Published: 2024 | Last updated: June 2026
Introduction
Lapua introduced the MaxRange Target in 2025, making it the newest bullet in this review series and one of the most recently released commercial precision match bullets available. Lapua – technically Nammo Lapua Oy, headquartered in Schönebeck, Germany, with manufacturing in Finland and Austria – has been the reference standard for precision match brass since the 1980s. Lapua cases are the default choice for F-Class, PRS, NRL, and ELR competition across virtually every caliber the company offers. The Lapua Scenar and Lapua Scenar-L match bullets have held reference status in long-range competition since before most current competitors were born. Lapua also produces the Lapua Lock-Base for tactical applications and the Lapua TRX for lead-free requirements.
The MaxRange Target is Lapua’s answer to the high-BC OTM competition that emerged over the past decade from designs like the Hornady ELD-M and Nosler RDF. While the Scenar-L is a proven, conservative HPBT with BCs in the 0.300 to 0.600 range, the MaxRange Target pushes those figures to 0.519 to 0.670 – a meaningful step up in aerodynamic efficiency that opens the door to competitive performance at 1,000 yards and beyond from cartridges like 6.5 Creedmoor and 308 Winchester.
One clarification from the original article: the MaxRange Target is described there as suitable for hunting deer, antelope, and elk. This is incorrect. The MaxRange Target is an OTM (Open Tip Match) bullet. The open tip is an accuracy feature – a consequence of the jacket-draw manufacturing process that produces a consistent meplat – not an expansion-initiating hunting mechanism. Using this bullet to hunt game animals, especially in jurisdictions requiring expanding bullets, is not the intended application. Lapua’s hunting bullets are the Lapua Mega and Lapua Naturalis.
The current lineup covers just two variants: a 144-grain .264-inch for 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC competition, and a 175-grain .308-inch for 308 Winchester F-Class and High Power competition. The narrow focus is deliberate – Lapua is entering the high-BC OTM market with the two weight-caliber combinations that dominate the most active global competition formats, rather than releasing an incomplete broad lineup before the designs have been validated at the competition level.
Disclaimer: Reloading is an inherently dangerous activity. Always consult current published load data from reputable sources (Lapua, Hodgdon, Hornady, Lyman) before loading any cartridge. Start at minimum charges and work up carefully while watching for pressure signs. Never exceed maximum published loads. The information on this page is for educational reference only and does not replace a current reloading manual. The MaxRange Target was introduced in 2025 and load data availability from third-party manual publishers may be limited – check Lapua’s own reloading data at lapua.com as the primary source.
Technical Characteristics
The MaxRange Target’s construction follows the OTM architecture common to the Lapua Scenar-L, Sierra MatchKing, and Nosler RDF, with specific design choices oriented toward higher BC than the Scenar-L achieves.
OTM construction: Open Tip Match bullets are made by drawing the jacket from the base upward, leaving a small opening at the tip that is an unavoidable byproduct of this manufacturing method. The tip opening creates a consistent, minimal meplat – far smaller than a conventional soft-point’s exposed lead tip – which reduces drag and BC variation between individual bullets in a box. The jacket wall is not thinned near the opening to facilitate hunting expansion; the opening simply exists as a geometric consequence of the process.
High-performance profile: The MaxRange Target uses a secant ogive profile extended further forward than the Scenar-L’s profile, giving each bullet a longer, more tapered nose section that reduces aerodynamic drag. This extended ogive is the primary mechanism behind the BC increase from 0.519-0.600 for the Scenar-L’s comparable weights to 0.519-0.670 for the MaxRange Target. The tradeoff of a longer secant ogive is the familiar sensitivity to seating depth – the MaxRange Target requires careful seating depth optimization to realize its accuracy potential.
Boat-tail base: The boat-tail reduces base drag and contributes to the high BCs across both variants. Lapua describes this as an optimized boat-tail specifically designed for the MaxRange Target’s ogive profile, rather than using the same boat-tail geometry as the Scenar-L.
