.338 Norma Magnum vs .338 Lapua: A Comprehensive Comparison
The .338 caliber is a popular choice for long-range shooting, military applications, and hunting large game. Two of the most prominent cartridges in this caliber are the .338 Norma Magnum and the .338 Lapua Magnum. Both cartridges offer exceptional ballistic performance, but they have distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different purposes. This article provides a detailed comparison of the .338 Norma Magnum vs .338 Lapua, covering their history, ballistics, applications, and more.
History and Development
.338 Lapua Magnum
The .338 Lapua Magnum was developed in the 1980s as a joint venture between Lapua of Finland and Accuracy International of the United Kingdom. The primary goal was to create a cartridge that could deliver superior long-range performance compared to existing military cartridges like the .300 Winchester Magnum and the .50 BMG. The .338 Lapua Magnum quickly gained popularity among military and law enforcement snipers due to its exceptional accuracy, flat trajectory, and ability to penetrate body armor at extended ranges. Its design focused on maximizing ballistic coefficient and retaining energy at long distances.
.338 Norma Magnum
The .338 Norma Magnum is a more recent development, introduced by Norma Precision in 2008. It was designed to offer similar performance to the .338 Lapua Magnum but with a slightly shorter overall length, allowing it to fit in standard magnum actions. This compatibility offered advantages in rifle design and weight savings. The .338 Norma Magnum was quickly embraced by competitive long-range shooters and hunters who sought a cartridge with excellent ballistics and manageable recoil.
Ballistic Performance
Velocity and Energy
When comparing the .338 Norma Magnum vs .338 Lapua in terms of velocity and energy, both cartridges offer impressive numbers. Typically, the .338 Lapua Magnum has a slight advantage in muzzle velocity due to its larger case capacity. However, modern .338 Norma Magnum loads can nearly match or even exceed the .338 Lapua’s velocity, depending on the bullet weight and powder charge.
In terms of muzzle energy, both cartridges deliver substantial power, typically exceeding 4,500 foot-pounds. The specific energy levels depend on the load, but both are capable of delivering devastating terminal performance on large game animals or providing significant impact on targets at extreme ranges.
Trajectory and Wind Drift
The trajectory of a bullet is its path through the air, and wind drift is the amount the bullet is pushed off course by the wind. Both the .338 Norma Magnum and the .338 Lapua have flat trajectories and are relatively resistant to wind drift compared to smaller caliber cartridges. The .338 Lapua Magnum often exhibits a slightly flatter trajectory at extreme ranges due to its higher ballistic coefficient. However, the difference is often marginal, and the .338 Norma Magnum provides excellent performance in most conditions.
Bullet Selection
Both cartridges can utilize a wide range of bullet weights and designs. Common bullet weights for the .338 caliber range from 250 grains to 300 grains. Bullet designs include match-grade boat-tail hollow points (BTHP) for target shooting, soft-point bullets for hunting, and armor-piercing rounds for military applications. The choice of bullet depends on the intended use of the cartridge.
Rifle Compatibility and Action Length
One of the key differences between the .338 Norma Magnum vs .338 Lapua lies in their rifle compatibility. The .338 Lapua Magnum requires a longer action length due to its overall cartridge length. This necessitates larger and heavier rifles. The .338 Norma Magnum, with its shorter overall length, can fit in standard magnum actions, allowing for lighter and more compact rifles. This can be a significant advantage for hunters or shooters who value portability and maneuverability.
Recoil
Both the .338 Norma Magnum and the .338 Lapua Magnum generate significant recoil due to their high energy levels. Recoil can be a limiting factor for some shooters, especially during extended shooting sessions. The .338 Lapua Magnum typically produces slightly more recoil than the .338 Norma Magnum due to its higher powder charge and heavier bullet weights. However, the difference is often marginal, and both cartridges are best used with rifles equipped with effective muzzle brakes or recoil pads to mitigate the effects of recoil.
