Affiliate Disclosure: AmmoCave.com sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Lucky Gunner, Optics Planet, Brownells, Cabelas, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Rainier Arms, Palmetto State Armory, Sportsman’s Guide, Ammo.com, Ammo Man, Primary Arms, MidWayUsa, Amazon, eBay, etс. Clicking a link helps keep AmmoCave.com free, at no extra cost to you!
Authors: Each article is verified by AmmoCave's expert team. Professional hunters, firearm trainers, gunsmiths, and gun experts write the articles. AmmoCave Team independently researches, tests, reviews, and uses recommendations from our community of gun owners. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any agency's official policy or position. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions about Best 338 Win Mag Ammo in the comments and join the discussions. Let's share 💬 our ammo & gun experiences together!
What is 338 Win Mag Ammo? 🔍
🚀 .338 Winchester Magnum ammo is a type of rifle cartridge that was first introduced by Winchester in 1958. It is a powerful, high-velocity round designed for long-range shooting and hunting of large game animals.
Features 💣
📍 High Velocity | 📍 Excellent Accuracy |
📍 Large Bullet Diameter | 📍 High Stopping Power |
📍 Long-Range Capabilities |
Benefits 🔐
🔵 The .338 Win Mag is an effective cartridge for hunting large game animals like elk, moose, and bears due to its high stopping power. |
🔵 The long-range capabilities of the cartridge make it a reliable choice for hunters and shooters who need to take shots at long distances. |
🔵 It’s excellent accuracy allows hunters and shooters to hit their targets more consistently, resulting in more successful hunts or better scores in target shooting. |
🔵 The cartridge’s high stopping power means that it can deliver a quick and humane kill, reducing the animal’s suffering. |
🔵 The ammo can be used for both hunting and target shooting, making it a versatile cartridge that can be used in a variety of shooting scenarios. |
What are the bullets of 338 Win Mag Ammo? 💡
⚖️ The .338 Winchester Magnum cartridge typically uses bullets that range in weight from 180 grains to 300 grains. 🔎 Here are some common types of bullets that are used:
🔰 Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) Bullets
⇒ are commonly used for target shooting and tactical applications. ▪️ These bullets have a lead core that is completely encased in a jacket of harder metal, such as copper or steel, which helps to prevent deformation and ensures consistent penetration. |
🔰 Soft Point (SP) Bullets
⇒ are designed to expand upon impact, which can increase the bullet’s stopping power and reduce the risk of over-penetration. ▪️ These bullets have a partially exposed lead tip that initiates expansion upon impact with the target. |
🔰 Hollow Point (HP) Bullets
⇒ have a hollow cavity at the tip that is designed to expand upon impact, which can increase the bullet’s stopping power and create a larger wound channel. ▪️ These bullets are commonly used for hunting and self-defense. |
🔰 Polymer Tipped (PT) Bullets
⇒ have a polymer tip that is designed to improve ballistic performance by increasing the bullet’s ballistic coefficient (BC) and reducing drag. ▪️ These bullets are commonly used for long-range shooting and hunting. |
🔰 Boat Tail (BT) Bullets
⇒ have a tapered base that is designed to improve ballistic performance by reducing drag and improving stability. ▪️ These bullets are commonly used for long-range shooting and target shooting. |
Our Selection 13 Best 🎯 .308 Winchester Ammo – Editor’s Choice
1# 338 Winchester Magnum – 225 gr Tipped Triple-Shock X Hollow Point – Barnes VOR-TX
Looking for top-of-the-line hunting ammunition that will help you take down your next big trophy? look no further than the 338 Winchester Magnum from Barnes VOR-TX. This premium ammunition features their polymer Tipped Triple-Shock X (TTSX) bullet, which is designed for accuracy, weight retention, rapid expansion, and deep penetration. The TTSX bullet features a polymer tipped solid-copper construction, which is designed to achieve deeper penetration than lead-core bullets. The polymer tip also improves the ballistic coefficient, reducing drag and increasing the performance of the bullet. So you can be confident that this ammo will provide the power and precision you need to take down your target. Don’t settle for anything less than the best when it comes to your hunting equipment. Pick up a box of Barnes VOR-TX 338 Winchester Magnum ammo today and be ready for your next big hunt.
