sessions. Its match-style bullet is backed by a proven track record of reliability and precision, making it an excellent choice for competitive shooting and target practice. The sleek profile, large boat tail, and small hollow point of the bullet work in tandem to maximize long-range accuracy, providing consistent results even at extended distances.
Pros:
Fast Twist Barrel Compatibility: It is designed to perform optimally in rifles equipped with fast twist barrels, enhancing accuracy.
Proven Match-Style Bullet: The ammunition’s match-style bullet has a well-established reputation for consistent performance and extreme accuracy, making it ideal for competitive shooting.
Enhanced Long-Range Accuracy: The sleek profile, large boat tail, and small hollow point design of the bullet work together to deliver outstanding long-range accuracy, ensuring consistent results at extended distances.
Cons:
The ammunition’s speciality design may not suit all shooting scenarios, particularly hunting, where a rapid energy transfer upon impact is more desirable
Hornady Match .338 Lapua Magnum Ammunition delivers outstanding performance, setting a new standard for precision and velocity. This revolutionary ammunition boasts faster muzzle velocities than traditional bullets, ensuring exceptional accuracy and overwhelming terminal performance downrange. The patented design and technology behind these bullets enhance their efficiency, making them more reliable and effective than ever before. The innovative bullet design guarantees flawless functioning throughout every round, providing consistent performance even during extended shooting sessions. With various options available, shooters can find the perfect fit for their firearms, achieving optimum performance with every shot.
Pros:
Enhanced Precision and Velocity: This ammunition offers faster muzzle velocities compared to standard bullets, ensuring remarkable precision during shooting.
Outstanding Terminal Performance: Shooters can expect overwhelming terminal performance downrange, making it an ideal choice for various shooting scenarios.
Efficient Patented Design: The patented design and technology of the bullets enhance their efficiency, providing reliable and effective performance.
Consistent Functioning: The innovative bullet design guarantees consistent functioning, delivering reliable results throughout the entire ammunition.
Versatile Options: With various ammunition options available, shooters can select the perfect fit for their firearms, tailoring the performance to their specific needs.
Nosler Trophy Grade Ammunition represents a premium, high-quality option for shooters seeking top-tier performance. Manufactured with meticulous attention to detail, this ammunition undergoes strict tolerance checks and hand-packaging to ensure consistency and reliability. It features the trusted Nosler Custom brass and proven high-performing bullets, providing shooters with ammunition they can rely on. This specific ammunition is loaded with the AccuBond bonded core bullet, a result of Nosler’s proprietary bonding process that eliminates voids in the core. The AccuBond delivers precise flight, deep penetration, minimal barrel fouling, and impressive weight retention, making it a dependable choice for hunters and shooters alike.
Pros:
Premium Manufacturing and Quality Control: It is manufactured to high-quality standards, offering consistent performance and reliability.
AccuBond Bonded Core Bullet: It ensures accurate flight, deep penetration, and significant weight retention.
Dependable Performance: Shooters can trust the ammunition to perform reliably in various shooting scenarios, from hunting to competitive shooting.
Cons:
Higher Cost: It may have a higher price point compared to standard ammunition.
Limited Availability: Due to its premium nature, this ammunition may be less readily available compared to more common calibres.
Federal Premium Sierra MatchKing Ammunition delivers high-quality performance and precision for discerning shooters. Federal Premium’s Gold Medal line of rifle ammunition is renowned for its exceptional calibre and reliable performance. This bullet design ensures superior accuracy, making it ideal for precision shooting and competitive endeavours. This ammunition is crafted to handle some of the world’s largest and most dangerous games, providing shooters with confidence in challenging hunting situations. When facing buffaloes, lions, or other dangerous game on a safari hunt, this product is a dependable choice that won’t disappoint when the moment of truth arrives.
Pros:
High-Quality Performance: This ammunition offers high-quality calibration, providing consistent and reliable performance.
Sierra MatchKing Bullet: The bullet design ensures exceptional accuracy, catering to precision shooting and competitive needs.
Versatile Use: This ammunition is suitable for taking on the world’s largest and most dangerous game, making it a reliable choice for challenging hunting scenarios.
Cons:
The ammunition’s performance is significantly influenced by the rifle’s barrel twist rate; therefore, it may not perform as well in rifles with slower twist rates.
