The 338 Lapua Magnum is a favorite among long-range shooters and military snipers. This powerful round continues to dominate the precision rifle world. Whether you are a hunter, target shooter, or just curious about this beast, this guide will help you understand it better. We will compare it with other calibers, review top rifles, and give you everything you need to know about the .338 Lapua.
What is the 338 Lapua Magnum?
The .338 Lapua Magnum is a centerfire rifle cartridge. It was developed in the 1980s for military sniping. Its design allows it to shoot very accurately at long distances. It was built to penetrate body armor at long range.
It’s commonly used in:
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Long-range target shooting
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Military and law enforcement sniping
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Big game hunting
The round delivers high energy and velocity, making it ideal for targets over 1,500 meters away.
History of the 338 Lapua
The .338 Lapua Magnum was a joint project between Lapua, a Finnish ammo company, and Accuracy International, a UK gun maker. The goal was to create a round more powerful than the .308 Winchester or the .300 Win Mag, but smaller than the .50 BMG.
It first gained popularity in military use during the Gulf War and Afghanistan conflicts. Over time, civilian shooters started using it for long-range sport shooting.
338 Lapua Ammo: What You Need to Know
When buying .338 Lapua ammo, it’s important to know what you are getting. This ammo is known for high quality and cost. A single round can cost $5–$10 or more.
Popular types of .338 Lapua ammo include:
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Lapua Scenar: Great for precision shooting
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Hornady ELD Match: High accuracy and aerodynamic
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Federal Gold Medal: Reliable for long-range
Most ammo features bullets weighing between 250 to 300 grains.
Tip: Always match your ammo with your rifle’s twist rate for best results.
338 Lapua Rifle Overview
A .338 Lapua rifle is specially built to handle high pressure. You can’t just put this round in a standard hunting rifle. These rifles are strong, heavy, and built for accuracy.
Top features of a good .338 Lapua rifle:
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Strong barrel
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High-quality scope
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Precision action
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Muzzle brake or suppressor
Many rifles come with adjustable stocks and free-floating barrels to improve accuracy.
Best 338 Lapua Rifle Models
Here are some of the best .338 Lapua rifles available today:
1. Savage 110 BA Stealth in .338 Lapua
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Excellent accuracy
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Adjustable stock
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Factory-threaded barrel
If you’re searching for a reliable Savage 110 .338 Lapua, this is a top choice.
2. Accuracy International AXMC
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Top-tier sniper rifle
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Used by military forces
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Modular design
3. Barrett MRAD
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Multi-caliber system
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Superb durability
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Popular among elite forces
4. Ruger Precision Rifle
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More affordable
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User-friendly
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Great for beginner long-range shooters
338 Lapua vs 308 Winchester
This is a common comparison. Let’s break it down:
| Feature | .338 Lapua | .308 Winchester |
|---|---|---|
| Velocity | ~2,900 fps | ~2,600 fps |
| Range | 1,500+ meters | ~800 meters |
| Energy | High | Medium |
| Cost per round | $5–10 | $1–2 |
| Recoil | Heavy | Moderate |
Conclusion: The .338 Lapua offers superior long-range performance but is more expensive and has more recoil. The .308 is cheaper and better for beginners.
338 Lapua vs 300 Win Mag
Another close battle. Here’s a table:
| Feature | .338 Lapua | .300 Win Mag |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 250–300 gr | 150–220 gr |
| Velocity | ~2,900 fps | ~3,100 fps |
| Energy | Very High | High |
| Recoil | Strong | Moderate |
| Price | High | Medium |
Verdict: If you’re shooting at extreme distances, go for the .338 Lapua. If you want a balance of power and affordability, choose the .300 Win Mag.
338 Lapua vs 50 BMG
These are both powerful rounds, but very different.
| Feature | .338 Lapua | .50 BMG |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Size | 250–300 gr | 660 gr |
| Range | 1,500+ m | 2,000+ m |
| Gun Size | Medium | Very Large |
| Recoil | Heavy | Extremely Heavy |
| Legal Restrictions | Fewer | More |
Note: The .50 BMG is often banned or restricted in some areas. The .338 Lapua is more practical for civilians.
338 Norma vs 338 Lapua
Both are similar but not the same.
| Feature | .338 Lapua | .338 Norma Magnum |
|---|---|---|
| Designed For | Bolt-action | Machine guns |
| Brass Size | Longer | Shorter, fatter |
| Recoil | Slightly higher | Slightly lower |
| Velocity | Similar | Similar |
The 338 Norma is often used in military automatic rifles like the LWMMG. The .338 Lapua is better for precision bolt-action shooting.
338 Win Mag vs 338 Lapua
The 338 Win Mag came before the Lapua and is more suited for hunting.
| Feature | .338 Lapua | .338 Win Mag |
|---|---|---|
| Range | Long | Medium |
| Power | Higher | Lower |
| Ammo Cost | Expensive | Affordable |
| Rifle Weight | Heavy | Lighter |
If you’re hunting elk or moose at 300 yards, the Win Mag is fine. If you’re aiming at steel targets at 1,000+ yards, get the Lapua.
Who Uses the 338 Lapua?
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Military Snipers: Used by NATO and special forces
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Hunters: For big game like elk, moose, and even bear
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Sport Shooters: Long-distance competitions
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Law Enforcement: In some tactical teams
Recoil and Muzzle Blast
The 338 Lapua Magnum kicks hard. It produces a strong recoil and loud muzzle blast. It is recommended to:
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Use a muzzle brake
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Shoot from a bipod or bench
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Wear proper ear protection
The recoil is manageable with proper setup, but not for the faint-hearted.
Rifle Accessories for 338 Lapua
To get the best experience, consider:
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High-quality scope: Long-range optics with at least 20x zoom
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Muzzle brake or suppressor: Reduces recoil
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Bipod: Helps steady your shot
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Adjustable stock: Comfort and control
Cost and Availability
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Ammo Cost: $5–10 per round
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Rifle Cost: $1,500 to $6,000+
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Scope Cost: $500–$2,500
You can find 338 Lapua ammo and rifles online or in gun stores. Look for sales or bulk discounts.
Pros and Cons
Pros
✔ Extreme range
✔ High energy
✔ Accurate
✔ Military tested
Cons
✘ Expensive
✘ Heavy recoil
✘ Requires special rifles
✘ Not ideal for beginners
Also Read: Double Barrel Shotgun Explained: Best Types & Features
Safety and Legal Information
Always check your local laws. In some countries or states, owning a .338 Lapua rifle may require special permits. Transport and store your firearm safely. Always use eye and ear protection while shooting.
Final Thoughts
The .338 Lapua Magnum is a powerful and precise cartridge. It’s best suited for shooters who want to reach out to long distances with confidence. It’s not the cheapest option, but its performance speaks for itself. Whether you’re comparing it to a .308, .300 Win Mag, or .50 BMG, the Lapua holds its own as a world-class round.
If you’re serious about long-range shooting, investing in a .338 Lapua rifle and ammo is worth every penny.
FAQs About 338 Lapua
1. Is the 338 Lapua good for hunting?
Yes, it’s great for big game hunting but may be overkill for small animals.
2. Can I use 338 Lapua in a regular rifle?
No. You need a rifle built for high-pressure rounds like the .338 Lapua.
3. What’s the effective range of 338 Lapua?
It can shoot accurately up to 1,500 meters or more.
4. Is 338 Lapua legal for civilians?
In most areas, yes. But always check local laws.
5. Which is better: 338 Lapua or 300 Win Mag?
For extreme long-range, the Lapua wins. For all-around use, the .300 Win Mag is more practical.
