Frequently Asked Questions
Lapua .338 Ammo for Sale
Is 338 Lapua overkill for deer?
.338 Lapua was developed as a military sniper round. For deer, opinions are divided — some hunters use it successfully, though bullets designed for larger game like elk and moose may under-expand on deer rather than over-penetrate. Cartridges like .308 Winchester or 7mm Rem Mag remain more practical choices.
What is so special about the 338 Lapua?
Developed in 1983 for military snipers, the .338 Lapua Magnum fires heavy bullets at high velocity with minimal drop and wind drift beyond 1,000 meters. Its large case capacity supports exceptional long-range accuracy, making it popular for competitive shooting and hunting at distances where most cartridges fall short.
Is 338 Lapua stronger than 50 cal?
.50 BMG is more powerful by far across all ranges, firing heavier bullets with greater energy. However, .338 Lapua's higher velocity and similar ballistic coefficients give it comparable performance at practical shooting distances. .338 Lapua also offers better accuracy, less recoil, and lower cost for most long-range shooters.
How much does a 338 Lapua drop at 500 yards?
Drop depends on bullet weight, muzzle velocity, and zero distance. A 250-grain .338 Lapua round zeroed at 200 yards drops roughly 38 inches at 500 yards. Heavier or lighter loads and different zero points shift this significantly. Use a ballistics calculator with your specific load data for accuracy.