What is .338 Win Mag Ammo? 🧐
It is commonly referred to as the .338 Win Mag, a powerful rifle cartridge that was introduced in 1958 by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. This large-calibre ammunition is renowned for its high stopping power and long-range accuracy, attributes that make it a preferred choice for hunting large game and for use in various sport shooting disciplines. Significant recoil makes the .338 Win Mag less suitable for novice shooters, but its performance and versatility make it a favourite among experienced hunters and shooting enthusiasts.
Features😎
It is a potent and versatile ammunition choice that has become popular among hunters and sports shooters alike. Introduced in the mid-20th century, this round is known for its impressive power and accuracy, making it an excellent choice for hunting large game or for long-range shooting.
✴️ One of the main features is its remarkable stopping power. The high-energy impact and deep penetration characteristics of this ammunition are due in part to its larger calibre, making it a preferred round for hunting big game, including moose, elk, and bear.
✴️ Another notable aspect is its long-range capabilities. Despite the substantial recoil, which may not be suitable for novice shooters, the round remains accurate at extended distances. This accuracy combined with its stopping power makes it a well-regarded choice for hunting in open or mountainous terrains.
✴️ In terms of availability, this ammo is widely accessible, with a range of bullet types, weights, and manufacturers to choose from. Whether you prefer a soft point for rapid expansion, a full metal jacket for deep penetration, or a hollow point for controlled expansion and high stopping power, there’s a variant to meet your needs.
Benefits🔥
The .338 Win Mag cartridge is a powerful and versatile round that is well-suited for a variety of hunting and shooting applications. Here are some of the benefits of using this ammo:
- ✳️ Excellent long-range performance: It has a high muzzle velocity and flat trajectory, making it ideal for long-range shooting. This makes it a good choice for hunting large game animals at extended ranges.
- ✳️ Powerful enough to take down large game animals: This cartridge is capable of delivering a significant amount of energy to the target, making it a good choice for hunting large game animals. This cartridge can take down animals as large as moose and bears with a single shot.
- ✳️ Accurate and reliable: It is known for its accuracy and reliability. This makes it a good choice for hunting and target shooting applications where accuracy is critical.
- ✳️ Wide variety of bullets available: There is a wide variety of bullets available, giving shooters the option to choose the right bullet for their specific needs. This includes bullets designed for hunting, target shooting, and self-defence.
Typical Applications🤠
This ammo is highly regarded for its versatility, providing an excellent option for a variety of shooting applications. Here are some of the typical uses for the .338 Win Mag:
- Hunting: It shines especially in hunting scenarios, owing to its high-energy impact and deep penetration. Its power makes it a preferred choice for hunting large game, including elk, moose, and bear. Its effectiveness is especially notable in open or mountainous terrains where long-range accuracy is paramount.
- Sport Shooting: In sports shooting disciplines where power and precision are needed, the .338 Win Mag excels. Despite the significant recoil, experienced shooters appreciate the round’s performance at extended distances.
- Tactical Applications: In some tactical situations, the .338 Win Mag can be a suitable choice. Its long-range capabilities and stopping power can offer decisive advantages in certain tactical scenarios.
.338 Win Mag Ammo Review | Best 338 Win Mag Ammo
| Image | Product | Brand | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Hornady Precision Hunter 338 Winchester Magnum Ammo 230 Grain | Hornady |  |
 | Federal Premium VITAL-SHOK 338 Winchester Magnum Ammo 225 grain | Federal Premium | |
| Hornady Superformance 338 Winchester Magnum Ammo 225 Grain | Hornady | |
 | Hornady Superformance 338 Winchester Magnum Ammo 200 Grain | Hornady | |
 | Nosler Trophy Grade 338 Winchester Magnum Ammo 250 Grain | Nosler | |
 | Remington Core-Lokt 338 Winchester Magnum Ammo 225 Grain | Remington | |
 | Winchester POWER MAX BONDED 338 Winchester Magnum Ammo 200 grain | Winchester | |
 | Winchester SUPER-X RIFLE 338 Winchester Magnum Ammo 200 grain | Winchester | |
 | Hornady Outfitter 338 Winchester Magnum Ammo 225 Grain | Hornady | |
 | Barnes Vor-Tx 338 Winchester Magnum Ammo 225 grain | Barnes | |
 | Federal Premium VITAL-SHOK 338 Winchester Magnum Ammo 210 grain | Federal Premium | |
 | Federal Premium VITAL-SHOK 338 Winchester Magnum Ammo 225 grain | Federal Premium | |
 | Remington Core-Lokt 338 Winchester Magnum Ammo 250 Grain | Remington | |
 | Barnes Vor-Tx 338 Winchester Magnum Ammo 210 grain | Barnes | |
 | Federal Premium VITAL-SHOK 338 Winchester Magnum Ammo 200 grain | Federal Premium | |
#1 Hornady Precision Hunter 338 Win Mag Ammo 230 Grain
Hornady’s Precision Hunter ammunition is meticulously engineered to prioritize accuracy and terminal performance, making it an exceptional choice for hunting. The ammunition features the cutting-edge ELD-X bullet with a patent-pending Heat Shield tip, ensuring maximum ballistic potential and superior aerodynamic efficiency. These match-accurate hunting loads are crafted with clean-burning propellants, guaranteeing consistent shot-to-shot results, regardless of temperature conditions. With Doppler radar-verified best-in-class ballistic coefficients, the heat shield tip remains intact throughout the trajectory, defying aerodynamic heating. At conventional ranges (0-400 yards), this bullet expands progressively and retains 50-60% of its weight, delivering devastating performance. Moreover, the bullet exhibits outstanding terminal performance at extended ranges (400+ yards) with significant expansion and 85-90% retained weight, ensuring deep penetration and substantial wound cavities.