2# 338 Winchester Magnum – 225 gr SST- Hornady Superformance
Whether you’re a serious hunter or simply enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, you need a reliable rifle that can help you take down your prey. The 338 Winchester Magnum – 225 Gr SST- Hornady Superformance is designed for accuracy, weight retention, rapid expansion, and deep penetration, making it the perfect choice for any skill level. The Barnes VOR-TX ammunition line is world-renowned for its effectiveness, and this premium Barnes rifle load does not disappoint. Featuring their polymer Tipped Triple-Shock X (TTSX) bullet, this round is designed for superior performance. The TTSX bullet features a polymer tipped solid-copper construction that forces the hollow point bullet to expand even faster, meaning deeper penetration and greater weight retention. Additionally, the polymer tip improves the ballistic coefficient by reducing drag and increasing the performance of the bullet. With the 338 Winchester Magnum – 225 Gr SST- Hornady Superformance, you’ll have the power and precision you need to take down your target quickly and efficiently.
3# 338 Winchester Magnum – 210 Grain Partition Brass – Nosler
The Nosler Partition is a high-performance hunting bullet designed for maximum in-flight and terminal performance. The partitioned lead core provides superior weight retention and penetration, while the tapered jacket controls expansion and ensures deep penetration. The result is a hunting bullet that delivers consistent, devastating results on even the toughest game. If you’re looking for a bullet that will give you the edge in the field, choose the Nosler Partition.
4# 338 Winchester Magnum – 225 Grain Super Shock Tip – Hornady
Looking for a way to increase your rifle’s performance without extra chamber pressure or recoil? Look no further than Hornady Superformance ammunition. This new breed of ammunition is designed to provide 100 to 200 fps more speed than conventional ammunition, while still maintaining uncompromising accuracy and performance across a broad range of temperatures. It’s also safe for use in all firearm types, including semi-autos, lever guns and pump actions. So if you’re looking for a way to take your shooting to the next level, pick up some Hornady Superformance ammo today.
5# 338 Winchester Magnum – 225 Grain Brass Cased – Nosler
The 338 Winchester Magnum is one of the most popular cartridges on the market for big game hunters. It is known for its accuracy and power, making it a great choice for those who want to take down large game animals. The Nosler E-Tip bullet is one of the best choices on the market for this cartridge. It is a lead-free bullet that has been designed to function without a substantial amount of lead. The bullet has a polymer tip that initiates controlled expansion and offers high weight retention. This makes the E-Tip a very versatile bullet for a wide range of applications.
6# 338 Winchester Magnum – 225 Grain Trophy Copper – Federal Premium
Looking to extract maximum performance from your favorite cartridge? Look no further than Federal Premium Trophy Copper – the official rifle ammunition of MeatEater’s Steven Rinella. These loads provide pinpoint accuracy and aggressive expansion, yet the copper, polymer-tipped bullet retains up to 99 percent of its weight for deep penetration on a wide range of medium and big games. With its superior construction and design, Federal Premium Trophy Copper is the perfect choice for serious hunters who demand the very best.
7# 338 Winchester Magnum – 225 Grain TTSX Boat Tail – Barnes
Need the most accurate, deadly and precision-loaded ammunition for your hunting rifle? Check out Barnes VOR-TX ammunition. Loaded with the Barnes TSX, Tipped TSX, or TSX FN bullet, this ammo is designed for maximum tissue and bone destruction, delivering a quick and humane kill. The all-copper construction ensures maximum expansion on impact while the multiple grooves in the bullet’s shank reduce pressure and improve accuracy. With Barnes VOR-TX ammunition, you’ll get the perfect combination of speed, power and accuracy – everything you need to take down even the biggest game.
8# 338 Winchester Magnum – 225 Grain AccuBond CT 20 BX – Winchester
Winchester’s Magnum Grain AccuBond ammunition is the perfect choice for hunters chasing the biggest game out there. The deep-penetrating bullet ensures supreme performance on even the toughest targets, while controlled expansion ensures that you’ll get through hiding and bone to deliver a massive knock-down punch. No matter where your dream hunt takes you, Winchester Magnum Grain AccuBond is the ultimate hunting load for any situation.
9# 338 Winchester Magnum – 210 Grain TTSX Boat Tail – Barnes
Looking for the perfect ammunition for your next hunt? Look no further than Barnes VOR-TX. This precision ammunition is loaded with the deadliest bullets on the planet, ensuring that you make the most accurate shot possible. With the double-diameter expansion, maximum weight retention and excellent accuracy, the TSX, Tipped TSX, and TSX FN provide maximum tissue and bone destruction, pass-through penetration and devastating energy transfer. Multiple grooves in the bullet’s shank reduce pressure and improve accuracy, while the all-copper bullets open instantly on contact for a quick, humane kill. So if you’re looking for the best of the best when it comes to hunting ammunition, choose Barnes VOR-TX.
