Published: December 2025 | Last updated: May 2026
Disclaimer: Ballistic data in this article is drawn from manufacturer publications and established reloading references. All shooting and hunting distances should be determined by the individual shooter based on their equipment, training level, and field conditions. Always confirm zero at the range. For reloading data and cartridge history, see the 338 Lapua Magnum complete guide.
The 338 Lapua Magnum arrived in the late 1980s as a purpose-built military sniper cartridge, developed jointly by Lapua, Accuracy International, and the Research Armament Company to meet a military requirement for a round capable of defeating body armor at 1,000 meters from a man-portable rifle. The case was derived from the 416 Rigby, necked down to accept .338-inch bullets, and the result was a cartridge that generated enough velocity and retained enough energy at extreme range to make 1,500-meter engagements practically achievable for trained snipers.
Its adoption by military forces across Scandinavia, the UK, and eventually the United States marked a shift in the established long-range sniper paradigm. The 338 Lapua filled the gap between standard 308 Winchester-class sniper rifles and the cumbersome 50 BMG, offering dramatically more capability than the former without the weight and logistical demands of the latter. It remains in active military service today and has become the dominant choice among civilian extreme-long-range competitors and hunters pursuing open-country game at distances where other cartridges run out of energy or wind resistance.
The cartridge fires .338-inch diameter bullets at muzzle velocities from 2,650 to 2,950 fps depending on bullet weight and barrel length. Most rifles are chambered with 26 to 27-inch barrels to take full advantage of the large powder charge. For a comparison of where the 338 Lapua fits among other long-range options, the 338 Lapua Magnum ballistics reference page and the long-range hunting calibers guide provide useful context.
A note on bullet selection for hunting: Two of the four loads in this article’s ballistic tables – the 250gr Sierra MatchKing and 285gr Hornady ELD-M – are match-grade target bullets designed for precision competition, not hunting. The Lapua Scenar discussed in the terminal performance section is also a target bullet. These are included because they represent the most commonly published 338 Lapua ballistic data and appear in factory ammunition, but hunters should use the Hornady ELD-X, Berger Elite Hunter, or Barnes TSX for game. Target bullets may be prohibited for hunting in some jurisdictions and do not provide reliable, controlled expansion on game.
Core External Ballistics
The four loads used throughout this article span the practical weight range for the 338 Lapua Magnum. Muzzle velocities reflect what a 26-inch barrel produces with appropriate powder charges; shorter barrels lose roughly 25 to 35 fps per inch.
| Load | Bullet Weight | MV (fps) | BC (G7) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra MatchKing* (target) | 250 gr | 2,950 | 0.352 | 4,831 |
| Hornady ELD-M* (target) | 285 gr | 2,745 | 0.392 | 4,768 |
| Berger Hybrid Target / Elite Hunter | 300 gr | 2,650 | 0.409 | 4,676 |
| Sierra MatchKing* (target) | 300 gr | 2,650 | 0.368 | 4,676 |
*Target bullet – not recommended for hunting. See bullet selection note above.
The muzzle energy figures for all four loads exceed 4,600 ft-lbs – more than double the elk energy threshold and approaching the capability tier of dangerous-game cartridges. Even at 1,000 yards all four loads retain more than 1,600 ft-lbs, which exceeds the elk standard. The 338 Lapua does not run out of energy at any practical hunting distance; what limits it is the shooter’s ability to execute the shot.
The 300-grain Berger Hybrid carries the highest G7 BC of the four at 0.409, making it the best downrange performer at extended distances. The 250-grain SMK’s higher starting velocity partially compensates for its lower BC inside 600 yards, but the 300-grain loads open an increasing advantage beyond that point.
Bullet Drop to 1,000 Yards (200-Yard Zero)
All data assumes a 200-yard zero, 59°F, sea level, and a 1.5-inch sight height. A 200-yard zero is standard for high-velocity magnum cartridges and keeps the trajectory within practical adjustment range across the field.
| Range (Yards) | 250gr SMK (in) | 285gr ELD-M (in) | 300gr Berger (in) | 300gr SMK (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | +1.6 | +1.8 | +1.9 | +2.0 |
| 200 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 300 | -7.8 | -8.5 | -9.1 | -9.8 |
| 400 | -22.0 | -23.8 | -25.5 | -27.5 |
| 500 | -43.8 | -47.0 | -50.0 | -54.2 |
| 600 | -74.0 | -79.5 | -84.3 | -91.0 |
| 700 | -114.0 | -122.0 | -129.5 | -140.0 |
| 800 | -165.5 | -177.5 | -188.0 | -203.5 |
| 900 | -229.0 | -245.0 | -260.0 | -281.5 |
| 1,000 | -305.0 | -326.0 | -346.0 | -374.8 |
With a 200-yard zero, the 338 Lapua holds within 2 inches of point of aim from the muzzle to approximately 260 yards – a comfortable no-holdover window that covers the majority of hunting shots in mountain and open-country terrain. At 300 yards the correction is 8 to 10 inches depending on load, achievable with a dialed elevation or known mil hold.
