.338 Lapua Mag Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
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 Lapua Mag: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle Magnum |
| Used For | Long-range shooting, Military sniping, Big game hunting |
| Case Design | Rimless, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 1989 |
.338 Lapua Mag: At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Exceptional long-range accuracy
- ✔ High ballistic coefficient for reduced wind drift
- ✔ Excellent terminal performance on large game
- ✔ Capable of penetrating body armor at extended ranges
- ✔ Maintains supersonic velocity beyond 1,500 yards
Cons
- ✘ Significant recoil, challenging for inexperienced shooters
- ✘ Expensive ammunition compared to smaller calibers
- ✘ Requires specialized, heavy-duty rifles
- ✘ Overkill for most hunting situations
- ✘ Limited availability of factory loads compared to more common calibers
.338 Lapua Magnum: The Long-Range Precision Cartridge
The .338 Lapua Magnum is a powerful, long-range rifle cartridge developed in the 1980s for military sniping applications. Known for its exceptional accuracy and energy retention at extreme distances, it has become a favorite among long-range shooters, military snipers, and big game hunters. The cartridge offers superior ballistic performance, capable of engaging targets effectively beyond 1,500 meters.
Development and History
The .338 Lapua Magnum was developed as a collaborative effort between the Finnish ammunition manufacturer Lapua and the British company Accuracy International. The project began in 1983 with the goal of creating a long-range sniper round that could penetrate body armor at 1,000 meters. The cartridge was designed around a modified .416 Rigby case, necked down to .338 caliber.
Initial development faced challenges, particularly with case failures. However, by 1989, Lapua had refined the design and began production of the first commercial .338 Lapua Magnum ammunition. The cartridge quickly gained recognition for its exceptional long-range performance, surpassing the capabilities of the widely used .300 Winchester Magnum.
The .338 Lapua Magnum's success in military and law enforcement circles led to its adoption by numerous special forces units worldwide. Its ability to deliver accurate fire at extreme ranges while maintaining sufficient energy for target neutralization made it an ideal choice for specialized sniper operations.
In the civilian market, the .338 Lapua Magnum found popularity among long-range competitive shooters and hunters pursuing large game at extended distances. The cartridge's performance has led to the development of numerous purpose-built rifles and a wide variety of specialized ammunition loads.
Ballistic Performance
The .338 Lapua Magnum typically fires bullets weighing between 250 and 300 grains at velocities ranging from 2,900 to 3,100 feet per second. This combination of heavy bullet weight and high velocity results in exceptional downrange energy retention and resistance to wind drift.
At 1,000 yards, a typical .338 Lapua Magnum load retains over 1,500 ft-lbs of energy, making it effective for long-range target engagement and big game hunting. The cartridge's high ballistic coefficient contributes to its flat trajectory and minimal wind deflection, allowing for more predictable shot placement at extreme ranges.
Timeline of .338 Lapua Magnum Development:
.338 Lapua Magnum Performance Characteristics
Key performance metrics of the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 250-300 grains Heavier bullets provide better long-range performance |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,900-3,100 fps Varies based on bullet weight and barrel length |
| Effective Range | 1,500+ yards Capable of engaging targets beyond 1,500 yards in skilled hands |
| Energy at 1,000 yards | 1,500+ ft-lbs Maintains significant energy for long-range effectiveness |
| Recoil | Substantial Requires proper technique and equipment for manageable shooting |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .338 Lapua Magnum loads.
.338 Lapua Mag: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .338 Lapua Mag ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Military/Sniper Operations | 0-1600 | Highly effective for long-range engagements and anti-materiel operations |
| Law Enforcement | 0-1200 | Used for specialized long-range precision shooting in rural or urban environments |
| Hunting (Large Game) | 0-1000 | Excellent for large game hunting at extended ranges |
| Long-Range Target Shooting | 0-1500 | Capable of extreme long-range accuracy with proper loads and equipment |
| Anti-Materiel | 0-1800 | Effective against light armored vehicles and other hardened targets |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .338 Lapua Mag is renowned for its exceptional long-range performance and accuracy. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .338 Lapua Mag
The .338 Lapua Mag's exceptional long-range performance makes it suitable for specialized applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .338 Lapua Mag's place in the long-range rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .338 Lapua Mag with other popular long-range rifle cartridges. (Based on a 12 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .338 Lapua Mag with other popular long-range rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .338 Lapua Mag with other popular long-range rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .338 Lapua Mag with other popular long-range rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .338 Lapua Mag
The .338 Lapua Magnum is a high-performance rifle cartridge designed for long-range shooting. It offers excellent ballistic coefficients and sectional densities, making it ideal for military and law enforcement sniping, as well as long-range hunting.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .338 Lapua Mag | 250 | 0.313 |
| .338 Lapua Mag | 300 | 0.376 |
| .338 Lapua Mag | 285 | 0.357 |
| .338 Lapua Mag | 270 | 0.338 |
| .338 Lapua Mag | 230 | 0.288 |
Note: The .338 Lapua Mag offers high sectional densities across various bullet weights, contributing to its excellent long-range performance and penetration capabilities. The cartridge's large case capacity allows for high velocities, further enhancing its effectiveness at extended ranges.