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What is 338 Lapua Magnum Ammo? 🧐
It is a rimless, bottlenecked centerfire rifle cartridge (abbreviated as 338 LM or .338LM). It was originally developed in Finland for long-range target shooting and hunting. This cartridge is capable of impressive accuracy and velocity over great distances due to its large case capacity.
Features 💡
The 338 Lapua Magnum is one of the most versatile and powerful long-range cartridges available.
- ✳️ It’s a great choice for experienced shooters looking to take on bigger games or longer distances.
- ✳️ This round is designed to be used in a variety of rifles and can be loaded with different bullet types. The weight of the bullets ranges from 250 grain to 400 grain, allowing for a wide range of performance options depending on what the shooter needs.
- ✳️ Ammo has low recoil due to its large powder charge, making it easier to shoot accurately at longer ranges.
- ✳️ Its flat trajectory also helps minimize wind drift so you can maintain consistent accuracy even when conditions are not ideal.
- ✳️ Additionally, the round produces high muzzle velocity which allows for quick target acquisition at long distances.
Benefits 🤩
The 338 Lapua Magnum ammo is one of the most powerful and accurate cartridges available, making it an excellent choice for long-range shooting.
- ☑️ One of the primary benefits of this powerful round is its high muzzle velocity. The typical round travels at speeds of up to 3,000 feet per second, offering a flat trajectory and excellent accuracy at long distances.
- ☑️ It’s high power and slow-burning propellant also result in reduced recoil and improved control over the rifle’s pointing direction during successive shots.
- ☑️ The ammo also offers superior penetration power which makes it a highly effective option for hunting large game animals such as elk or moose where range plays an important role in achieving clean kills with minimal wounding.
- ☑️ Finally, this round offers enhanced stopping power from its wide expansion upon impact thanks to its deep hollow point design.
Bullet Drop 🎯
One of the most important aspects to consider when choosing 338 Lapua Magnum Ammo is the bullet drop coefficient. This describes how quickly a bullet will lose its velocity after leaving the barrel, which directly affects accuracy over long distances.
- 🔰 The higher the ballistic coefficient (BC), the better it will perform in windy conditions and maintain its speed and trajectory for longer distances due to lower bullet deceleration.
- 🔰 As a general rule of thumb, it is typically around 1 inch per 100 yards. This means that at 500 yards, you can expect a 5-inch drop in trajectory compared to shooting at 0 yards.
📌 It is important to note that this can vary depending on the individual rifle and its ammunition, so it’s always best to test your weapon with a few different loads to get an idea of what you can expect from your particular setup.
Our Selection 17 Best 🎯 .338 Lapua Magnum Ammo – Editor’s Choice
1# 338 Lapua Magnum – 250 Grain MatchKing HPBT – Black Hills
338 Lapua Magnum – 250 Grain MatchKing HPBT – Black Hills is a high-quality ammunition choice for those who demand the very best. This ammo features a hollow point boat tail bullet that is incredibly accurate and delivers impressive terminal performance. Each round is brass-cased, boxer-primed, and non-corrosive for reliable function in your firearm. Whether you are looking to dominate the competition at your next match or simply want to take your shooting to the next level, Black Hills has you covered.
2# 338 Lapua Mag – 300 Grain Sierra MatchKing HPBT – Black Hills
Searching for high-quality ammunition for your 338 Lapua Magnum rifle? This ammunition is designed for match shooting and training, and it delivers excellent accuracy and performance. Each round in the box is loaded with a 300-grain hollow-point boat-tail bullet, which is precision engineered for superior long-range accuracy. The muzzle velocity of this ammunition is 2750 fps, and it has a muzzle energy of 5037 ft-lbs.