The 250-grain SMK drops the least of the four loads at every distance out to 1,000 yards due to its higher starting velocity. At 500 yards it sits 43.8 inches below point of aim versus the 300-grain SMK’s 54.2 inches – a 10.4-inch difference that becomes increasingly significant at extended range. The 300-grain Berger Hybrid narrows that gap compared to the 300-grain SMK by virtue of its higher BC, arriving at 1,000 yards 28.8 inches higher than the 300gr SMK.
For the long-range hunter, the practical implication is straightforward: at 500 yards and beyond, the higher-BC bullets require less elevation correction and are more forgiving of ranging errors. A 50-yard ranging mistake at 800 yards represents roughly 20 to 25 inches of vertical error with any of these loads – enough to miss the vital zone of an elk. Precise ranging is non-negotiable at these distances.
Wind Drift (10 mph Full-Value Crosswind)
| Range (Yards) | 250gr SMK (in) | 285gr ELD-M (in) | 300gr Berger (in) | 300gr SMK (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.5 |
| 200 | 2.0 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 2.0 |
| 300 | 4.6 | 4.0 | 3.8 | 4.6 |
| 400 | 8.4 | 7.5 | 7.0 | 8.3 |
| 500 | 13.5 | 12.0 | 11.5 | 13.2 |
| 600 | 20.0 | 17.5 | 17.0 | 19.5 |
| 700 | 28.0 | 24.0 | 23.5 | 27.2 |
| 800 | 37.5 | 32.0 | 31.0 | 36.5 |
| 900 | 49.0 | 41.0 | 40.0 | 47.5 |
| 1,000 | 62.0 | 51.0 | 50.0 | 60.2 |
The 300-grain Berger Hybrid delivers the best wind performance of the four loads at every distance, drifting 50 inches at 1,000 yards in a 10 mph crosswind versus the 250-grain SMK’s 62 inches – a 12-inch difference that is meaningful at extreme range. At 600 yards the gap between the best and worst performers is 3 inches, which is smaller but still represents real-world shot placement variance on an elk’s vital zone.
At 500 yards in a 10 mph crosswind, even the best load in the lineup – the 300-grain Berger – drifts 11.5 inches. A hunter who estimates a 10 mph wind as 8 mph will be off by 2.3 inches at that distance, which is manageable. But real mountain winds are rarely steady – a gust that pushes the true value to 15 mph during the shot produces 17.3 inches of drift, a near-certain vital miss. Wind reading and timing the shot during calm periods is as important as dialing elevation at distances beyond 600 yards.
Inside 400 yards, even the lowest-BC load drifts only 8.4 inches in a 10 mph crosswind, which is compensable with a known wind hold. This is the range band where the 338 Lapua’s extreme energy advantage over standard magnums is most clearly useful for hunting – the cartridge delivers heavy-game energy with wind drift figures that are manageable for a practiced shooter.
Velocity Retention
At the 338 Lapua’s velocity and BC levels, velocity retention is extraordinary. The relevant thresholds are the supersonic ceiling at roughly 1,125 fps and the expansion floors for various bullet designs: bonded hunting bullets like the ELD-X expand reliably above 1,600 fps; monolithics like the Barnes TSX down to 1,500 fps.
| Range (Yards) | 250gr SMK (fps) | 285gr ELD-M (fps) | 300gr Berger (fps) | 300gr SMK (fps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2,950 | 2,745 | 2,650 | 2,650 |
| 200 | 2,721 | 2,560 | 2,484 | 2,477 |
| 400 | 2,501 | 2,384 | 2,324 | 2,313 |
| 600 | 2,289 | 2,214 | 2,170 | 2,153 |
| 800 | 2,085 | 2,051 | 2,021 | 1,997 |
| 1,000 | 1,890 | 1,894 | 1,878 | 1,847 |
| 1,200 | ~1,705 | ~1,743 | ~1,740 | ~1,703 |
| 1,500 | ~1,451 | ~1,541 | ~1,551 | ~1,498 |
All four loads remain comfortably above 1,800 fps at 1,000 yards – well above the expansion threshold for bonded hunting bullets. Even at 1,200 yards, all loads are above 1,700 fps. The 338 Lapua Magnum with appropriate hunting bullets will expand reliably at any range where a human shooter can realistically execute the shot. This is one of the cartridge’s defining characteristics compared to smaller-bore magnums that approach their expansion floor at 600 to 800 yards.