10# 338 Winchester Magnum – 225 Grain Core-Lokt Pointed Soft Point – Remington
For over 75 years, hunters have relied on Remington Core-Lokt ammunition to fill their tags on more continents than any other load. The original controlled expansion bullet, Core-Lokt is designed for maximum weight retention and consistent on-game results. Its tapered copper jacket is locked to a solid lead core, providing massive 2X expansion and superior penetration. Available in soft point and pointed soft point versions, and in a range of bullet weights for virtually every centerfire hunting caliber, trust your next hunt to the best-selling hunting ammunition of all time.
11# 338 Winchester Magnum – 200 Grain Power-Point – Winchester
When you need a round that can deliver premium-quality performance, look no further than the Winchester Super-X 338 Winchester Magnum. This powerful round is designed with a unique lead alloy “Power-Point” design that provides optimum expansion rates. The all-lead core and steel-tipped bullet core provide incredible knock-down power, while the contoured jacket ensures consistent accuracy. Whether you’re looking to take down a game or simply want to enjoy some range time, the Winchester Super-X 338 Winchester Magnum is a perfect choice.
12# 338 Winchester Magnum – 250 Grain Nosler Partition – Federal Premium
When you need a high-powered rifle round that can take down the large game at close range, look no further than Federal Premium’s VITAL-SHOK .338 Win Mag 250 gr Nosler Partition. This round combinesFederal’s popular Nosler Partition lead core bullet with a high-velocity powder charge to create a lethal hunting round. The Nosler Partition bullet mushrooms on impact for rapid expansion and energy release, while the back half of the bullet retains its integrity for deep penetration. This results in a round that is not only accurate but also packs enough punch to take down even the biggest game animals. So whether you are looking for an ethical takedown of an elk at close range or simply want a round that can handle anything you throw at it, the Federal Premium VITAL-SHOK .338 Win Mag is a perfect choice.
13# 338 Winchester Magnum – 210 Grain Nosler Partition – Federal Premium
The 338 Winchester Magnum is a powerhouse of a round, capable of delivering hard-hitting knock-down power at close to mid-ranges. This particular load, the 338 Win Mag 210 Nosler Partition, is a new breed of loaded ammunition that takes advantage of the combination of ultra-high velocities and high weight retention of the venerable .338 LM magnum cartridge. The design of the partition load delivers an even higher muzzle velocity than the 338 Win Mag MAG while retaining the same weight and penetration necessary for delivering crippling terminal performance. The new Federal Premium VITAL-SHOK ammunition absorbs some of the shocks of holstering, recoil and firepower of the big bore, delivering more energy transfer and killing power at close to mid-ranges. Ultimately, this makes for a more effective and humane hunt, as well as a safer experience for both the hunter and those around them.
338 Win Mag vs 338 Lapua ⚔️
🔗 The .338 Winchester Magnum and the .338 Lapua Magnum are both popular cartridges used for long-range shooting and hunting, but they have some significant differences.
- 1️⃣ Size and Power: The .338 Lapua Magnum is a larger and more powerful cartridge than the .338 Winchester Magnum. The .338 Lapua cartridge is longer and has a greater case capacity, which allows it to achieve higher velocities and deliver more energy than the .338 Winchester Magnum.
- 2️⃣ Recoil: The .338 Lapua produces significantly more recoil than the .338 Win Magnum, which can make it more difficult to shoot accurately.
- 3️⃣ Price: The .338 Lapua Mag is generally more expensive than the .338 Win Mag, due to its larger size and greater power.
- 4️⃣ Range: The .338 Lapua has a longer effective range than the .338 Winchester, with a maximum effective range of over 1,500 yards.
- 5️⃣ Hunting: The .338 Winchester Magnum is a popular choice for hunting big game, such as elk and moose, while the .338 Lapua Magnum is often used for long-range hunting of large, dangerous game animals.
🔔 In summary, 🔸 the .338 Lapua Magnum is a larger and more powerful cartridge with a longer range, but it is also more expensive and produces more recoil than the .338 Winchester Magnum. 🔹 The .338 Winchester Magnum is a versatile cartridge that is popular for hunting and long-range shooting, but it has a shorter effective range than the .338 Lapua Magnum.
🎥 Watch the video to see the performance of both:
FAQ 🤔
Conclusion 🧾
In this article, we have provided some top-rated 338 Win Mag ammo options that should work well in most cases. Hope that you found this information helpful and that it allows you to make an informed decision when purchasing the ammo for your next shooting. 🤠
I’m not the most experienced shooter out there, but even I can tell that this ammo is top-quality, especially from Vortex. It’s easy to load and the recoil isn’t too bad. Definitely worth trying if you’re looking for something reliable.
Hey there! I’m new to the whole reloading scene and unfortunately, I don’t have the cash to start anytime soon. As a result, I was hoping to get some advice on ammo for my .338 Win Mag.