3# 338 Lapua Magnum – 300 gr Sierra MatchKing HPBT – Federal
The Federal 338 Lapua Magnum round is a fantastic choice for shooting. With a Hollow Point Boat-Tail design, this round is highly accurate and provides excellent downrange performance. The brass casing is reloadable, making it a great option for shooters who like to reload their ammunition. This round also has a muzzle velocity of 2580 fps and muzzle energy of 4434 ft-lbs, making it a great choice for long-range shooting.
4# 338 Lapua Magnum – 250 Grain BT-HP – Federal Premium Sierra Match King Gold Medal
Do you want to buy amazing hunting or match-shooting experience? You need the Lapua Magnum – 250 Grain BT-HP – Federal Premium Sierra Match King Gold Medal. The bullets are hollow point boat tails (BTHP) and are designed to provide outstanding accuracy and performance. The brass casings are boxer-primed and sealed to ensure reliability and durability. Don’t settle for less than the best – pick up a box of Lapua Magnum ammo today!
5# 338 Lapua Magnum – 250 gr HP BT – Prvi Partizan
Prvi Partizan’s 338 Lapua Magnum cartridges are an excellent choice for range training. The 250-grain HP BT bullet is a Hollow Point Boat Tail design that is both accurate and devastating at long range. The brass casing is boxer-primed and can be reloaded. This ammunition comes in a box of 10 rounds.
6# 338 Lapua Magnum – 300 gr HPBT Sierra MatchKing – Sellier & Bellot
The 338 Lapua Magnum cartridge was developed in the 1980s for use by the military. It is a very powerful cartridge, with a muzzle velocity of 2713 fps and muzzle energy of 4900 ft-lbs. The bullet is a 300-grain boat tail hollow point (BTHP), and the casing is boxer-primed brass. This ammunition is perfect for match shooting. It is manufactured by Sellier & Bellot, a highly respected company in the ammunition industry. Order your rounds of 338 Lapua Magnum today!
7# 338 Lapua Magnum – 250 Grain HPBT Match – Sellier & Bellot
Whether you’re hunting elk, match shooting, or training at the range, the 338 Lapua Magnum from Sellier & Bellot is an excellent choice. This ammunition is box-primed brass with a hollow-point boat tail design that offers exceptional accuracy and performance. With muzzle energy of 4501-foot pounds, this ammunition has the power and precision you need for a successful hunt or day at the range.
8# 338 Lapua Magnum – 300 Grain Scenar Open Tip Match Brass Cased – Lapua
Lapua’s 338 Lapua Magnum is match-quality ammo, trusted and relied upon. The 338 Lapua is an extremely long-range cartridge that can perform over a mile and is employed by militaries worldwide. With Lapua’s 338 Lapua Magnum, you know you’re getting the most consistent and highest quality rounds available on the market today. If you demand the very best from your equipment, choose Lapua.
9# 338 Lapua Magnum – 280 Grain LRX Boat Tail Brass – Barnes
Searching for a round that packs a serious punch? You’ll want to check out the 338 Lapua Magnum from Barnes. This big-bore ammo is perfect for taking down large games, and it has a reputation for being extremely effective. It’s loaded with either TSX, LRX, or TSX FN bullets, all of which are designed for maximum penetration and weight retention. Whether you’re shooting for sport or self-defense, the 338 Lapua Magnum is a great choice for anyone who wants reliable, powerful performance.
10# 338 Lapua Magnum – 250 Grain Boat-Tail Hollow Point Match – Hornady
Searching for a powerful and accurate round for your 338 Lapua Magnum? Look at Hornady Match Centerfire Rifle Ammunition. With muzzle velocities that are faster than other bullets on the market, you’ll be impressed with the performance of these rounds. Patented design and technology make Hornady bullets some of the most efficient and accurate available. The innovative bullet design provides excellent functioning down to the last round. Combined with outstanding terminal performance, you’ll have the edge you need when it counts.