The Nosler Match Grade Ammunition stands among the most potent magnum calibres, requiring robust recoil and long-range power for optimal performance. Designed for serious hunters, Nosler delivers on all fronts with their product. This match-grade ammunition employs Nosler Custom Brass and their line of custom bullets, ensuring peak accuracy and consistency. Hunters can choose some options, each offering 20 rounds of dependable and consistent 338 Lapua Mag ammunition.
Pros:
Powerful Magnum Caliber: It is a high-powered magnum calibre, offering significant recoil and long-range capability for optimum performance.
Match Grade Accuracy: This ammunition employs Custom Brass and custom bullets, providing superior accuracy and consistency.
Versatile Ammunition Options: Shooters can select between the 300gr Partition and the .300gr Partition Button Hole, tailoring the ammunition to their specific hunting needs.
Cons:
Due to its high-quality design and manufacturing, this ammunition comes with a higher price tag than most regular hunting or target rounds, which may deter
The Winchester Ammo offers flat trajectory and exceptional accuracy, making it an excellent choice for long-range shooting. Its key feature is the AccuBond Long Range bullet, known for its tough and deep-penetrating capabilities, ensuring supreme performance on large games even at extended distances. The controlled expansion of the bullet allows it to penetrate thick hide and bone before delivering significant knock-down power, making it an ideal hunting load for pursuing the big game. This ammunition provides hunters with ultimate performance and reliability for their dream hunts, no matter the location.
Pros:
Flat Trajectory and Pinpoint Accuracy: It offers a flat shooting trajectory and precise accuracy, ideal for long-range shooting scenarios.
AccuBond Long Range Bullet: The tough and deep-penetrating bullet ensures supreme performance on large games, even at extended distances.
Controlled Expansion: The controlled expansion of the bullet allows for deep penetration through hide and bone, providing massive knock-down power on impact.
Versatile Performance: It is a versatile choice for hunters pursuing big games in various hunting conditions and locations.
Cons:
Higher Cost: Specialized ammunition may come at a higher price point compared to standard options.
Limited Availability: Due to its specialized nature, this ammunition may have limited availability, particularly in certain calibres or during peak hunting seasons
This ammo is a part of the American Eagle lineup and offers consistent and accurate performance at a price point suitable for high-volume shooting. Introduced in 2015, this product line now includes the popular .338 Lapua Magnum, featuring a jacketed soft point bullet housed in a reloadable Federal brass case. The ammunition incorporates primers and a uniform bullet jacket, ensuring outstanding reliability and accuracy. Designed for reliable feeding and function, this offering is perfect for shooters seeking dependable performance during high-volume shooting sessions.
Pros:
Affordable High-Volume Shooting: It offers a cost-effective option for shooters engaged in high-volume shooting activities.
250-Grain Jacketed Soft Point Bullet: The ammunition includes a 250-grain jacketed soft point bullet, providing reliable performance and controlled expansion upon impact.
Reloadable Brass Case: The case is reloadable, allowing shooters to reuse the brass for cost savings and personal customization.
Consistent Federal Primers: Federal Premium ammunition employs consistent Federal primers, ensuring reliable ignition and consistent performance.
Uniform Bullet Jacket: The uniform bullet jacket enhances accuracy and performance, making it a dependable choice for shooting sessions.
Cons:
These rounds tend to be expensive compared to smaller calibre ammunition.
This rifle loads boast a proven bullet design that combines a precision polymer tip with a highly concentric jacket bonded to a lead core. This powerful combination results in fast expansion, moderate weight retention, and lethal penetration at long distances, making them ideal choices for hunters and shooters who need to shrink long ranges down to size. The high-performance polymer tip and boat-tail design provide increased downrange velocity and energy, ensuring effective performance even at extended distances. Additionally, the concentric jacket enhances long-range accuracy, while the core bonded to a tapered jacket facilitates fast and controlled expansion, delivering deep penetration and moderate weight retention on medium and big games.
Pros:
Increased Downrange Velocity and Energy: The high-performance polymer tip and boat-tail design ensure increased downrange velocity and energy, optimizing performance at extended distances.
Enhanced Long-Range Accuracy: The concentric jacket improves long-range accuracy, contributing to precise shot placement.
Suitable for Medium and Big Game: This ammunition offers deep penetration and moderate weight retention, making them suitable for hunting medium and big games.
