.338 Win Mag 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 Winchester Magnum: 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 1958

.338 Winchester Magnum: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✔ Excellent long-range performance
  • ✔ High kinetic energy for taking down large game
  • ✔ Versatile for various big game species
  • ✔ Flatter trajectory compared to larger magnum cartridges
  • ✔ Good balance of power and recoil for its class

Cons

  • ✘ Significant recoil, especially in lighter rifles
  • ✘ Ammunition can be expensive
  • ✘ Not suitable for small game or varmint hunting
  • ✘ Overkill for medium-sized game at close ranges
  • ✘ Requires a sturdy, magnum-length action

.338 Winchester Magnum: A Powerful Long-Range Cartridge

The .338 Winchester Magnum is a potent, large-bore rifle cartridge known for its exceptional long-range performance and stopping power. Introduced by Winchester in 1958, it has become a favorite among big game hunters and long-range shooters. The .338 Win Mag offers an impressive combination of flat trajectory, high energy retention, and manageable recoil, making it suitable for hunting large game at extended distances and for precision long-range shooting.

History and Development

The .338 Winchester Magnum was developed by Winchester and introduced in 1958 as part of their line of short-action magnum cartridges. It was designed to bridge the gap between the .30 caliber magnums and the larger .375 H&H Magnum, offering improved long-range performance and increased stopping power for big game hunting.

The cartridge was based on the .458 Winchester Magnum case, necked down to accept a .338 inch diameter bullet. This design allowed for high velocities and excellent energy retention, making it capable of taking large game at extended ranges. The .338 Win Mag quickly gained popularity among hunters pursuing elk, moose, and bear in North America, as well as for dangerous game in Africa.

Over the years, advancements in bullet design and loading techniques have further improved the performance of the .338 Win Mag. Modern loadings feature aerodynamic, high-ballistic coefficient bullets that maintain velocity and energy at long ranges, enhancing its effectiveness for both hunting and long-range target shooting.

The .338 Win Mag has also found favor among military and law enforcement snipers, who appreciate its long-range accuracy and terminal performance. Its ability to deliver high energy on target at extended distances makes it an effective choice for specialized long-range applications.

Today, the .338 Winchester Magnum remains a popular choice for hunters and long-range enthusiasts. Its versatility, power, and proven track record have cemented its place as one of the most respected big-game cartridges in the world.

Timeline of .338 Winchester Magnum Development:

Year Event
2020 The .338 Win Mag continues to be popular for long-range hunting and precision shooting applications.
2000 Advancements in bullet technology lead to improved long-range performance of .338 Win Mag ammunition.
1990 The .338 Win Mag gains increased popularity in long-range competitive shooting.
1980 Military and law enforcement agencies begin adopting the .338 Win Mag for specialized long-range applications.
1970 The .338 Win Mag becomes widely recognized as an excellent cartridge for hunting large game in North America and Africa.
1958 Winchester introduces the .338 Winchester Magnum cartridge to the commercial market.

.338 Winchester Magnum Performance

The .338 Winchester Magnum offers exceptional performance characteristics that have made it a popular choice for big game hunting and long-range shooting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:

Characteristic Performance
Velocity 2,960 fps (200-grain bullets) 2,800 fps (225-grain bullets) 2,660 fps (250-grain bullets)
Measured at muzzle with 24-inch barrel
Energy 3,890 ft-lbs (200-grain bullets) 3,920 ft-lbs (225-grain bullets) 3,920 ft-lbs (250-grain bullets)
Muzzle energy
Trajectory 6.7 inches drop at 300 yards, 19.8 inches at 400 yards (200-grain bullet)
Zeroed at 200 yards
Effective Range 1,000+ yards
Depends on bullet selection and shooter skill
Recoil 27-32 ft-lbs
In a 9-pound rifle

Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

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

Note: Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads, barrel length, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

.338 Winchester Magnum: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for .338 Winchester Magnum 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 game like elk, moose, and bear
Long-Range Shooting 0-1200 Capable of extreme long-range accuracy with proper loads
Military/Law Enforcement 0-1000 Used in specialized sniper roles for extended range engagements
African Game 0-600 Suitable for most African game, including dangerous game at closer ranges
Target Shooting 0-1500 Popular for long-range target shooting and competitions

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

Applications for .338 Winchester Magnum

The .338 Winchester Magnum's powerful performance profile makes it suitable for a range of applications, particularly those requiring long-range accuracy and high energy:

Big Game Hunting
  • Ideal for large North American game such as elk, moose, and brown bear
  • Effective for most African plains game and some dangerous game
  • Provides excellent long-range performance for mountain hunting scenarios
Long-Range Shooting
  • Popular for extreme long-range target shooting and competitions
  • Capable of maintaining supersonic velocities beyond 1000 yards
  • High ballistic coefficient bullets allow for excellent wind resistance
Military and Law Enforcement
  • Used in specialized sniper roles for extended range engagements
  • Provides a balance of range, accuracy, and terminal performance
  • Effective for anti-materiel roles against light vehicles and equipment
Precision Rifle Competitions
  • Commonly used in long-range precision rifle matches
  • Offers an advantage in wind drift compared to smaller calibers
  • Recoil is manageable for experienced shooters in competition settings

Caliber Comparisons

To understand the .338 Winchester Magnum's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:

.338 Win Mag vs. .300 Win Mag ▼

.338 Win Mag vs. .30-06 Springfield ▼

.338 Win Mag vs. .338 Lapua Magnum ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .338 Win Mag 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 Win Mag with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 200-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 Win Mag 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 Win Mag 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 Win Mag

The .338 Winchester Magnum is a powerful rifle cartridge known for its excellent long-range performance and effectiveness on large game. This table compares the sectional density of various bullet weights for the .338 Win Mag.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density
.338 Win Mag 200 0.250
.338 Win Mag 225 0.281
.338 Win Mag 250 0.313
.338 Win Mag 275 0.344
.338 Win Mag 300 0.375

Note: Sectional density is calculated as (bullet weight in pounds) / (bullet diameter in inches)². The .338 Win Mag's high sectional densities contribute to its excellent penetration and energy retention, making it suitable for hunting large and dangerous game at extended ranges.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the effective range of the .338 Win Mag?

A: The .338 Winchester Magnum has an effective range of 1,000 yards (914 meters) for hunting large game. It maintains sufficient energy for ethical kills on large animals at this distance.

Q: How does the .338 Win Mag compare to the .300 Win Mag?

A: The .338 Win Mag fires a heavier bullet (250 grains vs 180 grains) at a slightly lower velocity than the .300 Win Mag. It delivers more energy on target and has better wind resistance, making it superior for long-range shooting and hunting larger game.

Q: What type of game is the .338 Win Mag suitable for?

A: The .338 Win Mag is suitable for hunting large and dangerous game, including elk, moose, brown bear, and African plains game. It's powerful enough for all North American big game and most African game species.

Q: What is the typical bullet weight for .338 Win Mag?

A: Typical bullet weights for the .338 Win Mag range from 200 to 300 grains, with 250 grains being a popular choice for hunting applications. Lighter bullets are used for flatter trajectories, while heavier bullets provide more energy for large, tough game.

Q: Is the .338 Win Mag suitable for long-range target shooting?

A: Yes, the .338 Win Mag is excellent for long-range target shooting. Its high ballistic coefficient and retained energy make it popular among competitive long-range shooters, especially in matches out to 1,000 yards and beyond.

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