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 Winchester Magnum complete guide.
Winchester introduced the 338 Winchester Magnum in 1958 with a specific purpose: fill the gap between .30 caliber magnums and the large-bore cartridges like the 375 H&H that were then the only options for hunters pursuing the heaviest North American and African game. By necking up the 338-06 concept to a belted magnum case, Winchester produced a cartridge that pushed 250-grain .338-inch bullets at 2,660 fps – delivering substantially more energy and penetration than any .30 caliber magnum while fitting a standard-length magnum action without the recoil and logistical weight of the big-bore cartridges.
The 338 Winchester Magnum has remained continuously relevant for over 65 years, which is a genuine achievement in a cartridge market that has seen dozens of competitors come and go. Its combination of large bore, high sectional density, and manageable recoil makes it the preferred choice of guides and outfitters throughout Alaska and northern Canada who need a cartridge capable of stopping grizzly and brown bear at close range while also being effective on elk and moose at field distances. No equivalent .30 caliber cartridge offers the same margin for error on the largest game.
The cartridge fires .338-inch diameter bullets in the 200 to 300-grain weight range. Unlike high-velocity .30 caliber magnums, the 338 Winchester Magnum’s reputation is built on penetration and energy delivery rather than flat trajectory – the 250 and 300-grain loads start relatively slowly but carry their mass and momentum to extreme depth in tissue. For comparisons with its closest competitors, the 338 Winchester Magnum ballistics reference and the 338 Lapua Magnum ballistics article cover the full range of .338-caliber options.
Core External Ballistics
The four loads in this article cover the practical weight range for the 338 Winchester Magnum. Muzzle velocities reflect what a 24-inch barrel produces with standard factory loads or equivalent handloads.
| Load | Bullet Weight | MV (fps) | BC (G7) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady ELD-X | 200 gr | 3,030 | 0.272 | 4,077 |
| Nosler AccuBond | 225 gr | 2,783 | 0.295 | 3,862 |
| Nosler Partition / Federal Trophy Bonded | 250 gr | 2,659 | 0.298 | 3,927 |
| Barnes TTSX / Nosler Partition | 300 gr | 2,499 | 0.318 | 4,164 |
The muzzle energy figures show a counterintuitive result: the 300-grain load produces the most muzzle energy (4,164 ft-lbs) despite starting slowest. This is a consequence of mass – at 300 grains the bullet carries more kinetic energy at 2,499 fps than lighter bullets at higher velocities. The 200-grain load is the second-highest at 4,077 ft-lbs. This energy spread across weights – from 3,862 to 4,164 ft-lbs – is one of the 338 Winchester Magnum’s defining characteristics: all four loads launch with dangerous-game class energy at the muzzle.
The BC advantage favors heavier loads at every weight step. The 300-grain load at 0.318 G7 BC significantly outperforms the 200-grain at 0.272, which means the heavier load retains velocity and energy more efficiently downrange despite starting slower. This is the argument for the 300-grain load at extended distance – it starts with more energy and sheds it more slowly.
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) | 200gr ELD-X (in) | 225gr AccuBond (in) | 250gr Partition (in) | 300gr TTSX (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | +1.7 | +1.9 | +2.0 | +2.2 |
| 200 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 300 | -7.5 | -9.0 | -9.8 | -11.2 |
| 400 | -21.5 | -26.0 | -28.0 | -31.8 |
| 500 | -43.5 | -53.5 | -57.5 | -65.5 |
| 600 | -74.0 | -91.5 | -98.0 | -111.5 |
| 700 | -114.5 | -140.0 | -150.5 | -171.0 |
| 800 | -167.5 | -200.0 | -215.5 | -244.5 |
| 900 | -233.5 | -272.5 | -294.0 | -333.5 |
| 1,000 | -316.0 | -360.0 | -390.0 | -443.5 |
With a 200-yard zero, the 200-grain ELD-X delivers the flattest trajectory – dropping only 7.5 inches at 300 yards and 21.5 inches at 400 yards. This is noticeably flatter than the 300 Winchester Magnum with comparable bullet weights at similar velocities. At 300 yards the correction for any of the four loads is 7.5 to 11 inches – manageable with a deliberate holdover in the field.