#2 Federal Premium VITAL-SHOK 338 Win Mag Ammo 225 grain
Federal Premium Trophy Copper ammunition, the chosen rifle ammo of MeatEater’s Steven Rinella, is designed to maximize performance for your favourite cartridge. Crafted with precision and innovation, these loads offer remarkable accuracy and aggressive expansion, making them ideal for medium and big game hunting. The copper, polymer-tipped bullet is engineered for outstanding weight retention, with up to 99 per cent of its weight preserved during expansion, ensuring deep penetration. The tipped bullet cavity is thoughtfully optimized to achieve expansion across a broad velocity range, providing consistent results in various hunting situations. Moreover, the grooved bullet shank enhances accuracy across a wide range of firearms, guaranteeing reliable performance.
#3 Hornady Superformance 338 Win Mag Ammo 225 Grain
Hornady Superformance. Ammunition is a reliable and high-performance choice for hunters of all skill levels. This ammunition features a selection of proven bullets ensuring optimal performance for any hunting scenario. At the heart of performance ammunition are progressive Hornady powders that usher in a new era of enhanced performance, delivering superior velocity and trajectory. The use of high-quality cases and primers further ensures consistency and reliability in the field, resulting in accurate and dependable shooting experiences.
#4 Hornady Superformance 338 Win Mag Ammo 200 Grain
The Hornady Superformance Super Shock Tip Ammunition offers hunters a reliable and high-performing solution for their hunting needs. At the core of high-performance ammunition lies the progressive Hornady powders, ushering in a new era of enhanced ballistic performance, delivering higher velocity and improved trajectory for accurate long-range shots. Based on our observations the ammunition utilizes the highest quality cases and primers, a trademark of Hornady’s commitment to consistency and reliability in the field.
#5 Nosler Trophy Grade 338 Win Mag Ammo 250 Grain
Trophy Grade Centerfire Rifle Ammunition represents a top-tier choice for hunting enthusiasts, who rely on the renowned Nosler bullets and brass to deliver optimum performance in the field. This ammunition offers a wide array of options, featuring bullets like Partition, Ballistic Tip, E-Tip, and AccuBond, catering to diverse hunting needs. Our research has shown that the reputation of Nosler Ballistics has stood the test of time, earning respect from hunters and shooters alike for its precision and reliable reloading capabilities. Each round is carefully crafted with high-performance bullet and powder combinations, ensuring consistent and accurate results. Additionally, its quality control includes visual inspections to confirm precise measurements and weights, instilling confidence in the ammunition’s reliability.
#6 Remington Core-Lokt 338 Win Mag Ammo 225 Grain
For over 75 years, Remington Core-Lokt has been the go-to choice for hunters worldwide, earning its reputation as the original controlled expansion bullet. Trusted by generations of hunters, this ammunition has filled more tags on various continents than any other load, establishing its time-proven performance. The design features a tapered copper jacket securely locked to a solid lead core, delivering remarkable 2X expansion, weight retention, and consistent on-game results. Available in both soft point and pointed soft point versions, and with a wide range of bullet weights, this ammo caters to virtually every centerfire hunting calibre, offering hunters diverse options for their specific needs. When your next hunt calls for reliability and effectiveness, trust the best-selling hunting ammunition of all time.