11# 338 Lapua Magnum – 300 Grain Custom Competition Brass Cased – Nosler
Check out the Nosler 338 Lapua Magnum! This round packs a serious punch and is perfect for hunters who need to take down big games at long range. The Nosler Custom Competition Brass ensures optimum accuracy and consistency, while the Custom line of bullets delivers the power you need to make the shot count. So don’t wait any longer, pick up a box of Nosler 338 Lapua Mag Ammunition today!
12# 338 Lapua Magnum – 250 Grain Trophy Copper – Federal Premium
The Federal Premium 338 Lapua Magnum – 250 Grain Trophy Copper is the perfect choice for hunters seeking superior accuracy and downrange performance. The projectile’s copper-alloy construction provides up to 99% weight retention for the deepest penetration in an expanding bullet, while its tipped bullet cavity is optimized for expansion across a broad velocity range. In addition, the grooved bullet shank ensures superb accuracy across a wide range of firearms.
13# 338 Lapua Magnum – 250 Grain Sierra MatchKing Boat Tail Hollow Point Brass Cased – Norma
The 338 Lapua Magnum from Norma Ammunition (RUAG) is the perfect choice for today’s precision-grade ammunition. Its high-quality brass cases, combined with Norma powder and bullets specifically selected for North American big game, make it the perfect choice for the most demanding hunters and shooters.
14# 338 Lapua Magnum – 300 Grain Open Tip Match Boat-Tail Brass Cased – Desert Tech Premium Match
Do you want to get amazing precision and consistency from your ammunition? Look at Desert Tech’s line of 338 Lapua Magnum cartridges! These bullets are specifically designed for the military sniper, LE sniper, or long-distance shooter who demands the very best in terms of accuracy. Each bullet is crafted with a boat-tail design for added stability in flight, and the open-tip match ensures incredible precision.
15# 338 Lapua Magnum – 250 Grain Centerfire Rifle Ammunition – Fort Scott Munitions
Each of 338 Lapua Magnum TUI from Fort Scott Munitions matches grade 250 gr projectiles are precision machined from solid brass and loaded with the utmost care to give you unrivaled accuracy and performance. With a ballistic coefficient of 850, this round is extremely accurate at extreme distances. So whether you’re looking to dominate the competition or take down that trophy animal, the 338 Lapua Magnum TUI is a perfect choice.
16# 338 Lapua Magnum – 300 Grain AccuBond Brass Cased – Nosler
Nosler Trophy Grade ammunition is the perfect choice for serious hunters who demand the very best. The high-quality, production-run ammunition is manufactured to strict tolerances and inspected as it is hand-packaged. The white polymer tip helps protect against deformation while initiating expansion upon impact. With a muzzle velocity of 2650 fps, this 338 Lapua Magnum – 300 Grain AccuBond Brass Cased – Nosler round is sure to deliver superior performance in the field.
17# 338 Lapua Magnum – 300 Grain Sierra MatchKing Boat Tail Hollow Point – Federal Premium
Notice the 338 Lapua Magnum – 300 Grain Sierra MatchKing Boat Tail Hollow Point. Federal Premium’s Cape-Shock line of rifle ammunition was designed and made to tackle the world’s largest and often most dangerous game. When you need to head out and face buffaloes, lions, or other big game, you need the toughest bullets on the planet that won’t let you down when the moment of truth arrives. That’s what you’ll get with these high-quality, precision-made rounds.
⚙️Reloading⚙️
Reloading your ammunition is a great way to save money and customize your ammo for accuracy.
- 🛒 First, make sure you have the correct case dimensions for the 338 Lapua cartridge. The exact dimensions will vary slightly between manufacturers, but typically they should be around 2.80″ long with an OAL (Overall Length) of 3.60″.
- 🛒 Once confirmed, purchase reloadable brass that meets these specs or resize existing brass accordingly.
- 🛒 The next step is buying dies specifically designed for this caliber, along with an appropriate reloading press.
- 🛒 You’ll also need a powder measure, scale, and primer pocket tool to ensure consistent loads.