C.I.P. standard compliance: Lapua designs to C.I.P. (Commission Internationale Permanente) chamber specifications rather than SAAMI. For most practical reloading purposes, C.I.P. and SAAMI chambers are close enough that this distinction does not affect loading safety, but there are small differences in maximum case dimensions and headspace tolerances. Shooters with SAAMI-spec chambers should use SAAMI-derived load data; shooters with C.I.P.-spec chambers (common in European rifles) can reference C.I.P.-specific data. The MaxRange Target’s dimensions are designed to feed and chamber reliably in both C.I.P. and SAAMI chambers, which is standard practice for Lapua bullets intended for global distribution.
Precision manufacturing: Lapua applies the same tight manufacturing tolerances to the MaxRange Target that define the Scenar-L’s competition reputation. Core weight consistency, jacket concentricity, and meplat uniformity are controlled to the standards associated with Lapua’s match bullet production. Given the Scenar-L’s 0.2 to 0.5 MOA accuracy performance in quality barrels, the MaxRange Target targets the same accuracy tier with the BC advantage of the updated profile.
No bonding, no polymer tip: The MaxRange Target is a conventional OTM with no chemical bonding, no polymer tip, and no core retention mechanism beyond jacket geometry. This is standard for precision match bullets across all manufacturers – the accuracy requirements of competition shooting prioritize dimensional consistency over terminal performance features that add construction complexity.
Ballistics and Performance
Two variants with G1 BCs of 0.519 and 0.670 represent Lapua’s current entry into the high-BC OTM category.
The 144-grain .264-inch MaxRange Target at G1 BC 0.670 and SD 0.295 is the higher-profile of the two variants. BC 0.670 at 144 grains is directly competitive with the Nosler RDF 150-grain .264-inch at BC 0.670 and slightly above the Nosler RDF 140-grain at BC 0.658. The Hornady ELD-M 147-grain at BC 0.697 exceeds it slightly – a 4% BC advantage that translates to approximately 1 inch less wind deflection at 1,000 yards in a 10 mph crosswind. Whether that difference appears in competition scores depends on precision of wind reading and shot execution that vary between shooters far more than 1 inch.
From 6.5 Creedmoor at 2,650 fps, the 144-grain MaxRange Target retains approximately 2,010 fps at 700 yards – still supersonic with 5.5 inches less lateral drift at that distance compared to the Lapua Scenar-L 139-grain at BC approximately 0.615. SD 0.295 is higher than the Scenar-L’s 139-grain at SD 0.285, which is a small additional mass advantage.
The 175-grain .308-inch MaxRange Target at G1 BC 0.519 and SD 0.264 is targeted directly at the F-Class and High Power rifle market. BC 0.519 is above the Sierra MatchKing 175-grain at approximately BC 0.505 but below the Nosler RDF 175-grain at BC 0.536. From 308 Winchester at 2,650 fps, the MaxRange Target 175-grain remains supersonic to approximately 950 yards – reaching the 1,000-yard competitive range limit in marginal conditions. For 1,000-yard 308 Winchester competition, the Nosler RDF 175-grain or Hornady ELD-M 178-grain provide a more comfortable supersonic margin in variable conditions.
Accuracy of 0.4 to 0.7 MOA is achievable in well-tuned bolt rifles with properly developed loads – consistent with the Scenar-L’s performance tier and competitive with the RDF and ELD-M at equivalent distances.
Expert Ballistics Table – Lapua MaxRange Target Variants
Data from Lapua specifications. BCs are G1 values. Verify current figures on lapua.com before load development. These are OTM match bullets – not suitable for hunting applications requiring expanding bullets.
| Diameter (inches) | Weight (grains) | BC (G1) | Sectional Density | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .264 | 144 | 0.670 | 0.295 | 6.5 Creedmoor / 6.5 PRC PRS / NRL / 1,000-yard match |
| .308 | 175 | 0.519 | 0.264 | 308 Winchester F-Class / High Power rifle |
Comparison Bullets
The MaxRange Target’s two-variant lineup means the comparisons are focused – there are exactly two competitive questions to answer: how does the 144-grain 6.5mm MaxRange Target compare to alternatives in that weight class, and how does the 175-grain .308-inch compare to alternatives at that weight?
