Introduction
The .338 Lapua Magnum (338 LM), also known as the .338 LM Magnum caliber, is an 8.6×70mm precision rifle cartridge. 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 discussed 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 developed for the U.S. military. The goal was to create accurate and effective ammunition out to 1,500 meters. Lapua officially launched this cartridge in 1989 in collaboration with Sako and Accuracy International.
The main competitor of the .338 LM is the .300 Winchester Magnum (.300 WM). However, the latter lacks the energy at long range to penetrate certain ballistic protections, giving the .338 LM a distinct advantage.
Since then, new calibers have emerged to compete with the .338 LM: particularly the .300 NM, the .338 NM, and the .300 PRC. Older calibers such as the .300 WM and .300 RUM have a rifling engagement that is too close to the action to effectively utilize modern heavy projectiles.
Technical specifications of the 338 LM
The 338 Lapua Magnum caliber is distinguished by its impressive dimensions:
- Total length: 93.5 mm
- Bullet diameter: 8.6 mm
- Effective range: 1,500 meters with CIP factory-made 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 protections at 1,000 meters and its impressive residual power at very long range.
Some figures: at 1000 meters, the ammunition I use in long-range shooting competitions still retains 2800 Joules of energy... 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 an intermediate solution between the .308 Winchester and the .50 BMG, offering excellent accuracy without the weight and excessive recoil of the .50 BMG caliber.
Civil use
In the civilian sector, the 338 LM is highly regarded for:
- Long-range sport shooting : Many shooters choose it for its extreme precision.
- Hunting big game at very long range : It is used to shoot 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 is needed to fire .338 LM?
The 338 LM is a “violent” caliber, you absolutely need a weapon with a weight adapted to this caliber, weapons which in firing position show less than 8kg on the scale risk mistreating their shooter during long shooting sessions.
A 27-inch barrel is the bare minimum to operate the 338 LM caliber, which uses very slow-burning powders; this caliber needs a long barrel to perform at its best!
Example: A round loaded with 5.9g of N570 propelling a 300gr Berger hybrid develops a muzzle 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 hard on scopes, mounts, in short, the mechanics must be of high quality to maintain accurate zeroing. You absolutely must avoid "low-end" rifles in this caliber, or you risk major frustration and nasty mishaps with poorly grouped ammunition.
My preferences for manufactured .338 LM caliber firearms:
SAKO TRG42 (€5000)
Accuracy International (€9,000)
Victrix Scepter (€8000)
However, for Extreme Long Range (ELR) practice, a fully custom weapon will outperform these factory-made models .
Manufactured .338 LM caliber ammunition:
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 are able to craft ammunition using premium components (Lapua cases, Lapua bullets, Vitha powder, etc.). All while making significant savings!
- Average cost of a reloaded round: €2 / piece
- Savings achieved: €2.50 compared to low-end ammunition and up to €6 compared to premium ammunition
- Initial investment in reloading equipment: Approximately €2,000
- Return on investment: Fast, especially for regular shooters
Charging assistance
We offer personalized advice on choosing reloading equipment and its optimal use. Available here: Reloading Equipment Advice
Conclusion
The .338 Lapua Magnum is an essential cartridge for long-range precision shooting. Its optimized design, remarkable ballistic performance, and versatility make it a preferred choice for 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 exceptional performance.
To go further
Discover our explanatory videos on the .338 Lapua Magnum and the appropriate equipment for an optimal shooting experience.