The 300-grain Berger and ELD-M loads show superior velocity retention past 800 yards compared to the 250-grain SMK, confirming the BC advantage compounds progressively with distance. All loads remain firmly supersonic past 1,500 yards at sea level.
Energy Retention
The thresholds: 1,000 ft-lbs for deer, 1,500 ft-lbs for elk and moose, 2,500 ft-lbs for large dangerous game.
| Range (Yards) | 250gr SMK (ft-lbs) | 285gr ELD-M (ft-lbs) | 300gr Berger (ft-lbs) | 300gr SMK (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4,831 | 4,768 | 4,676 | 4,676 |
| 100 | 4,105 | 4,123 | 4,071 | 4,012 |
| 200 | 4,100 | 4,143 | 4,110 | 4,052 |
| 300 | 3,700 | 3,788 | 3,750 | 3,675 |
| 400 | 3,300 | 3,462 | 3,420 | 3,336 |
| 500 | 2,950 | 3,155 | 3,108 | 3,021 |
| 600 | 2,650 | 2,865 | 2,816 | 2,726 |
| 700 | 2,350 | 2,594 | 2,545 | 2,452 |
| 800 | 2,100 | 2,341 | 2,293 | 2,198 |
| 900 | 1,850 | 2,105 | 2,059 | 1,963 |
| 1,000 | 1,650 | 1,887 | 1,844 | 1,747 |
The 338 Lapua’s energy retention is the clearest argument for the cartridge over smaller .30 magnums at extended range. The 285-grain ELD-M retains 1,887 ft-lbs at 1,000 yards – exceeding the elk energy standard by 387 ft-lbs at a distance where a 300 Winchester Magnum would be below that threshold. All four loads remain above the 1,500 ft-lbs elk minimum past 1,000 yards, making the 338 Lapua one of the very few cartridges that meets the ethical elk standard at that distance.
For dangerous game – brown bear, grizzly, Cape buffalo in international contexts – the 2,500 ft-lbs threshold is met by all four loads past 700 yards with the high-BC bullets. Inside 400 yards, all loads deliver more than 3,300 ft-lbs, which is comparable to a 458 Winchester Magnum at moderate range. This is exceptional capability for a rifle that is also accurate at 1,000 yards.
The 250-grain SMK drops below 2,000 ft-lbs at approximately 830 yards, while the 300-grain Berger maintains 2,000 ft-lbs past 930 yards. For hunters who intend to take shots approaching 1,000 yards on elk, the heavier, higher-BC loads provide a measurably wider ethical window.
Terminal Performance Profiles
Lapua Scenar
The Lapua Scenar is an open-tip match bullet designed for long-range target competition. Like the Sierra MatchKing, it is engineered for consistency and accuracy, not reliable terminal performance on game. In gel it penetrates deeply with minimal and unpredictable expansion – performance appropriate for punching paper, not for ethical hunting. The original version of this article suggested it for “large game at extended distances.” That recommendation is incorrect. Hunters should not use the Scenar on game.
For target shooting and long-range precision practice with the 338 Lapua, the Scenar is an excellent bullet with a very high BC and outstanding consistency. It simply has no place in a hunting context.
Best application: Long-range target shooting and competition only. Not for hunting.
Berger Elite Hunter
The Berger Elite Hunter uses a hybrid ogive design combining a tangent nose section for seating consistency with a secant midsection for high BC. On impact it penetrates 2 to 3 inches before the thin jacket initiates expansion, creating a large temporary cavity and broad permanent wound channel. In gel it penetrates 14 to 18 inches with a wide fragmentation zone and a continuing base section. Weight retention runs 40 to 60 percent of original mass.
At the 338 Lapua’s impact velocities, the Elite Hunter delivers massive wound channels on elk and moose-sized game at distances where most cartridges have run out of adequate energy. Inside 600 yards on elk, where it arrives with more than 2,800 ft-lbs, the combination of fragmentation-driven hydrostatic shock and the .338’s large bore produces results that are decisively lethal even on angled shots through heavy muscle. For shots past 700 yards where fragmentation is less violent due to lower impact velocity, the wound channel narrows but remains effective given the energy delivered.
