338 Lapua vs 308: The Ultimate Comparison for Long-Range Shooting

Regarding long-range shooting, the debate often centers around two powerful rifle cartridges: 338 Lapua vs 308 Winchester. 

Both have their strengths and specific uses, making them staples in long-range shooting and hunting. 

At HOP Munitions, we understand the importance of choosing the right cartridge for your needs. Let’s examine the details and see how these two cartridges compare.

Key Takeaways

• Cost and Ammo Availability: The .308 Winchester is more economical and widely available, making it a practical choice for regular shooting compared to the expensive .338 Lapua Magnum.
• Recoil Management: The .338 Lapua Magnum has significantly more recoil, which can be challenging for beginners, while the .308 Winchester offers a more manageable and enjoyable shooting experience.
• Range and Accuracy: The .338 Lapua excels at ultra-long-range shooting (over 1,000 yards), whereas the .308 Winchester is effective and accurate up to 1,000 yards, making it suitable for most hunting and tactical scenarios.
• Stopping Power: Both cartridges offer substantial stopping power, but the .338 Lapua is better suited for larger game and extreme long-range engagements. At the same time, the .308 is versatile enough for typical North American game.
• First-Time Shooter Recommendation: For new shooters, the .308 Winchester is recommended due to its balance of affordability, lower recoil, and effective range, making it a more accessible entry point into long-range shooting.

The Origins of .338 Lapua Magnum: From Concept to Powerhouse

The .338 Lapua Magnum, developed in the early 1980s, was designed to bridge the gap between the .308 Winchester/.300 Winchester Magnum and the formidable .50 BMG. Initially, Research Armament Industries (RAI) set out to create a cartridge capable of penetrating military-grade body armor at 1,000 meters while maintaining a high ballistic coefficient and sectional density. 

Although RAI faced initial challenges with the .416 Rigby case not being strong enough, the Finnish company Lapua refined the design, collaborating with Sako and Accuracy International.

The final .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge could handle nearly 60,000 psi of pressure, achieving muzzle velocities close to 3,000 fps. It quickly became a favorite for both military snipers and long-range shooters, offering the capability to remain supersonic past 1,400 yards. It has earned its place as a preferred round for anti-personnel use at extended ranges, providing a middle ground between the .308 Winchester and the .50 BMG.

The .308 Winchester: A Legacy of Precision and Versatility

The .308 Winchester, the civilian version of the 7.62x51mm NATO round, emerged in the early 1950s as a successor to the .30-06 Springfield. The U.S. Military sought a cartridge that would perform similarly to the .30-06 but in a more compact, short-action format suitable for select-fire rifles. The .308 Winchester delivered on this need, offering a powerful yet manageable recoil, quickly gaining popularity among hunters and marksmen.

The .308 Winchester has remained a staple in hunting and precision shooting circles for decades due to its excellent accuracy, availability, and versatility. Proper loadings such as the 175-grain Sierra Match King can effectively take down large game up to 1,000 yards. The .308 is widely regarded for its balance of power and manageable recoil, making it a favorite among shooters of all experience levels.

RELATED – What Is the Difference Between 7.62×51 and .308 Winchester?

338 Lapua vs 308: A Detailed Cartridge Comparison

One of the most striking differences between the .338 Lapua Magnum and the .308 Winchester is the sheer size of the cartridges. The .338 Lapua dwarfs the .308, with a length almost an inch longer, making it immediately apparent why these two rounds serve different purposes.

This size disparity is also reflected in their case capacities. The .308 Winchester, a robust and reliable cartridge, holds 56 grains of water (H2O) capacity and pales compared to the .338 Lapua’s substantial 114.2 grains. Essentially, the .338 Lapua offers double the case capacity, allowing for a much larger powder charge. This extra powder results in the .338 Lapua achieving significantly higher velocities, propelling its bullets at impressive speeds well-suited for long-range applications.

One aspect worth noting in this comparison is the maximum pressure category. While the .338 Lapua’s maximum pressure is listed as “N/A,” it’s important to clarify that this does not imply the cartridge lacks a maximum pressure limit. There is, in fact, a defined limit, but the absence of a specific value in some specifications arises from the fact that the .338 Lapua has not been proven by SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute).

