Is .338 Lapua Good for Hunting or Overkill? Here’s What You Need to Know

For hunters drawn to long-range challenges and big game hunts, the .338 Lapua Magnum is a tempting choice. 

Originally developed for military snipers, this powerful cartridge boasts impressive range and stopping power—but does that mean it’s truly ideal for hunting? Or is it simply too much gun for most situations?

From its effectiveness on large animals like elk to whether it’s overkill for deer, we dive into the pros, cons, and practical considerations. 

In this article, seasoned hunters answer the most common questions regarding hunting with the 338 Lapua. 

Whether you’re hunting that trophy elk at 1,000 yards or wondering if the .338 Lapua’s recoil and ammo cost are worth it, this article gives you the expert-backed answers you need.

Can I Hunt with a .338 Lapua?

The simple answer is yes, the .338 Lapua can be used for hunting. Designed to perform exceptionally at long distances, the .338 Lapua Magnum has the ballistic capability to ethically take down large game from impressive ranges. With muzzle energy often exceeding 4,000 foot-pounds, this cartridge ensures enough power for a clean kill on big game animals such as elk, moose, and even bear.

However, as several experienced hunters discuss, choosing the .338 Lapua for hunting comes down to understanding your specific hunting environment and target. While the cartridge’s impressive range and energy retention make it ideal for open landscapes, some hunters feel it’s excessive for standard hunting conditions. The .338 Lapua was originally designed for military sniper applications, meaning its design intent may go beyond the needs of average hunters targeting mid-size game at shorter ranges.

Suppose you’re drawn to the .338 Lapua for its long-range precision. In that case, it’s important to practice extensively to ensure accurate shot placement, as a poorly placed shot can lead to excessive damage, especially at closer ranges. For this reason, some hunters may opt for more traditional calibers like the .308 or .30-06 for closer distances or smaller game, as they offer similar effectiveness without the potential downsides.

Is the .338 Lapua Too Big for Deer?

The .338 Lapua is often considered overpowered for hunting smaller game like deer. While it certainly has the range and power to take down a deer, many hunters in the field suggest it may be “too much gun” for such a task.

The high velocity and energy of the .338 Lapua can cause substantial meat damage, especially if the shot placement is off. This can be a significant drawback for hunters wanting to preserve meat, as even a well-placed shot with a .338 Lapua can create a larger exit wound than necessary.

In online hunting communities, hunters often recommend using calibers more suited to deer, such as the .308 or .30-06, for those wanting efficient results without excessive recoil or expense. That said, for long-distance deer hunting in open terrain where smaller calibers might struggle, the .338 Lapua can be effective—if hunters are prepared to deal with the potential for increased meat loss and are comfortable with the high recoil.

Ultimately, while the .338 Lapua can be used for deer, many seasoned hunters suggest it’s a better match for larger game where its full capabilities are needed.

Is the .338 Lapua Good for Elk Hunting?

The .338 Lapua Magnum is an excellent choice for hunting large game like elk. Elk are challenging animals due to their size, thick hides, and natural toughness, making a high-energy cartridge essential for ethical, clean kills. The .338 Lapua’s power and long-range accuracy provide hunters the confidence to take down elk effectively from distances many other calibers can’t match.

Big game hunters agree that the .338 Lapua is particularly well-suited for open terrains or mountainous landscapes where long-range shots are common. With the .338 Lapua, hunters can maintain high energy levels and accuracy even at extended distances, minimizing the need to approach game closely. This capability can benefit hunters who value maintaining a distance from their target.

However, hunters caution that long-range shots require skill and familiarity with the cartridge. The .338 Lapua can be unforgiving, especially when hunting at distances nearing or exceeding 500 yards, as factors like wind drift and bullet drop become more pronounced. To get the most out of the .338 Lapua for elk hunting, many hunters suggest investing time in load development or custom load data to ensure optimal performance at these ranges.

Overall, the .338 Lapua is a powerful and capable choice for elk hunting. Still, its long-range abilities should be matched with careful preparation and skill to ensure ethical and accurate shots.

What Are the Cons of the .338 Lapua?

While the .338 Lapua Magnum is an impressive cartridge, it has several notable downsides, especially for hunting. One of the biggest drawbacks frequently discussed by hunters is its substantial recoil. The .338 Lapua kicks hard—much more than standard hunting cartridges—meaning that shooting it over long sessions can be physically taxing. This strong recoil can also impact shot accuracy if not managed well, and many hunters suggest extensive practice to maintain control, particularly for precise long-range shots.

