.338 Lapua for big game?

[wilderness medic]

[5.56Geo]

[snypr]

300 Win Mag might be an option also

[LynnJr]

I have only seen one rifle in 338 that didn't group well and it was a shot out 338 ultra mag.
The 338 Lapua is very easy to load for if your a reloader.
The only downside is recoil and weight but with a good muzzlebrake recoil isn't an issue.
What I like best is how it handles the weather at 1000 yards. If it groups decent at 100 it doesn't fall apart at 1000 like a 308 does.
If you already reload you might give the 338 Lapua Ackley Improved a try as it gives you and extra 150 FPS.

[TMB 1]

I have a Ruger 338 Win mag. In light hunting rifle it kicks pretty good with 250gr and heavier bullets, I'm sure 338 Lapua would be even worse in same weight rifle since it's a more powerful cartridge.

If you're going to shoot it a lot, 7mm Rem mag is way to go in a light hunting rifle.

[sumdood]

My vote is 300 Win Mag.

Friend shot a hog with 338 lapua mag.

Turned 25% of it into redmist and blew off the front leg on the opposite side.

[russ69]

...Turned 25% of it into redmist and blew off the front leg on the opposite side.

Think a 50 BMG could have finished that job.

[sigstroker]

Weatherby makes hunting type rifles in .338 Lapua and .340 Weatherby. If those are too wimpy, they also do .338-378 Weatherby.

[sacrvrrat]

[Divernhunter]

My Ruger M77 in 338win mag has taken a bunch of animals and with excellent results. Everything from Springbok to kudu/Eland/Zebra/impala/warthog/waterbuck/deer and more. I was using Nosler 210gr PAR but really like the Swift 225gr A-Frames.
Not a rifle I would shoot 1000 yards but then I would not shoot at game at that range. I have taken Kudu at 480 yards that my PH ranged with a laser rangefinder. Took quite a number of other animals at 350 to 410 yards.

My brother took 2 moose with his 338win mag and each took one shot. He was using 250gr Nosler PAR bullets.

For what it is worth it also works well on ground squirrels.

[wilderness medic]

Lots of things to consider. Thanks.

Anyone own or know about the L115?

[hermosabeach]

Do you wear ear pro 100% or the time when hunting?

.338 lapua has a lot of energy.
Many run a brake to avoid detached retnas.

One shot from a lapua 338 with a brake will give you and anyone around you some permanent hearing loss.


To me- hunting is a shorter lighter weight rifle.
For elk - 7 mag works and does 300 win mag. Even 30-06 with 220 grain bullets.


For long range I want a heavier gun with a different forend profile.
I want a brake so I might be able to spot my own shots.

Two different set ups

[hermosabeach]

Recoil concerns

https://www.snipercountry.com/300-win-mag-vs-338-lapua/

338 lapua has twice as much combustion gas as the .308.

The armalite .338 lapua has Sound Signature (1m left of muzzle)
173 DB

170 DB at the shooters ear

[JTROKS]

I’ve seen deer go down with well placed 30-06 from 300 yards away, but then I’ve seen them run like the bullet from a 338 WM didn’t hit at lesser distance. Bullet selection and placement has a lot to do with it. I’m sure elk will react the same, but the bigger bullet is nice to have with the bigger game.

[Deedle]

After unleashing an ungodly reign of fire from my .308 at an elk I kicked around the idea of getting a larger caliber for big game.

How is upping the caliber going to improve your hunting skills?