Cons:
As specialized ammunition, it may have limited availability in certain locations or during peak hunting seasons.
This ammunition is part of Norma’s American PH line-up, renowned for its precision and top-quality components. Norma Precision sets the standard for excellence, beginning with the highest-quality brass cases available in the industry. This ammunition combines powder and bullets meticulously selected for North American big game hunting. With its focus on precision-grade ammunition, it is the preferred choice among professionals seeking superior performance and reliability.
Pros:
Highest Quality Components: The ammunition starts with top-quality brass cases, ensuring reliable and consistent performance.
Specifically Selected Bullets: Norma carefully selects bullets optimized for North American big game hunting, catering to the demands of serious hunters.
Professional’s Choice: It is the preferred choice among professionals who require top-tier performance and reliability.
Reliable and Consistent: The combination of precision components and loading results in reliable and consistent performance with every shot.
Cons:
Due to its specialized nature, this ammunition may have limited availability, particularly in certain calibres or during peak hunting seasons.
Fort Scott Munitions presents its ammunition, featuring match-grade performance and solid brass construction. This ammo is engineered to deliver devastating power, tumbling upon impact to provide exceptional terminal performance. With an impressive ballistic coefficient of .850 and a high velocity of 2994 feet per second, the rounds exhibit extreme accuracy, making them suitable for both competitive extreme long-range (ELR) shooting and hunting applications. The precision-machined 250-gr projectiles from solid brass ensure tight tolerances, resulting in unmatched accuracy and consistent performance. For hunters, the patented Tumble Upon Impact technology guarantees devastating effects on soft tissue, causing massive internal bleeding and haemorrhaging, while minimizing the risks of over-penetration. The use of 100% solid brass in manufacturing makes this ammo eco-friendly and suitable for areas where lead ammunition is prohibited.
Pros:
Devastating Terminal Performance: The patented Tumble Upon Impact technology delivers devastating effects on soft tissue, ensuring effective takedowns of the game with minimal over-penetration risks.
Eco-Friendly: The use of 100% solid brass in manufacturing makes this ammunition eco-friendly and legal for use in areas where lead ammunition is prohibited.
Versatile Use: The combination of precision engineering and terminal performance makes the ammo suitable for both competitive extreme long-range shooting and hunting applications
Cons:
As specialized and high-performance ammunition, it may come at a higher price point compared to standard options.
Barnes ammunition specializes in delivering substantial stopping power, particularly in big bore calibres, and the .338 Lapua Magnum is no exception. Known for its massive killing power, this cartridge is often referred to as the “Standard” due to its reputation for effectiveness. Barnes takes pride in producing high-quality and consistent ammunition, and these ammo offerings are no exception. The TSX Flat Rate design is a result of innovative engineering, achieving “double diameter” expansion through tooth material on the bullet tip contacting the inner surface of the tongue. These all-copper bullets offer deep penetration, maximum weight retention, and impressive destruction, making them ideal for big-game hunting and home defence.
Video review
Pros:
Massive Killing Power: It is designed to deliver substantial stopping power, making it suitable for big game hunting and self-defence applications.
Versatile Bullet Options: The ammunition is available with TSX, LRX, or TSX FN bullets, allowing shooters to choose the most suitable option for their needs.
Hand-Loading Convenience: It comes in 20-round boxes, offering hand-loading convenience and easy access to reliable performance.
The Barnes Precision Match Cartridges offer a confident shooting experience with exceptional accuracy and uncompromising performance, making them ideal for long-range precision shooting. Engineered to deliver precision at extreme distances, these cartridges adhere to Barnes’ exacting manufacturing and quality standards, resulting in low standard deviations and extreme variations for consistent and reliable performance. The high ballistic coefficient projectiles are optimized for competitive and target shooting at extreme distances. The ammunition also features temperature-stable propellant, ensuring low extreme spreads and standard deviations for reliable performance in varying conditions. Each box contains 20 rounds of first-quality, factory-fresh brass, ensuring shooters have access to reliable and high-quality components.
Video review
Pros:
Uncompromising Performance: These cartridges deliver uncompromising performance, meeting the demands of shooters seeking exceptional accuracy and results at extreme distances.
Precision Engineering: Engineered for precision at long ranges, the cartridges undergo exacting manufacturing and quality control, resulting in low standard deviations and extreme variations for consistent performance.