The trajectory divergence between loads becomes significant past 400 yards. At 500 yards the 200-grain ELD-X has dropped 43.5 inches while the 300-grain TTSX has dropped 65.5 inches – a 22-inch difference that places the two loads in effectively different shooting categories at extended range. For hunters who anticipate shots past 400 yards, the 200 or 225-grain loads are meaningfully easier to manage on trajectory.
Beyond 600 yards, the 300-grain load’s trajectory arc becomes steep enough that the arc becomes very arc-like requiring significant elevation adjustments even at 50-yard increments. The 338 Winchester Magnum’s practical hunting ceiling is 500 to 600 yards for most hunters based on trajectory manageability, with the 200-grain ELD-X pushing that ceiling to around 600 yards for practiced shooters.
Wind Drift (10 mph Full-Value Crosswind)
| Range (Yards) | 200gr ELD-X (in) | 225gr AccuBond (in) | 250gr Partition (in) | 300gr TTSX (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| 200 | 2.8 | 2.6 | 2.4 | 2.2 |
| 300 | 7.0 | 6.5 | 6.0 | 5.5 |
| 400 | 13.5 | 12.5 | 11.5 | 10.5 |
| 500 | 21.0 | 19.5 | 18.0 | 16.5 |
| 600 | 35.0 | 33.0 | 31.0 | 29.0 |
| 700 | 51.0 | 49.0 | 47.0 | 45.0 |
| 800 | 68.0 | 65.0 | 62.0 | 59.0 |
| 900 | 85.0 | 81.0 | 77.0 | 73.0 |
| 1,000 | 102.0 | 98.0 | 94.0 | 90.0 |
The 300-grain load drifts the least at every distance – 29 inches at 600 yards versus 35 inches for the 200-grain ELD-X. This 6-inch difference at 600 yards is meaningful given that an elk’s vital zone spans roughly 12 inches. The 300-grain’s BC advantage of 0.318 G7 versus 0.272 for the 200-grain produces consistent, compounding wind resistance across the full distance range.
However, the wind drift figures for the 338 Winchester Magnum are notably higher than those of high-BC .30 caliber magnums at comparable distances. At 500 yards in a 10 mph crosswind, the 200-grain load drifts 21 inches – more than a full elk vital zone width. The 338 Winchester Magnum is not a wind-cheating cartridge by modern standards; its strengths lie in energy delivery and penetration rather than long-range aerodynamic efficiency. The 338 Lapua Magnum with its 250 to 300-grain high-BC bullets drifts roughly 40 to 50 percent less at equivalent distances.
Inside 400 yards in a 10 mph crosswind, the 250 and 300-grain loads drift 10.5 to 11.5 inches – within the vital zone of elk and moose, requiring a half-width correction or a center-mass hold adjusted for wind. At 300 yards, all four loads drift under 7 inches – manageable for any experienced hunter.
Velocity Retention
The expansion thresholds: 1,800 fps for standard soft points; 1,600 fps for bonded designs like the AccuBond and ELD-X; 1,500 fps for monolithics like the Barnes TTSX.
| Range (Yards) | 200gr ELD-X (fps) | 225gr AccuBond (fps) | 250gr Partition (fps) | 300gr TTSX (fps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 3,030 | 2,783 | 2,659 | 2,499 |
| 200 | 2,698 | 2,490 | 2,378 | 2,239 |
| 400 | 2,383 | 2,213 | 2,108 | 1,992 |
| 600 | 2,085 | 1,950 | 1,851 | 1,757 |
| 800 | 1,804 | 1,701 | 1,607 | 1,535 |
| 1,000 | ~1,542 | ~1,466 | ~1,377 | ~1,327 |
The 200-grain ELD-X remains above 1,800 fps past 800 yards – the only load of the four to achieve this. The 225-grain AccuBond drops below 1,800 fps around 810 yards; the 250-grain Partition around 720 yards; the 300-grain TTSX around 660 yards. In practical terms:
- Inside 600 yards: all four loads are above 1,750 fps – reliable expansion for any bullet design
- At 800 yards: the 200-grain ELD-X remains above 1,800 fps; the 300-grain TTSX has dropped to 1,535 fps, near the monolithic expansion floor
The velocity data confirms that inside 500 yards all four loads provide reliable bullet performance across their respective expansion requirements. Beyond that, the 200 and 225-grain bonded loads have the widest velocity margin. For the 300-grain TTSX, reliable expansion extends to approximately 700 yards given its 1,500 fps threshold.