Instead, the .338 Lapua Magnum is guided by standards set by Lapua and the Commission Internationale Permanente pour l’Epreuve des Armes à Feu Portatives (CIP). These organizations have been somewhat reserved in stating the exact maximum pressure, leading to ongoing discussions among experts. This detail is generally not a concern for those who use factory ammunition, as factory loads adhere to safe pressure levels.

However, knowing the appropriate pressure limits is crucial for reloaders and hand loaders. When working with the .338 Lapua, following the recommended loads outlined in reliable reloading manuals is vital. Adhering to these guidelines ensures both safety and optimal performance, allowing shooters to harness the full potential of the .338 Lapua while maintaining safe operation.

338 Lapua vs 308: Accuracy, Trajectory, and Ballistic Coefficient

When selecting the right cartridge for precision shooting, the .338 Lapua Magnum and the .308 Winchester are two popular choices. Both cartridges have proven their capabilities on the battlefield and the shooting range. At HOP Munitions, we understand the importance of choosing the right round for your needs. This comparison will examine how these two cartridges stack up in terms of accuracy, trajectory, and ballistic coefficient.

Accuracy

Accuracy is often a subjective category, heavily influenced by factors such as the rifle system, barrel quality, ammunition consistency, shooter skill, and environmental conditions. Both the .338 Lapua Magnum and .308 Winchester can achieve sub-MOA accuracy with the right setup, including match-grade ammunition, high-quality optics, and proper shooting techniques.

To truly understand accuracy, it’s essential to consider each cartridge’s effective range. For the .308 Winchester, 1,000 yards represents the upper limit of its effective range. Reaching this distance with the .308 requires a finely tuned precision rifle and custom hand loads. We recommend using 175-grain Sierra MatchKing bullets, which offer a higher ballistic coefficient necessary for extending the .308’s range.

In contrast, the .338 Lapua Magnum excels beyond 1,000 yards. This cartridge is designed for long-range shooting, with a supersonic range of approximately 1,500 yards. At 1,000 yards, the .338 Lapua is just getting started, while the .308 is nearing its limit. This makes the .338 Lapua a superior choice for long-range precision shooting.

• Under 1,000 Yards: Both cartridges can achieve similar accuracy with proper tuning.
• Over 1,000 Yards: The .338 Lapua outperforms the .308, maintaining accuracy and supersonic speed at greater distances.

Trajectory: Comparing Bullet Drop

Trajectory refers to the bullet’s flight path and is typically measured by the amount of bullet drop over a specific distance. To compare the trajectory of the .338 Lapua and the .308, we’ll look at the data from a 178-grain match .308 Win and a 250-grain match .338 Lapua.

The .338 Lapua’s larger case capacity allows for a higher muzzle velocity, resulting in a flatter trajectory. At 400 yards, the .338 Lapua drops approximately -18.8 inches, compared to the .308’s -21.9 inches. While this difference might seem minor at closer ranges, it becomes more significant as the distance increases.

A flatter trajectory means fewer adjustments are needed to compensate for bullet drop, making the .338 Lapua a more forgiving option for long-range shooters. For .308 shooters, more precise adjustments are required at extended ranges, which can be challenging in varying environmental conditions.

• .308 Winchester: More bullet drop at longer ranges, requiring frequent adjustments.
• .338 Lapua Magnum: Flatter trajectory, making it more suited for long-range shots.

Ballistic Coefficient: Wind Resistance

The ballistic coefficient (BC) is a measure of a bullet’s ability to overcome air resistance and wind drift. A higher BC indicates a more aerodynamic bullet, crucial for maintaining accuracy in windy conditions. Typically, heavier bullets have a higher BC.

The .338 Lapua was designed with a higher BC in mind. On average, it boasts a BC of around 0.62, while the .308 Winchester has a BC of approximately 0.43. This difference means that the .338 Lapua will resist wind drift better than the .308, making it a more reliable choice for long-range shooting where wind can significantly impact accuracy.

