The .338 Winchester Magnum is a powerful belted centerfire rifle cartridge introduced in 1958, long regarded as a premier choice for large and heavy North American game. It pairs heavy .338-caliber bullets with magnum velocity for hard-hitting performance.

The .338 Winchester Magnum was introduced in 1958 and established itself as one of the classic large-bore magnum hunting cartridges, particularly favored for the largest North American game such as elk, moose, and bear. It fits a standard-length rifle action, which made its substantial power accessible in conventional hunting rifles. Ballistically the .338 Win Mag fires heavy .338-caliber bullets — commonly 200 to 250 grains — at high velocity, delivering high energy and deep penetration well suited to large, heavy-bodied animals at moderate-to-long range. That capability comes with significant recoil and muzzle blast, in keeping with the heavy bullets and energy, which is part of why it is typically chosen by hunters specifically seeking large-game power. For decades it has been a benchmark in its class — the cartridge many hunters reach for when pursuing the biggest game on the continent, where bullet weight and energy matter more than flat trajectory. It built deep rifle and ammunition support over its long production life, distinct from the longer-range-focused .338 Lapua and the modern lightweight-action .338 Weatherby RPM. Today the .338 Winchester Magnum is used for large big-game hunting and long-range target shooting, with strong ammunition availability. Its combination of heavy-bullet power, deep penetration, and standard-action compatibility is why it has remained a premier large-game magnum for over six decades.

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