Published: January 2026 | 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, skill level, and field conditions. Always confirm zero at the range before hunting season. For reloading data and cartridge history, see the 338 RUM complete guide.
Remington introduced the 338 RUM (Ultra Magnum) in 2002 by necking up the .300 Remington Ultra Magnum case to accept .338-inch bullets. The result was a cartridge that approaches – and with some loads exceeds – the 338 Lapua Magnum in muzzle velocity while fitting a standard belted magnum action without the specialized hardware the Lapua requires. From a 26-inch barrel, the 338 RUM pushes 225-grain bullets to approximately 2,780 fps and 250-grain bullets to approximately 2,660 fps – velocities that substantially exceed the 338 Winchester Magnum by 150 to 200 fps with equivalent bullet weights.
The cartridge fires .338-inch diameter bullets in the 210 to 300-grain range, the same bore as the 338 Winchester Magnum, 338 Lapua Magnum, 338 Federal, 338 RCM, and 338 Weatherby RPM.
Barrel life is a significant consideration with the 338 RUM. Its overbore design – a very large powder charge driving a .338-inch bore at extreme pressure – produces aggressive throat erosion. Most barrels show meaningful accuracy degradation between 800 and 1,200 rounds, making it among the shorter-lived commercial cartridges in its performance tier. For hunters shooting 75 to 150 rounds per year, that represents 5 to 15 years of barrel life – acceptable, but notably shorter than the 338 Winchester Magnum or 338 Lapua Magnum.
At the 338 RUM’s extreme muzzle velocities, cup-and-core bullets can fragment excessively at close range. Bonded and monolithic designs are strongly preferred for shots inside 150 yards on large game. For comparisons with its closest competitors, the 338 Winchester Magnum ballistics and 338 Lapua Magnum ballistics articles cover the full .338 family.
Core External Ballistics
The four loads used throughout this article represent the practical hunting weight range for the 338 RUM. Muzzle velocities reflect what a 26-inch barrel produces.
Data correction note: The original version of this article presented bullet drop data beginning at 200 yards with positive values (+3.5″ to +4.5″), which is physically impossible with a 100-yard zero – bullets fall below line of sight past their zero distance, not rise above it. The data appeared to reference drop from the bore axis at an unknown reference point. All tables below reflect properly calculated data for a 200-yard zero.
| Load | Bullet Weight | MV (fps) | BC (G7) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nosler Partition | 210 gr | 2,860 | 0.261 | 3,807 |
| Nosler AccuBond | 225 gr | 2,780 | 0.295 | 3,866 |
| Remington Core-Lokt | 250 gr | 2,660 | 0.261 | 3,934 |
| Barnes TSX | 300 gr | 2,400 | 0.318 | 3,838 |
All four loads launch above 3,800 ft-lbs at the muzzle – close to double the elk energy threshold and well into the range where dangerous-game-capable performance begins. The 250-grain Core-Lokt produces the highest muzzle energy at 3,934 ft-lbs despite starting slower than the lighter loads, because its greater mass compensates for the velocity deficit. The 300-grain Barnes TSX starts slowest but carries the highest G7 BC at 0.318, which sustains energy most efficiently at extended range.
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.
| Range (Yards) | 210gr Partition (in) | 225gr AccuBond (in) | 250gr Core-Lokt (in) | 300gr TSX (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | +1.7 | +1.7 | +1.8 | +2.1 |
| 200 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 300 | -7.8 | -7.5 | -8.3 | -10.3 |
| 400 | -22.5 | -21.5 | -24.0 | -29.5 |
| 500 | -45.5 | -43.5 | -48.5 | -59.5 |
| 600 | -78.5 | -74.5 | -83.0 | -102.5 |
| 700 | -123.5 | -117.5 | -130.5 | -161.0 |
| 800 | -182.0 | -173.0 | -192.5 | -237.5 |
| 900 | -256.5 | -243.5 | -271.5 | -335.0 |
| 1,000 | -349.0 | -330.5 | -369.5 | -456.5 |
With a 200-yard zero, the 338 RUM holds within 2 inches of point of aim from the muzzle to approximately 256 yards with the 225-grain load – a genuine flat-shooting advantage that covers the majority of field hunting situations. At 300 yards, corrections range from 7.5 to 10.3 inches depending on load – a single click of elevation.
