When comparing two different calibers, is it possible for both to get the job done?
Yes. Does that mean it doesn't matter which you choose? No. Understanding what each caliber offers in terms of performance, usability, and versatility is crucial.
Comparing two different rounds, like 338 Lapua and the 308, there are certain things that simply make more sense to choose one over the other.
Understanding the main differences between these two rounds can help shooters make better choices. This applies to long-range shooting, hunting, or anything else.
338 Lapua Magnum
The 338 Lapua Magnum was created with precision and a specific goal in mind. Designed in the 1980s through a collaboration between U.S. and Finnish experts. This round quickly became popular because of its long-range lethality.
Often used by snipers who wanted to increase their effective range. It showed good results in many military operations.
What makes this particular cartridge stand out is how its heavier bullets maintain energy and stability over extreme distances. As a result of its high ballistic coefficient, it maintains a nice, flat trajectory as it travels downrange.
The .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge is not just for military use. The 338 is popular for ELR (Extreme Long Range) competitions and hunts. These activities require high accuracy at distances greater than 308 WIN’s capability.
338 Lapua Magnum is not easy on the wallet, with the cost per round typically starting around the $4.00 mark on the low end. Those skilled in the art of handloading can greatly reduce costs. Or if you're brand new to the world of loading your own ammunition, this round provides the perfect opportunity to learn!
Compared to smaller cartridges, barrel life is shorter. Yet this isn't a round to bring to the range for a casual plinking session like you would a 10/22.
Recoil tends to be on the heavier side. This can cause significant impact on a hunter's ability to maintain accuracy and follow-up shots. Yet once again there are ways to mitigate this for extended range sessions.
Bolt-actions remain the dominant platform for this round. Even though there are semi-automatics chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum.
.308 Winchester
Introduced in the 1950’s, this cartridge has seen use in everything from hunting excursions to military applications. After two years it hit the commercial market, the U.S. military adopted its counterpart, the 7.62x51 NATO. Solidifying its status as one of the most commonly used centerfire rifle rounds to date.
308 Winchester is the epitome of a multipurpose centerfire cartridge. Experiencing extensive use outside the tactical realm in both hunting and general range applications.
Less expensive than the .338 Lapua. Shooters can expect an average cost of $1.00 (or less) per round, with match-grade ammunition well below the $2.00 mark.
Should you wish to dial back the cost even further or fine-tune a load for your rifle by means of handloading, you’re in luck. Brass is easy to find, load data is abundant, and wide variety of bullets to choose from. This allows you to customize your load for any scenario. From subsonic rounds for shooting suppressed to rounds optimized for long-range precision.
Felt recoil is quite manageable, regardless of whether you're shooting this out of a bolt gun or semi-auto. Though it may not have as far an effective range or flat shooting trajectory compared to the 338. Its popularity has not wavered since its introduction. People still favor it worldwide for its availability, vast load data, and a multitude of uses.
Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between .338 Lapua Magnum and .308 Winchester, it all boils down to the application at hand. The 338 Lapua is like a surgical instrument in the hands of a trained sniper.
It's demanding and expensive but supremely effective when used correctly. If your targets are beyond 1,200 yards or you’re hunting large game that doesn’t go down easy, then the .338 offers the precision and power you need.
On the other hand, .308 Win is like your trusty old multitool. Easy to handle, budget-friendly, and versatile enough to perform well in almost any scenario.
If you work mostly at distances up to 800 yards, the .308 is a great choice. Practical for medium to large game hunting, training, or casual range sessions.
Don't let it fool you, though; while many tote 308 as an 800-yard cartridge (and in many cases, they're correct). It is more than capable of banging steel at 1,000 yards with the proper ammunition.
Of course, wind drift will have more of an effect on the bullet at further distances. Learning to work around this is a skill worth developing. In the end, it's not a matter of which cartridge is better… it's about finding the right tool for the job at hand.
Still deciding? Check out Bear Creek Arsenal’s caliber comparison blogs to help you choose the right fit for your shooting style!
