The .338 Lapua Magnum is a powerful centerfire rifle cartridge developed for extreme long-range military and precision use. Bridging the gap between standard magnums and the .50 BMG, it is renowned for its long-range capability and is widely used in precision rifle shooting and large-game hunting.

The .338 Lapua Magnum was developed in the 1980s for long-range military precision use, designed to deliver effective performance at distances beyond the reach of standard .30-caliber magnums while remaining in a more practical package than the much larger .50 BMG. It earned a strong reputation in precision and long-range roles and crossed over into civilian competition and hunting. Ballistically the .338 Lapua fires heavy .338-caliber bullets — commonly around 250 to 300 grains — at high velocity, delivering exceptional retained energy and wind resistance at extreme distance. That capability is the heart of its identity as one of the premier extreme-long-range cartridges. The performance comes with heavy recoil and muzzle blast, placing it firmly in the heavy-magnum class that rewards a well-built, well-fitted rifle and serious practice. It is also a capable large-game hunting cartridge, though its primary civilian following is among long-range precision shooters drawn to its downrange performance. Its ammunition is expensive relative to standard cartridges, consistent with its specialized role, but it is well supported within the precision community. Today the .338 Lapua Magnum is used for extreme long-range target shooting and competition, and for large-game hunting, with solid availability among precision-focused rifles and ammunition. Its combination of long-range capability and energy, sitting between standard magnums and the .50 BMG, is why it became a benchmark extreme-distance cartridge.

General information about this caliber — not a recommendation for this specific firearm.