#7 Winchester POWER MAX BONDED 338 Win Mag Ammo 200 grain
The Protected Hollow Point – Notched ammunition boasts an impressive set of features that make it a formidable choice for hunters seeking quick and humane takedowns. With a design focused on rapid expansion, this ammunition ensures efficient knock-down power. Its contoured jacket has been thoughtfully programmed for maximum performance, working in tandem with the bonded core for exceptional results. The lead core is bonded to the jacket, guaranteeing maximum retained weight and deep penetration upon impact. Our findings show that the core remains welded to the jacket after impact, enhancing terminal performance. The result is explosive impact and deeper penetration, making it a reliable option for ethical and effective hunting.
#8 Winchester SUPER-X RIFLE 338 Win Mag Ammo 200 grain
Winchester Super-X rounds have earned their reputation as a proven favourite among hunters, consistently delivering incredible performance in the field. These rounds are designed with a host of features to ensure optimal results, including an all-lead core, steel-tipped bullet core, and a unique polymer tip that guarantees quick and massive knock-down power. The contoured jacket further enhances the ammunition’s performance, making it a reliable choice for premium-quality punch with every shot. This series, in particular, showcases Winchester’s innovative lead alloy “Power-Point” design, utilizing a metal jacket and scored lead core surrounded by a copper jacket to achieve optimum expansion rates. The metal jacket’s concave inner surface effectively traps a significant portion of the bullet’s expanding mass, making it an excellent option for high-volume, high-velocity hunting ammunition.
#9 Hornady Outfitter 338 Win Mag Ammo 225 Grain
Hornady Centerfire Rifle Ammunition offers hunters a reliable and high-performing solution for their big game pursuits. These bullets, made from a monolithic copper alloy, are designed to deliver uniform and controlled expansion, deep penetration, and impressive +95% weight retention, ensuring effective terminal performance on target. The ammunition’s sealed primer and case mouth provide watertight protection, guarding against moisture and enhancing reliability in adverse conditions. Additionally, the nickel-plated cases offer corrosion resistance, further reinforced with waterproofing, making them suitable for rugged environments. With its California compatibility and use of nontraditional bullets, this ammunition provides hunters with versatile performance for areas that require such features.
#10 Barnes Vor-Tx 338 Win Mag Ammo 225 grain
Barnes precision ammunition stands as a testament to Barnes’ unparalleled bullet innovation, providing hunters with deadly accuracy, terminal performance, and hand-loaded precision in a factory-loaded round. The bullets offer double-diameter expansion, ensuring maximum weight retention and remarkable accuracy. This results in devastating energy transfer, pass-through penetration, and efficient tissue and bone destruction, leading to quick and humane kills. The all-copper bullets open instantly on contact, displaying exceptional expansion unmatched by other bullets. With multiple grooves in the bullet’s shank to reduce pressure and enhance accuracy, this ammunition truly delivers the ultimate hunting experience for ethical and effective kills.
#11 Federal Premium VITAL-SHOK 338 Win Mag Ammo 210 grain
This ammunition has garnered increasing popularity as a formidable powerhouse, known for its hard-hitting knock-down power at close to mid-ranges. This ammo represents a new breed of loaded ammunition, capitalizing on the impressive combination of ultra-high velocities and high weight retention from the venerable .338 LM magnum cartridge. The load stands out with an even higher muzzle velocity than the standard ammo while maintaining the necessary weight and penetration for delivering crippling terminal performance. Besides this ammunition is designed to absorb the shock of holstering, recoil, and firepower associated with big bore cartridges, resulting in enhanced energy transfer and killing power at close to mid ranges.
#12 Federal Premium VITAL-SHOK 338 Win Mag Ammo 225 grain
Federal Premium Nosler AccuBond Rifle Ammunition is a reliable choice for hunters heading into the field to pursue elk, turkey, or other medium to big game. This ammunition, designed by Federal Premium, features a boat-tail bullet design that delivers a powerful combination of deep penetration and moderate weight retention, making it ideal for effectively taking down medium and big game animals. The high-performance polymer tip and boat-tail design ensure exceptional velocity and energy downrange, providing more opportunities for accurate shot placement. The concentric jacket ensures smooth and consistent bullet deployment at the range. The core is expertly bonded to a tapered jacket, resulting in fast expansion while retaining sufficient weight for moderate penetration on a larger game.
