What characterises .338 Lapua Magnum?
.338 Lapua Magnum is often called .338 LM and is closely associated with precision shooting at long distances. Despite the similar number, it is neither identical to nor interchangeable with .338 Norma Magnum. Bullet diameter alone does not define a complete cartridge.
.338 Lapua Magnum is often called .338 LM and is closely associated with precision shooting at long distances. Despite the similar number, it is neither identical to nor interchangeable with .338 Norma Magnum. Bullet diameter alone does not define a complete cartridge.
.338 LM also does not mean one single ammunition version. Different bullet designs and masses can produce different performance figures. Any value therefore needs the exact ammunition and test conditions. The name alone gives no fixed range or guaranteed precision.
This page’s dimensions distinguish the case from the complete cartridge. Sources also provide performance examples, not a guarantee for every version. Sporting use additionally requires consideration of competition class and range permissions. A well-known long-range cartridge is not automatically allowed at every event.
.338 Lapua Magnum — Dimensions, energy and range
- A · Overall cartridge length: 93.50 mm
- B · Case length: 69.20 mm
- C · Bullet diameter: 8.61 mm
Dimensions are taken from the table. Shape and proportions are simplified; the exposed bullet tip varies with the load. Not a scale standard or manufacturing drawing.
Drawing: Weitschuss
- Case length
- 69.20 mm
- Bullet diameter
- 8.61 mm
- Overall cartridge length
- 93.50 mm
- Muzzle energy E₀
- 6782–6973 J (source examples)
- Range context
- Application distance according to PGM: approximately 1500 m / 1640.4 yrd – 1750 m / 1913.8 yrd. Not a fixed performance limit.
What the dimensions mean
Case length measures the case without the bullet; overall length measures the complete cartridge. Bullet diameter is distinct from bore calibre. Sources may give nominal or maximum dimensions, so rounded figures can differ slightly. This overview is not a dimensioned standard drawing and does not establish interchangeability.
Understanding energy
E₀ is kinetic energy at the muzzle. It depends on bullet mass and velocity. These figures refer to selected examples from the sources, not every load of this calibre. Bullet design, barrel length and test conditions affect the result. A range of examples is neither a complete market comparison nor guaranteed minimum and maximum performance.
Understanding range
A sporting application distance describes a use case. Supersonic range is the distance over which a particular bullet remains faster than sound under specified conditions. Both differ from maximum flight distance. The cartridge name alone cannot provide a reliable range limit without load and condition details. These distances are neither hunting recommendations nor safety distances.