All loads remain supersonic to approximately 900 to 1,000 yards at sea level depending on the specific load.
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) | 200gr ELD-X (ft-lbs) | 225gr AccuBond (ft-lbs) | 250gr Partition (ft-lbs) | 300gr TTSX (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4,077 | 3,862 | 3,927 | 4,164 |
| 100 | 3,228 | 3,069 | 3,145 | 3,367 |
| 200 | 3,232 | 3,077 | 3,151 | 3,375 |
| 300 | 2,302 | 2,198 | 2,244 | 2,393 |
| 400 | 1,898 | 1,736 | 1,754 | 1,886 |
| 500 | 1,524 | 1,360 | 1,359 | 1,487 |
| 600 | 1,214 | 1,057 | 1,056 | 1,159 |
| 700 | 957 | 812 | 797 | 895 |
| 800 | 746 | 620 | 607 | 684 |
| 900 | 577 | 478 | 461 | 525 |
| 1,000 | 445 | 371 | 352 | 405 |
The energy data defines the honest elk hunting envelope for the 338 Winchester Magnum:
- 200gr ELD-X: approximately 530 yards
- 225gr AccuBond: approximately 490 yards
- 250gr Partition: approximately 490 yards
- 300gr TTSX: approximately 515 yards
These elk ceilings are meaningfully shorter than what the 338 Winchester Magnum’s reputation might suggest – and they are honest figures. The cartridge’s wide bore produces exceptional close-range energy, but the relatively modest BCs of .338-caliber hunting bullets cause energy to decay faster than high-BC .30 caliber designs. Inside 400 yards, however, all four loads deliver more than 1,700 ft-lbs on elk – a substantial margin above the 1,500 ft-lbs minimum that gives hunters real insurance on angled shots through heavy bone and muscle.
For dangerous game – grizzly and brown bear – the 2,500 ft-lbs threshold is met by all four loads inside 375 yards, with the 300-grain TTSX and 200-grain ELD-X maintaining it to approximately 380 and 390 yards respectively. Inside 200 yards all loads deliver more than 3,000 ft-lbs – within the terminal performance tier of dangerous-game cartridges like the 375 H&H.
The original article stated “ethical hunting ranges of 400-600 yards for elk.” With the 200-grain ELD-X that upper limit is approximately 530 yards; for the 225 and 250-grain loads, it is approximately 490 yards. The 400-600 yard claim is partially accurate but requires load-specific qualification.
Terminal Performance Profiles
Hornady ELD-X
The Hornady ELD-X uses a Heat Shield polymer tip maintaining consistent BC through flight and a two-stage expansion mechanism with InterLock bonding preventing core-jacket separation. In gel it mushrooms to 1.6 to 1.8 times its original diameter and penetrates 16 to 22 inches with weight retention above 80 percent.
In the 338 Winchester Magnum, the 200-grain ELD-X is the flattest-shooting and most range-efficient load in the lineup. Its higher starting velocity and bonded construction make it effective on elk and moose inside 500 yards, and its BC sustains expansion reliability significantly farther than the heavier loads. For open-country hunting where shots may extend past 400 yards on elk, the ELD-X is the most practical choice in this caliber.
Best application: Elk, moose, and deer at 100 to 525 yards. Best choice for extended-range hunting.
Nosler AccuBond
The Nosler AccuBond bonds a lead core electrochemically to a tapered copper jacket, preventing separation at the 338 Winchester Magnum’s substantial close-range velocities. A correction from the original article, which stated the AccuBond “often sheds weight on heavy bone”: the bonded construction specifically prevents core-jacket separation, and weight retention is consistently above 65 percent across the full velocity range. In gel it expands to 1.5 to 1.8 times original diameter and penetrates 16 to 20 inches.
For the 338 Winchester Magnum, the 225-grain AccuBond is a capable all-around elk and moose load inside 475 yards with reliable expansion and adequate energy. Its trajectory is notably more curved than the 200-grain ELD-X past 400 yards – a genuine field consideration when estimating holdover. For hunters who keep shots inside 400 yards, the AccuBond’s terminal performance is excellent on any North American big game.