Reloading is an art that can be perfected with time and understanding. Here is a step-by-step guide to mastering this process:
💠 Step 1: Safety First: Always remember that safety is paramount. Always use eye protection and work in a well-ventilated area. Make sure you’re familiar with all the necessary equipment and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines strictly.
💠 Step 2: Clean Your Brass: Start by cleaning your brass to remove any residue. This ensures a smooth reloading process and extends the life of your brass. You can use a brass tumbler for this task.
💠 Step 3: Inspect Your Brass: Once clean, inspect each brass casing for any deformities or damage. If a casing has cracks or if the primer pocket is loose, discard the brass.
💠 Step 4: Resizing the Brass: Use a resizing die to resize the brass back to its original specifications. Add a little bit of case lube to make this process easier. Make sure not to over-lube as it can lead to dents.
💠 Step 5: Removing the Spent Primer: Use a decapping pin or decapping die to push out the old primer.
💠 Step 6: Priming: Place a new primer in the priming tool and press it into the pocket. Ensure it’s seated flush or slightly below the base of the casing.
💠 Step 7: Adding Powder: Use the reloading manual to determine the correct powder charge for your bullet. Pour the powder into the casing using a powder measure.
💠 Step 8: Seating the Bullet: Position the bullet at the mouth of the case and use a seating die to press it into place. Make sure to check the overall length with a calliper.
💠 Step 9: Crimping (Optional): If you’re reloading for a semi-automatic or a gun with a high recoil, you may wish to add a crimp to your bullet. This ensures that the bullet stays in place in the casing during chambering.
Remember: Consistency is key when reloading. Keep your process and measurements as consistent as possible. This will ensure that your ammo performs reliably and that you can achieve the accuracy you desire. Happy reloading!
Watch this video to find more information💻
FAQ❓
What equipments are required for .338 Lapua Magnum ammo reloading?
Reloading ammunition requires a specific set of tools and equipment to ensure a safe and efficient process. Below are the essential items required for the task:
Reloading Manual: This book is vital for safety instructions and specific load data for this ammo.
Reloading Press: A heavy-duty press is required to handle the larger size and higher pressure of the .338 Lapua Magnum rounds.
Dies: Specifically, you need a sizing die for resizing the brass and a seating die for seating the bullet.
Shell Holder: This piece secures the casing in the reloading press during the resizing and bullet seating process.
Powder Scale and Measure: These tools are for accurately weighing and dispensing gunpowder.
Priming Tool: This tool seats the primer into the base of the casing.
Calliper: This tool measures the overall length of the finished cartridge to ensure it meets specifications.
Case Lube: This helps in the resizing process and protects the brass from getting stuck in the die.
Case Tumbler: This cleans the brass to ensure a smooth reloading process.
Decapping Pin or Decapping Die: This tool pushes out the old primer.
Remember, high-quality, reliable equipment is a worthwhile investment for any reloader, and it’s especially true for reloading this ammo due to the cartridge’s high-performance specifications.
What are the typical applications of .338 Lapua Magnum ammo?
This ammo is a versatile and powerful cartridge with various applications. It’s unique ballistics and long-range capabilities make it suitable for the following typical applications:
⚪ Long-Range Precision Shooting: It is widely used in long-range shooting competitions and events due to its excellent accuracy and consistency at extended distances.
⚪ Sniping and Military Use: Military and law enforcement units utilize this product for long-range sniping and anti-material operations, where its penetrating power and extended effective range are advantageous.
⚪ Big Game Hunting: Hunters choose this ammo for hunting large and resilient game, such as elk, moose, and other large game species at extended distances.
⚪ Extreme Long-Range Target Shooting: This cartridge is favoured by shooters who engage targets at extreme distances, pushing the limits of precision shooting.
⚪ Anti-Personnel Use: Some military and security forces use it for specialized anti-personnel applications where long-range engagement is required.
⚪ Anti-Materiel Operations: The cartridge’s ability to penetrate light armour and material make it useful for targeting vehicles, equipment, and fortified structures.
⚪ Long-Range Competitions: It is employed in various shooting competitions and matches, including precision rifle events and long-range challenges.
⚪ Varmint Control: While not a typical use, some shooters choose it for controlling large and dangerous varmints, where precise shot placement at long distances is necessary.