• .308 Winchester: Respectable BC, but more affected by wind drift.
• .338 Lapua Magnum: Higher BC, offering superior performance in windy conditions.

At HOP Munitions, we recognize that the .338 Lapua Magnum and .308 Winchester are exceptional cartridges, each with unique strengths. The .308 Winchester is a versatile and capable round, ideal for medium-range engagements out to 600 yards. Its widespread availability and lower cost make it a popular choice for many shooters.

However, for those seeking long-range accuracy and the ability to engage targets well beyond 1,000 yards, the .338 Lapua Magnum is the superior option. Its flatter trajectory, higher ballistic coefficient, and extended supersonic range make it the preferred choice for precision shooters looking to push the boundaries of distance.

.308 vs. .338 Lapua: Which is the Best Choice for Your First Bolt Action Rifle?

Many enthusiasts debate between the .308 Winchester and the .338 Lapua Magnum when choosing a bolt-action rifle for long-range shooting. Both are powerful and accurate cartridges, but they cater to different needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of how each cartridge stacks up regarding fun, accuracy, ammo availability, cost, and stopping power, helping you decide which is the better fit for your first bolt-action rifle.

If you’re concerned about ammo costs and availability, the .308 Winchester is the clear winner. As one seasoned shooter pointed out, the .338 Lapua is like “a rifle chambered in five dollar bills.” This isn’t an exaggeration; a box of 20 rounds for the .338 Lapua can easily cost between $75 to $200, whereas .308 Winchester ammo is significantly cheaper, with practice rounds available for less than $1. This cost difference can impact how often you practice, making the .308 a more economical choice for regular shooting.

Recoil is another crucial consideration, especially for those new to long-range shooting. The .338 Lapua delivers a heavy punch with each shot, often described as “kicking like a mule,” with recoil forces reaching around 40 ft-lbs. This substantial recoil can be challenging to manage, especially for beginners, and may detract from the overall shooting experience. On the other hand, the .308 Winchester has a more manageable recoil of about 20 ft-lbs, making it more comfortable for extended shooting sessions. This allows shooters to have fun without dealing with the fatigue and bruising that often accompanies firing the .338 Lapua.

Both cartridges are highly accurate, but their ideal uses differ. The .338 Lapua shines in ultra-long-range scenarios, where reaching out to 1,500 yards or more is necessary. However, if you’re not planning on shooting past 800 yards frequently, the .308 is more than capable. Many experienced shooters suggest starting with the .308 Winchester, especially if you’re new to long-range shooting. It provides excellent accuracy for most practical applications and is suitable for engaging targets at distances commonly encountered in hunting and tactical shooting scenarios.

While the .338 Lapua has impressive stopping power and is suitable for taking down large game and even penetrating body armor at long ranges, it’s often more than needed for typical shooting and hunting scenarios. The .308 Winchester offers plenty of stopping power for most North American game and is widely used by military and law enforcement snipers. If your primary goal is to learn and enjoy shooting while still having the capability to engage targets at extended ranges effectively, the .308 is a versatile and practical choice.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Between 338 Lapua vs 308 Winchester

When comparing 338 Lapua vs 308 Winchester, both offer compelling advantages. The .308 Winchester is a versatile, reliable, and cost-effective choice for most hunting and shooting scenarios. It offers a manageable recoil and excellent performance up to 1,000 yards. It’s ideal for shooters looking for a balanced cartridge that performs well across various applications.

On the other hand, the .338 Lapua Magnum is the choice for shooters who need extreme long-range capabilities, power, and precision. While it comes with a higher price tag and more substantial recoil, its ability to reach out to 1,500 yards and beyond with lethal force makes it a favorite among military snipers and extreme long-range shooting enthusiasts.

At HOP Munitions, we cater to shooters of all preferences, providing high-quality ammunition for both the .338 Lapua Magnum and the .308 Winchester. Whether you’re gearing up for a hunting trip or preparing for a long-range competition, we have the ammo you need to confidently hit your target.