.338 Lapua Magnum

In recent years, Lapua, a Finnish company, developed the .338 Lapua Magnum, a cartridge that delivers exceptional accuracy, power and flexibility. Lapua’s .338 magnum sets a new standard as a round for hunting, law enforcement and target uses and is now readily available to U.S. shooters.

For hunters, the .338 Lapua provides a judicious blend of accuracy and energy, ample for all North American big game. Muzzle velocities with 250-grain bullets can exceed 2,900 fps, delivering over 4,700 foot-pounds (ft-lbs) of energy at the muzzle. At 500 yards, many .338 Lapua loads still deliver well over 2,000 ft-lbs of energy, making it ideal for long-range shots at deer, elk and bear. The .338 Lapua delivers roughly 15 percent more muzzle energy than the venerable .338 Winchester Magnum.

With well-constructed, premium-grade hunting bullets and propellants like Vihtavuori (a sister company of Lapua) high-energy N560, the .338 Lapua is an excellent choice for close-range work on Alaskan game such as moose and brown bear.

Due to accuracy-minded case design and the fact the .338 Lapua Magnum is available from rifle manufacturers like Dakota Arms and Sako, accuracy is often sub-MOA, making long-range shots practical rather than just possible.

For long-range target shooters, the .338 Lapua is a natural choice. The availability of match-grade Lapua bullets and cases, in combination with Vihtavuori propellants, creates considerable flexibility and high accuracy potential. Lapua’s 250-grain Lock Base full-metal-jacket boat-tail and Scenar hollowpoint boat-tail incorporate advanced design features to provide flat trajectory, high-wind resistance and precise accuracy, while Lapua cases create a uniform combustion chamber for unexcelled shot-to-shot consistency.

For more information on the .338 Lapua Magnum and its many uses, as well as information on the full line of Lapua reloading components, ammunition and Vihtavuori small arms propellants, contact: Kaltron-Pettibone, Dept. R, 1241 Ellis Street, Bensenville IL 60106; or send an e-mail to: kaltron@concentric.net.