Origins of the Rounds
The .338 Federal
The story of these two cartridges begins with different visions.
The .338 Federal originated in the early twenty-first century. It was born from the collaborative efforts of Federal Premium Ammunition and the gun manufacturer, Sako. The idea was straightforward: create a high-performance hunting cartridge based on the tried-and-true .308 Winchester case. This allowed for a more compact and efficient package than some other big-bore rounds, while still delivering excellent killing power for medium- to large-sized game. The .338 Federal was quickly adopted by hunters seeking a cartridge that provided good performance in a variety of rifles, including semi-automatic platforms and more compact bolt-action rifles. This cartridge was designed specifically for hunting applications, with a strong emphasis on terminal performance and manageable recoil.
The .338 Lapua Magnum
The .338 Lapua Magnum, on the other hand, comes from a different lineage. Its genesis lies in the world of military and long-range target shooting. Developed in the late twentieth century, the .338 Lapua Magnum was intended to deliver extreme long-range performance, with the goal of pushing the effective range of precision rifles significantly. Its design prioritized ballistic efficiency and retained energy at extended distances. This cartridge quickly gained popularity among military snipers, competitive long-range shooters, and experienced big-game hunters who needed exceptional reach and power. The focus of this cartridge has always been on exceptional ballistic performance at extended ranges, along with delivering devastating impact on target.
Ballistic Characteristics: A Deeper Dive
When assessing the ballistic capabilities of these two cartridges, the core difference lies in their designed purpose.
The bullets share a commonality in their .338-inch diameter. However, the similarity largely ends there. Bullet weight significantly distinguishes the rounds. In the .338 Federal, common bullet weights range from around one hundred and eighty grains to approximately two hundred and twenty-five grains. These bullets are specifically engineered for expansion and rapid energy transfer within the game.
The .338 Lapua Magnum takes a different approach. Because of the larger powder capacity, this cartridge can launch much heavier bullets. Common bullet weights for the .338 Lapua Magnum range from roughly two hundred and fifty grains to over three hundred grains. These heavier projectiles, often designed with high ballistic coefficients, are built to maintain velocity and resist wind drift over very long distances. These bullets are generally made to retain significant energy at extremely long range.
Velocity is a fundamental aspect of ballistic performance. The .338 Federal typically achieves a muzzle velocity in the realm of twenty-eight hundred feet per second with a lighter bullet, diminishing as bullet weight increases. This translates into excellent performance at hunting ranges, ensuring rapid expansion and significant energy delivery. The .338 Lapua Magnum, in contrast, attains significantly higher velocities, especially with lighter bullets. The muzzle velocity usually exceeds three thousand feet per second with lighter bullets, allowing it to achieve flatter trajectories and improved wind resistance at extreme ranges.
Trajectory, the path a bullet follows through the air, is significantly impacted by velocity. The higher velocity of the .338 Lapua Magnum results in a flatter trajectory, allowing for more precise shots at extended ranges. With a well-zeroed rifle, a shooter can expect to have significantly less bullet drop at even longer distances, allowing for a larger margin of error and the ability to reach targets more easily. The .338 Federal, while still capable, exhibits a more curved trajectory, which is perfectly appropriate for the distances at which it is most typically used.
Energy, the force a bullet possesses at impact, is also crucial. While the .338 Federal offers ample energy for most hunting scenarios, the .338 Lapua Magnum excels at delivering massive energy at the distances. The larger powder capacity and heavier bullets of the Lapua round translate into significantly higher muzzle energy, and that energy is maintained over longer distances. This higher energy means a greater impact on the target.
In summary, the .338 Federal is optimized for good all-around hunting performance, whereas the .338 Lapua Magnum prioritizes long-range accuracy and high-energy delivery.
The Impact of Recoil
Recoil is an often-overlooked, yet critical, factor in shooting comfort and accuracy. It’s a physical reality every shooter experiences.