6.5mm 144-grain comparison:
The Lapua Scenar-L 139-grain is Lapua’s in-house reference for this caliber range, with BC approximately 0.615. Competitive shooters using 6mm Dasher or 6mm GT for PRS/NRL competition will note that the MaxRange Target currently does not cover .243-inch – those shooters should reference the Nosler RDF 105 and 115-grain options or Lapua Scenar-L in .243-inch. The MaxRange Target 144-grain at BC 0.670 is a meaningful step up from the Scenar-L – 9% higher BC – which at 1,000 yards produces approximately 2.5 to 3 inches less wind deflection in a 10 mph crosswind. For competitive shooters who are already using Lapua brass and Scenar-L bullets and want to upgrade aerodynamic performance without changing manufacturers, the MaxRange Target is the logical next step. The Scenar-L’s longer competition history means more load data is available from other shooters; the MaxRange Target is new enough that barrel-specific data is still accumulating in the community.
The Hornady ELD-M 147-grain at BC 0.697 has a 4% BC advantage over the MaxRange Target 144-grain at BC 0.670. At 1,000 yards in a 10 mph crosswind, this advantage is approximately 1 inch of wind deflection. Within the precision of most competition shooting, this difference is in the noise. The ELD-M’s Heat Shield tip addresses aerodynamic heating-induced BC drift, while the MaxRange Target’s OTM design relies on its consistent meplat geometry instead. Neither approach is demonstrably superior in published competition data.
The Nosler RDF 140-grain at BC 0.658 is marginally below the MaxRange Target 144-grain at BC 0.670, and the RDF 150-grain at BC 0.670 is essentially identical in BC. The RDF’s compound ogive provides seating-depth forgiveness that the MaxRange Target’s secant ogive does not – a practical advantage for field precision rifle shooters. The MaxRange Target benefits from Lapua’s manufacturing reputation and is a natural pairing with Lapua brass.
The Berger Hybrid Target 140-grain .264-inch at approximately BC 0.617 is below the MaxRange Target’s BC at this weight class, but the Berger’s compound ogive provides the same seating-depth tolerance advantage as the RDF. For PRS/NRL competition where loading conditions may be less controlled, the Berger or RDF’s compound ogive is a practical benefit the MaxRange Target does not offer.
.308-inch 175-grain comparison:
The Lapua Scenar-L 175-grain is available at BC approximately 0.505 – the MaxRange Target at 0.519 is a modest but real improvement. For 1,000-yard 308 Winchester competition where supersonic stability to the target is critical, every BC point contributes to a more comfortable margin.
The Sierra MatchKing 175-grain at BC approximately 0.505 is the historical standard for 308 Winchester competition. The MatchKing has half a century of validated load data across every major competition format. The MaxRange Target’s slightly higher BC (0.519 vs 0.505) is a real but small advantage. Whether a given barrel prefers the MaxRange Target or the MatchKing is entirely an empirical question – some barrels show clear preferences and some do not.
The Nosler RDF 175-grain at BC 0.536 and the Hornady ELD-M 178-grain at BC 0.547 both offer higher BCs than the MaxRange Target 175-grain at BC 0.519. For 1,000-yard 308 Winchester competition where supersonic margin is the primary concern, the RDF or ELD-M have a meaningful edge over both the MaxRange Target and the MatchKing.