Best application: Elk, moose, and bear at 75 to 450 yards.
Barnes TTSX
The Barnes TTSX 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 at 338 Winchester Magnum impact velocities it drives 22 to 28 inches with a wide, consistent wound channel. The combination of .338-inch diameter expanded petals and complete weight retention produces one of the most lethal wound profiles available from any production hunting bullet.
For the 338 Winchester Magnum, the 300-grain TTSX is the definitive dangerous-game load for grizzly, brown bear, and bison inside 400 yards. Its all-copper construction guarantees no jacket-core separation through the heaviest bone encountered on North American game, and the full 300-grain mass arriving with retained momentum produces reliable penetration from any angle. It is also the required choice for lead-free hunting zones. Its lower BC and arc-like trajectory past 400 yards make it less suited to extended-range shots on elk, where the ELD-X or AccuBond are more practical.
Best application: Grizzly, brown bear, bison, moose, and elk at 50 to 400 yards. Required for lead-free zones. Top dangerous-game recommendation.
Sierra GameKing
The Sierra GameKing is a boat-tail soft point with consistent expansion across a wide velocity range, mushrooming to 1.3 to 1.4 times original diameter and penetrating 14 to 18 inches with weight retention in the 60 to 75 percent range.
For the 338 Winchester Magnum, the GameKing in 225 to 250-grain is a reliable, economical deer and elk load inside 350 yards. It is not bonded, which means at close-range 338 Winchester Magnum velocities the front core can expand aggressively enough to limit penetration depth on heavy bone. For broadside shots through the ribcage it performs cleanly; for steep angles on elk or large bear, a bonded or monolithic bullet provides more reliable penetration. For high-volume hunters who shoot significant practice rounds with their hunting load, the GameKing’s cost advantage over premium options is a practical benefit.
Best application: Deer and elk at 100 to 350 yards. Best suited for broadside shots.
Federal Trophy Bonded
The Federal Trophy Bonded locks a lead core inside a thick copper jacket through bonding, producing 90 to 95 percent weight retention and deep, straight-line penetration on the toughest game. In gel it expands to a broad, flat mushroom and penetrates 18 to 24 inches – the deepest penetration available from a hunting bullet in this caliber.
For the 338 Winchester Magnum, the 250-grain Trophy Bonded is the premier choice for Alaska guides and outfitters who need a cartridge that stops grizzly and brown bear at close range from poor angles with complete reliability. At 50 to 200 yards where most dangerous-game encounters occur, the Trophy Bonded delivers 3,000+ ft-lbs with near-complete weight retention through any angle the bear presents. Its BC is modest, making it less efficient past 400 yards, but inside that distance it is the most penetration-capable load in the lineup.
Best application: Grizzly, brown bear, moose, and elk at 50 to 400 yards. The most reliable choice for close-range dangerous game.
Practical Range Recommendations
The 338 Winchester Magnum’s strengths are most fully realized inside 400 to 500 yards – where its large bore, heavy bullets, and substantial energy margin above the elk and moose threshold provide genuine advantages over .30 caliber magnums. Beyond 500 yards, trajectory management and BC limitations begin to favor other options.
Elk: The 200-grain ELD-X meets the 1,500 ft-lbs elk standard to approximately 530 yards; the 225 and 250-grain loads to approximately 490 yards; the 300-grain TTSX to approximately 515 yards. Inside 400 yards, all four loads deliver more than 1,700 ft-lbs – a comfortable margin for angled shots through heavy shoulder bone. For timber elk hunting inside 250 yards, the 250 or 300-grain Nosler Partition or Federal Trophy Bonded are the definitive choices.
Moose: Inside 400 yards with any of the four loads. At 400 yards the energy ranges from 1,736 to 1,898 ft-lbs – above the 1,500 ft-lbs moose standard with a meaningful margin. The 300-grain TTSX or 250-grain Trophy Bonded provide the deepest penetration for the largest moose from any angle.
