338 ARC Ammo

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.

Credentials:

  • • 2x Team Safari Competitor
  • • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
  • • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
  • • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified

.338 Arc: At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Rifle
Primer Type Large Rifle
Used For Long-range shooting, Hunting large game
Case Design Rimless, Bottleneck
Year Introduced 2024

.338 Arc: At a Glance: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✔ Excellent long-range performance
  • ✔ High ballistic coefficient for better wind resistance
  • ✔ Powerful enough for large game hunting
  • ✔ Good balance of recoil and energy
  • ✔ Designed for optimal performance in short-action rifles

Cons

  • ✘ Limited availability of ammunition
  • ✘ Higher cost compared to more common calibers
  • ✘ Heavier recoil than smaller calibers
  • ✘ Requires specialized rifles
  • ✘ Overkill for smaller game or shorter ranges

.338 Arc: Advanced Rifle Cartridge

The .338 Arc is a specialized rifle cartridge designed for long-range precision shooting and hunting. Developed to bridge the gap between .308 Winchester and .338 Lapua Magnum, it offers excellent ballistic performance with manageable recoil. The .338 Arc is known for its ability to maintain supersonic velocities at extended ranges, making it a popular choice among long-range shooters and hunters pursuing large game.

Development and Characteristics

The .338 Arc was developed by Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) in collaboration with Hornady Manufacturing. It was designed to provide superior long-range performance in a more compact package than larger magnum cartridges. The cartridge is based on the .300 Remington Ultra Magnum case, necked up to .338 caliber and shortened to fit in standard-length actions.

With its efficient case design and ability to use long, high-ballistic coefficient bullets, the .338 Arc offers impressive ballistic performance. It typically propels 250-300 grain bullets at velocities ranging from 2,700 to 2,900 fps, depending on the specific load and barrel length. This combination of bullet weight and velocity results in excellent energy retention and wind resistance at long ranges.

Applications and Adoption

The .338 Arc has found favor among long-range competitive shooters, military and law enforcement snipers, and big game hunters. Its ability to deliver accurate shots at extended ranges while maintaining sufficient energy for ethical harvests of large game has made it particularly popular among hunters pursuing elk, moose, and similar-sized animals at longer distances.

Several rifle manufacturers have embraced the .338 Arc, offering it as a chambering option in their precision rifle lines. The cartridge's compatibility with standard-length actions has contributed to its growing popularity, as it allows shooters to achieve magnum-class performance without the need for specialized, longer actions.


.338 Arc Performance Characteristics

Key performance metrics of the .338 Arc cartridge:

Characteristic Performance
Bullet Weight 250-300 grains
Typically high-BC bullets optimized for long-range performance
Muzzle Velocity 2,700-2,900 fps
Varies based on bullet weight and barrel length
Effective Range 1,200+ yards
Maintains supersonic velocity beyond 1,200 yards in optimal conditions
Energy at 1,000 yards 1,500-1,700 ft-lbs
Sufficient for ethical harvests of large game at extended ranges
Recoil Moderate
Less than .338 Lapua Magnum, more than .308 Winchester

Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .338 Arc loads.

Note: These values are based on standard loads. Actual velocities may vary based on specific ammunition manufacturers and barrel lengths.

.338 Arc: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for .338 Arc ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.

Application Effective Range (yards) Notes
Military/Combat 0-1200 Effective for long-range engagements and anti-materiel operations
Law Enforcement 0-800 Suitable for precision long-range shots in rural or urban environments
Hunting (Large Game) 0-1000 Excellent for large game hunting, including elk and moose
Long-Range Target Shooting 0-1500 Capable of extreme long-range accuracy with proper loads
Precision Rifle Competition 0-1200 Popular in ELR (Extreme Long Range) competitions

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .338 Arc is known for its exceptional long-range performance and energy retention. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

Applications for .338 Arc

The .338 Arc's powerful performance profile makes it suitable for a range of long-range applications:

Military and Law Enforcement
  • Used in specialized long-range and anti-materiel roles
  • Excellent balance of accuracy, range, and terminal performance
  • Effective against light armored vehicles and structures
Hunting
  • Ideal for large game hunting at extended ranges
  • High energy retention provides excellent stopping power
  • Effective at ranges up to 1000 yards for skilled hunters
Long-Range Target Shooting and Competition
  • Popular for extreme long-range (ELR) shooting competitions
  • Capable of maintaining supersonic flight beyond 1500 yards
  • Wide variety of match-grade ammunition available
Precision Rifle Applications
  • Favored by precision rifle shooters for its long-range capabilities
  • Offers an excellent balance of recoil and performance
  • Suitable for engaging targets at extreme distances in various conditions

.338 Arc Caliber Overview

The .338 Arc is a powerful, long-range cartridge designed for precision shooting and big game hunting. This overview compares it to similar cartridges to highlight its capabilities:

.338 Arc vs .338 Lapua Magnum ▼

.338 Arc vs .300 Winchester Magnum ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .338 Arc with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 9 lb rifle)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .338 Arc with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 100-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of .338 Arc with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of .338 Arc with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

Sectional Density Comparison for .338 Arc

The .338 Arc is a specialized cartridge designed for long-range precision shooting. This table compares its sectional density to other popular cartridges.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density
.338 Arc 300 0.338
.338 Lapua Magnum 300 0.338
.300 Winchester Magnum 190 0.286
6.5 Creedmoor 140 0.287
.308 Winchester 168 0.253

Note: The .338 Arc offers a high sectional density, matching that of the .338 Lapua Magnum with the same bullet weight. This contributes to its excellent long-range performance and penetration capabilities. The cartridge's design allows for high ballistic coefficients, making it suitable for precision shooting at extended ranges.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the .338 Arc cartridge?

A: The .338 Arc is a large-caliber rifle cartridge designed for long-range shooting and hunting. It was developed to provide superior ballistic performance and energy retention at extended ranges compared to other .338 caliber cartridges.

Q: What are the ballistic characteristics of the .338 Arc?

A: The .338 Arc typically fires a 300-grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of around 2,750 fps. It maintains supersonic flight beyond 1,500 yards and delivers over 2,000 ft-lbs of energy at 1,000 yards.

Q: How does the .338 Arc compare to the .338 Lapua Magnum?

A: The .338 Arc offers similar long-range performance to the .338 Lapua Magnum but in a shorter overall cartridge length. This allows it to be used in standard-length actions, making rifles chambered for it potentially lighter and more compact.

Q: Is the .338 Arc suitable for hunting large game?

A: Yes, the .338 Arc is well-suited for hunting large game animals, including elk, moose, and bear. Its high energy retention at long ranges makes it effective for ethical harvests at extended distances.

Q: What is the effective range of the .338 Arc?

A: The .338 Arc is capable of accurate shots beyond 1,500 yards in the hands of a skilled marksman. For hunting purposes, it remains highly effective out to 800-1,000 yards, depending on the specific load and target size.

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