Another common complaint is the high cost of .338 Lapua ammunition, which is notably more expensive than other calibers, such as the .308 or .30-06. Hunters on a budget may find the recurring cost of shooting this cartridge impractical, especially when factoring in the premium prices of specialized or subsonic 338 Lapua ammo. Some hunters in the forums recommend alternative cartridges for similar hunting applications, such as the 7mm Rem Mag, which delivers effective range with more affordable ammunition.

The size and weight of .338 Lapua rifles are also a drawback. These rifles tend to be heavier and bulkier, making them less convenient to carry over long distances or through rugged terrain. Some hunters who prioritize portability or hike long distances to hunt may find a lighter, more compact rifle better suited to their needs.

In summary, while the .338 Lapua delivers unparalleled power and range, its significant recoil, ammunition cost, and heavy rifle build make it a less practical option for every hunting scenario. For hunters prepared to manage these drawbacks, however, it remains an exceptional choice for large game at long distances.

What Is the Effective Range for the .338 Lapua?

The .338 Lapua Magnum is known for its impressive effective range, capable of maintaining accuracy and energy well beyond 1,000 yards. Many experienced hunters report that this cartridge can achieve reliable hits at distances up to 1,500 yards or more, provided the shooter has proper training and understanding of long-range ballistics.

For practical hunting purposes, however, most hunters find that the .338 Lapua’s effective range lies between 500 and 1,000 yards, which still allows for ethical kills on large game without compromising shot accuracy.

Hunters agree that while the .338 Lapua’s range is appealing, successfully taking down game at extreme distances requires more than a powerful cartridge. Factors like bullet drop, wind drift, and shooter skill are crucial at ranges beyond 500 yards. Many hunters suggest limiting shots to within the cartridge’s ethical hunting range, often considered between 500 and 800 yards, for consistent, humane kills.

The .338 Lapua’s flat trajectory and high ballistic coefficient make it ideal for long shots in open terrain, but ethical hunters should still factor in their own skill and environmental variables when determining their range limits.

For those interested in pushing the limits, custom loads or load data tailored to specific hunting conditions can further optimize the .338 Lapua’s performance. With careful load selection and extensive practice, hunters can confidently reach longer distances, making the .338 Lapua a top choice for those prioritizing long-range capabilities in their hunting cartridge.

What Distance Should I Sight in the .338 Lapua?

Sighting in a .338 Lapua Magnum is influenced by the intended hunting range, game type, and specific terrain. For most long-range hunters, a 200-yard zero is popular, allowing for a flat trajectory and minimal adjustment up to 300 yards. This sight-in distance is practical for mid-range shots, making it easier to compensate for bullet drop at distances beyond the initial zero. With a 200-yard zero, hunters find that shots up to 300 yards often fall within a few inches of the aiming point, providing flexibility for mid- and longer-range engagements.

For those hunting in open or mountainous areas where shots often exceed 500 yards, a 300-yard zero is sometimes preferred. This setup reduces the amount of holdover needed for extended distances, keeping shots closer to the line of sight at ranges typically encountered in these environments. However, using a 300-yard zero requires a deep understanding of ballistic drop, particularly with high-powered cartridges like the .338 Lapua, where even small shifts in environmental conditions can influence accuracy.

Subsonic .338 Lapua ammo, with its lower velocity, requires a much shorter zero—typically around 100 yards—due to the increased bullet drop at range. While subsonic rounds are less common in hunting scenarios, they offer an option for those seeking reduced recoil and noise.

Ultimately, the ideal sight-in distance depends on your preferred hunting range and shooting conditions. Practicing with your .338 Lapua setup at various distances is essential to build familiarity with its trajectory, ensuring you’re ready for mid- and long-range hunting scenarios.

Conclusion

The .338 Lapua Magnum is a powerhouse cartridge with remarkable capabilities for hunting large game. 

While it may be considered overkill for smaller animals like deer, its effectiveness at long ranges makes it a favored choice for elk, moose, and other big game species. 

However, hunters should weigh the cons, such as recoil, rifle weight, and ammunition costs, to determine if it aligns with their specific needs. 

With proper sight-in distances, load selection, and an understanding of the cartridge’s unique traits, the .338 Lapua can offer hunters unparalleled performance in challenging hunting environments.