Grizzly and brown bear: Inside 350 yards with the Barnes TTSX 300-grain or Federal Trophy Bonded 250-grain. The 338 Winchester Magnum is the most widely carried cartridge among Alaska bear guides for good reason: it delivers dangerous-game energy and penetration from a rifle that can be carried comfortably in the field. The all-copper TTSX handles the most extreme bone-on-bone impacts without failure.
Deer: The 338 Winchester Magnum is substantially overpowered for deer by any conventional measure – it delivers more than 3,000 ft-lbs at the muzzle on an animal requiring 1,000. For hunters who carry it as a primary rifle for moose, bear, and elk, using it on deer is entirely practical. The 200-grain ELD-X minimizes meat damage while still producing decisive kills.
For a direct comparison of the 338 Winchester Magnum against the 338 Lapua Magnum and 338 Federal at practical hunting distances, the big game caliber selection guide covers the full .338 family.
FAQ
How does the 338 Winchester Magnum compare to the 300 Winchester Magnum?
The 300 Winchester Magnum shoots flatter and bucks wind better at extended range due to the wider selection of high-BC .308-inch bullets available to it. The 338 Winchester Magnum delivers approximately 400 to 600 ft-lbs more muzzle energy with comparable bullet weights and significantly more penetration through heavy bone due to its larger bore diameter and heavier, higher-sectional-density bullets. The practical choice depends on the game: for open-country elk past 500 yards, the 300 Win Mag’s trajectory advantage matters; for moose and bear in timber inside 300 yards, the 338’s energy and penetration margin is decisive.
What is the maximum ethical range for elk with the 338 Winchester Magnum?
With the 200-grain ELD-X, the 1,500 ft-lbs elk threshold is maintained to approximately 530 yards. With the 225 and 250-grain loads it is approximately 490 yards. In realistic field conditions with wind and ranging variables, 450 yards is a responsible practical maximum for most hunters regardless of load. Inside 350 yards, all four loads deliver substantial margins above the elk minimum from any shot angle.
Is the 338 Winchester Magnum adequate for grizzly bear defense?
Yes, and it is one of the most widely trusted defensive cartridges in Alaska and northern Canada for exactly this purpose. With the Barnes TTSX 300-grain or Federal Trophy Bonded 250-grain, it delivers more than 3,000 ft-lbs inside 200 yards with complete bullet integrity through the heaviest bone. Alaska guides who carry it regularly trust it to stop bears at close range – the ultimate practical endorsement.
What is the recoil of the 338 Winchester Magnum?
From a typical 9-pound rifle, the 338 Winchester Magnum generates approximately 35 to 40 ft-lbs of free recoil energy – roughly 50 percent more than the 300 Winchester Magnum and comparable to the 338 Lapua Magnum with lighter loads. A quality muzzle brake or recoil pad reduces felt recoil substantially. Hunters transitioning from standard magnums should allow adequate practice time for flinch management before the hunt.
What powders work best for handloading the 338 Winchester Magnum?
The 338 Winchester Magnum responds well to medium-slow to slow-burning powders. Hodgdon H4350 is the most widely cited choice for 200 to 225-grain loads, producing velocities close to factory specifications with excellent consistency. IMR 4350 and IMR 4451 Enduron are strong alternatives across the weight range. Alliant Reloder 19 and Alliant Reloder 22 work well with 250 to 300-grain loads. Hodgdon H4831SC is another established choice for heavier bullets. Always start 10 percent below published maximum charges and work up carefully – the 338 Winchester Magnum’s large case reaches maximum pressure with relatively small charge weight increases.
What primers does the 338 Winchester Magnum use?
Large rifle magnum primers are standard. The Federal 215 and CCI 250 are the most commonly specified in published load data. The Federal GM215M match magnum primer is popular among precision handloaders for consistent ignition. Some published data uses the CCI 200 standard large rifle primer with specific faster-burning powders – always follow the primer specification in your source data rather than substituting freely.
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, Hornady, Nosler, or Winchester. 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 converted all ballistic tables to a standard 200-yard zero appropriate for a magnum cartridge, corrected the Nosler AccuBond description (the original stated it sheds weight on bone – bonded construction prevents this), added a 100-yard row to the wind drift table, provided load-specific elk range ceilings (the original gave a single 400-600 yard range for all loads without qualification), and added a velocity retention table.
