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Buying Guide: How To Select The Right .338 Lapua Magnum Ammo
Overview
In 2026, the .338 Lapua Magnum is a good centerfire rifle cartridge for extreme range. Modern 300-grain hybrid bullets and solid-copper designs, like the Lapua TRX, allow for precision hits at nearly 2,000 yards.
These bullets were developed during the 1980s as a high-powered, long-range cartridge for military snipers. Officially certified in 1989, it bridged the gap between the .300 Win Mag and the .50 BMG. Today, it remains the global gold standard for elite marksmen.
Recommended .338 Lapua Magnum Ammo Brands You Can Pick
These brands are commonly recognized in the precision shooting and long-range communities for offering .338 Lapua Magnum ammunition.
- Hornady 338 lapua ammo
- Federal Premium (e.g., Precision Hunter / Gold Medal lines)
- Lapua (original manufacturer known for high consistency)
- Norma (well-respected European precision loads)
- Winchester (selected long-range hunt/target loads)
Tip: Within each brand, specific bullet types (e.g., match, hunting, high-BC projectiles) can perform very differently — choose based on your rifle, purpose (target vs hunting), and ballistic goals.
Common Bullet Weights & Their Applications
Weight in the .338 LM is measured in grains (gr). The choice of weight often dictates how well the round "fights" the wind.
- 250 Grain: The original "standard" weight. It offers higher muzzle velocities and a flatter trajectory at "shorter" long ranges (under 1,000 yards). It is highly versatile for both tactical use and hunting.
- 270 - 285 Grain: The "middle ground." Often found in modern hunting loads like the Hornady ELD-X, providing a balance of speed and high energy retention.
- 300 Grain: The heavyweight champion. This is the preferred weight for shooters pushing past the 1,500-yard mark because it resists wind drift more effectively than lighter options.
Except for bullet weight, the "shape" of the bullet determines its purpose. OTM bullets like Lapua Scenar-L provide top-tier precision, polymer-tipped bullets like Hornady ELD-X excel in long-range hunting.
Solid monolithic bullets such as Lapua TRX deliver deep penetration, and HPBT bullets like Sierra MatchKing offer stable, cost-effective target accuracy.
.338 Lapua Magnum Ballistic Performance
The following data based on a 690 mm (27.15") test barrel (Haenel Rs9 / R&S SX1 MTR)
| Bullet mass/type | Velocity | Energy |
|---|---|---|
| 200 gr (12.96 g) SP | 1,023 m/s (3,360 ft/s) | 5,002 ft⋅lbf (6,782 J) |
| 250 gr (16.20 g) Partition | 3,020 ft/s (921 m/s) | 5,068 ft⋅lbf (6,871 J) |
| 250 gr (16.20 g) Scenar VLD | 3,030 ft/s (925 m/s) | 5,112 ft⋅lbf (6,931 J) |
| 285 gr (18.47 g) Hornady HPBT | 2,830 ft/s (863 m/s) | 5,073 ft⋅lbf (6,878 J) |
| 300 gr (19.44 g) Scenar VLD | 2,780 ft/s (847 m/s) | 5,143 ft⋅lbf (6,973 J) |
338 Lapua Alternative Calibers
- .338 Norma Magnum: Very close competitor to .338 Lapua. Slightly shorter case, similar ballistics, and often used in military and precision rifle competitions.
- 300 PRC: Modern long-range round designed for high ballistic efficiency. Offers excellent consistency and superior long-range performance compared to .300 Win Mag.
- .300 Win Mag: Traditional big-game cartridge with strong stopping power. Better suited for hunting than extreme long-range target shooting.
- 6.5 Creedmoor: Lower recoil, lower cost alternative for long-range target shooters. Not as powerful, but extremely popular for precision competitions.
- .375 CheyTac: Built for ultra-long-range shooting beyond 1,500 yards. Higher cost and recoil, but unmatched distance capability.
FAQs
Q: How many inches does a 338 Lapua drop at 1000 yards?
Ans: With a standard 200-yard zero, a 300-grain bullet will typically drop between 260 and 290 inches at 1,000 yards.
Q: Is the 338 Lapua Better Than 50 BMG?
Ans:"Better" is about portability. The .50 BMG has more raw power, but the rifles weigh 30+ lbs and are massive. The .338 Lapua is better for shooters who want maximum power in a portable rifle (12–15 lbs) that can still be carried in the field.
Q: Is 338 Lapua too much for deer?
Yes, it’s excessive. The extreme kinetic energy causes massive meat damage and the heavy recoil makes follow-up shots difficult. It is a "magnum" caliber designed for large, tough-skinned game like elk or moose, not thin-skinned deer.
Q: What Distance Is 338 Lapua Good for?
Ans:It is the king of the 1,000 to 1,700-yard range. While it can be used at shorter distances, its aerodynamic design is specifically built to stay supersonic and accurate well past the one-mile mark (1,760 yards).
Q: How much does the .338 Lapua cost per round?
Ans:In 2026, expect to pay between $2.85 to and $9.00 per round for 100 rounds.