#13 Remington Core-Lokt 338 Win Mag Ammo 250 Grain
For over 75 years, Remington Core-Lokt has earned the trust of hunters worldwide, establishing itself as the go-to choice for big game ammunition. Its impressive track record includes filling more tags on various continents than any other load, making it a reliable option for hunters spanning generations. Its status as the original controlled expansion bullet speaks to its time-proven performance, making it a favoured hunting companion for decades. The ammunition’s design features a locked tapered copper jacket to a solid lead core, resulting in massive 2X expansion, weight retention, and consistent on-game results. Available in both soft point and pointed soft point versions, and with a wide range of bullet weights, the caters to virtually every centerfire hunting calibre, providing hunters with versatile and effective ammunition for their pursuits.
#14 Barnes Vor-Tx 338 Win Mag Ammo 210 grain
Barnes VOR-TX stands as precision ammunition that boasts the most lethal bullets on the market. Renowned as a leader in bullet innovation, it offers hunters the ultimate combination of accuracy, terminal performance, and hand-loaded precision in a factory loaded round. The bullets impress with their double-diameter expansion, ensuring maximum tissue and bone destruction, pass-through penetration, and devastating energy transfer. The incorporation of multiple grooves in the bullet’s shank enhances accuracy by reducing pressure. A defining feature of Barnes all-copper bullets is their instant expansion upon contact – unmatched by any other bullet in the industry. The nose peels back into four sharp-edged copper petals, effectively destroying tissue, bone, and vital organs, ensuring quick kills.
#15 Federal Premium VITAL-SHOK 338 Win Mag Ammo 200 grain
Federal Premium Trophy Bonded Tip Rifle Ammo brings a range of impressive features to the table, making it a noteworthy choice for hunters seeking top-tier performance. The robust bonding technology ensures maximum weight retention, enhancing the bullet’s effectiveness on target. A high-performance polymer tip contributes to a flat trajectory, improved accuracy, and increased energy downrange. The exterior skiving design promotes optimum expansion upon impact, providing reliable terminal ballistics. The solid shank offers bone-crushing penetration, making it suitable for big-game hunting. Additional advantages include a Gold Medal primer for consistent ignition, nickel-plated casings for easy extraction and corrosion protection, and specially formulated propellant with copper-reducing additives for enhanced performance.
Reloading⚙️
If you’re a seasoned shooter and are interested in reloading your own ammunition, this guide is for you. With the right tools and a little patience, you can customize your rounds to suit your specific shooting needs while also potentially saving some money in the long run. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
🔰 Firstly, you will need the proper reloading equipment. This includes a reloading press, dies, a case trimmer, a priming tool, a powder scale, and a reloading manual. Be sure to also have bullet pullers, callipers, and a tumbler for cleaning your brass.
🔰 Step One: Case Inspection and Cleaning – Always start by inspecting your brass for any signs of damage or excessive wear. If the cases are dirty, use a tumbler to clean them.
🔰 Step Two: Case Resizing – Using your reloading press and the right die, resize the case to ensure it will properly hold the bullet and fit into your firearm’s chamber.
🔰 Step Three: Primer Removal and Replacement – The old primer needs to be removed and replaced with a new one using a priming tool. Be sure to follow your reloading manual’s specifications for this ammo when choosing your new primer.
🔰 Step Four: Powder Measurement – Using your powder scale, measure out the correct amount of powder for your load. Accuracy is crucial here, as too much or too little powder can lead to dangerous shooting conditions or poor performance.
🔰 Step Five: Bullet Seating – The final step is seating the bullet. Using your reloading press and the correct die, press the bullet into the case.
⭕ Remember, safety is paramount when reloading any ammunition. Always refer to a reliable reloading manual, wear appropriate safety gear, and work in a clean, well-lit area. Reloading your ammo can be a rewarding and cost-effective aspect of your shooting hobby, providing you with customized ammunition tailored to your specific needs.
Watch this video to find more information💻
FAQ ❓
Conclusion🤩
The .338 Winchester Magnum Ammo is a powerful and versatile round that shines in hunting, sport shooting, and even some tactical situations. Renowned for its long-range accuracy and substantial stopping power, it’s a preferred choice among seasoned shooters. Reloading can be a rewarding aspect of the shooting hobby, allowing for customization and potential cost savings. While its significant recoil may pose a challenge for beginners, mastering this round offers a unique and rewarding shooting experience.
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Hello everyone! I hope you will help me. What are some notable firearms chambered in .338 Win Mag?