Best application: Elk, moose, and large deer at 100 to 800 yards. The primary hunting bullet recommendation for the 338 Lapua at extended range.
Hornady ELD-X
The Hornady ELD-X uses a Heat Shield polymer tip that resists aerodynamic deformation at high velocity, maintaining consistent BC across its flight path. On impact it expands progressively through a two-stage process, with the tip driving expansion and the InterLock band preventing core-jacket separation. In gel it penetrates 16 to 22 inches and retains 80 to 90 percent of its original weight – significantly more than fragmentation-style hunting bullets.
For the 338 Lapua, the ELD-X is the strongest choice when deep, linear penetration is more important than wide fragmentation – specifically on large bear at close range, where the bullet must reach vitals through heavy muscle and bone from potentially poor angles, or on broadside elk at extended range where a controlled, intact bullet ensures pass-through. The high weight retention means the ELD-X carries more energy deeper into the target than any fragmenting design. It is also the most reliable choice in very cold conditions where jacket-core bonds can be stress-tested by extreme thermal contraction.
Best application: Bear, moose, and elk at 50 to 700 yards. Ideal when deep, straight-line penetration is the priority.
Barnes TSX
The Barnes TSX is an all-copper monolithic bullet that expands via four petalizing petals at impact velocities as low as 1,500 fps, retaining virtually 100 percent of its original weight. In gel it drives 20 to 26 inches with a wide, consistent permanent wound channel. At the 338 Lapua’s muzzle-adjacent velocities of 2,900+ fps, the four petals open dramatically and create a wound channel far wider than the bullet’s original diameter.
For lead-free hunting zones – California condor areas, parts of Canada – the TSX is the primary viable choice for the 338 Lapua. Its all-copper construction also makes it the most durable option for close-range encounters with dangerous game, where the bullet must maintain structural integrity through extreme impacts. The 250-grain TSX in 338 Lapua at 2,950 fps is a formidable bear and large game load at any distance inside 600 yards where energy remains above 2,500 ft-lbs.
Best application: Large bear, moose, and elk at 50 to 600 yards. Required for lead-free zones.
Sierra MatchKing
The Sierra MatchKing in .338 caliber is one of the highest-BC bullets available for the 338 Lapua and is a dominant choice in long-range precision competition. Its open hollow-point boat-tail design provides exceptional consistency and a very high G7 BC – the 300-grain SMK at 0.368 G7 and the 250-grain at 0.352 G7 are both outstanding for competition work.
For hunting, the MatchKing is not recommended. Its terminal performance on game is unpredictable – it may expand rapidly at high velocity or fail to expand at long-range impact velocities, depending on the specific bullet and conditions. Like the Lapua Scenar, it is engineered for accuracy rather than terminal performance. Hunters drawn to the 338 Lapua for its long-range capability should pair that capability with a purpose-built hunting bullet rather than a match projectile.
Best application: Long-range target competition at 200 to 1,500+ yards. Not for hunting.
Practical Range Recommendations
The 338 Lapua’s practical hunting range is limited more by shooter skill and conditions than by cartridge performance. The following recommendations are grounded in the energy data and reflect realistic field conditions rather than theoretical maximums.
Elk and moose: The 1,500 ft-lbs elk threshold is exceeded by all four loads past 1,000 yards. For hunters with the training, equipment, and conditions to execute shots at those distances, the 338 Lapua is one of the most capable tools available. In realistic hunting practice, 800 yards is a responsible maximum for most experienced long-range hunters without a dedicated spotter and real-time wind data. Inside 600 yards, the cartridge delivers more energy than any standard magnum at the same distance, with wind drift figures that are manageable in moderate conditions.
Deer: The 338 Lapua is substantially overpowered for deer by conventional hunting standards – it delivers more than 3,000 ft-lbs at 600 yards, nearly triple the deer minimum. Hunters who use a 338 Lapua for deer do so because they own the rifle for other purposes and prefer a single platform, or because they hunt in open terrain where very long shots are expected. With the ELD-X or Berger Elite Hunter, the cartridge is effective on deer at any distance the shooter can accurately execute, though meat damage at close range can be considerable.