⚪ Extreme Range Training: Military and law enforcement units may train with these items to hone their skills for long-range engagements and to become proficient with the cartridge’s unique characteristics.
⚪ Specialized Tactical Operations: In certain scenarios, such as hostage rescue or counter-sniping, this ammunition can offer an advantage in neutralizing threats at extreme distances.
It’s important to note that while this ammo excels in these applications, its use requires skilled shooters who can handle its considerable recoil and understand the ballistics associated with engaging targets at extended ranges. Additionally, local laws and regulations may limit the use of this ammo in some areas, especially for hunting purposes, so shooters must always adhere to relevant legal guidelines.
What is the difference between 300 PRC vs 338 Lapua?
The .300 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) and .338 Lapua Magnum are both high-powered rifle cartridges designed for long-range shooting and precision applications, but they have some key differences:
Calibre and Bullet Diameter:
.300 PRC: It has a calibre of .30 inches (7.62mm) and fires bullets with a diameter of .308 inches.
.338 Lapua Magnum: It has a calibre of .338 inches (8.58mm) and fires bullets with a diameter of .338 inches.
Bullet Weight and Ballistics:
The .300 PRC typically fires heavier bullets in the 200 to 250-grain range, which are optimized for long-range stability and energy retention.
The .338 Lapua Magnum generally fires heavier bullets in the 250 to 300-grain range, offering exceptional long-range performance with superior penetration and energy transfer.
Muzzle Velocity and Ballistic Performance:
The .300 PRC can achieve higher muzzle velocities, resulting in flatter trajectories and less bullet drop at extended ranges.
The .338 Lapua Magnum, while not as fast as the .300 PRC, retains more energy and provides better terminal ballistics, making it more effective for long-range hunting and anti-material applications.
Recoil and shoot ability:
The .300 PRC generally produces less recoil, making it easier to manage for some shooters, especially during extended shooting sessions.
The .338 Lapua Magnum generates more recoil due to its larger case and heavier bullets, requiring shooters to manage recoil effectively, particularly during rapid-fire or follow-up shots.
Ammunition Availability and Cost:
While it is gaining popularity, .300 PRC ammunition might not be as widely available it can be less expensive.
338 Lapua Magnum ammunition has been in use for longer and is generally more readily available, though it tends to be more expensive than most other rifle cartridges
Both of them are exceptional long-range cartridges, but the choice between them depends on specific shooting needs, including the intended range, target size, recoil tolerance, and ammunition availability.
We believe this video can be helpful for you📺
What are the advantages of using .338 Lapua Magnum in military applications?
It is a high-powered rifle cartridge that is well-suited for military applications. It offers a number of advantages over other cartridges, including:
Long range: It has a flat trajectory and high muzzle velocity, which allows it to reach targets at long distances. This makes it ideal for engaging targets that are out of range of other cartridges.
Excellent stopping power: This ammo has a large bullet that delivers a lot of energy to the target. This makes it effective at stopping enemy personnel, even when they are wearing body armour.
Relatively light recoil: it is a large cartridge, but it has relatively light recoil. This makes it easier to shoot accurately, even for sustained periods of time.
Wide range of ammunition available: There is a wide range of ammunition, including match-grade ammunition for precision shooting and armour-piercing ammunition for engaging hardened targets.
As a result of these advantages, this ammunition is used by a number of military forces around the world. It is a popular choice for sniper rifles and anti-materiel rifles, and it is also used for hunting and target shooting.
How to store .338 Lapua Magnum ammo?
Storing ammo properly is essential to ensure its longevity and maintain its performance. Here are some guidelines on how to store it correctly:
⬜ Keep it in a Cool and Dry Environment: Store your ammo in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperature fluctuations. High humidity can lead to corrosion, which can affect the performance and reliability of the ammunition.
⬜ Use airtight Containers: Consider using airtight containers or ammo cans to protect the ammunition from moisture and prevent exposure to air, which can lead to oxidation.
⬜ Organize and Label: Keep your ammunition organized and clearly labelled with the calibre and bullet type to avoid confusion and ensure you can easily access the correct rounds when needed.
⬜ Avoid Extreme Heat: Avoid storing the ammo in places with excessive heat, such as near heating sources or in the trunk of a car during hot summer months, as high temperatures can degrade the propellant and reduce its effectiveness.
