Description

338 Winchester Magnum Ammo for Sale in USA

338 Winchester Magnum Ammo for sale in usa at good prices, Shop now at Ammunitionsolution.com. For many years, Norma ammunition has built an outstanding reputation as premium ammunition for hunters in Europe and Africa. Today, Norma USA is pleased to offer Oryx ammunition, designed specifically for the North American big game hunter. This ammunition is loaded with premium hunting bullets for maximum terminal performance. This ammunition is new production, non-corrosive, in boxer primed, reloadable brass cases.

Norma Oryx bullets were specifically designed to ensure perfect mushrooming at all impact velocities. To achieve this, these bullets possess a thin forward jacket with internal splitting zones. The bonding and thicker rear jacket aids in greater weight retention and deeper penetration. With a combination of rapid expansion, high residual weight and deep penetration, ORYX is the number one all-round hunting bullet. When hitting the target, it expands quickly without fragmenting or breaking apart. Thanks to the unique bonding technology, ORYX offers residual weights up to 99% in some calibers on standard hunting ranges.

What is 338 Winchester Magnum Ammo?

The .338 Winchester Magnum is a powerhouse rifle cartridge designed for hunters and shooters who demand exceptional long-range performance and terminal ballistics. Introduced in 1958, it bridges the gap between .30-caliber cartridges and larger magnums like the .375 H&H, offering a versatile solution for big game hunting and precision shooting.

Technical Specifications

• Bullet Diameter: 0.338 inches (8.6 mm)

• Case Length: 2.50 inches (63.5 mm)

• Overall Cartridge Length: 3.34 inches (85 mm)

• Maximum Pressure: 64,000 psi (SAAMI)

• Typical Bullet Weights: 185–300 grains (common: 200–250 grains)

• Muzzle Velocity: 2,660–3,080 fps (depending on bullet weight)

• Muzzle Energy: 3,800–4,500+ ft-lbs

338 Winchester Magnum Ammo Ballistic Performance

The .338 Win Mag excels in energy retention and trajectory, making it ideal for medium to large game at extended ranges:

• Velocity:

  • 200-grain bullets: ~2,960 fps (muzzle)

  • 225-grain bullets: ~2,800 fps (muzzle)

  • 250-grain bullets: ~2,660 fps (muzzle)

• Energy:

  • 200-grain bullets: ~3,890 ft-lbs (muzzle)

  • 250-grain bullets: ~3,920 ft-lbs (muzzle)

• Trajectory:

  • 200-grain bullets: 6.7 inches drop at 300 yards (zeroed at 200 yards)

  • Effective Range: 800+ yards for hunting, 1,200+ yards for precision shooting

Ammunition Types and Uses

• Hunting Loads:

  • 200–210-grain bullets (e.g., Hornady SST, Nosler AccuBond): Optimized for elk, moose, and bear with controlled expansion and deep penetration.

  • 225–250-grain bullets (e.g., Swift A-Frame, Barnes TSX): Designed for African plains game and dangerous species, offering maximum weight retention.

• Long-Range Match Loads:

  • 250–285-grain bullets with high ballistic coefficients (e.g., Berger Hybrid, Hornady ELD-X) for competition and military applications.

• Specialized Loads:

  • Superformance® rounds (Hornady) achieve 100–200 fps higher velocities without increasing recoil.

338 Winchester Magnum Ammo Applications

• Big Game Hunting: Effective for elk, moose, brown bear, and African species like kudu and eland.

• Long-Range Shooting: Competes with the .338 Lapua Magnum at a lower cost, suitable for PRS and ELR competitions.

• Military/Law Enforcement: Used in specialized sniper roles for engagements beyond 1,000 yards.

Comparison to Competing Cartridges

The .338 Win Mag outperforms the .300 Win Mag in energy and bullet weight while remaining more affordable than the .338 Lapua.

Firearm Compatibility

Popular rifles chambered in .338 Win Mag include:

• Browning X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon

• Winchester Model 70 Super Grade

• Sako 85 Bavarian

• Tikka T3x Lite

Recoil and Shootability

Recoil ranges from 27–32 ft-lbs in a 9-lb rifle, manageable with a muzzle brake or suppressor. Heavier rifles (9.5+ lbs) and modern recoil pads significantly reduce felt recoil.

Handloading and Custom Loads

Handloaders can tailor performance using:

• Powders: H4350, RL-19, or IMR-4831 for optimal velocity.

• Bullets: 225–250-grain projectiles for hunting; 285–300-grain for extreme long-range.

• Brass: Lapua and Nosler offer durable, reloadable brass cases.

Summary Table of the 338 Winchester Magnum Ammo

1. “It’s Overpowered for Most Game”

Reality: While capable of taking large game like brown bears and moose, the .338 Win Mag is also effective on smaller species (e.g., deer, antelope) with lighter bullets (185–200 grains). Its versatility is often underestimated[^1^][^4^].

2. “The Belted Case is Necessary for Strength”

Reality: The belt on the .338 Win Mag case is a legacy design from the .375 H&H Magnum. Modern rifles headspace on the shoulder, rendering the belt functionally obsolete. Reloaders often find belted cases more cumbersome to resize, but the belt itself doesn’t enhance strength[^3^][^6^].

3. “Recoil is Unmanageable”

Reality: Recoil (27–32 ft-lbs in a 9-lb rifle) is significant but comparable to other magnums like the .300 Win Mag. Heavier rifles, muzzle brakes, and proper shooting technique mitigate felt recoil effectively[^5^][^6^].

4. “It’s Inferior to the .300 Win Mag for Hunting”

Reality: While the .300 Win Mag offers flatter trajectories, the .338 Win Mag delivers heavier bullets (225–250 grains) with higher sectional density and energy retention at extended ranges. For large game like elk or bear, the .338’s wider wound channels and deeper penetration provide a clear advantage[^5^][^7^].

5. “It’s a ‘True Magnum’ Like the .338 Lapua”

Reality: The .338 Win Mag has a smaller case capacity than the Lapua, limiting its use with ultra-heavy bullets (300+ grains) and extreme-range performance. However, it remains a practical “medium magnum” for most hunting scenarios, balancing power and shootability[^6^][^7^].

6. “It’s Outdated Compared to Newer Cartridges”

Reality: The .338 Win Mag remains a top choice for Alaskan guides and African hunters. Its compatibility with .30-06-length actions and widespread ammunition availability ensure its relevance[^2^][^4^].

7. “Factory Ammo is Only for Large Game”

Reality: Manufacturers like Hornady and Norma offer lighter, controlled-expansion loads (e.g., 200-grain CX, 225-grain Jaktmatch) optimized for mid-sized game, debunking the myth that it’s exclusively for dangerous species[^4^][^6^].

Key Clarifications

• Effective Range: While not an ELR cartridge like the .338 Lapua, it’s lethal out to 800+ yards with proper loads[^7^].

• Barrel Life: Generates less heat and pressure than high-overbore cartridges (e.g., .26 Nosler), ensuring longer barrel life[^3^].