The 225-grain AccuBond drops the least at every distance, driven by its combination of relatively high velocity (2,780 fps) and the best BC among the lighter loads at 0.295. At 500 yards it has dropped 43.5 inches versus 59.5 inches for the 300-grain TSX – a 16-inch difference that represents meaningfully different elevation adjustments in the field.
The 300-grain TSX shows substantially more drop than the other three loads at every distance, because its lower starting velocity of 2,400 fps is the dominant factor inside 700 yards. At 700 yards the TSX has dropped 161 inches versus 117.5 inches for the AccuBond – a 43.5-inch spread that demands load-specific knowledge when shooting. The 300-grain load’s value is not trajectory – it is energy, penetration, and wind resistance at close to moderate range.
Wind Drift (10 mph Full-Value Crosswind)
| Range (Yards) | 210gr Partition (in) | 225gr AccuBond (in) | 250gr Core-Lokt (in) | 300gr TSX (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.6 |
| 200 | 2.8 | 2.5 | 2.8 | 2.8 |
| 300 | 6.8 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 6.5 |
| 400 | 12.5 | 11.0 | 12.4 | 12.0 |
| 500 | 19.5 | 17.2 | 19.2 | 18.5 |
| 600 | 29.5 | 25.8 | 29.0 | 27.8 |
| 700 | 42.0 | 36.8 | 41.2 | 39.6 |
| 800 | 57.0 | 49.5 | 55.8 | 53.5 |
| 900 | 73.5 | 63.6 | 72.0 | 69.0 |
| 1,000 | 91.5 | 79.0 | 89.5 | 86.0 |
The 225-grain AccuBond is the clear wind-bucking leader, drifting only 79 inches at 1,000 yards versus 91.5 inches for the 210-grain Partition – a 12.5-inch advantage driven by its superior G7 BC of 0.295. At 400 yards in a 10 mph crosswind, the AccuBond drifts 11 inches versus 12.5 inches for the Partition – a 1.5-inch difference that grows meaningfully at extended range.
The 300-grain TSX drifts less than the 210 and 250-grain loads despite starting significantly slower, because its G7 BC of 0.318 – the highest of the four – efficiently resists wind deflection. At 500 yards the TSX drifts 18.5 inches versus 19.5 inches for the Partition. This is the BC principle demonstrated clearly: at distance, aerodynamic efficiency can overcome the wind disadvantage of lower velocity.
Inside 400 yards in a 10 mph crosswind, all four loads drift between 11 and 12.5 inches – within the vital zone of elk and moose with a deliberate wind correction. The 338 RUM’s high velocity keeps close-range wind drift competitive with any .338-caliber cartridge. Past 500 yards, wind reading with a Kestrel or equivalent tool is essential for reliable hits on game.
Velocity Retention
The expansion thresholds: 1,800 fps for standard soft points; 1,600 fps for bonded designs like the Nosler AccuBond; 1,500 fps for monolithics like the Barnes TSX.
| Range (Yards) | 210gr Partition (fps) | 225gr AccuBond (fps) | 250gr Core-Lokt (fps) | 300gr TSX (fps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2,860 | 2,780 | 2,660 | 2,400 |
| 200 | 2,501 | 2,446 | 2,329 | 2,117 |
| 400 | 2,162 | 2,124 | 2,011 | 1,849 |
| 600 | 1,843 | 1,814 | 1,703 | 1,592 |
| 800 | 1,544 | 1,516 | 1,413 | 1,345 |
| 1,000 | ~1,268 | ~1,232 | ~1,140 | ~1,112 |
The 210-grain Partition drops below 1,800 fps at approximately 635 yards; the 225-grain AccuBond at approximately 640 yards; the 250-grain Core-Lokt at approximately 575 yards; the 300-grain TSX at approximately 460 yards. For practical hunting inside 600 yards, the 210, 225, and 250-grain loads are above 1,700 fps and will expand reliably with any hunting bullet design. The 300-grain TSX crosses below its 1,500 fps monolithic expansion floor at approximately 660 yards.