Several notable firearms have been chambered in .338 Win Mag due to the cartridge’s popularity and versatility. Here are some examples:
🟡 Winchester Model 70: The Winchester Model 70 is one of the most famous bolt-action rifles ever produced and has been offered in .338 Win Mag for many years. It’s a reliable and accurate platform used for hunting and long-range shooting.
🟡 Remington 700: The Remington 700 is another iconic bolt-action rifle available in .338 Win Mag. Known for its accuracy and wide range of customization options, it’s a favorite among hunters and precision shooters alike.
🟡 Ruger Hawkeye: Ruger offers the Hawkeye model in various calibers, including .338 Win Mag. The Hawkeye is known for its solid construction and affordability, making it a popular choice for hunters.
🟡 Browning X-Bolt: The Browning X-Bolt is a modern bolt-action rifle with a reputation for accuracy and smooth operation. It’s available in .338 Win Mag for those seeking a reliable hunting rifle.
🟡 Sako 85: The Sako 85 is a high-quality rifle known for its precision and craftsmanship. It is available in .338 Win Mag for those who appreciate a finely made firearm.
🟡 Tikka T3x: Tikka’s T3x line of rifles is known for its accuracy and value for money. The .338 Win Mag variant offers a powerful option for hunters and long-range shooters.
🟡 Weatherby Mark V: The Weatherby Mark V is a high-end rifle known for its accuracy and craftsmanship. It’s available in various calibers, including .338 Win Mag.
🟡 Christensen Arms Ridgeline: Christensen Arms produces lightweight and accurate rifles, and the Ridgeline series includes a .338 Win Mag option for hunters and precision shooters.
🟡 Kimber 8400 Montana: The Kimber 8400 Montana is a lightweight and accurate rifle that comes in .338 Win Mag, making it a popular choice for hunters looking for a powerful and portable firearm.
🟡 Savage 110: Savage Arms offers the Model 110 in .338 Win Mag, providing an affordable option for those looking to get into long-range shooting or hunting.
I am in search of quality factory ammunition for my Savage 116, .338 Win Mag. I’m interested in bullets around the 225 or 250 grain weight. My experience with Remington has been less than satisfactory due to its inconsistent performance and the larger-than-preferred groups it forms out of my firearm. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations.
My Ruger 77 has performed exceptionally well with Remington ammunition. You might consider trying a package of Hornady or Feds, as they’ve been quite successful in my .308. If precision is your aim, you should look into ammunition reloading. It’s reasonably priced and you’ll find significant savings when reloading the 338WM.
In the past, when I relied on commercial ammunition, Federal Premium often delivered the highest accuracy for any firearm I used. However, its steep pricing led me down the path of producing my own ammunition. I discovered that not only was the self-manufactured ammo more precise, but it also allowed for customization based on my hunting needs and purposes. Additionally, it was significantly cheaper, reducing the costs by a third to half, allowing me to fire two to three times as many rounds for the same price. It’s all about perspective.
If the Federal Silver box Classic doesn’t give you the desired results, the Federal Premium can be a solid alternative. However, bear in mind that frequent usage can prove costly. Therefore, reloading your ammunition becomes more economical in the long run – don’t forget to keep all your spent casings!
Upon acquiring my 338, I initially purchased Federal Premium ammunition, specifically the 210gr. Nosler Partition and the 225gr. Nosler Accubond. Performance was impressive for both, but I encountered an unexpected issue when I commenced reloading my own ammunition. Despite my efforts, I found it challenging to replicate the same level of accuracy with the Accubonds as had been achieved with the factory loads.
My Ruger Hawkeye 338 has only ever been shot with hand-loaded ammunition; no factory-produced ammo has ever been used. With this setup, it effortlessly achieves sub-inch groupings at 100 yards using 225 gr. accubonds. From what I gather, no one seems to have any issues with their accuracy. Enjoy your shooting experience, tuning your Savage for accuracy should not present much of a challenge.
Hello. Can .338 Win Mag Ammo be used for long-range shooting competitions?
Yes, .338 Win Mag Ammo can be used for long-range shooting competitions. The .338 Win Mag is a powerful and versatile cartridge known for its excellent long-range performance. With the right rifle and skilled marksmanship, it can deliver impressive accuracy and trajectory stability over extended distances.
🟣 Many long-range shooters prefer .338 Win Mag for competitions due to its flat trajectory, substantial energy retention, and outstanding ballistic coefficient. These characteristics allow it to maintain velocity and energy downrange, making it more forgiving in windy conditions and over varying distances.