I recently acquired a BAR .338 and took it out for a spin. The Winchester 200 grain power points seemed to perform pretty well in gusty 13-mile-per-hour winds. I managed to get them all into one horizontally elongated hole, which I thought was pretty impressive.
However, when I tried out the Federal 250 gr. Nosler Partitions, the results were disappointing. The group spread out to 1.75 inches at 100 yards, which was not great compared to the Winchester 200-grain 5-shot group of 1.1 inches at 100 yds.
I also gave the Winchester 200-grain Ballistic Silvertips a shot, and they performed decently with a 1.2-inch group at 100 yards.
Now I’m on the hunt for 210-230 grain ammo to test out in my new gun. Do you have any recommendations on which maker/bullet to try out? I’m eager to hear your thoughts.
Thanks!
Hello there,
I conducted a test on some .338 factory ammunition a while ago using two rifles and compiled a velocity chart which I have included below. I wanted to share this information with you and provide some recommendations based on my findings.
For 210-grain ammo, I recommend trying Federal Premiums with Nosler 210 gr. Partitions. As for 230-grain ammo, I suggest trying Winchester Supremes with 230 Failsafes.
Please note that your rifle may perform differently with various types of ammunition, so it’s best to test out a few brands to see what works best for your specific firearm. Overall, it seems like you are achieving good results with the Winchester 200-grain power points, with a 1.1-inch 5-shot group at 100 yards.
Please find below the velocity chart with the ammunition and bullet weight details, as well as the recorded velocities for each rifle.
Chronograph Velocity Info – .338 Win. Mag.
I hope this information helps you in your search for the right ammo for your new BAR .338. Good luck!
Thanks for the great chronograph data! 💣
What types of firearms are compatible with this ammo?
🔫 338 Win Mag Ammo is designed for firearms chambered in .338 Winchester Magnum caliber. It is compatible with a variety of rifles, including the Winchester Model 70, the Remington Model 700, the Ruger Hawkeye, and other firearms chambered for this cartridge.
⚠️ However, it’s important to always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific firearm to ensure that the ammunition is compatible and safe to use.
I’m starting to shoot my new 338 Win Mag build and I’m currently using 225-230 grain bullets with IMR 4350 powder. However, I’d like to hear from anyone experienced with this cartridge to suggest alternative powders. So far, the best group I’ve gotten from the first 50 shots was 3/4″ using 61.4 grains and a 230 bullet seated at the touch.
May I know if this is intended for target shooting or hunting? If it’s for hunting, I suggest ditching the heavy bullets and opting for 160-grain Barnes TTSX bullets. They offer improved penetration from any angle, increased velocity, reduced recoil, and flattened trajectory. Additionally, they eliminate the risk of lead fragments in your meat. In my experience with Tikka rifles, these bullets consistently achieve 1/2-3/4″ groups. Most importantly, they hold together and maintain their integrity, even if they encounter branches or saplings. The bullet enters at 160 grains and exits at 160 grains.
For my last elk load, I switched to H380 powder and noticed a significant improvement in the recoil pulse compared to my previous loads. The difference was remarkable and made for a much better shooting experience.
For years, I’ve been using Hornady 225 gr SP bullets in my custom Mauser 98 with an ER Shaw barrel. I pair these bullets with 72.0 gr of IMR-4350 powder, which has consistently generated a velocity of 2980 fps. Over the years, this setup has proven to be a reliable half-inch to 5/8-inch shooter, with approximately 1500 rounds fired.
RL 22 and RL 26 powders would be excellent choices for your 338 Win Mag. If you’re looking for other options, IMR 7828ssc is a good choice for the 250gr bullet. However, with a 24″ barrel, a slow-burning magnum powder may perform better than IMR 4350.
Can 338 Win Mag Ammo be reloaded?
✅ Yes, 338 Win Mag Ammo can be reloaded. 💰 Reloading ammunition can be a cost-effective way to shoot, and can also allow for customizing the performance of the rounds to fit specific needs.
⚠️ However, it requires specialized equipment and knowledge of reloading techniques, so it is important to follow proper procedures to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the reloaded ammunition.
I was a little hesitant to spend the money on Nosler 338 Win Mag Ammo, but it was worth every penny. The accuracy is unreal and I’ve never had a misfire. Can’t go wrong with this stuff.
Man, this is an absolute beast! I took down a huge elk with one shot and it didn’t even flinch. My go-to choice for big-game hunting.
Thank you for the great information! It seems like the .308 Win Mag would be a great option for long-range shooting this weekend. It is a reliable and effective round that should meet my needs.
Glad to be helpful! Thanks for the feedback! Good Luck!
It never lets me down and always performs consistently, whether I’m hunting or target shooting.