The .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge offers exceptional long-range performance. A typical projectile fired from this cartridge can maintain supersonic velocity and deliver significant energy at distances exceeding 1,500 meters, making it suitable for long-range target shooting and specialized military applications. For instance, a 250-grain projectile can remain supersonic past 1,400 meters, demonstrating the cartridge’s extended reach.
This extended reach provides distinct advantages in various scenarios. In military or law enforcement contexts, it allows engagements at distances beyond the capabilities of many other common calibers. For competitive shooters, it allows engagement of targets at extreme ranges, pushing the boundaries of precision and skill. This cartridge emerged in the 1980s in response to a demand for a military round capable of long-range anti-personnel work, rapidly gaining popularity among long-range shooters for its accuracy and power.