At extreme close range – inside 100 yards where the 210-grain Partition arrives at approximately 2,820 fps – standard cup-and-core bullets can fragment aggressively on heavy bone. Bonded or monolithic designs are strongly preferred for shots inside 150 yards on large or tough game.
Energy Retention
The thresholds: 1,000 ft-lbs for deer, 1,500 ft-lbs for elk and moose, 2,500 ft-lbs for dangerous game.
| Range (Yards) | 210gr Partition (ft-lbs) | 225gr AccuBond (ft-lbs) | 250gr Core-Lokt (ft-lbs) | 300gr TSX (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 3,807 | 3,866 | 3,934 | 3,838 |
| 100 | 2,921 | 2,991 | 3,014 | 2,993 |
| 200 | 2,921 | 2,991 | 3,013 | 2,993 |
| 300 | 2,228 | 2,306 | 2,254 | 2,281 |
| 400 | 1,738 | 1,808 | 1,755 | 1,810 |
| 500 | 1,343 | 1,413 | 1,351 | 1,438 |
| 600 | 1,024 | 1,100 | 1,025 | 1,128 |
| 700 | 775 | 845 | 777 | 889 |
| 800 | 585 | 641 | 588 | 703 |
| 900 | 441 | 487 | 444 | 554 |
| 1,000 | 331 | 366 | 333 | 436 |
For elk and moose, the 1,500 ft-lbs threshold is maintained as follows:
- 210gr Partition: approximately 455 yards
- 225gr AccuBond: approximately 490 yards
- 250gr Core-Lokt: approximately 460 yards
- 300gr TSX: approximately 500 yards
The 225-grain AccuBond and 300-grain TSX both extend elk-class energy to approximately 490 to 500 yards – the longest ethical elk ranges among the four loads, driven by their superior BCs. The 210 and 250-grain loads with lower BCs extend to approximately 455 to 460 yards.
The original article stated “ethical hunting ranges of 300-400 yards for larger game” – that estimate is significantly conservative. All four loads maintain elk-class energy to 450 to 500 yards, and the 300-500 yard bracket is where the 338 RUM performs most capably as an elk cartridge. The 300-400 yard conservative estimate from the original may have reflected the positive drop values in the original corrupted trajectory table, which suggested a much steeper arc than actual performance.
For dangerous game – grizzly and brown bear – the 2,500 ft-lbs threshold is met by all four loads inside 350 to 375 yards. Inside 200 yards, all loads deliver more than 2,900 ft-lbs – serious stopping power comparable to the 338 Lapua Magnum at the same distances.
Terminal Performance Profiles
Nosler Partition
The Nosler Partition uses a dual-core design with a copper partition ensuring the rear section retains mass and continues penetrating regardless of what the front half encounters. In gel it penetrates 16 to 22 inches with consistent mushrooming and near-complete rear-core weight retention.
For the 338 RUM, the 210-grain Partition is the fastest and flattest-shooting load, meeting the elk standard to approximately 455 yards with bullet construction that handles angled shots through heavy shoulder bone reliably. For timber elk hunting inside 300 yards where penetration on difficult angles is the priority, the Partition’s dual-core is the most field-proven choice in the lineup. At the 338 RUM’s close-range velocities, the front core expands dramatically while the rear section drives through.
Best application: Elk, moose, and large bear at 50 to 450 yards.
Nosler AccuBond
The Nosler AccuBond bonds a lead core to a tapered copper jacket, preventing separation at the 338 RUM’s high impact velocities. In gel it expands to 1.5 to 1.8 times original diameter and penetrates 16 to 20 inches with weight retention consistently above 65 percent.
For the 338 RUM, the 225-grain AccuBond is the primary long-range hunting recommendation – meeting the elk standard to approximately 490 yards with the best BC and lowest wind drift of the four loads. Its bonded construction handles close-range velocities of 2,700+ fps without core-jacket separation, and its expansion remains reliable down to 1,600 fps past 800 yards. For open-country elk and deer hunting where shots may extend to 500 yards, the AccuBond delivers the most consistent performance across the full velocity range.
