AmmoSight

.338 Lapua Magnum vs .338 Winchester Magnum

The .338 Lapua Magnum vs .338 Winchester Magnum comparison matches the premier long-range military cartridge against a proven big game round. The .338 Lapua (270gr ELD-X at 2800 fps) delivers 2974 ft-lbs at 500 yards, substantially more than the .338 Win Mag's (230gr ELD-X at 2810 fps) 2283 ft-lbs. Trajectory is similar, with the Lapua dropping 47.3 inches at 500 yards versus 49.4 inches for the Win Mag. The Lapua's power comes at a cost: 66.4 ft-lbs of recoil compared to 45.9 ft-lbs for the Win Mag. The .338 Win Mag fits standard magnum actions and offers more affordable ammunition, while the Lapua excels at extreme range. Performance varies with ammunition selection and barrel length.

Ammunition Parameters

.338 Lapua Magnum Parameters (Self-Defense Load)

Bullet Type:
ELD-X
Bullet Weight:
270 grains
Muzzle Velocity:
2800 fps
Ballistic Coefficient:
0.757
Zero Range:
100 yards
Drag Function:
G1
Sight Height:
1.5 inches

.338 Winchester Magnum Parameters (Self-Defense Load)

Bullet Type:
ELD-X
Bullet Weight:
230 grains
Muzzle Velocity:
2810 fps
Ballistic Coefficient:
0.616
Zero Range:
100 yards
Drag Function:
G1
Sight Height:
1.5 inches

.338 Lapua Magnum vs .338 Winchester Magnum Ballistics Chart

Comparing bullet drop at various ranges between .338 Lapua Magnum and .338 Winchester Magnum.

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Try Our Ballistics Calculators

Want to calculate exact trajectories for these calibers with your specific loads?

.338 Lapua Magnum Calculator .338 Winchester Magnum Calculator

.338 Lapua Magnum vs .338 Winchester Magnum Energy Comparison

Comparing the muzzle energy and energy retention at various distances between .338 Lapua Magnum and .338 Winchester Magnum.

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.338 Lapua Magnum vs .338 Winchester Magnum Bullet Penetration

Comparison of estimated penetration depth in 10% ballistic gel between .338 Lapua Magnum and .338 Winchester Magnum at self-defense distances.

Self-Defense Ammunition Penetration

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Notes:

  • FBI standard for optimal penetration is 12-18 inches in 10% ballistics gel
  • Our penetration data is calculated using mathematical models based on sectional density, velocity, and expansion factors. While not actual gel tests, our calculations have been validated against manufacturer test data and provide reliable estimates for comparison purposes.
  • Actual results may vary depending on clothing barriers and other factors

.338 Lapua Magnum vs .338 Winchester Magnum Recoil

Comparing recoil energy and impulse between .338 Lapua Magnum and .338 Winchester Magnum.

.338 Lapua Magnum Recoil (Self-Defense Load)

Bullet Weight:
270.0 gr
Bullet Velocity:
2800.0 fps
Powder Charge:
91.0 gr
Firearm Weight:
7.0 lbs
Recoil Impulse:
5.38 lbs·sec
Recoil Velocity:
24.71 fps
Recoil Energy:
66.44 ft·lbf

.338 Winchester Magnum Recoil (Self-Defense Load)

Bullet Weight:
230.0 gr
Bullet Velocity:
2810.0 fps
Powder Charge:
72.0 gr
Firearm Weight:
7.0 lbs
Recoil Impulse:
4.47 lbs·sec
Recoil Velocity:
20.54 fps
Recoil Energy:
45.88 ft·lbf
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Notes:

  • Recoil calculations based on bullet weight, velocity, powder charge, and firearm weight
  • Recoil energy indicates the felt force when firing the weapon
  • Recoil impulse represents momentum transfer during firing
  • Actual felt recoil can vary based on grip, stance, and firearm design

.338 Lapua Magnum vs .338 Winchester Magnum Velocity

Velocity decay from muzzle to 500 yards for .338 Lapua Magnum and .338 Winchester Magnum.

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.338 Lapua Magnum vs .338 Winchester Magnum Average Cost

Comparing cost per round and training affordability between .338 Lapua Magnum and .338 Winchester Magnum.

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