Comparison Table – High-BC OTM Match Bullets
| Bullet | Diameter Range | Weight Range | BC Range | Tip Type | Seating Depth Sensitivity | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lapua MaxRange Target | .264-.308 | 144-175 gr | 0.519-0.670 | OTM (open tip) | High (secant ogive) | Premium |
| Lapua Scenar-L | .224-.338 | 69-300 gr | 0.300-0.600 | OTM (open tip) | Moderate | Premium |
| Hornady ELD-M | .224-.338 | 52-285 gr | 0.398-0.822 | Heat Shield polymer | High (secant) | Mid |
| Nosler RDF | .224-.338 | 70-300 gr | 0.398-0.826 | OTM (minimal meplat) | Low-Moderate (compound ogive) | Mid |
| Sierra MatchKing | .224-.338 | 52-300 gr | 0.300-0.600 | OTM (open tip) | Moderate | Mid |
| Berger Hybrid Target | .224-.338 | 105-215 gr | 0.450-0.700 | OTM (open tip) | Low-Moderate (compound ogive) | Mid-high |
Applications
The MaxRange Target serves precision long-range target shooting in two specific competitive contexts.
PRS, NRL, and 1,000-yard 6.5mm competition (.264-inch, 144 grains): The 144-grain MaxRange Target in 6.5 Creedmoor or 6.5 PRC is directly positioned for the most active precision rifle competition formats. BC 0.670 at 144 grains is competitive with the best available 6.5mm match bullets, and Lapua’s manufacturing reputation backs that figure with production consistency.
For 6.5 Creedmoor, the 144-grain MaxRange Target requires 1:8 twist to stabilize fully at its length – this matches the standard twist rate of most current 6.5 Creedmoor factory barrels. It will also function in 260 Remington chambers with 1:8 twist barrels, though the smaller case capacity limits velocity compared to 6.5 Creedmoor. 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser rifles with older 1:9 or 1:10 twists will not stabilize the 144-grain reliably – confirm twist rate before ordering. Hodgdon H4350 and Alliant Reloder 16 are the dominant powder choices for this weight class in 6.5 Creedmoor. Alliant Reloder 23 and Hodgdon H4831SC are appropriate for the larger case capacity of 6.5 PRC.
A practical note for competitive shooters: the 144-grain MaxRange Target is a natural bullet for Lapua 6.5 Creedmoor cases, which are the reference standard for this cartridge. Pairing Lapua brass with Lapua bullets is not strictly necessary, but it simplifies troubleshooting when case-to-bullet dimensional compatibility questions arise in load development.
F-Class and High Power .308 (.308-inch, 175 grains): The 175-grain MaxRange Target in 308 Winchester targets the standard competition weight for High Power and F-TR formats. It is not designed for the 30-06 Springfield which operates at higher pressure with a longer case – load data is specific to 308 Winchester and 308 Winchester-based cartridges. For competitive shooters interested in other Lapua .308-inch options, the Lapua FMJ covers training and service rifle formats. BC 0.519 is competitive with the historical standard Sierra MatchKing 175-grain at BC 0.505 and above the Lapua Scenar-L in this weight.
The 175-grain is accommodated by the standard 1:10 twist of most 308 Winchester factory barrels. Hodgdon Varget remains the most widely used powder for this weight in 308 Winchester competition, with Hodgdon H4895 and Alliant Reloder 15 as common alternatives.
For shooters who already use Lapua brass in 308 Winchester – which is a natural choice given Lapua’s brass reputation – the MaxRange Target bullet completes a Lapua-sourced match load that simplifies troubleshooting and provides consistent dimensional pairings.
Reloading
The MaxRange Target is a 2025 introduction, which means published third-party load data in standard manuals (Hornady, Sierra, Hodgdon) may not yet include this specific bullet. The primary load data source is Lapua’s own reloading data at lapua.com. For cartridges and bullet weights where Lapua-specific data is not available, data from comparable OTM bullets of the same diameter and weight from Sierra MatchKing, Lapua Scenar-L, or Nosler Custom Competition serves as a starting reference – begin 5% below the published minimum for the comparable bullet and work up carefully.