The .338 Federal, despite its performance, provides a manageable recoil impulse. The .308 Winchester case that forms the base of this round is well known for its comfortable level of recoil, and the .338 Federal retains a level that most shooters find easy to control. Rifle design and weight also play a role, but shooters can expect to manage the recoil without excessive fatigue. This is a significant advantage for shooters who wish to fire several rounds in rapid succession.
The .338 Lapua Magnum, by contrast, generates a significantly higher recoil. The larger case capacity, higher bullet weights, and resulting greater muzzle energy result in a more pronounced kick. The recoil is noticeable and can be taxing on the shooter after extended periods of firing. However, the benefits this cartridge delivers in range often outweigh the drawbacks of recoil. Proper rifle design, including effective recoil pads and muzzle brakes, is often used to mitigate the impact of the .338 Lapua Magnum.
Hunting Applications: Finding the Right Tool for the Job
Both cartridges are suitable for hunting, but their strengths and limitations vary based on the targeted game and the environment.
The .338 Federal is ideally suited for hunting medium- to large-sized game species. Animals like deer, elk, black bear, and even moose are within its effective range. Its manageable recoil and excellent ballistic performance at moderate distances make it an excellent choice for hunters wanting a versatile cartridge. The range for ethical shots for this cartridge extends out to typically three hundred to four hundred yards, making it perfect for the vast majority of hunting scenarios.
The .338 Lapua Magnum, due to its incredible reach and massive energy, is an excellent choice for hunting very large and dangerous game species. Hunters pursuing brown bear, African big game, or other animals that require a very high degree of power often turn to the .338 Lapua Magnum. Its ability to maintain energy over long distances also allows hunters to take ethical shots at longer ranges than with many other cartridges. Hunters using this cartridge must be cognizant of the ranges, conditions, and capabilities of their rifles and other gear to ensure ethical and efficient hunts.
Long-Range Shooting: Defining Precision
While both rounds can be used for long-range shooting, the .338 Lapua Magnum clearly dominates in this realm.
The .338 Lapua Magnum’s exceptional ballistic properties, including its high ballistic coefficient, flatter trajectory, and inherent accuracy, make it a premier choice for long-range target shooting. This cartridge has a proven track record of performing well at ranges exceeding one thousand yards. The ability to accurately engage targets at extreme distances sets this cartridge apart.
The .338 Federal, though capable, is less suited for extreme long-range engagements. Its trajectory and energy levels at these extreme distances do not allow it to compete with the Lapua Magnum, but the cartridge still finds a place in moderate-range target shooting.
Beyond the Basics
Additional factors impact your decision-making process.
Ammunition availability varies for each cartridge. The .338 Federal is readily available in most gun stores. The .338 Lapua Magnum, while also available, is typically more expensive. The cost of ammunition also influences the amount of time shooters are able to dedicate to shooting the cartridges.
Rifle costs are also a consideration. Rifles chambered in the .338 Federal are readily available in a variety of platforms, including bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles. The rifles themselves are generally less expensive. .338 Lapua Magnum rifles, designed to handle the higher pressures of the round, are often more expensive.
Barrel life is another consideration. The .338 Lapua Magnum, with its high-pressure loads, can wear out a barrel more quickly. The .338 Federal offers a longer barrel life, allowing shooters to shoot for extended periods.
Ultimately, the choice between these rounds hinges on your particular needs. The .338 Federal is a highly versatile and effective hunting cartridge, especially for medium to large game at reasonable ranges. The .338 Lapua Magnum offers incredible performance in long-range scenarios.
Final Thoughts
The .338 Federal and .338 Lapua Magnum are both powerful .338 caliber cartridges. The .338 Federal offers a great combination of performance, recoil management, and versatility, making it an ideal choice for many hunters. The .338 Lapua Magnum reigns supreme in the realm of long-range shooting, providing exceptional accuracy and energy delivery at extreme distances. Careful consideration of your specific shooting needs will help you determine the best cartridge for your specific application. The .338 Federal and the .338 Lapua Magnum are a reflection of the variety of options available to the shooter.
