338 Lapua Magnum

In 1987, Lapua, of Finland, designed this cartridge in response to interest from various sources in the US. It was originally intended for use in military and police sniper-type rifles. This cartridge is based upon the 416 Rigby case, shortened and necked down, to accept this smaller diameter bullet. European designation would be 8.6x70. The 338 Lapua has about 14% greater case capacity than the 340 Weatherby Magnum. However, since the 340 Weatherby already has significant capacity, this does not result in a commensurate increase in muzzle energy. With loads at equal pressure and in equal length barrels, difference in muzzle velocity is quite modest. The Lapua has the advantage of using a conventional case. Such a design loads into and feeds from a box magazine more easily. For long-range precision shooting, the 338 Lapua has already proven itself superior to all but a very few cartridges. Its popularity is increasing quite fast as a sniper cartridge since there is a demand for something between the 300 Win Mag and 50 BMG. SAKO, Mauser and Accuracy International produce complete sniper rifles in this chambering. As a hunting number, in the hands of a skilled marksman, it is sufficiently powerful for any species, worldwide, although many countries require larger caliber guns for use against the largest and most dangerous species. Currently, Sako is the only mainstream manufacturer chambering this round in hunting rifles. However, many custom gunmakers in the US are now chambering it in the few actions that will safely handle such a large diameter
case.