Primers: Match-grade primers are the standard for MaxRange Target loads. For 308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor, Federal GM210M and CCI BR-2 are the reference choices among competitive shooters. CCI 200, Federal 210, Remington 9-1/2, and Winchester WLR are standard-grade alternatives where match primers are unavailable or budget is a constraint. For small rifle primer applications – 223 Remington or similar – Federal GM205M and CCI BR-4 are the match-grade equivalents, though these are not required for the current MaxRange Target lineup’s 6.5 Creedmoor and 308 Winchester focus. For 6.5 PRC magnum applications, CCI 250 or Federal 215 magnum primers are appropriate for large powder charges with slow-burning propellants.
Cases: Lapua brass is the natural and recommended pairing for a Lapua match bullet. For 6.5 Creedmoor, Lapua brass is widely available and provides the dimensional consistency expected from the brand. For 308 Winchester, Lapua, Federal GM, and Lapua Palma brass are all standard competition choices. Anneal cases at regular intervals for consistent neck tension across firings. Weight-sort new brass before initial loading for best ES results. For precision competitors who use a hand priming tool, the RCBS Hand Priming Tool and Frankford Arsenal Hand Priming Tool are common choices for seating primers to a consistent depth – primer seating depth contributes directly to ES in match loads. Remington 9-1/2M is the magnum large rifle primer for 6.5 PRC applications where CCI and Federal equivalents are unavailable.
Seating depth: The MaxRange Target’s secant ogive creates strong seating depth sensitivity – a 0.010-inch change will produce measurable accuracy differences in most quality barrels. Start at 0.020 inches off the lands and test across 0.010-inch increments. Allow adequate time in load development to find the accuracy node before committing to a competition load. Unlike the Nosler RDF and Berger Hybrid Target with their compound ogives, the MaxRange Target does not have designed-in seating depth tolerance – treat it like the Hornady ELD-M in terms of seating depth sensitivity.
No crimp: Match bullets are not crimped. Rely on neck tension alone. Crimping introduces dimensional variation that undermines the precision the MaxRange Target is designed to deliver.
For shooters in the Lapua ecosystem who favor European components, Vihtavuori N550 and Vihtavuori N150 are alternatives to Hodgdon H4350 for the 144-grain 6.5mm, and Vihtavuori N540 is a competitive option for the 175-grain .308-inch alongside Hodgdon Varget. Vihtavuori is a Finnish manufacturer – the same country as Lapua’s production facilities – and is a natural pairing for shooters who source European components.
No meplat preparation: The MaxRange Target’s OTM construction produces a consistent meplat without requiring uniforming – similar to the Nosler RDF in this respect. The meplat uniforming step that is recommended for Sierra MatchKing bullets is not needed. The meplat uniforming step that is recommended for Sierra MatchKing bullets is not needed.
Powder Selection by Application:
| Application | Caliber | Bullet Weight | Recommended Powders |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRS / NRL / 1000yd | 6.5 Creedmoor | 144 gr | Hodgdon H4350, Alliant Reloder 16, Alliant Reloder 23 |
| 1000yd match | 6.5 PRC | 144 gr | Alliant Reloder 23, Hodgdon H4831SC, Alliant Reloder 26 |
| F-Class / High Power | 308 Win | 175 gr | Hodgdon Varget, Hodgdon H4895, Alliant Reloder 15 |
| High Power 308 alt | 308 Win | 175 gr | IMR 4064, Winchester Staball Match, Vihtavuori N140 |
Reloading Parameters Summary:
| Parameter | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Neck tension | 0.002-0.004 inch interference |
| Seating depth | Start 0.020 inch off lands; test 0.010-inch increments – high sensitivity |
| Crimp | Never – match bullets are not crimped |
| Meplat preparation | None required |
| ES target | Under 12 fps for competitive loads |
| SD target | Under 5 fps for competitive loads |
| Twist – 144 gr .264 | 1:8 minimum |
| Twist – 175 gr .308 | 1:10 standard |
| Load data source | Lapua at lapua.com (primary); comparable OTM bullet data as reference |
Load data note: As a 2025 introduction, Lapua-specific MaxRange Target data from lapua.com is the primary and most reliable source. Third-party manual coverage may be limited at the time of reading. Where Lapua data does not cover your specific cartridge, use Lapua Scenar-L or Sierra MatchKing data for comparable bullet weight as a starting reference, beginning 5% below published minimum charges.