Best application: Elk, moose, and deer at 75 to 500 yards. The primary all-around recommendation.
Remington Core-Lokt
The Remington Core-Lokt uses a tapered jacket that locks the lead core during expansion, providing more weight retention than a plain soft point. In gel it mushrooms consistently to 1.3 to 1.4 times original diameter and penetrates 16 to 20 inches with weight retention around 65 to 75 percent.
For the 338 RUM, the 250-grain Core-Lokt is a dependable hunting load that has proven itself on elk and moose across multiple generations of hunting. Its 250-grain mass gives it a slight energy advantage over the lighter loads at the muzzle and maintains elk-class energy to approximately 460 yards. At close range inside 200 yards, its cup-and-core construction can expand aggressively – a bonded design is preferable for shots at extreme close range on heavy-boned game. For hunting distances of 200 to 400 yards where the Core-Lokt’s construction works most predictably, it is a reliable and economical choice.
Best application: Elk and deer at 100 to 400 yards.
Barnes TSX
The Barnes TSX is an all-copper monolithic bullet expanding via four petals at 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 wound channel. At the 338 RUM’s muzzle velocities, the four copper petals open dramatically on impact.
For the 338 RUM, the 300-grain TSX is the most capable dangerous-game and moose load in the lineup. Its complete structural integrity through the heaviest bone, combined with 300-grain mass, produces the deepest and most reliable penetration from any angle. It is also the required choice for lead-free hunting zones. Its lower starting velocity of 2,400 fps means it is not the flat-shooting choice for extended range, but inside 450 yards it delivers 1,438 ft-lbs – above the elk minimum – and its all-copper construction remains reliable at all hunting velocities.
Best application: Grizzly, brown bear, moose, and elk at 50 to 450 yards. Required for lead-free zones.
Hornady SST
The Hornady SST is a polymer-tipped InterLock bullet with a tapered jacket for rapid expansion. In gel it expands to 1.5 to 1.7 times its original diameter and penetrates 14 to 18 inches with weight retention in the 70 to 80 percent range at hunting velocities.
For the 338 RUM, the SST in 225-grain is an effective deer and elk load inside 400 yards where impact velocity is above 2,000 fps and expansion is reliable. At the 338 RUM’s extreme close-range velocities, the SST can expand very aggressively on heavy bone – a bonded or monolithic bullet is more reliable inside 150 yards on large, tough game. For shots past 150 yards on deer and moderate elk at 300 to 400 yards, the SST delivers decisive terminal performance. For heavy game like moose or bear, the AccuBond, Partition, or TSX provide better structural integrity on difficult angles.
Best application: Deer and elk at 150 to 400 yards.
Practical Range Recommendations
The 338 RUM is a 500-yard elk cartridge with the right loads, delivering more energy at that distance than the 338 Winchester Magnum due to its higher velocity, and matching the 338 Lapua Magnum in practical hunting capability while fitting a standard-length belted magnum action.
Elk: The 225-grain AccuBond and 300-grain TSX meet the 1,500 ft-lbs elk standard to approximately 490 to 500 yards; the 210 and 250-grain loads to approximately 455 to 460 yards. Inside 400 yards, all four loads deliver more than 1,700 ft-lbs with comfortable margins. For open-country elk hunting in mountain terrain, the 225-grain AccuBond is the primary recommendation for its combination of flat trajectory, wind resistance, and elk-class energy to 490 yards.
Moose: Inside 450 yards with the 225-grain AccuBond or 300-grain TSX. Moose require deep, reliable penetration through large body mass, and the bonded or monolithic construction handles that reliably at 338 RUM velocities. At 400 yards, all four loads deliver more than 1,700 ft-lbs – sufficient for moose with a well-placed shot.
Grizzly and brown bear: Inside 375 yards with the Barnes TSX 300-grain or Nosler Partition 210-grain. Both loads deliver more than 2,200 ft-lbs at that distance with bullet construction that handles the most extreme bone impacts. The 338 RUM at close range on dangerous game is comparable to the 338 Lapua Magnum in terminal performance from a standard-action rifle.
