Introduction
The .338 Lapua Magnum (338 LM), also known as the 338 LM Magnum, is a sniper rifle cartridge in 8.6×70mm caliber. Designed in the 1980s by the Finnish manufacturer Lapua, it was developed to meet military needs. Today, the 338 LM is a benchmark for snipers and long-range shooting enthusiasts.
We covered this caliber in the following video:
History and development of the 338 LM Magnum caliber
The origins of the .338 Lapua Magnum date back to 1982, when the .338/416 cartridge was designed for the U.S. military. The goal was to create an accurate and effective ammunition out to 1,500 meters. Lapua formalized this cartridge in 1989 with the collaboration of Sako and Accuracy International.
The 338 LM's main competitor is the 300 Winchester Magnum (300 WM). However, the latter lacks the long-range energy to penetrate some ballistic protection, giving the .338 LM a clear advantage.
Technical characteristics of the 338 LM
The 338 Lapua Magnum caliber stands out for its impressive dimensions:
- Total length: 93.5 mm
- Ball diameter: 8.6 mm
- Effective range: 1,500 meters with CIP manufactured ammunition
- Maximum range: 2,000 meters with reloaded ammunition and a high-precision weapon
The 338 LM caliber is renowned for its ability to penetrate standard ballistic protection at 1,000 meters and its impressive residual power at very long ranges.
Some figures: at 1000 meters there are 2800 Joules of energy left on the ammunition I use in TLD competitions... More than some calibers at 100 meters...
Military and civilian applications of the 338 LM Magnum caliber
Military use
Adopted by over 30 countries, the .338 Lapua Magnum is primarily used by special forces and military snipers. It positions itself as a middle ground between the .308 Winchester and the .50 BMG, offering excellent accuracy without the excessive weight and recoil of the .50 BMG caliber.
Civil use
In the civilian field, the 338 LM is highly valued for:
- Long-range sport shooting : Many shooters choose it for its extreme precision.
- Big game hunting at very long distances : It is used to bring down massive game at exceptional distances.
- Use on military firing ranges : In France, some military firing ranges (Caylus, Canjuers, etc.) only allow NATO calibers. The 338 LM, being a NATO caliber, is therefore accepted there.
What weapon to shoot 338 LM with?
The 338 LM is a “violent” caliber, it is absolutely necessary to have a weapon with a weight adapted to this caliber, weapons which in firing position display less than 8kg on the scale risk mistreating their shooter during long shooting sessions.
A 27-inch barrel is the bare minimum to exploit the 338 LM caliber, using very slow powders, this caliber needs tube length to express itself!
Example: Ammunition loaded with 5.9g of N570 propelling a 300gr hybrid berger develops an initial velocity of 805 m/s in a 24-inch barrel, 835 m/s in a 28-inch barrel, 864 m/s in a 32-inch barrel!
This caliber is violent on the scopes, assembly, in short the mechanics must be of quality to maintain good zeroing, it is absolutely necessary to avoid “low-end” weapons on this caliber, or you risk very big frustrations as well as nasty slaps of ammunition which do not group...
My preferences in manufactured weapons caliber 338 LM:
SAKO TRG42 (€5,000)
Accuracy International (€9,000)
Victrix Scepter (€8,000)
However, for Extreme Long Range (ELR) practice, a full custom weapon will outperform these manufactured models .
Manufactured ammunition of caliber 338 LM:
You should expect to pay at least €4.50 per ammunition.
RWS Target ELITE: €120/20
Partizan 46 € / 10
SWISS P 49€ / 10
LAPUA Scenario 75 € / 10
SAKO TRG 120 € / 10
HORNADY ELD-M 180€ / 20
Reloading the 338LM caliber:
The 338 LM caliber is a very cost-effective caliber to reload!
You can craft ammunition with premium components (lapua cases, lapua bullets, vitha powder, etc.) while saving a lot of money!
- Average cost of a reloaded ammunition: €2 / piece
- Savings: €2.50 compared to low-end ammunition and up to €6 on premium ammunition
- Initial investment in reloading equipment: Around €2,000
- Return on investment: Fast, especially for regular shooters
Recharging assistance
We offer personalized advice on choosing reloading equipment and its optimal use. Available here: Reloading Equipment Advice
Conclusion
The .338 Lapua Magnum is a staple cartridge for long-range precision shooting. Its optimized design, remarkable ballistic performance, and versatility make it a favorite among both military and sport shooters.
Whether you are a competitive shooter, a precision shooting enthusiast or a very long-range hunter, the 338 LM Magnum caliber will guarantee you exceptional performance.
To go further
Check out our how-to videos on the .338 Lapua Magnum and the right equipment for an optimal shooting experience.