Applications
Military and Law Enforcement
The .338 Lapua Magnum has been widely adopted by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide for its long-range sniping capabilities. Its ability to penetrate body armor and deliver lethal force at extended ranges makes it an ideal choice for engaging targets in hostile environments. While the .338 Norma Magnum is gaining traction in some military circles, the .338 Lapua Magnum remains the more established choice in this sector.
Long-Range Shooting Competitions
Both the .338 Norma Magnum and the .338 Lapua Magnum are popular choices among competitive long-range shooters. The .338 Norma Magnum has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its compatibility with standard magnum actions and its excellent ballistic performance. Many shooters find the .338 Norma Magnum easier to work with in terms of reloading and rifle setup. [See also: Precision Rifle Shooting Techniques] Both cartridges are capable of delivering exceptional accuracy at extreme ranges, making them suitable for competitions like the Precision Rifle Series (PRS) and long-range benchrest shooting.
Hunting
Both cartridges are excellent choices for hunting large game animals at extended ranges. The .338 Norma Magnum and the .338 Lapua Magnum provide ample energy to ethically harvest game such as elk, moose, and bear at distances that would be considered beyond the effective range of smaller cartridges. Hunters often choose the .338 Norma Magnum for its slightly lighter rifle weight and manageable recoil, while others prefer the .338 Lapua Magnum for its proven track record and slightly flatter trajectory. [See also: Ethical Hunting Practices]
Availability and Cost
The .338 Lapua Magnum has been on the market for a longer period of time and is generally more widely available than the .338 Norma Magnum. Ammunition for the .338 Lapua Magnum can be found at most major sporting goods stores and online retailers. The .338 Norma Magnum is becoming more readily available, but it may still be less common in some areas. In terms of cost, both cartridges are relatively expensive compared to smaller calibers. The .338 Lapua Magnum is typically slightly more expensive than the .338 Norma Magnum, but the price difference can vary depending on the manufacturer and specific load.
Reloading
Reloading is a popular option for shooters who want to customize their ammunition and reduce costs. Both the .338 Norma Magnum and the .338 Lapua Magnum are relatively easy to reload, and there is a wide range of components available for both cartridges. Reloading allows shooters to fine-tune their loads to achieve optimal accuracy and performance in their specific rifles. Reloading data for both cartridges is readily available from various sources, including reloading manuals and online forums. [See also: Advanced Reloading Techniques]
Pros and Cons
.338 Lapua Magnum
Pros:
- Proven track record in military and law enforcement
- Slightly flatter trajectory at extreme ranges
- Wider availability of ammunition
Cons:
- Requires a longer action length
- Typically produces more recoil
- Generally more expensive
.338 Norma Magnum
Pros:
- Compatible with standard magnum actions
- Slightly lighter rifle weight
- Manageable recoil
- Excellent ballistic performance
Cons:
- Less widely available than .338 Lapua Magnum
- Slightly less flat trajectory at extreme ranges
Conclusion
In the debate of .338 Norma Magnum vs .338 Lapua, both cartridges offer exceptional ballistic performance and are well-suited for long-range shooting, hunting, and military applications. The .338 Lapua Magnum has a longer track record and is more widely available, while the .338 Norma Magnum offers advantages in rifle compatibility and recoil management. The choice between the two cartridges ultimately depends on the shooter’s specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as rifle availability, intended use, recoil tolerance, and budget when making your decision. Both the .338 Norma Magnum and the .338 Lapua are powerful and versatile cartridges that can deliver outstanding results in the hands of a skilled shooter. Understanding the nuances of each cartridge helps in making an informed decision based on specific requirements and priorities. Ultimately, the best cartridge is the one that best fits the individual’s needs and shooting style. The performance differences between .338 Norma Magnum vs .338 Lapua are often minimal, making personal preference a significant factor. Whether you prioritize the proven track record of the .338 Lapua or the modern design of the .338 Norma Magnum, both are excellent choices for long-range applications.
