Understanding the Players
The Mighty 338 Lapua Magnum
Born from a desire for exceptional long-range performance, the 338 Lapua Magnum emerged as a powerhouse. Originally developed in the early 1980s, it was designed to deliver exceptional accuracy and stopping power at extreme distances, quickly earning a reputation as a champion in the long-range shooting world. The cartridge’s creation was driven by the need for a round that could reliably engage targets beyond the capabilities of many existing calibers. It’s a cartridge built for reaching out and touching targets that seem impossibly far away.
One of the key elements defining the 338 Lapua Magnum is its ballistic prowess. The 338 Lapua excels at maintaining a flat trajectory over significant distances. It boasts a high ballistic coefficient, a measure of a bullet’s ability to overcome air resistance. This translates to less bullet drop at longer ranges and a flatter flight path, which simplifies aiming and increases the likelihood of hitting a target. In short, the 338 Lapua is a cartridge engineered to fly straight and true. Furthermore, the 338 Lapua often utilizes heavy bullets, typically ranging from 250 to 300 grains. These heavy projectiles carry a considerable amount of energy, making them exceptionally effective for both target shooting and hunting large game at extreme ranges.
Common applications include long-range target shooting competitions, where accuracy and minimizing wind drift are critical. The 338 Lapua is also favored for hunting large game such as elk, moose, and even certain bear species, where its substantial energy and penetrating ability are highly prized. It’s a cartridge for those seeking the utmost in performance.
However, the 338 Lapua Magnum has considerations. Ammunition can be expensive, and finding it in every gun shop isn’t guaranteed. This means shooters need to be prepared for a potentially significant financial investment in both ammunition and the specialized rifles chambered for this caliber. The cartridge also generates a substantial amount of recoil, which can be physically demanding for extended shooting sessions. Moreover, 338 Lapua rifles often require specialized actions and barrels to handle the high pressures generated by the cartridge.
The Versatile 7mm Remington Magnum
The 7mm Remington Magnum has a different story. It emerged as a versatile option for hunters and shooters. This cartridge gained popularity in the mid-1960s. It quickly became renowned for its flat trajectory, excellent long-range performance, and versatility, offering a balance between power, manageable recoil, and widespread availability. It provided a compelling option for shooters seeking a blend of effectiveness and user-friendliness.
The 7mm Remington Magnum, with its more moderate bullet weights and case design, offers a good balance of performance and recoil. It generally uses bullets ranging from 140 to 175 grains, which achieve impressive velocities and maintain reasonable trajectories. This cartridge is celebrated for its versatility, excelling at a variety of hunting scenarios, from chasing whitetail deer to elk.
One of the appealing aspects of the 7mm Remington Magnum is its relative affordability and widespread availability. Ammunition is usually found in most sporting goods stores, and rifle options are plentiful. The 7mm Remington Magnum is a solid choice for hunters looking to cover a broad range of game species.
There are considerations. While still capable at long ranges, the 7mm Remington Magnum might be slightly less effective at the very extreme distances than the 338 Lapua. Also, the recoil, while manageable, is greater than that of some other cartridges in the 7mm family.
Ballistic Head-to-Head
Trajectory and Drop
Trajectory, or the path a bullet takes, is crucial for long-range accuracy. A flatter trajectory means less bullet drop over distance, which makes aiming and compensating for distance easier. The 338 Lapua, with its high ballistic coefficient, excels in this regard. A well-loaded 338 Lapua round will maintain a flatter trajectory than the 7mm Rem Mag at extreme distances. For instance, at a distance of a thousand yards, the 338 Lapua will experience significantly less bullet drop than the 7mm Remington Magnum. This becomes especially advantageous for long-range shooting, where slight adjustments in elevation can make the difference between a hit and a miss.