⬜ Keep it Away from Chemicals: Avoid storing ammunition near chemicals or solvents, as they can cause damage to the brass casing or contaminate the primers.
⬜ Elevate from the Floor: If possible, store your ammo on shelves or racks, elevating them from the floor. This helps to minimize exposure to potential moisture from the ground.
⬜ Rotate Stock: If you have a substantial supply of ammo, consider rotating your stock by using older rounds first and replenishing with fresh rounds. This helps to ensure that you are using the oldest ammunition first and maintain a consistent supply of reliable rounds.
⬜ Keep Away from Children and Unauthorized Users: Store your ammunition in a secure location, out of reach of children and unauthorized users, such as in a locked cabinet or safe.
By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your ammo remains in optimal condition, maintains its accuracy, and performs reliably when you need it.
Conclusion🤩
In conclusion, the 338 Lapua Magnum Ammo holds a prestigious position in the world of long-range shooting due to its exceptional ballistic performance and versatility. Whether for military, hunting, or target shooting applications, this cartridge’s unique attributes deliver reliability and precision. Furthermore, understanding the art of reloading this ammo can enhance its efficacy and provide a customized shooting experience. With safety foremost and consistency as the key, you can optimize your ammo for your specific needs, achieving unparalleled accuracy and performance in your shooting endeavours.
Tags: 338 lapua ammo, 338 lapua magnum ammo, 338 lapua ammo for sale, 338 lapua ammo bulk, 338 lapua ammo comparison, 338 lapua ammo price
Affiliate Disclosure: Rotorm.com sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Amazon, Optics Planet, Lucky Gunner, Brownells, Cabelas, Rainier Arms, 5.11 Tactical, Bass Pro Shop, etс. Clicking a link helps keep Rotorm.com free, at no extra cost to you!
About the author: Each article on our site is written by experts in survival and tactical equipment, gun enthusiasts, extreme travelers, military, law enforcement and desperate professionals, read about the author at the bottom of the article or visit "About Us" page.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency.
🔎 .338 Lapua Magnum is known for its consistent performance at long ranges, but like any cartridge, it can be affected by adverse weather conditions, including wind and temperature.
Snowdin
1 month ago
Though I’m relatively new to this community, I am certainly not a novice when it comes to shooting. I’ve reached a point where I feel the need to elevate my skills. For the past few years, I’ve been using a 308, but now I’m craving something more. I’m torn between two options — a Savage 338 Lapua and a Grizzly 50 BMG.
On one hand, the 338 is a solid choice that’s more budget-friendly than the 50, although its ammunition is a bit pricier and more challenging to procure. On the other hand, I believe the 50 could prove to be a better long-term investment. Plus, there’s the undeniable appeal of owning a 50 for its sheer impressiveness.
While both options are appealing, I’m drawn towards both the booth and the Barrett. However, there’s a budget constraint in place due to my marital status, capping my spending at $3000.
If you opt for reloading, be aware that the costs associated with reloading the smaller .50 calibre include not just the press, but also the trimmer, dies, and other equipment. While the Lapua will unquestionably meet the needs of even the most discerning individual, there is something profoundly impressive about the .50 calibre.
Spietzel
1 month ago
Hello. What’s the best grain of bullet for shooting targets at a mile? Or more than a mile
The best grain of bullet for the .338 Lapua Magnum for shooting targets at a mile or more depends on a few factors, including the specific rifle you are using, the type of target you are shooting, and the wind conditions. However, some popular choices include:
🔎 250-grain bullets: These bullets are a good all-around choice for long-range shooting. They offer good accuracy and penetration, and they are relatively affordable.
🔎 300-grain bullets: These bullets are heavier than 250-grain bullets, so they have more energy and can travel farther. However, they are also more expensive and can be more difficult to stabilize in some rifles.
🔎 338-grain bullets: These bullets are the heaviest option on this list, and they offer the best combination of accuracy, penetration, and energy. However, they are also the most expensive and can be the most difficult to stabilize in some rifles.
Ultimately, the best way to determine the best grain of bullet for your needs is to experiment with different loads and see what works best for you.
In my experience with .338 Lapua Magnum, I’ve found that while 250-grain bullets can work effectively, generally, 300-grain bullets or heavier tend to perform better for specific applications. When selecting ammunition, I place a strong emphasis on ballistic coefficients (BC) rather than just bullet weight. BC is a crucial factor in determining how efficiently a bullet moves through the air, affecting its deceleration, drop, and wind drift.
