.338 Weatherby RPM
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 Weatherby RPM: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle Magnum |
| Used For | Big Game Hunting, Long-Range Shooting |
| Case Design | Belted, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 2023 |
.338 Weatherby RPM: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Exceptional long-range performance
- ✔ High ballistic coefficient for better wind resistance
- ✔ Powerful enough for large and dangerous game
- ✔ Flatter trajectory compared to similar calibers
- ✔ Designed for improved accuracy in long-range shooting
Cons
- ✘ Significant recoil, especially in lighter rifles
- ✘ Ammunition can be expensive and less readily available
- ✘ Requires a specialized rifle chambered for this cartridge
- ✘ Overkill for smaller game animals
- ✘ Barrel life may be shorter due to high pressures and velocities
.338 Weatherby RPM: A Comprehensive Overview
The .338 Weatherby RPM (Rebated Precision Magnum) is a high-performance rifle cartridge designed for long-range shooting and big game hunting. Developed by Weatherby, this cartridge offers exceptional ballistics, accuracy, and energy retention at extended ranges. The .338 Weatherby RPM is built on a shortened .338 Lapua Magnum case, providing magnum performance in a standard-length action.
Development and Design
The .338 Weatherby RPM was introduced in 2019 as part of Weatherby's new line of Rebated Precision Magnum cartridges. It was designed to offer .338 Lapua Magnum-like performance in a more compact package. The cartridge features a rebated rim, which allows it to function in standard-length actions while maintaining a large case capacity for improved velocity and energy.
The .338 Weatherby RPM utilizes a 33.8mm case length and a .532-inch case head diameter. This design enables it to achieve velocities of up to 3,100 fps with 225-grain bullets, surpassing the performance of many other .338 caliber cartridges. The cartridge's efficient design also results in lower felt recoil compared to larger magnum cartridges of similar performance.
Performance and Applications
The .338 Weatherby RPM excels in long-range shooting scenarios, offering excellent accuracy and energy retention at distances beyond 1,000 yards. Its high ballistic coefficient bullets maintain supersonic velocities at extended ranges, making it an ideal choice for precision long-range shooters and competitive marksmen.
For hunting applications, the .338 Weatherby RPM is suitable for taking large game animals such as elk, moose, and bear. Its high energy delivery ensures ethical harvests at both close and long ranges. The cartridge's flat trajectory also simplifies shot placement at varying distances, a valuable attribute in open country hunting scenarios.
Timeline of .338 Weatherby RPM Development:
.338 Weatherby RPM Performance Characteristics
Key performance metrics of the .338 Weatherby RPM cartridge:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity | 3,100 fps (225-grain bullet) Based on 26-inch barrel length |
| Muzzle Energy | 4,800 ft-lbs (225-grain bullet) Provides excellent terminal performance on large game |
| Effective Range | 1,200+ yards Maintains supersonic velocity beyond 1,200 yards |
| Bullet Weight Range | 225-250 grains Optimal for long-range performance and hunting applications |
| Recoil | Moderate to high, but less than larger .338 magnums Manageable in properly designed rifles |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .338 Weatherby RPM loads.
.338 Weatherby RPM: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .338 Weatherby RPM ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Big Game Hunting | 0-800 | Excellent for large and dangerous game, high energy retention at long ranges |
| Long-Range Target Shooting | 0-1200 | Capable of extreme long-range accuracy with proper loads and conditions |
| Tactical/Military | 0-1000 | Suitable for anti-materiel roles and extreme long-range engagements |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .338 Weatherby RPM is known for its high velocity, flat trajectory, and excellent long-range performance. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .338 Weatherby RPM
The .338 Weatherby RPM's powerful performance profile makes it suitable for specific long-range and big game hunting applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .338 Weatherby RPM's place in the 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 Weatherby RPM with other popular magnum rifle cartridges. (Based on a 9 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .338 Weatherby RPM with other popular magnum rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .338 Weatherby RPM with other popular magnum rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .338 Weatherby RPM with other popular magnum rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .338 Weatherby RPM
The .338 Weatherby RPM (Rebated Precision Magnum) is a high-performance rifle cartridge designed for long-range shooting and big game hunting. This table compares the sectional density of different bullet weights for the .338 Weatherby RPM.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .338 Weatherby RPM | 225 | 0.281 |
| .338 Weatherby RPM | 250 | 0.313 |
| .338 Weatherby RPM | 275 | 0.344 |
Note: The .338 Weatherby RPM is designed to offer improved ballistics over traditional .338 caliber cartridges. Its rebated rim design allows for use in standard magnum bolt faces, enhancing versatility. The high sectional densities contribute to excellent penetration and energy retention at long ranges.