Conclusion
The Lapua MaxRange Target is a precision OTM match bullet from a manufacturer whose brass is the reference standard for serious long-range competition. The two-variant lineup – 144-grain .264-inch and 175-grain .308-inch – covers the two most active global competition formats with BCs competitive with the Hornady ELD-M and Nosler RDF.
For competitive shooters who are already in the Lapua ecosystem – using Lapua brass, familiar with Lapua’s quality standards, and wanting to consolidate components – the MaxRange Target is the logical upgrade from the Lapua Scenar-L when higher BC is the goal. BC 0.670 for the 144-grain 6.5mm is genuinely competitive with the best available options in that weight class.
The practical limitations are clear: only two calibers currently available, secant ogive with high seating depth sensitivity, limited third-party load data given the 2025 introduction date, and a premium price consistent with Lapua’s positioning across their product line. These are honest constraints, not disqualifying ones – but shooters who need a wider caliber range or compound-ogive seating tolerance should look at the Nosler RDF or Berger Hybrid Target instead.
Choose the MaxRange Target if: you compete in PRS, NRL, F-Class, or 1,000-yard formats with 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, or 308 Winchester; you are already using Lapua brass and want a Lapua match bullet to pair with it; you want to upgrade BC from the Scenar-L without changing manufacturers; or you want a bullet backed by Lapua’s manufacturing reputation at the high-BC OTM tier.
Choose something else if: you need a hunting bullet – the Lapua Mega and Lapua Naturalis are the appropriate Lapua hunting options. If you need calibers beyond 6.5mm and .308-inch, the Hornady ELD-M, Nosler RDF, Hornady A-Tip Match, or Sierra MatchKing cover a wider range. If seating depth sensitivity is a practical concern, the compound-ogive designs from Nosler and Berger offer more tolerance. If maximum published BC regardless of manufacturer is the priority, the Hornady ELD-M 147-grain at BC 0.697 and the Nosler RDF 300-grain .338-inch at BC 0.826 extend beyond what the MaxRange Target currently offers.
For competitive shooters in the Lapua ecosystem who want the highest-BC option the company offers, the MaxRange Target delivers it.
Disclaimer: Reloading involves inherent risks. Always use current load data from published sources. The MaxRange Target is a 2025 introduction – verify current load data availability at lapua.com before beginning load development, and do not assume third-party manual coverage is complete. Start below minimum charges and increase gradually. Wear eye protection at all times. The MaxRange Target is an OTM match bullet, not suitable for hunting applications requiring expanding projectiles. The author and myreloading.com are not responsible for injuries or property damage resulting from reloading or shooting handloaded ammunition.
Have you loaded and shot the Lapua MaxRange Target? Leave a comment with the details: caliber, cartridge, powder, charge, primer, case brand, seating depth, and what ES/SD and group sizes you achieved at what distance. Direct comparisons with the Lapua Scenar-L or Hornady ELD-M in the same barrel are especially useful. As a 2025 introduction, the community’s accumulated load data is still thin – early adopter accounts are disproportionately valuable for other shooters considering the switch.
Editorial note: Originally published 2024, revised June 2026. The update corrected the original article’s classification of the MaxRange Target as a hunting bullet – it is an OTM precision match bullet not designed for terminal expansion on game. Added Lapua brand context and the manufacturer’s position in the precision shooting market relative to the Scenar-L. Added the C.I.P. versus SAAMI specification note relevant to European shooters. Expanded the comparison section from the original three bullets to include the Nosler RDF and provided quantitative wind-drift comparisons to contextualize BC differences. Added the load data note specific to the 2025 introduction date and limited third-party data availability. Added the recommendation to use Lapua’s own reloading data as the primary source. Applied full internal linking throughout.