The best ammo for your rifle is a tricky question to answer, as it depends on a number of factors, including the rifle’s specific make and model, the type of shooting you’ll be doing, and your personal preferences. The only way to know for sure is to try a few different types of ammo and see which one your rifle shoots the best.
I have found that the 300-grain bullets perform exceptionally well. As I’ve experimented with different bullet weights, the 300-grain rounds consistently deliver superior results in terms of accuracy and long-range performance. I have Ruger Precision .338 Lapua
I also own the same Ruger Precision .338 Lapua rifle. Unfortunately, I haven’t achieved satisfactory groups with the Hornady 285grn match ammo during my initial 25-round testing. However, I’m optimistic about developing an accurate round for reloading with the same bullets, mainly due to their impressive ballistic coefficient. I’ll continue my efforts to find the best combination and will share my findings with you soon. Let’s stay tuned!
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Hello! Is .338 Lapua Magnum suitable for long-range shooting in adverse weather conditions?
🔎 .338 Lapua Magnum is known for its consistent performance at long ranges, but like any cartridge, it can be affected by adverse weather conditions, including wind and temperature.
Though I’m relatively new to this community, I am certainly not a novice when it comes to shooting. I’ve reached a point where I feel the need to elevate my skills. For the past few years, I’ve been using a 308, but now I’m craving something more. I’m torn between two options — a Savage 338 Lapua and a Grizzly 50 BMG.
On one hand, the 338 is a solid choice that’s more budget-friendly than the 50, although its ammunition is a bit pricier and more challenging to procure. On the other hand, I believe the 50 could prove to be a better long-term investment. Plus, there’s the undeniable appeal of owning a 50 for its sheer impressiveness.
While both options are appealing, I’m drawn towards both the booth and the Barrett. However, there’s a budget constraint in place due to my marital status, capping my spending at $3000.
If you opt for reloading, be aware that the costs associated with reloading the smaller .50 calibre include not just the press, but also the trimmer, dies, and other equipment. While the Lapua will unquestionably meet the needs of even the most discerning individual, there is something profoundly impressive about the .50 calibre.
Hello. What’s the best grain of bullet for shooting targets at a mile? Or more than a mile
The best grain of bullet for the .338 Lapua Magnum for shooting targets at a mile or more depends on a few factors, including the specific rifle you are using, the type of target you are shooting, and the wind conditions. However, some popular choices include:
🔎 250-grain bullets: These bullets are a good all-around choice for long-range shooting. They offer good accuracy and penetration, and they are relatively affordable.
🔎 300-grain bullets: These bullets are heavier than 250-grain bullets, so they have more energy and can travel farther. However, they are also more expensive and can be more difficult to stabilize in some rifles.
🔎 338-grain bullets: These bullets are the heaviest option on this list, and they offer the best combination of accuracy, penetration, and energy. However, they are also the most expensive and can be the most difficult to stabilize in some rifles.
Ultimately, the best way to determine the best grain of bullet for your needs is to experiment with different loads and see what works best for you.
In my experience with .338 Lapua Magnum, I’ve found that while 250-grain bullets can work effectively, generally, 300-grain bullets or heavier tend to perform better for specific applications. When selecting ammunition, I place a strong emphasis on ballistic coefficients (BC) rather than just bullet weight. BC is a crucial factor in determining how efficiently a bullet moves through the air, affecting its deceleration, drop, and wind drift.
The best ammo for your rifle is a tricky question to answer, as it depends on a number of factors, including the rifle’s specific make and model, the type of shooting you’ll be doing, and your personal preferences. The only way to know for sure is to try a few different types of ammo and see which one your rifle shoots the best.
I have found that the 300-grain bullets perform exceptionally well. As I’ve experimented with different bullet weights, the 300-grain rounds consistently deliver superior results in terms of accuracy and long-range performance. I have Ruger Precision .338 Lapua
I also own the same Ruger Precision .338 Lapua rifle. Unfortunately, I haven’t achieved satisfactory groups with the Hornady 285grn match ammo during my initial 25-round testing. However, I’m optimistic about developing an accurate round for reloading with the same bullets, mainly due to their impressive ballistic coefficient. I’ll continue my efforts to find the best combination and will share my findings with you soon. Let’s stay tuned!