Wind Drift
Wind is the bane of long-range shooters. Wind’s influence on a bullet increases exponentially with distance, pushing it off course. The 338 Lapua, thanks to its heavy bullets and high ballistic coefficient, is less susceptible to wind drift compared to the 7mm Remington Magnum. This means that even in gusty conditions, the 338 Lapua is more likely to maintain its course. A 10mph crosswind might push a 7mm bullet further off course than the heavier 338 Lapua bullet. For long-range competitors and hunters, this can be a major advantage in adverse weather conditions.
Energy and Penetration
Downrange energy is a vital factor in hunting. It determines the impact force and the ability to penetrate the target. The 338 Lapua, with its heavy bullets and high velocities, delivers impressive energy at long distances. This makes it an excellent choice for hunting large and dangerous game. The 7mm Remington Magnum, while offering adequate energy, can’t match the sheer power of the 338 Lapua at extremely long ranges. The heavier bullets of the 338 Lapua also tend to have better penetration, which is crucial for ensuring a clean and ethical kill on larger game.
Additional Considerations
Recoil
Recoil, the rearward force produced by the fired cartridge, can significantly affect a shooter’s accuracy and comfort. The 338 Lapua Magnum is known for its heavy recoil, which can be fatiguing during extended shooting sessions. Conversely, the 7mm Remington Magnum produces more manageable recoil, making it easier to shoot accurately over long periods. Muzzle brakes and other recoil-reducing devices can help mitigate recoil in both cartridges, but the fundamental difference in felt recoil remains a significant factor in the overall shooting experience.
Ammunition Availability and Cost
Ammunition cost is a major consideration. The 338 Lapua is generally more expensive than 7mm Remington Magnum ammunition, due to the specialized components and production processes. 7mm Remington Magnum ammunition is widely available in most sporting goods stores. Those who practice frequently need to factor the cost of ammunition into the equation.
Rifle Availability and Cost
Rifle cost is a major factor in purchasing a firearm. Rifles chambered for the 338 Lapua Magnum are often more expensive than those chambered for the 7mm Remington Magnum, primarily because of the specialized actions, barrels, and often custom builds required to handle the cartridge. There are many more rifle options available in the 7mm Remington Magnum, ranging from budget-friendly hunting rifles to premium target rifles.
Intended Use Cases
Hunting
For hunting large, dangerous game at very long ranges, the 338 Lapua is the clear winner. Its power, penetration, and superior ballistic coefficient make it a highly effective choice. However, for hunting medium-sized game at more moderate distances, the 7mm Remington Magnum provides an excellent balance of performance, availability, and manageability. It is often a good choice for whitetail deer, elk, and similar species.
Target Shooting
In target shooting competitions, the 338 Lapua’s ballistic advantages give it an edge at extremely long distances. The 7mm Remington Magnum is a capable choice at moderate ranges, where its flatter trajectory and accuracy can still yield excellent results. The 338 Lapua has some significant advantages, especially when wind is a factor.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
338 Lapua Magnum
Advantages: High ballistic coefficient for long-range performance, tremendous energy on target, relatively flat trajectory at extreme distances.
Disadvantages: High ammunition cost, significant recoil, limited ammunition and rifle availability.
7mm Remington Magnum
Advantages: Good ballistics, versatile, more affordable ammunition and rifles, more manageable recoil.
Disadvantages: Less effective at very extreme ranges, slightly lower energy compared to the 338 Lapua at long distances.
Conclusion
Both the 338 Lapua Magnum and the 7mm Remington Magnum are capable long-range cartridges. The choice ultimately depends on the shooter’s needs and preferences. If extreme long-range shooting and maximum downrange energy are priorities, and cost and recoil are less of a concern, the 338 Lapua Magnum is the superior option. However, for versatility, affordability, and manageable recoil, the 7mm Remington Magnum remains a strong choice for hunters and shooters alike. The best way to decide is to consider the specific shooting situations and the game to be hunted.
Choosing the right cartridge is an essential step in the journey toward long-range shooting success.
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We hope this information helps you on your way to making the best choice. Please share your experiences, opinions, and questions in the comments section below. This discussion can help others.
