Best .338 Lapua Magnum Ammo

The .338 Lapua Magnum stands as one of the most capable long-range rifle cartridges ever developed for military and civilian use. Originally designed in the 1980s as a dedicated anti-personnel and anti-materiel round for military snipers, the cartridge has evolved to become the gold standard for extreme long-range shooting. With the ability to deliver accurate, devastating fire at distances exceeding 1,500 meters, the .338 Lapua Magnum bridges the gap between traditional sniper cartridges like the .308 Winchester and heavy anti-materiel rounds like the .50 BMG, offering exceptional range without the weight and recoil penalties of larger calibers.

The cartridge's ballistic performance is legendary among precision shooters. Firing heavy bullets ranging from 250 to 300 grains at muzzle velocities between 2,600 and 2,950 fps, the .338 Lapua delivers muzzle energies approaching 5,000 ft-lbs. High ballistic coefficient projectiles, some exceeding 0.78 G1, maintain velocity exceptionally well at distance, resisting wind drift and retaining energy far better than smaller caliber alternatives. This combination of power and precision has made the .338 Lapua the cartridge of choice for military precision marksmen worldwide and the dominant force in Extreme Long Range (ELR) competition.

Beyond its military and competitive applications, the .338 Lapua Magnum has earned respect among serious big game hunters pursuing the largest animals at extended distances. The cartridge delivers the energy and penetration needed to ethically harvest elk, moose, and African plains game at ranges where lesser cartridges cannot perform reliably. Whether engaging targets at 1,500 yards in competition, providing overwatch in military operations, or pursuing trophy game across vast mountain basins, the .338 Lapua Magnum offers the ultimate combination of range, power, and precision for shooters who demand maximum capability.