338 Lapua Vs 338 Win Mag Ballistics Chart
When it comes to long-range shooting, hunters and shooters need to choose the right caliber for their rifles. Two of the most popular options for long-range shooting are the .338 Lapua Magnum and the .338 Winchester Magnum. Both of these calibers offer excellent ballistics, but which one is better? Let's take a closer look at the 338 Lapua vs 338 Win Mag ballistics chart.
Overview of the .338 Lapua Magnum
The .338 Lapua Magnum was developed in the 1980s as a long-range sniper cartridge for military and law enforcement use. It quickly gained popularity among long-range shooters and hunters due to its flat trajectory, high velocity, and excellent accuracy at long ranges.
The .338 Lapua Magnum has a case length of 2.72 inches and a maximum overall length of 3.6 inches. It fires bullets with a diameter of .338 inches and has a maximum chamber pressure of 62,000 psi.
Overview of the .338 Winchester Magnum
The .338 Winchester Magnum was introduced in 1958 as a big-game hunting cartridge. It quickly gained popularity among hunters due to its high energy and excellent accuracy at long ranges.
The .338 Winchester Magnum has a case length of 2.5 inches and a maximum overall length of 3.34 inches. It fires bullets with a diameter of .338 inches and has a maximum chamber pressure of 64,000 psi.
Comparing Ballistics
When comparing the ballistics of the .338 Lapua Magnum and the .338 Winchester Magnum, several factors need to be considered, including bullet weight, muzzle velocity, and ballistic coefficient.
The .338 Lapua Magnum has a higher muzzle velocity than the .338 Winchester Magnum, which results in a flatter trajectory and less bullet drop at longer ranges. The .338 Lapua Magnum also has a higher ballistic coefficient than the .338 Winchester Magnum, which means it retains more energy and velocity downrange.
However, the .338 Winchester Magnum has a wider range of bullet weights available, which can be useful for hunters who need to tailor their ammunition to different game species. The .338 Winchester Magnum also has a slightly higher maximum chamber pressure than the .338 Lapua Magnum.
Which One Is Better?
The answer to this question depends on the intended use of the rifle. If the rifle will primarily be used for long-range shooting, the .338 Lapua Magnum is the better choice due to its superior ballistics. However, if the rifle will primarily be used for big-game hunting, the .338 Winchester Magnum is the better choice due to its wider range of bullet weights.
Ultimately, the choice between these two calibers comes down to personal preference and the intended use of the rifle. Both the .338 Lapua Magnum and the .338 Winchester Magnum are excellent calibers that offer high energy and excellent accuracy at long ranges.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between the .338 Lapua Magnum and the .338 Winchester Magnum, hunters and shooters need to consider several factors, including ballistics, bullet weight, and intended use. While the .338 Lapua Magnum offers superior ballistics for long-range shooting, the .338 Winchester Magnum offers a wider range of bullet weights for big-game hunting. Ultimately, the choice between these two calibers comes down to personal preference and the intended use of the rifle.