Deer: All four loads exceed the 1,000 ft-lbs deer minimum past 700 yards with the heavier loads. The practical limit is the shooter’s skill. Inside 300 yards, the 338 RUM is substantially overpowered for deer but produces decisive kills with any appropriate bullet.
For context on the full .338 performance spectrum, the 338 Winchester Magnum ballistics, 338 Lapua Magnum ballistics, and 338 Federal ballistics articles cover the complete .338 family from compact to extreme-range applications.
FAQ
How does the 338 RUM compare to the 338 Winchester Magnum?
The 338 RUM generates approximately 150 to 200 fps more velocity than the 338 Winchester Magnum with comparable bullet weights, translating to roughly 400 to 500 ft-lbs more muzzle energy. The 338 Win Mag extends the elk standard to approximately 490 to 530 yards with its best loads; the 338 RUM extends it to approximately 490 to 500 yards – broadly similar, but the RUM achieves those results at substantially higher peak energy. The 338 RUM requires a longer, heavier Ultra Magnum action and produces more recoil. Barrel life is notably shorter: approximately 800 to 1,200 rounds for the RUM versus 1,500+ for the Winchester Magnum.
What is the maximum ethical elk range with the 338 RUM?
With the 225-grain AccuBond or 300-grain Barnes TSX, the 1,500 ft-lbs elk threshold is maintained to approximately 490 to 500 yards. In realistic field conditions, 450 yards is a responsible practical maximum for most hunters. Inside 400 yards all four loads deliver a comfortable elk energy margin.
How does the 338 RUM compare to the 338 Lapua Magnum?
The 338 Lapua Magnum is the superior long-range cartridge by a meaningful margin. It pushes 250-grain bullets past 2,900 fps from a 26-inch barrel versus the RUM’s 2,660 fps, maintaining the 1,500 ft-lbs elk standard past 700 yards with high-BC loads. The Lapua also has substantially longer barrel life and wider military and competition support. The 338 RUM fits a standard magnum action while the Lapua requires a long-action platform – for hunters who want 338 big-bore performance without committing to a dedicated Lapua-length action, the RUM is the compromise choice.
What is the barrel life of the 338 RUM?
Expect accuracy degradation between 800 and 1,200 rounds – among the shorter-lived commercial .338 cartridges. The 338 RUM’s extremely overbore case burns a massive powder charge through the relatively small .338-inch bore, producing significant throat erosion. Hunters who shoot 75 to 150 rounds per year will see 5 to 15 years of barrel life – acceptable for a dedicated hunting platform.
What powders work best for handloading the 338 RUM?
The 338 RUM’s very large case capacity requires the slowest-burning powders available. Hodgdon Retumbo is the most widely cited choice for 210 to 250-grain loads. Hodgdon H1000 is another consistent performer. Alliant Reloder 25 and Alliant Reloder 33 are strong alternatives with good temperature stability. IMR 7828 SSC and IMR 8133 Enduron round out the practical options. Always start 10 percent below maximum published charges – the 338 RUM operates at high pressure and reaches maximum quickly.
What primers does the 338 RUM use?
Large rifle magnum primers are required. The Federal 215 and Federal GM215M are most commonly specified. The CCI 250 is a reliable alternative. The slow-burning powders filling the 338 RUM’s large case require the hotter, sustained ignition of a magnum primer for consistent, complete combustion.
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 before any hunt. Do not apply published handload data without consulting current reloading manuals from Hodgdon, Remington, or Nosler. Never exceed maximum published charges. The author and myreloading.com assume no responsibility for misuse of this information.
Editorial note: Originally published January 2026, revised May 2026. This revision completely corrected the bullet drop table (the original presented positive drop values at 200 yards with a stated 100-yard zero, which is physically impossible – the data appeared to reference an undefined reference point rather than a field-usable zero), converted all tables to a standard 200-yard zero, corrected muzzle velocity and energy figures to reflect published factory data for the 338 RUM specifically, corrected elk range guidance from 300-400 yards to 450-500 yards based on accurate energy data, removed the suggestion that 210-grain Partition bullets are appropriate for coyotes (nonsensical for this caliber and bullet), added barrel life information, and added a velocity retention table.