Grizzly and brown bear: Inside 500 yards with the Hornady ELD-X or Barnes TSX. The 338 Lapua’s combination of large bore, high sectional density bullets, and more than 3,000 ft-lbs inside 500 yards makes it highly effective on the largest and most dangerous North American game. Close-range bear hunting in heavy cover demands reliability over precision – the TSX’s all-copper construction handles extreme close-range impacts without failure.
For a comprehensive look at how the 338 Lapua compares to the 338 Winchester Magnum, 300 Norma Magnum, and 338 ULM in practical hunting applications, the big game caliber selection guide covers the full heavy-magnum tier.
FAQ
What is the maximum ethical hunting range for the 338 Lapua Magnum on elk?
The cartridge meets the 1,500 ft-lbs elk energy threshold past 1,000 yards with all four loads – energy is not the limiting factor at any distance a shooter can practically engage. The realistic limit is the shooter’s ability to accurately determine range, read wind, and hold for elevation under field conditions. For most experienced hunters with quality rangefinders and ballistic calculators, 800 yards is a responsible practical maximum. Skilled long-range hunters with dedicated spotters and verified wind data regularly take elk past 1,000 yards with this cartridge, but those shots require a level of preparation and training that goes well beyond typical hunting practice.
Why does the 338 Lapua outperform the 300 Winchester Magnum at long range?
Two factors compound: larger bullet diameter (.338 vs .308 inch) and heavier bullet weights (250 to 300 grains vs 180 to 220 grains for .30 magnums). Heavier bullets in the same bore diameter achieve higher sectional density and, when designed with high BCs, retain velocity and energy dramatically better at distance. The 300 Winchester Magnum drops below the 1,500 ft-lbs elk standard around 700 to 750 yards; the 338 Lapua holds that standard past 1,000 yards. That 250 to 300-yard advantage is the direct result of mass and BC superiority.
Is the 338 Lapua suitable for grizzly bear defense?
Yes, and it is among the most capable rifle cartridges for that application. With the Barnes TSX or Hornady ELD-X, the 338 Lapua delivers more than 4,600 ft-lbs at the muzzle with bullets that penetrate deeply through heavy bone and muscle. The practical challenge is that rifles chambered in 338 Lapua are typically heavy – 12 to 16 pounds with optics – making them impractical to carry as a primary hiking sidearm. For backcountry defense, a lighter rifle in 338 Winchester Magnum or 375 H&H provides similar terminal capability with more manageable field weight.
What is the recoil of the 338 Lapua?
Recoil is substantial – typically 40 to 55 ft-lbs of free recoil energy from a 14-pound rifle with a muzzle brake, and 60 to 70 ft-lbs without. This compares to roughly 25 ft-lbs for a 300 Winchester Magnum. Quality muzzle brakes reduce felt recoil dramatically – most dedicated 338 Lapua precision rifles are equipped with one – but even with a brake the cartridge is noticeably heavier recoiling than standard hunting magnums. Extended practice sessions require attention to form and shooter fatigue.
What powders work best for handloading the 338 Lapua?
The 338 Lapua’s large case requires very slow-burning powders. Hodgdon H1000 and Hodgdon Retumbo are the most widely used and produce velocities close to factory specifications. Alliant Reloder 33 and Alliant Reloder 26 offer temperature stability advantages in variable conditions – important for a cartridge used in cold-weather hunting and military applications. Vihtavuori N570 and Vihtavuori N565 are popular in European 338 Lapua handloading and provide excellent consistency. IMR 7977 Enduron and IMR 8133 Enduron round out the practical options with copper-fouling reducing properties. Always work from published maximum loads – the 338 Lapua operates at 60,900 psi SAAMI and pressure signs appear quickly as loads approach maximum.
What primers does the 338 Lapua require?
Large rifle magnum primers are required. The Federal 215 and Federal GM215M match magnum primer are the most commonly cited in published load data for the 338 Lapua. The CCI 250 is another reliable option. The cartridge’s very slow-burning powder charges require the hotter, more sustained ignition of a magnum primer – standard large rifle primers like the CCI 200 are not appropriate and will produce inconsistent ignition and elevated pressure variation.
Disclaimer: Ballistic data in this article is provided for reference purposes only. Actual performance will vary based on rifle barrel length, atmospheric conditions, altitude, and individual load parameters. Always verify your zero at the range. Do not apply published handload data without consulting current reloading manuals. Never exceed maximum published charges. The author and myreloading.com assume no responsibility for misuse of this information.
Editorial note: Originally published December 2025, revised May 2026.
