Introduction: Why 338 Lapua Ammo is a Big Deal
If you’re into long-range shooting or just curious about heavy-duty ammunition, you’ve probably heard of the 338 Lapua Magnum. This isn’t your everyday round—it’s the kind of ammo you reach for when precision, distance, and serious stopping power are your top priorities. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a competitive shooter, or someone who loves to push the boundaries of what’s possible at the range, the 338 Lapua has earned its place among the most revered long-range rounds out there.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the 338 Lapua Magnum: its history, what makes it special, its best uses, and how to choose the right ammo for your needs. We’ll also compare it to the competition to give you the most comprehensive look at this beast of a cartridge. Ready to become an expert on 338 Lapua ammo? Let’s get started.
What is 338 Lapua Ammo?
The 338 Lapua Magnum was originally developed in the 1980s as a military sniper round. Designed for extreme range accuracy and stopping power, it quickly gained a reputation for being one of the best long-range cartridges in the world. With the ability to stay supersonic past 1,500 yards, it’s no wonder this round is popular with both military forces and civilian marksmen alike.
A Quick Breakdown of the Numbers:
- Bullet Diameter: 0.338 inches (8.6mm)
- Case Length: 2.724 inches (69.2mm)
- Overall Length: 3.681 inches (93.5mm)
- Typical Bullet Weights: 250 to 300 grains
- Muzzle Velocity: 2,900 – 3,200 feet per second
- Effective Range: Over 1,500 yards
Why Shooters Love the 338 Lapua
The 338 Lapua isn’t just popular because it’s powerful—it’s popular because it offers precision at extreme ranges. Shooters who need pinpoint accuracy at distances where most rounds would struggle find the 338 Lapua to be the perfect solution. It bridges the gap between traditional hunting rounds and larger, more cumbersome calibers like the 50 BMG, giving you the best of both worlds.
Top Benefits:
- Flat Trajectory: It flies straight and true over long distances, reducing the need for significant adjustments.
- Power: Whether you’re hunting large game or taking out long-distance targets, the stopping power of this round is undeniable.
- Versatility: Originally designed for military snipers, it’s now widely used in hunting, sport shooting, and tactical competitions.
History of the 338 Lapua Magnum
The 338 Lapua Magnum has a unique origin story. It was developed by Nammo Lapua Oy, a Finnish cartridge company, and the U.S. company Research Armament Industries in response to a request for a long-range sniper round. Initially developed for military use, its extreme power and range quickly gained popularity in the civilian market, particularly among long-range shooting enthusiasts and big game hunters.
What started as a niche military round has since grown into one of the most respected and versatile long-range cartridges available today.
The Best Uses for 338 Lapua Ammo
1. Long-Range Shooting Competitions If you love competing in long-range precision shooting, the 338 Lapua is your round. It can maintain accuracy over a mile, making it ideal for extreme long-range targets.
2. Hunting This is where the 338 Lapua truly shines for civilian use. While it may be overkill for smaller animals, it’s a popular choice for big game hunters looking to take down elk, moose, or even bears at a distance. The round’s combination of power and range allows hunters to take accurate, ethical shots from impressive distances.
3. Military and Tactical Applications Initially designed for military snipers, the 338 Lapua is still widely used by armed forces around the world. It’s capable of penetrating armor and hitting targets beyond 1,500 yards, making it a favorite for military marksmen.
4. Law Enforcement Some law enforcement agencies also use the 338 Lapua for tactical operations requiring long-range precision. SWAT teams and specialized units may use this ammo in hostage situations or scenarios where extreme accuracy is required over long distances.
Analyzing the Competitors: What Makes This Guide Better?
Let’s take a look at how this post compares to three of our competitors.
Midway USA: Midway’s content on 338 Lapua focuses primarily on sales, offering a product catalog for shooters to browse. While they provide solid technical information about the available products, there’s very little in terms of educational content. This guide goes beyond just selling products, offering detailed insights and practical advice on how to use the 338 Lapua effectively.
Horsley Park Gun Shop: Their content is more of a general overview of what they stock. It doesn’t dive into the specifics of the 338 Lapua’s history, applications, or why you should choose it over other cartridges. This post offers a more detailed, reader-friendly analysis and fills in the gaps with practical information and real-world applications.
Ammo.com: While Ammo.com offers good basic technical information, it lacks depth in terms of personal insight or unique angles. We’ve taken a different approach here by focusing on the real-world benefits of using 338 Lapua ammo for different purposes. This post is structured to help both seasoned shooters and beginners understand why this round is worth the investment.
How to Choose the Right 338 Lapua Ammo for Your Needs
With so many options available, how do you pick the right 338 Lapua ammo? Let’s break it down by purpose.
1. For Long-Range Competition Look for match-grade ammo that prioritizes precision. Brands like Hornady and Lapua offer high-quality options with consistent performance. You’ll want something in the 250-300 grain range, with a higher ballistic coefficient to cut through wind and other environmental factors.
2. For Hunting If you’re hunting big game, opt for heavier rounds with expanding bullets to ensure effective stopping power. A 250-grain or 300-grain round with a bonded or controlled-expansion bullet will ensure deep penetration and ethical kills.
3. For Tactical or Military Use You’ll need ammo designed for armor penetration and long-range precision. Look for full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds, which offer better performance against hard targets.
4. For Recreational Shooting Even if you’re just taking it to the range for fun, you don’t want to skimp on quality. High-end brands like Federal or Norma offer excellent all-purpose rounds for practicing at extreme distances.
Best Brands for 338 Lapua Ammo
When it comes to 338 Lapua, not all ammo is created equal. Here are some of the top brands you can trust:
Lapua: No surprise here—the creators of the round know how to make great ammo. Their 338 Lapua Magnum offerings are match-grade and trusted by competitive shooters worldwide.
Hornady: Known for their precision and quality, Hornady offers 338 Lapua rounds that are perfect for long-range shooting and hunting. Their 285-grain ELD Match rounds are a favorite among sharpshooters.
Federal Premium: Federal offers great all-purpose 338 Lapua ammo, whether you’re hunting, competing, or just having fun at the range.
Norma: Another top choice, Norma’s 338 Lapua offerings are well-known for their accuracy and quality.
Pro Tips for Shooting 338 Lapua
1. Get the Right Rifle Not all rifles can handle the power of the 338 Lapua. Make sure you’re using a gun specifically designed for this round, such as the Barrett MRAD, Sako TRG-42, or the Savage 110 BA.
2. Practice Long-Range Marksmanship Shooting at extreme distances is a skill that takes time to master. Start practicing at 500 yards, then gradually work your way up as you become more comfortable with the round.
3. Don’t Forget the Optics When shooting the 338 Lapua at long distances, good optics are a must. Invest in a high-quality scope with a wide zoom range and clear glass.
Final Thoughts: Is 338 Lapua Ammo Right for You?
The 338 Lapua Magnum isn’t for everyone. It’s expensive, it’s powerful, and it’s a lot to handle. But if you’re serious about long-range shooting and need a round that can deliver both precision and stopping power at extreme distances, the 338 Lapua is one of the best choices you can make.
Whether you’re hunting big game, competing in long-range matches, or just pushing your limits at the range, the 338 Lapua is a cartridge that commands respect. And now that you know more about it, you’ll be able to make an informed choice next time you’re selecting ammo for your rifle.