- 🛒 Finally, select the correct projectiles or bullets for your intended use. Bullets come in various weights and shapes designed for specific applications, so be sure to research those before making any purchases.
➡️ Once you have all of the items listed above, you can begin loading your ammo. Start by following the instructions included with each die set and press carefully, comparing each step to published reloading data for accuracy.
FAQ 🤔
Conclusion 🙂
338 Lapua Magnum ammo is a great choice for long-range shooting and hunting. In this article, we’ve provided reviews of some of the best ammo on the market. We’ve also included tips on how to select the right ammunition for your needs and advice on how to use it safely and effectively. Thanks for reading! 🤠❤️🔥
So I’ve been browsing for an affordable entry-level Long Range rifle, and my local store has an amazing deal on the Savage 110 Long Range Hunter. It’s a great entry-level option and comes with a muzzle brake and top rail. The only drawback is that it’s chambered in .338 Lapua, which I’ve only seen available on a few websites for anywhere from $7-$15 per round. I’m wondering if it’s worth getting a .338 Lapua at $550, or should I spend a bit more on something chambered in a cheaper and more readily available round? Or is all ammo scarce right now, and should I just go for it?
If you don’t have extensive experience as a long-range hunter attempting to hunt big games beyond 600 yards, I would advise against using a lightweight 338LM rifle. Even a 7mm rifle won’t be much easier to handle in such circumstances.
In my opinion, the .338 Lapua Magnum is not a suitable cartridge for beginners in long-range shooting, regardless of the cost of the rifle. Similarly, the 7mm Mag is not the ideal option for those learning how to shoot long-range. Long-action cartridges like these can slow down the learning process and may even cause a flinch, which can set back progress.
I need some advice about the best grain of bullet for the .338 Lapua magnum for target shooting.
The most reliable way to find the ideal ammunition for your rifle is to experiment with a few options, record your findings, and observe what works best for you and your firearm. Even rifles of the same caliber can perform differently with various types of ammunition, so it is important to find what works specifically for your rifle. Ultimately, the process of finding the right ammunition for your firearm may require some trial and error, but it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
The .338 Lapua Mag has been touted as the ultimate long-range round. Is it right?
The .338 Lapua Mag is a purpose-built cartridge designed for extreme-range shooting. It delivers more energy at longer distances and is capable of reaching distances of up to 2km. In the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the availability of factory .338LM rifles, including relatively affordable options from Remington and Savage. This surge in popularity and demand has also made way for the .375CT, which is currently considered the ELR King of the Hill, offering even higher ballistic performance.
However, if you have a specific need for the additional energy that the .338LM offers at long distances, and are willing to invest more in brass, bullets, and powder, and deal with more recoil, drop, and drift, then the .338LM may be the best option for you. It’s worth noting that there are no cartridges smaller than the .338LM that can provide more energy at extreme ranges.
I’ve been hearing great things about the Lapua cartridge and I’m considering it for my next rifle. I’m also considering other calibers such as the 25-06, .308, or .270. Since I usually shoot long-range, around 500 yards, I’m looking for a bullet that can perform well at that distance. I’m curious if anyone here has used the Lapua for hunting and if it damages the meat of the deer.
I’ve personally used the Savage 111 LRH in 338 Lapua for hunting and here are my main takeaways. Firstly, reloading is a must. Secondly, the Lapua gives you an extreme range (up to 1600 yards) that is not typically necessary for most hunting situations where common calibers can effectively shoot at 500 yards and magnums can take you even further. Thirdly, the bullet drop is similar to other rounds. Fourthly, you must wear hearing protection when shooting this rifle as it’s incredibly loud. However, it’s really fun for target shooting and would make a very powerful long-range rifle for hunting elk or moose.
Based on what I’ve seen, the .338 round can be incredibly destructive, to the point where I’ve seen pictures of deer almost completely disintegrated by it. Given its sheer power, it seems like a round that’s better suited for taking down animals like moose or perhaps elk, rather than anything smaller.